: John,
: A bargian is a bargian, but in this case I'm going to suggest its not a very
: good idea for the environment your headed into.

: Reasoning: First suction cups fail and you could end up in the back country
: with out a compass. Bad thing!

Hi Russ,

Good to hear from you. Just 9 days left until I leave for the BWCA and your advise has been invaluable to me. The cute cheapy compass is just for general dirrections until I install a good compass this winter. I have two good compasses, an army one that I will carry with me in my vest along with a girl scout compass from my wife's scout mothering days that will remain in the yak. It's been a long time but I had map and compass training in the army. The vest has everything in it to survive including your recommended bear pack. I am in the process of packing and condensing all of this gear into something that will fit into the yak, such as two telescoping fishing rods and reels that easily fit into my side compartments. I have a 2 1/2 page check off list. This has been a nice dream starting with building the yak with everyone's help and then thinking why not take an adventurous trip (for me) since all of the kids are on their own. If the bears don't get me I will give a discription of the trip when I get back. Thanks all.

John