BWCA Top advice for novice BWCA trippers Boundary Waters Gear Forum
Chat Rooms (0 Chatting)  |  Search  |   Login/Join
* For the benefit of the community, commercial posting is not allowed.
Boundary Waters Quetico Forum
   Gear Forum
      Top advice for novice BWCA trippers     
 Forum Sponsor

Author

Text

SimbaHasani
member (12)member
  
03/24/2017 05:35PM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
Hey friendly BWCA family!

This will be my second trip to the BWCA, and the first time for my other 3 traveling companions. The last time I went, I was much younger, inexperienced in the outdoors, and going with a time-tested veteran of the Boundary Waters. As a result, I didn't have to do much planning, and don't remember nearly enough about the trip.

The four of us are experienced backpackers, having spent our college years together exploring the natural features of the American Southwest. However, we haven't done any canoeing/fishing trips as a group, but are really excited to finally be doing this trip.

I'm looking for everyone's top piece(s) of advice for:

1. Gear
2. Fishing
3. General success on a trip to BWCA

Thanks a million!!
 
      Print Top Bottom Previous Next
03/24/2017 05:59PM  
Ha! Everybody's got different priorities, preferences, and styles. But, anyway, here's my advice, which someone else will totally contradict and be just as right for them. I don't know if you're me or them.

(1) Gear: lightweight and compact. Your experience will help you here. Resist the urge to take a bunch of "convenience and comfort" items just because the canoe will carry them most of the time. It will, but you'll have to carry them and the canoe across all portages while you're "backpacking with a canoe". Just take the stuff you really need. You didn't ask about food specifically, but I also like to keep it light and simple.

(2) Fishing: I can't help you; I gave it up. And saved 6 lbs. :).

(3) General success on a BWCA trip: Learn as much as you can, consider all the variables. Be flexible. Have a plan and options.
 
03/24/2017 06:42PM  
Get some decent boots. No sandals, except maybe around camp.

Fishing - Just bring a spinning reel and rod, some Rapalas, and some twister baits for your first trip. Paddle slowly and troll around the shores. If you catch fish, that is great. If not, "oh well".

Get/Use a tarp. If it is raining for a few hours, there is nothing better than having some conversation underneath a tarp with a fire going.

Bring bug dope. Probably don't need it in September or later, but it doesn't weigh much.

Get/buy sleeping bags that are rated about 20 degrees less than the worst case temps you may encounter.

More trips across a portage are better than trying to do a single portage if anyone is struggling.

Alone time for all is a good thing. You don't have to all be together all the time. Let people do what they do. Each will find an equilibrium with the trip if you do this.

Camp chores - Most will find an affinity for something they prefer doing. No one likes cleaning food stuff, but you can rotate that.

Entertainment - Brandy works well with cards, UNO, etc. Bring paperback books for entertainment. You can rip pages to help start fires, or exchange the books with other trippers.

It seems best to use packs that have a chest strap such as those made by Granite Gear, CCS, and a few others.

Get/rent Kevlar canoes. There is no substitute with respect to the weight. Most BWCA trippers complain about portaging the canoe(s). I actually like portaging my Prism compared to my main gear pack. The main gear pack is about 60 lbs - a Granite Gear. I portage a 20 lb food pack (CCS) and my 34 lb Prism canoe on my second trip. I call the Granite Gear main gear pack, "The Beast".

Don't push things. If it is really hot, or if people are getting tired or pissed off, just find a decent campsite and call it a day. Swimming is awesome for cooling things down and getting people's attitudes elevated.

Make sure you use a rope to tie your canoe to a stout tree at night or during the day so the wind doesn't blow it away. Never had an issue, but I would feel really stupid if my canoe was blowing around a lake a mile from my campsite.

Probably more, but I will stop here.

