BWCA Portaging in shorts, who does it? Boundary Waters Listening Point

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Listening Point - General Discussion

Portaging in shorts, who does it?

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housty9

06/08/2017 12:40PM

I do it when the weather is warmer, a few scratches don't bother me, working on cars I get plenty of them, just curious how many do.

Out of control, extreme team.

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andym

06/08/2017 12:50PM

I don't but the issue isn't scratches but sunburn. Long pants means no need to worry about sunscreen on my legs. For a while I wore mid-length climbing pants which protect the knees and thighs and didn't get into the water while wet footing but now I am switching to full length pants.

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AmarilloJim

06/08/2017 01:03PM

I did when I was a kid. Don't remember any issues.
I wear the Columbia silver ridge convertible pants now(although I leave them zipped). I have been amazed at how durable these pants have been. I have slipped twice over the years and cut my knees up enough to bleed but to my amazement the pants weren't ripped. They dry pretty fast also.

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IceColdGold

06/08/2017 01:20PM

My legs rarely see the sun. I have Columbia zipoffs also, but leave them zipped. I also tend to ware long sleeves and socks to keep everything covered. I have burned by legs, ankles while wearing sandals, ... I do not like sun screen, so I just keep things covered. I have not tried my Chota knee boots with shorts. I would expect they would work fine.

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nofish

06/08/2017 01:34PM

If its hot out I'll be in shorts. I'd rather have an extra scratch or 2 than be miserably hot all day.

I make sure to use a lot of sunblock on my legs to prevent sunburn in the canoe, its already out and being applied to my arms, neck, and face anyways.

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Soledad

06/08/2017 01:38PM

I tend to leave my shorts at home. I have burned the tops of my legs in a canoe and do not want to experience that again!
If it is hot, I'll wear a thin pair of quick drying nylon pants. I am hopping in and out of the canoe, the wet pants help to keep me cooler and more protected from the sun that a pair of shorts would. Most portages a well used and brush usually isn't an issue.
Swim naked

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Twins87

06/08/2017 01:52PM

Totally weather dependent. I usually start my day with layers and convertible pants on, covering full legs and arms. If it gets hot outside, I end up in a tank top and shorts. always have short socks on in my hiking sandals though... one too many leeches a few years ago!

I do carry sunscreen and bug juice in my life jacket and/or day pack so that I have easy access to both when I start shedding the layers.

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Banksiana

06/08/2017 02:22PM

If it's above mid fifties I wear shorts. Hate the restriction of long pants, especially when wet. Intolerable.

Nobody exists on purpose, nobody belongs anywhere, everybody’s going to die.

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nctry

06/08/2017 02:29PM

I hope your not talking underwear shorts. That would be weird! I like Piragis pants. The zip offs are more durable. But one fall and they are done. 2012 I went through three pairs. The third I was able to get a partial trip out of them. I do remove the zip offs when it's hot. But I watch for sunburn and put back on when I feel I need to.

Nctry

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MikeinMpls

06/08/2017 03:58PM

I wear shorts as much as I can. I have suffered sunburn on my legs, but I can mediate that. I just want to be as cool as I can. I've not suffered any injuries wearing shorts on a portage, though plenty of scratches and bumps. That's the way it is.

Mike

I did indeed rock down to Electric Avenue, but I did not take it higher. I regret that.

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RLancer

06/08/2017 04:29PM

I am almost always in shorts when I go out hiking or canoeing. I might get a lot of scratches or bug bites so I guess I've never been too kind to my lower legs in that respect. I always make sure to put on sunscreen up past my knees though and some bug spray too. I try to reapply sunscreen every two hours too. I believe that being cooler is better than sweating through my pants.

"To those devoid of imagination a blank place on the map is a useless waste; to others, the most valuable part" -Aldo Leopold

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muddyfeet

06/08/2017 06:31PM

If it's above 50, I'm in shorts. IMO, sunscreen and deet and a few scratches are better than a dank, uncomfortable sweat all day. Love zip-offs.

"Everybody needs beauty as well as bread; places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul" -John Muir

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Frenchy19

06/08/2017 07:08PM

I wear zip offs (legs on) treated with Permathrin. Know too many people dealing with lymes disease.

"The future ain't what it used to be" Yogi Berra

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pswith5

06/08/2017 07:27PM

I zip off my tip-offs if it's real warm. Otherwise why wear them?

Without the bad times, the good times wouldn't seem so good.

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Wables

06/08/2017 07:58PM

Duluth Trading Dry on the Fly pants for me!

"Hold on, I think I can get in without getting my feet wet."....SPLASH...

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Canoearoo

06/08/2017 08:31PM

It all depends on the bugs. If the bugs are really bad then my family swims in zip-offs and quick dry shirts. Otherwise we wear quick dry shorts and shirts so we can swim after a portage if it is hot and if there is no one waiting their turn.

Life jackets float, you don't!

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Banksiana

06/08/2017 09:02PM

quote Frenchy19: "I wear zip offs (legs on) treated with Permathrin. Know too many people dealing with lymes disease."

Curious about the choice of zip-offs if you only wear them as pants. Why not just buy pants?

Nobody exists on purpose, nobody belongs anywhere, everybody’s going to die.

