We are the Dave’s,
Father and son friends. We have some 75 years of paddling and expedition experience between us. The top tips and product endorsements are what suit us we are not saying they must be right for you.
Like any father and son we don’t always agree. The products and top tips are what we both agree on. We do not get paid to endorse products but if we get a deal on the kit we will state this. but be assured this doesn’t influence our opinions.
Ammo Fire Box
These are great and home made. Used ammo boxes with some vent holes drilled in the sides and ends put on screw in legs.
Dave Snr
I use these on a lot of our expeditions. These contain the fire and I feel these are safer for our clients and students. These lift the cooking grill up higher and saves my back
Dave Jnr
These do not scorch the ground (if legs are over 20cm) and contain the ash so for leave no trace these are ideal.
The Steak Detective Sauces
Dave Snr
I’m not a bad cook and I get upset when people put Tom sauce all over food I’ve cooked, but this sauce is different. I use these sauces as a marinade. A sausage sandwich with Squadron leader breakfast sauce is the BEST start to a day.
Dave Jnr
A good sauce can make even the worst expedition food into a banquet
Canoeing By Ray Goodwin
Dave Snr
The Open Canoeing handbook.
Not much more to say about that.
Dave Jnr
Ray’s book. A font of knowledge or a starting place to expand and develop
Bitty Big Q 316 Stainless Steel Ultra Compact Potable Lightweight Camp Grill
Dave Snr
This is a grill that Sarah and I use when we are doing trips. The legs are in 3 sections I have found that over 2 sections its too unstable with any weight on (pan of water). For this reason its an us bit of kit and not one we use with clients.
Dave Jnr
This grill elevates the worries of balancing pots and pans on a fire and allows you to cook with ease
Barrel Carrier (Level 6)
Dave Snr
I’m not going as far to say this makes portage a pleasure but it for me takes the sting out of a long portage.
We have used these on our Scottish expeditions and we are looking to get some more for clients.
Dave Jnr
Barrels suck if you have to carry them more than 10m. This harness means you can comfortably carry it and carry heavy loads over some distances.
Safety and Rescue Essentials by Chris Brain
Dave Snr
Great reference book one I point students to all the time. Good physical and digital resource.
Dave Jnr
Chris’s book like rays is a place to find and develop safety and rescue skills
Seal Line Pro Pack 70L and 120L
Dave Snr
I bought mine while in Canada a few years ago. I have the larger one 120lt. Comfortable and really hardwearing.
Sarah has the 70lt and with the two bags we can carry everything for us and Charlie.
Dave Jnr
No other canoe bag comes close. worth the money just for the comfort on your back whilst portaging
Onetigris Iron Wall Tent
Dave Snr
We have both this tent and it predecessor the Hot Tent, We have found this quick to put up and loads of space for Sarah, Charlie and me.
We do put a tarp up over the door as when it rains when you open the door the wet can come in.
Dave Jnr
Tipi tents are the mutts nuts for canoeing. use your paddle as a central pole. they’re stable in all but the heaviest storm due to their shape and nice and roomy to spread out your gear to dry