Tomster
 
03/24/2017 07:01PM  
Boonie pretty well nailed it for my comments. Do allow an extra day for being stranded in camp due to wind conditions.
 
gymcoachdon
distinguished member(599)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
03/24/2017 07:43PM  
I am by no means an expert, but I can tell you what I have learned over the last two years.
1. Be organized on portages.

2. Bungee Dealee Bobs

3. Trolling size 7/9 Rapalas really works! Shhhhhh...Firetiger is the color!

4. Pack like you are backpacking!

5. Take the time to explore, it's not all about the destination campsite

6. Have a waterproof point and shoot camera that will float. Then you will always have it ready when the picture opportunity arises.

7. Eliminate loose items in the canoe. Helps at portages, and think "What would I lose if I dumped the canoe?" the answer should be "Nothing"
 
Grandma L
distinguished member(5628)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberpower member
  
03/24/2017 08:10PM  
Simbahasani, Welcome to the board!
You might think to ask specific question so we could give you better answers.
Route - # of days? Ely or Grand Marais? Base Camp or Travel? Time of year?
Easiest food? water flitration? tents? pads? bags?
Outfitters? permits? canoes? packs?
Check out the other forums here. Lots to read and easy to ask as questons come up.
We love to help and share so - ask away........

My "tips of the day" -
Take Less Stuff!
Prepare for a turn in the weather - windy, colder, hotter......
Be patient and work together......

Oh, and thanks Gymcoachdon for the Rapala advice!
 
Northwoodsman
distinguished member(2059)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
03/24/2017 09:39PM  
Maps! Everyone should have a map and a compass and know how to use them. Good rain gear. Don't wear cotton.
 
SimbaHasani
member (12)member
  
03/24/2017 10:39PM  
quote Grandma L: "Simbahasani, Welcome to the board!
You might think to ask specific question so we could give you better answers."


Route - # of days?
7 days, EP 16 to Iron Lake/Crooked - we have our permit already, so hopefully this is a good route. Anything we should make sure to see beside the two falls on Iron lake?

Ely or Grand Marais?
Ely!

Base Camp or Travel?
Bit of both, hopefully - considering a basecamp at Iron Lake, then later on in the week basecamp at Crooked... Thoughts?

Time of year?
Late May.

Outfitters?
Way to Go Outfitters - They have been fantastic so far, really nice, flexible, and pretty helpful!

And thanks Gymcoachdon for the Rapala advice, very appreciated - we want to catch walleye, tips for that?

This forum is incredibly helpful, thanks everyone for being so great!
 
SimbaHasani
member (12)member
  
03/24/2017 10:47PM  
Best way to portage fishing poles? Used tube last time, is there a good way to secure it to the canoe? The bungee Dealee Bobs looked cool, although a bit expensive for what they seem too be.
 
03/24/2017 11:32PM  
For your situation I wouldn't go out and purchase a lot of gear. Instead I'd go through an outfitter. They'll set you up with gear, planning, and advice. You will learn loads. Then next time you have a good base of experience to work from.
 
Savage Voyageur
distinguished member(14414)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished membermaster membermaster member
  
03/25/2017 06:57AM  
There is already some great advice here, but I will add a few. Look at a map and choose an area you might want to try. Then contact one of the outfitters in that area and work with them. If you don't know which outfitter to go with look at the outfitter link on the side of this page. They all are great to work with. There are a few ways to see this area. One is move every day or two and do a circle route. One is to go out and then return the same way. Another is to paddle and basecamp. Then ask your group if they want to break camp every day and move to another campsite, or basecamp and do day trips. Pack light, have fun and be safe.
 
03/25/2017 07:00AM  
Pack all your food and then take out 25% of it and leave it home.
 
Canoe42
distinguished member(1051)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
03/25/2017 08:26AM  
quote jcavenagh: "Pack all your food and then take out 25% of it and leave it home."
+1
 
03/25/2017 05:14PM  
quote SimbaHasani: "Best way to portage fishing poles? "


Tie fishing rods under the thwarts before you portage. They will be safe and secure. Rod tube is very much over-kill. Make your own straps for tying the rods.
 
