Has equipment, but logistically it is
difficult to get it to the canoe country.
Has equipment, but wants to try or take
advantage of newer, top quality equipment.
Has equipment, but it is not the right
type for a canoe trip in our area.
Examples: Ridged external frame packs
(which do not fit well into canoes), tents with guylines which must be
staked to support the tent (we have very little top soil -- stakes do not
always hold), down sleeping bags (which, if they get damp, are useless), two
burner gas stoves (which take up too much room in canoes).
We have three levels of complete
packages to choose from:
Our Ultra-lightweight: SILVER package has been the hallmark of
North Country Canoe Outfitters since our inception in 1984. It was
this package that accounted for North Country's original stellar growth in
the fiercely competitive outfitting world here in the canoe country. The secret was that it was truly complete: For instance, we include gas
stoves as standard, we include fuel as standard. Customers are not
expecting to pay additional fees for these types of items, and are surprised
when they find that these are hidden charges in even some of our
competitor's upscale packages. Roughly 50% of our customers use this package
as it contains only ultra-lightweight equipment and a broad menu that is
popular for our typical party.
Our Ultra-lightweight: SILVER+
package takes our most popular package and adds a lighter weight Old Town
Columbia canoe.
Our Ultra-lightweight: GOLD package is our upscale package for
those customers that prefer some of the "niceties" and top-of-the-line
high-tech equipment that this package affords. Kevlar canoes, bent shaft
paddles, expedition grade tents, a second stove, larger 12oz Certified Angus
Beef(TM)
steaks, premium freeze dried foods, and even freeze dried French wine
establish a level of quality unmatched by any other outfitting company.
We outfit our parties with the same "top-of-the-line" equipment we use ourselves (see our gear lists for specific brands). Our ultra-light materials are built to our demanding specifications. This allows us to provide our customers with safe, strong, and comfortable equipment. Our suppliers are recognized by outdoorsmen as leaders in their respective fields.
Canoes
Your custom food and equipment packs, along with your personal items are stored in an ultra-light canoe from
Mad River, We-No-Nah, Old Town, Swift, Dagger, or Alumacraft. Our canoes can save as much as 30 pounds over the weight of some of the standard weight canoes supplied by some outfitters. There is no one-canoe that is best for all things. Super-lightweight canoes are easy to carry on portages, and their sleek design makes them fast on the water. They make the perfect choice for paddlers who primarily want to travel the area, versus taking a fishing trip. Wider canoes are a little slower, but far more stable for paddlers who intend to do a lot of fishing. Our aluminum canoes with their flat bottoms and a one-inch lake keel, are very stable, track arrow straight, and have considerable less skid in a crosswind; perfect for novice paddlers.
Equipment
Your complete gear list will be packed in a rugged, cordura nylon duluth packs. It will consist of an oversize Eureka tent (i.e.: 2 to 3 people per 4-man tent), comfortable Kelty, Slumberjack, or Everest Elite sleeping bags (temperature ratings adjusted throughout the season), soft Therm-A-Rest air/foam sleeping pads, and all necessary Mirro cookware and Lexan eating utensils. Our checklists continue with no cost extras such as Coleman stoves (fuel is included - not added at an extra charge), sharp saws and axes, utility cord and food pack rope ... all to insure a comfortable, memorable trip. No cost optional equipment such as lanterns and camp ovens are also available.
Food
We take great pride in our food packs. Personally trail testing freeze-dried
foods from many suppliers helps us to choose a variety of brands and menus that
are the tastiest, most nutritious and easiest to prepare. We then pack
quantities to satisfy north country appetites. Included with our food packs are
an ample supply of snacks, staples and cleaning supplies. Most of our parties
elect to have Certified Angus Beef
™
steaks or one of our other fresh meat selections the first night out. The next
morning you can find fresh eggs, bacon or sausage in your frying pan. For your
fish: breading, shortening, tartar sauce and lemon juice. And you can be sure
our food packers have included "a little something extra" for a special treat
while you're in the woods....
Canoes
