Making a table for minimalist backpack camping

[Scott M]

Every year I learn something new on BWCA camping trips and for years I've been thinking it would be nice to have a table in camp to lay gear on rather than laying stuff all over the ground or on our logs that we are supposed to be sitting on.

All I can really think of is to try a small tarp stretched taught and low, does anyone have any other ideas? I refuse to carry in a portable table but I am interested how others have made something like this work. We've had good luck using tarps to protect our firewood and cooking areas by cutting down a young fir or spruce, taking off all the limbs, and turning it into the center pole. Perhaps a few limbs could help with a table? Maybe I just need a small tarp built with very strong fabric/material?

[Redlantern]

Flip your canoe over and use that as a table. Propping it up on some logs to keep it from rocking.

I'm pretty sure cutting down trees isn't permitted in the BWCA. I might be wrong but I think it's written on the back of the permit.

[Scott M]

Good point, that hadn't crossed my mind and I believe you are right that it is part of the permit. I'll have to look for something dead for a centerpole, there's a lot of dead jackpine and spruce where we've been.

The canoe is an idea, although we've had some keels that might not lend themselves to the task. We'll have to try it next year.

[OnAFly]

For minimalist stuff, I would just bring an extra tarp and lay your stuff on there. If you want it covered, put your canoe over it as well.

Most of the stuff I bring can fit in my tent's vestibule area or under my canoe if I don't want it in the tent with me.

[itchmesir]

duct tape

[Scott M]

Tarps and duct tape do get packed!

I'd like to find a really small tarp or maybe tear a 10x10 in half.

Tangent - was in Menard's yesterday, holy cow can you buy some camping stuff for cheap. Polyprop rope, tarps, bow saws (swedish saws) that fold down...I didn't get anything but I know where I'm going to round out the gear bag next year.

[SkunkedAgain]

Depending on how big of a table you want you can use cardboard. For a bigger table you could fold it into halves or thirds to fit in your pack. Cardboard is lightweight and generally sturdy enough for most purposes.

Years ago when I went to Europe, my wife and I made poker chips out of cardboard - cut into small squares and colored with markers. It worked great and we still take those same poker "chips" into the BWCA in a tiny ziplock bag.

I also wrap my duct tape around a small piece of cardboard. I just roll it around so it looks like a small, flat wallet of duct tape. It weighs much less than a roll, takes up less space, and still maintains the adhesive qualities.

[Stick in Mud]

I'm always grateful when someone takes the time and effort to set one up out of the very handy flat slabs of granite that are so common up there. Maybe just heave one up by the firepit for all of us to enjoy?!?

ON a side note, I was just up around south Lac La Croix and Iron...there were some pretty nice granite camptables there. I don't know who takes the time to lift those big rocks and then get them level, but I sure am thankful!

[Comit 2]

Quote:

I'd like to find a really small tarp or maybe tear a 10x10 in half.

Wall mart has a 7'X 5' tarp for $9 it folds to the size of a pop can. Look in the camping area. It's the same size as a GI type poncho.