Grandma L
distinguished member(5628)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberpower member
  
03/25/2017 07:59PM  
I think you have a good trip route - actually one of my favorites.
Entry #16 up to Nina Moose and Agnes on first day then on to Iron.

Take a little time and go north before heading east to Iron. Look just past Irving Island (Canadian side) and check out the pictographs. They are along the rock wall about chest height if you were standing in the canoe. There are a couple of sets and are well worth seeing since you will be in the neighborhood. And, be careful around Curtain Falls if the water level is up and rushing. I would suggest taking the little portage and not paddling up the chute on your way to the main portage. Ask your outfitter.

On Iron, check out Peterson Bay on the south end. The island camp site is excellent and the fishing has been good there for our spring trips. My kids usually fish with Lindy Rig and leaches.
If you go east - to Sunday Bay, evenon a day trip, the site on the east side of the bottom of the bay is pretty good too - though the fishing is good in Peterson and you might want to spend your time fishing instead of moving camp.

If you have 6 days - 2 days in - 2 out and 3 at base with day trips to fish.

 
03/25/2017 08:53PM  
Good tips so far, here's a couple more.

With a late May entry the water up there will be extremely cold. Wear your PFD at all times no matter how good of a swimmer you are. If you should tip the cold temp of that water will begin to affect you quickly. On big water, which you have some of on your trip, paddle close to shore, even if it makes your route a little longer. For obvious reasons, it could be the difference. Build in an extra day and if windy conditions come up that make paddling uncomfortable or unsafe, just sit back and enjoy the surroundings - don't make a decision to go on a day that could lead to a problem.

Tipping is unlikely, but it happens and HAS happened to many veterans on this site. Be prepared, think about it and talk about it - have a plan.

Wet footing is the norm up there, getting out of your canoe in shallow water before your canoe scrapes and gouges on the rocks. I have found that calf high lightly insulated waterproof boots work very well to keep your feet warm and dry and your canoe from being damaged. If you get them try and find ones with enough support to portage in, they are out there.

 
GraniteCliffs
distinguished member(1981)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
03/25/2017 10:18PM  
The single most important thing to bring on any trip is simply a good attitude. It overcomes rain, wind, mosquitoes, no fish and whatever else gets thrown your way.
A positive attitude overcomes just about everything.
Just decide to have fun no matter what.
One of my all time favortie trips was a six day trip where it was cold, windy and rained all of the time 24 hours a day. We had a blast anyway!
 
mr.barley
distinguished member(7231)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberpower member
  
03/25/2017 11:20PM  
Chapstick
 
fishonfishoff
distinguished member(682)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
03/26/2017 01:10PM  
Like GraniteCliffs said....positive attitude goes a long way.

Try and get everyone in the planning, these meeting can be very entertaining.

Borrow equipment when possible.

Look in the DIY forum on making some of your equipment such as tarps, anchor bags, and BDB's.

FISHONFISHOFF
 
03/26/2017 01:58PM  
It's hard to tell from your original post, but I suspect canoeing and portaging will be your biggest challenges. Some forethought and preparation ahead of time will lead to a shorter learning curve and a more successful trip.

One of the things I learned on my first trip was that I didn't know very much about those. I quickly found out that flat-water paddling a loaded canoe into the wind across a larger lake was very different from floating down river in one. If your paddling experience is limited, it would be beneficial to get some practice ahead of time. At the very least, do some reading about the techniques.

You should be aware that weather - wind and lightning - can alter travel plans when canoeing. You'll also have to stay at a designated campsite (first-come, first-served), so it's best to travel early and camp early to minimize problems with weather and finding a site. Be sure to tie your canoes up at night, especially if renting kevlar; take some rope for "painters" (bow and stern lines) for this purpose.

