[ASGMAG.COM] AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE 35“GETTING SUPPLIES TO YOUR REMOTE
CABIN, WHETHER IN THE WOODS OF MAINE
OR THE FAR REACHES OF ALASKA CAN
MEAN TRANSPORTING THEM BY WATER,
BUT WHAT CRAFT IS BEST?”
‹ Farleft:It’seasier
to move in closer to
birds like this when
you’re operating from
a non-motorized
watercraft.‹ Near left: The
Wenonah Prism
is a composite
solo canoe that
combines efficiency
and stability and
enough capacity
for medium-length
outings, making it
a solid choice for
the prepper. Photo
courtesy of Wenonah
Canoe‹ Waterways like this are typical in Alaska. Where there are not many roads, a canoe or kayak
is a must for efficient travel.
the Wenonah Prism, which is a solo canoe.
SIZE
Generally speaking, the longer the canoe, the more gear it can carry and the wider it is the more
stable it will be. The depth (the distance between the top edge of the hull, or gunwale, and the
bottom) will also determine the amount of gear it will carry. The previously mentioned Old Town
Discovery 119 Solo Sportsman measures 11 feet, 9 inches long and has a width of 32 1/2 inches
and will carry a maximum load of 354 pounds. The Wenonah Minnesota II has a length of 18 feet,
6 inches and a width of 35 inches and is intended to carry two typical adults and a moderate
amount of gear. The Prism measures 16 feet, 6 inches and is 30 inches wide and suits one person
with enough gear for a medium-length trip.
K AYA KS
Kayaks were originally used by the native people of the Arctic regions. They had wooden frames
covered with either seal or walrus skin and were built for ease of use and maneuverability. Today’s
IMPORTANT
ACCESSORIES
PFD
The rule on my watercraft is that a personal flotation device
must be worn at all times. All too often people die because they
are not wearing a PFD when disaster strikes. They may carry one
because the law says they have to, but it does no good if you
aren’t wearing it.
KNIFE
With all the lines and straps involved in boating, a good rust-resis-
tant knife is a must. Ideally, it should be a fl oating fi xed blade knife
with a bright orange handle or sheath. Knives should have a blade
made with 420 C or 440 C or another highly corrosion-resistant
stainless steel.
FLOATING FIRST-AID KIT
I never leave shore without a fl oating fi rst aid kit. There are many
types and sizes available; just be sure the case is also waterproof to
protect the contents.
SIGNAL TOOLS
If you run into trouble, a whistle and signal mirror can be used to
attract the attention of other boaters, people on shore and aircraft
or watercraft out searching for you.
JUST IN CASE
In a watertight bag carry duct tape, a way to start a fi re, compass,
cordage, rations and water in case you need to spend the night
away from camp.kayaks, while being made of modern materials,
haven’t changed much over time. They are still
light, fast and extremely stable. Their shallow
draft makes them perfect for entering areas
where even canoes may find the going difficult.