Thanks for putting up the banner.
So, just to confirm.... I just do a write up in this thread for entry? It looks like people are updating their original posts as they compile the pictures and info.
My friends and I have been going out previous to reading this thread but we will be out at least every other week for two or three days minimum at a time. I will take better pictures from now on.
Long story short is we are going out to a 200acre bush property we own and building a cabin with local trees and minimal tools. The challenge is that it is Canadian shield winter and we are sleeping in the cabin as we make it. We are having tons of fun so far and it is therapeutic time in the bush. Two of us just came back from A-stan and another is recovering from a crushed skull and a broken neck two years ago. He cant do any heavy labour or carry his own gear but he is mobile. This is an added challenge but more than worth it to see him having fun.
I'm not sure if this falls under the contest or not but it is related and relevant to the thread I think.
Gear review and pictures to follow.
The bush:
The bush is a mix of soft and hard wood with 150 feet of elevation variation. We have to hike only about 500 meters to camp. This includes a steep climb and also an open river crossing. We made a small foot bridge out of three trees to get across the water.
The Gear:
Bear in mind this kit is spread out between several people.
1. The GB SF axe is indispensable, it just really performs and holds an edge well. It excels at limbing trees with minimal energy expended. It is also useful as a chisel, hammer, etc.
2. The Busse BWM is a big tough blade for its weight. The factory edge was deplorable and not satisfactory for a blade in this price range. With some profiling work it is a quality tool; however, I expect a better edge when I pay this kind of money.
3. The collins machete is a good multi purpose blade, it doesn't excel in any area but like the busse it is a good multi purpose tool.
4. The stihl 170 is a light weight reliable saw, it is efficient and runs very smooth. In a small saw I prefer Stihl and in a large saw,Husky. It is easy to maintain and clean. I recommend carrying a small tool kit including chain oil, bar grease, screwdriver-wrench and files, spare chain. (Depending on the reason for "bugging out" the noise of a chain saw may not be acceptable, your call)
5. The Coleman lantern runs on white fuel and throws excellent light as well as heat. This one has one globe/mantel but you can get them with two as well. I recommend having replacement mantels as well as a spare pump assembly or at least the knowledge of how to pull apart the pump and repair/replace the parts. A protective case is recommended, a small tool box works fine.
6. The winchester trapper is in 44 magnum. It is light and reliable in cold temperatures. Even with liberal CLP it will function 100% after being in -10 to -20c for days. We also carry Remington 870's instead, they are heavier but more versatile. If the temperature is very cold we lubricate with graphite or use less CLP and leave the firearm in the cold to avoid condensation.
7. The gerber is also very useful, no carbide insert in this one so no worries. It is considerably lighter than the leatherman wave. We carry either or as the leatherman is more solid.
8.The fire starter has really earned my respect over time. We carry waterproof matches, zippo's, bics, and the fire starter. We prefer the petrolium jelly dipped cotton balls for starters and wax/sawdust cupcakes to get wet wood to light in cold temps (-10c and below) We wrap in plastic first and then aluminum foil. We use as needed to save time or when the wood is too cold/wet.
more to follow
Our Clothing is based upon the winter warfare training. Clean, don't Overheat, loose and layered and dry whenever possible.
We wear less during the working day and bundle up in the evening.
Synthetic base, Wool and fleece in between, Softie jackets, Goretex Shells. Wool socks and headwear. Much of our clothing is surplus or old school wool.
more to follow.
this is the temporary bridge we made to get in:
The recce: (eagle pack, tubbs 30 snowshoes)
ornery fire,late and wet
The tired pooch:
The sleds: (we carry three day packs and put the heavy gear on the sleds.
The initial lean to shelter:
Limbing more material, these trees were planted in the 80's and are ready to be thinned out to allow larger growth and hardwoods to take over
Firing up the stove:
A friend enjoying a nice cold beer:
The cabin continues to grow:
Tarped in for the night:
more to follow
The Hemlock tea was nice and so was the noodle soup mix. Drinking hot beverages and soups increased my fluid intake around camp which is very very important this time of year. When on the move I still like something cold now and then.
. i never did the pine needle tea. i may need to try some on my trip next weekend.
Now to slip this purchase past my wife...
. I have about 7 GIGS worth of media to chop up into a short video montage thingy...nearly 4000 pictures were taken 