Portaging is quicker and easier if you do not have a bunch of loose items to deal with at the landing. Minimizing loose items will also minimize the chance of leaving something there. You will have to make a decision whether you can single portage or should double portage. Most people seem to double portage, which means they carry half of their gear across the portage and walk back for the second half. This means you walk the portage three times, so you need to plan accordingly. If not single portaging, be sure to move the stuff you are not carrying the first trip off to the side out of the way of other trippers. Portages are bottlenecks in the BW.

You may already use a packing list for backpacking trips, in which case you'll probably only need to add/change a few items. If not, I'll suggest you create one for everybody and use it.

Have fun.

 
Bumstead
distinguished member (332)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
03/26/2017 04:47PM  
If you're backpackers and have already carved out your own weight / luxury ratio, you are good to go.

Gear: Take a tarp for camp sitting area. It's great to be sitting outside the tent during a rainy afternoon.

Fishing: 6'6" to 7' Medium light spinning rod with a small tackle tray of lures, jigs, plastics....not an entire tackle bag! 2nd rod per person, slip bobbers, hooks, and some live bait (leeches) if you are really planning on putting in some fishing time or plan on providing yourself with a walleye shore lunch or two.

Success: Plan well with appropriate distances, layovers, basecamp area etc. To me, backpacking is more about the journey / distance (not often two nights in a row at one campsite); whereas in the BW, I seem to prefer basecamping or at least a couple nights at some campsites with daytrips to surrounding lakes and more fishing and relaxation.

You're going to love it up there!
 
03/26/2017 05:23PM  
Extra pairs of dry socks.
 
GoSpursGo
distinguished member (267)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
03/27/2017 08:53AM  
Echoing a lot of what has already been said:

1 - get good rain gear, 95+% chance youre gonna wear it
2 - get good boots, I hate having wet feet / socks so Ive got knee high boots for those trickier portage landings
3 - maps, try your hardest to memorize your planned route before you hit the bwca, but make sure you keep those maps close, dry, and referenced often.

Good luck and have fun!
 
BnD
distinguished member(810)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
03/27/2017 09:15AM  
All great advice and I don't know if its been mentioned already but, in late May I would plan clothes/underwear/caps/jackets based on possible 30 degree weather. Could be 75 also but, BSA sez be prepared. We use our raingear as windbreaker, marino wool beanie, 300 weight fleece jacket and mid weight long underwear. This will keep you warm in 30 degree weather with the typical North wind that comes with it. We've worn it all on occasion.
 
Thisismatthew
distinguished member (175)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
03/27/2017 11:33AM  
Pack less... I bring first timers every year for one of my trips and the main thing I notice for first timers (or even people who have only gone a couple times) is that they bring far too much gear. You don't need a lot and carrying less will make the trip more enjoyable.
 
schweady
distinguished member(8070)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberpower member
  
03/27/2017 12:11PM  
SimbaHasani - Welcome to the best doggone canoe forum on the InterWebs. My best advice would be to sit down and comb through every thread on this site for info, especially the Gear Forum and Listening Point. Go back a couple of years. Do some searches on key words that pop up as questions in your head as you read. Take notes. Look online at some of the gear that's mentioned, figuring out your own ideas on pros and cons. Take half of the advice you read here with a grain of salt, especially mine. We all get set in our ways and inertia is powerful. Read the Trip Planning Forum and Trip Reports with maps laid out while you read. Study maps and learn the popular (and the out-of-the-way) routes being discussed. Go do it, and take notes on your mistakes. Don't try to do it all at once. Leave half of your original gear ideas at home. Have a ball.
 
03/27/2017 01:22PM  
All excellent responses above. I just want to emphasize the need to bring good rain gear; jacket and pants, not a poncho. Also, be sure to put it on BEFORE it starts to rain ;). You can canoe all day in the rain (and you may) when you stay dry. Also, as has been said, rent or buy a lightweight sil-nylon tarp (not your hardware variety tarp). The consensus here tends to be about a 10'x12' for a party of four. Have fun and don't be intimidated; you're just canoeing to your campsite!
 
