If you decide to buy from any of these sponsors Please mention that you read it about them at www.Stillmevoyage.com as they have agreed to donate funds to our ongoing program of training & exploration.

   Wal-Mart is not a bad place for food items and some of the simple things like dry bags, water proof match  safes and things like that but not for anything critical.

   When it comes to critical equipment you absolutely must get the best available.  For many years it has been my philosophy that stuff left on the shelf doesn't do you any good if you need it in the bush.  Don't leave it on the shelf - get it and get the best.

On the other hand you have to strip down to 'fighting weight.'  Don't take more than you need but take the best.

  Kokatat is the manufacturer of water sports gear.  They are the Best. They donated a dry suit and PFD to my  expedition.  The dry suit is made of Gore Tex and because of it's quality and breathabilty I wore the dry suit every day after the first few days.  I eliminated all other rain gear except for a mountain parka. Not only did it keep me warm and dry but if I had the mishap of falling in the drink I would float and survive.  Add to all this I could also walk in water up to my neck and not get wet. In 50 degree water that's a big plus. In small creeks where one can't see the bottom it is an even bigger plus.  Like the commercial for an American credit card company says "Don't leave home without it."

  Piragis Northwoods Company is one stop shopping for outfitting your expedition. You can trust anything you buy from this company in Ely, MN - the gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness area. If you have any questions about what you need simply call them, tell them about your trip and ask their advice.  They will not try to sell you anything you don't need.  What they will sell you is the best.  It will last and be dependable. Most everything will last a lifetime.  They have traditional items and new tech.  I prefer the traditional as I have done this kind of thing for 40 years and am a bit set in my ways.

Coleman is a company that makes gear for the masses and it doesn't hold up to expedition situations. The components are typically not of the highest quality and fail under heavy, daily, extended use. There is a reason a tent from Coleman will cost $50. and a similar one from North Face will cost $200.  It's not volume.  The 'self-healing' zipper on my tent died and did not self heal after 20 days. The bugs loved that.

Pakboats from Scansport

Great Outdoor Provision Company in Raleigh, NC has great specialty items as well as stock and trade.  It is another company you can trust for truth, honesty and the American way.