TrekScouter
distinguished member (372)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
03/28/2017 06:19PM  
Get a rain jacket large enough to fit over your PFD, if you choose. You'll appreciate the extra insulation on a cold, wet day.
 
DCfreebird
member (9)member
  
03/29/2017 10:32AM  
Hello everyone. I am new to this forum. My family, husband, twin 17 year old boys, 17 yr old friend of twins, and 17 yr old girlfriend of one twin. No they don't share girlfriends !! My husband, twins and I have been on two boundary water trips in the past. One was a five day the other a 7 day. This year we are planning on 10 days. My question is, how are the bugs in June. Our trip is planned for June 8-June 18. Our previous trips were in July. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
 
schweady
distinguished member(8070)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberpower member
  
03/29/2017 11:13AM  
Welcome, DC!

Perhaps you'd like to start a new thread to ask your question. And maybe start it in the Trip Planning Forum, rather than the Gear Forum. Just click on "Post New Message" near the top of that page, give it a title, and ask away.

Oh, and the answer to your question is: "worse," but don't let that get you down. Treat your outer clothing with Permethrin before you go, light-weight long sleeves and pants, bring a head net, bring a spray containing DEET, and you're all set.
 
03/29/2017 11:23AM  
Not sure if I saw head nets listed above. All should have one. Mine is usually in my front shirt pocket. A cheapie one will work just fine.
 
Bronco
member (39)member
  
03/29/2017 12:05PM  
Watch some paddling videos on youtube or paddling .net helped me greatly on strokes. pack lite but take some warm clothes and the best raingear you can afford. No cotton.! one stroke at a time and enjoy. very seldom have I wanted for anything when tripping however there has been many why did I bring this moments.
 
03/29/2017 06:42PM  
All good advice above. Light layers, loose raingear doubles as a shell, extra WOOL socks 70%+
And schedule? Wind and weather and GROUP concerns......you are only as strong as your weakest link. Keep schedule flexible with extra time; not a forced March. If windy and in doubt ; play it safe and wait. Use your compass when launching on a big lake and beeline to point B. Zigzags can add many miles over a week. May the wind be at your back.
 
yogi59weedr
distinguished member(2662)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
03/29/2017 09:03PM  
All great advise.
I'm gonna add one I haven't seen.....

LIVE BAIT.
That time of year, probably rainbow minnows.....
Some might think they are a pain in the arz.....
My 2nd tip is quality rain gear. And my 3rd tip is what grouseguy said
 
BuckFlicks
distinguished member(628)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
03/30/2017 01:39PM  
Welcome to the fourm, and to the BWCA community in general. Lots of great folks here with great advice.

Good stuff already on this thread, I'll second some things:

Waterproof boots. Wet feet aren't fun, and portages are too tricky/rocky/muddy for sandals.

Good rain gear. It's going to rain - just put on some good rain gear and paddle away. As long as there isn't any lightning or howling winds, paddling in the rain is actually a pretty pleasant endeavor.

Someone said to pack like you're backpacking. This is great advice, and I wish I had put those practices to work on my first trip. We had the exact thought: Well, the canoe is going to carry it most of the time.. let's bring all kinds of fresh food and heavy luxury items. The weight was an issue, but mostly it was space. All the "fresh" (not freeze-dried) food we packed wound up requiring an extra pack to carry. Of course, that pack was empty by the end of the trip, but those first couple days made for some strenuous portages. Use good decisions when selecting your gear - the majority of your current backpacking gear will serve you well in the BWCA. I wouldn't recommend using your backpacks, though. You can probably get away with just renting a canoe, PFD, and paddles from an outfitter, and some portage packs, if you don't buy any beforehand. Just about everything else you'll need, you probably already have through your backpacking experience. Everyone says you need a tarp, but I've never brought one... but clothes, kitchen gear, etc will probably already be in your gear.

Extra socks: Yep... I have at least one pair of socks, boxers, and Teeshirt that always stay safely stowed in multiple layers of water protection so I can sleep in dry clothes at night.

Don't rely on fish for your meals. As soon as you do, they'll stop biting.

Don't feel like you have to cover too much ground. Enjoy your trip. Each lake is its own destination and deserves time spent to enjoy it.

 
KarlBAndersen1
distinguished member(1324)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
03/31/2017 06:42AM  
quote SimbaHasaniThe bungee Dealee Bobs looked cool, although a bit expensive for what they seem too be."



By a 100 foot roll of shock cord on Ebay and a hundred barrel cord locks.
No brainer.
Keep them EVERYWHERE!! On your gear, in the canoe, in the tackle box, on your tarps/hammocks/tents/etc.
 
03/31/2017 10:40AM  
Things I learned after my first trip:

1. Bring something to sit on. Doesn't have to be fancy but one of these will do wonders for your back.

2. Don't overextend if you are unsure on your capabilities. Plan a reasonable route. If you get there in record time you can always press on but there's no point in burning out on day 1.

3. a tarp is a lifesaver if it rains (and it probably will). It will keep you from being bored and stuck in your tent. Also bring a couple lengths of rope. People have their preferences and their fancy bear hanging ropes which are probably great but paracord works just fine as an all-purpose rope.

4. Put some thought into your food. I still have a hard time not bringing too much. You don't have to be nearly as weight conscious as you do with backpacking but you still don't want to be carrying around an extra 5+lbs you won't touch. I'm sure your backpacking background will help you out here. On the flip side: remember that you won't be hauling it over too much land so a few luxuries won't slow you down too much (just be reasonable about it). For example we always bring steaks for the first night.

5. Diversity of booze is good (if that's your thing.)

6. Random useful stuff I recommend:
-head lamps. Bring a few, they're that useful.
-A small camp saw is hugely valuable.
-A camp hammock for lounging is amazing. You will inevitably get sick of sitting on the ground.
-Permethrin your clothes. Can't stress how useful this stuff is. It will make ticks an afterthought and also help with skeeters/flies. Make sure to put it on your socks and focus areas like cuffs/collars.
-At least two pairs of wool socks and some boots to wear in camp. There may be no better feeling than taking your cold, shriveled feet out of your water shoes after a day of paddling and sticking them into wool socks and boots. No joke.

Regarding fishing: I highly recommend bringing two rods/reels per fisherperson in case something happens to one. Seems silly but I snapped a rod on day 3 last year and was very happy to have my backup. I like 6-7' 2 piece medium-action rods with 6-8lb line as that will handle just about anything you run up against in canoe country but YMMV there.

For tackle you can keep it pretty simple: if you bring a selection of crank baits for a variety of depths (shad rap type cranks will catch just about everything), a few slip bobbers, some jigs/twister tails (or live bait if you can swing it), basic terminal tackle and a few spoons you'd be pretty well covered. I bring about 5x that much and don't touch most of it.

Trolling shads or floating leeches under slip bobbers anywhere near dropoffs, narrows or points at dusk will give you a good shot at the walters. There is almost always a magical moment where the bite turns on and if you're in the right spot you'll start reeling them in. Get out an hour or so before dusk to look for likely spots and troll around to see if there's any action. I like to switch to jigs or bobbers once I know where the fish are but trolling is always viable.
 
ECpizza
distinguished member(1004)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
04/03/2017 08:14PM  
"Do not fear the wilderness, respect the wilderness"

Wool and synthetic gear to stay warm and dry. Wet clothes, dry clothes, dry tent, good pad, warm bag (or hammock equivelent).

A good first aid kit, and a couple of people who know how to use it. Sensible precautions taken to minimize the need for a first aid kit. I think people forget that risk is multiplied when help is hours or days away, vs the minutes away it is in our normal lives.

A lightweight canoe is a must. No matter your fitness level, you will enjoy having a lightweight canoe.
 
BigCurrent
distinguished member(642)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
04/03/2017 09:25PM  
It's all about staying conformable and keeping things dry. Water is everywhere and will be in the bottom of the canoe. If it rains, it shouldn't ruin your trip, just be prepared.


Extra socks.

Plan on getting your feet wet while portaging. It's inevitable unless you are wearing waders.

Dry shoes for camp.

Dry Bags or portage packs.

Pack sleeping bag in waterproof stuff sack.

Keep travel plans loose. A lot can change throughout the day.

Quality rain gear (including pants). Leave the ponchos at home.

Tarp big enough to sit under if it rains.

Packable camp chairs like the helinox chair are worth the weight.




 
04/03/2017 09:47PM  
quote overthehill: "Zigzags can add many miles over a week. May the wind be at your back."


Good advice, especially the hand rolled variety. Make sure you guys keep your heads about you, especially while traveling, setting up camp, and getting fire wood. Should be no different than hiking.

One piece of advice that I haven't seen in this thread, bring LOTS of ibuprofen. Paddling requires different muscles than every day life and training. You are going to hurt for the first few days. I paddle regularly and I still get sore. My doctor also prescribes me 10 flexerol per year, as I have a bad back and spend 40+ days out of civilization per year. I need 2 days worth to get back to a doctor. My back went out at the Cache Bay ranger station last year at the start of a 9 day trip and that's a nice insurance policy!
 
BuckFlicks
distinguished member(628)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
04/04/2017 03:56PM  
quote Wables: "
quote overthehill: "Zigzags can add many miles over a week. May the wind be at your back."



Good advice, especially the hand rolled variety. Make sure you guys keep your heads about you, especially while traveling, setting up camp, and getting fire wood. Should be no different than hiking.


One piece of advice that I haven't seen in this thread, bring LOTS of ibuprofen. Paddling requires different muscles than every day life and training. You are going to hurt for the first few days. I paddle regularly and I still get sore. My doctor also prescribes me 10 flexerol per year, as I have a bad back and spend 40+ days out of civilization per year. I need 2 days worth to get back to a doctor. My back went out at the Cache Bay ranger station last year at the start of a 9 day trip and that's a nice insurance policy!"


I'll second this post. Flexeril or Soma, whichever muscle relaxer you might have an Rx for will also help you sleep. I never sleep well whilst camping, especially on the first night. Go easy, though... don't want to OD out in the woods, or if you need to wake up at night for an emergency, you'll want to be able to gather your wits quickly. My buddy took Ambien one night and he was out in just a few minutes. Fortunately, we were in the Grand Canyon, but up on the Esplanade (sort of a long plateau midway between the river and the north rim) in December, so we weren't likely to have any sort of weather or wildlife emergencies, but I was concerned if something were to happen and I needed to get him awake and reacting to crisis in a hurry.



Neat picture from/of the Esplanade... my favorite part of the Grand Canyon.



Another medicinal suggestion: anti-inflammatories are great, but they work even better if you take one tablet of Tylenol with them. Tylenol's greatest attribute is that it enhances other pain killers, far better than it works on its own as a pain killer (that's why it's one of the two chief ingredients in Hydrocodone/Vicodin as well as Excedrin Migraine.) I usually take one aleve and one extra strength Tylenol in the morning and repeat in the evening when I'm backpacking or paddling. Ibuprofen works well, too, but I prefer the convenience of one pill ever 12 hours instead of 2 pills every 4-6 hours. That's the only reason for my preference. Check with your doc first to make sure you are ok to take both meds. I was told by my doctor that they are perfectly safe to take together as long as you don't exceed the recommended dosage for either, and don't take the cocktail over a prolonged period. Some people with blood issues are recommended against taking either.
 
      Print Top Bottom Previous Next