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brux

06/08/2017 09:44PM

Nope. Only travel in pants. Helps to minimize ticks as well with treated pants. I destest deet and only use it on my skin when the bugs will otherwise drive me bonkers.

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Rob Johnson

06/08/2017 09:47PM

quote Banksiana: "
quote Frenchy19: "I wear zip offs (legs on) treated with Permathrin. Know too many people dealing with lymes disease."

Curious about the choice of zip-offs if you only wear them as pants. Why not just buy pants?"

I do the exact same thing. The only time I unzip anymore is in camp when it is really hot. I also wear long sleeve performance shirts for all the same reasons.

I always wondered why somebody didn't do something about that. Then I realized I am somebody. Lily Tomlin

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gsfisher13

06/08/2017 09:51PM

Always! I haven't even pack long pants in the last 7 trips.

Not all those who wander are lost - J.R.R.Tolkien

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fishonfishoff

06/09/2017 06:58AM

In shorts almost every time.
FOFO

"What's the worse that could happen?"

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Bogwalker

Moderator

06/09/2017 07:13AM

This guy does and has been for sometime-ask Kevin Callan.

"When a man is part of his canoe, he is part of all that canoes have ever known." Sigurd F. Olson WWJD

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anthonyp007

06/09/2017 07:39AM

quote Banksiana: "
quote Frenchy19: "I wear zip offs (legs on) treated with Permathrin. Know too many people dealing with lymes disease."

Curious about the choice of zip-offs if you only wear them as pants. Why not just buy pants?"

It's just nice to have the option of going with shorts should the need arise. It's rare that I unzip, but I love having the option. I'm in the same camp as RJ, I'm so freaked out about Lyme's that I'd rather keep my permethrin treated zip offs at full length for portaging. I will zip them off in camp or out in the canoe if I get warm though. I always go full pants when portaging though, just personal preference.

Tony

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mirth

06/09/2017 08:54AM

Weather dependent, but my adventure clothes include zip offs so if it's hot I'll be legless with sunscreen. If its cool then maybe.

When a man is part of his canoe, he is part of all that canoes have ever known. - Sigurd F. Olson, "The Singing Wilderness"

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butthead

06/09/2017 09:11AM

As for me, beyond the sizzle and sounds of frying bacon, I'm forbidden from exposing a good portion of skin to protect innocent viewers and frightening wildlife.

But if ya needs an emergency beacon, minor exposure would be tolerated by SAR authorities.

butthead

"never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups" George Carlin

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AmarilloJim

06/09/2017 09:18AM

LOL

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Sheepdogged

06/09/2017 01:00PM

I've never worn pants portaging anything in the bwca. Don't read into it.

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mastertangler

06/09/2017 01:18PM

Well it all depends doesn't it? If it's hot and the bugs aren't bad and your on the highways of well worn portage trails then shorts it is.

Otherwise it's Railriders weather pants although my next pants purchase will be a Kuiu offering. I have one pair of Attack Pants and the flexibility of their fabrics are nothing short of amazing.......very durable and incredibly comfortable. I am eyeing their hot weather pant.

Lets Go!

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hooky

06/09/2017 02:53PM

I hike all the time in shorts when the weather is warm. Have only had warm weather on one of my three BWCA trips and broke out the shorts then too.

Socks, boots and shorts have been treated with permethrin.

“It is clearly absurd to limit the term 'education' to a person's formal schooling.” - Murray Rothbard

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scramble4a5

06/09/2017 04:51PM

quote Banksiana: "
quote Frenchy19: "I wear zip offs (legs on) treated with Permathrin. Know too many people dealing with lymes disease."

Curious about the choice of zip-offs if you only wear them as pants. Why not just buy pants?"

I use them as shorts when at home. I try to get more use out of them than one trip per year.

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jwartman59

06/09/2017 11:45PM

if the temps are above 40 and i'm canoeing it's always shorts.

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Captn Tony

06/10/2017 05:09AM

Shorts person, if weather is nice

You're going to HELL and you're going to drag me with ya!! -Gunsmoke

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TomT

06/10/2017 05:30AM

I practically live in shorts from April to October. The first day of a trip is always just traveling so unless it will be in the 80's or more I do pants. However, I cut and hemmed my paddle pants at the ankle so I have that going for me.

Where I get into trouble wearing shorts is in the canoe not on the trail. Sitting down causes them to ride up above my tan line exposing white flesh to the sun. That's not a good thing when out on the lake for a while.

So basically it depends on the amount of sun that day.

"Life is not about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself." --- George Bernard Shaw

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bhouse46

06/10/2017 05:56AM

I travel in long nylon canvas pants and long sleeve shirt with extended neck that can pull over my head like a hoodie, wide brimmed hat and gloves with boots. Everything is permethrin treated. The elements are not kind to my skin. Once in camp I usually change to seasonal gear with shorts a definite option. Other than trips back to the bivy I will likely put on the long pants to collect firewood or hike into the woods. I don't even sunbath in the nude anymore.

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boonie

06/10/2017 07:26AM

I have had one too many really bad skin cancers removed to be as blasé about it as I was in my younger days. Clothing is easier and more effective than applying and reapplying sunscreen, possibly also cheaper in the long run. I'm not up there in the hottest part of the year, so pants aren't really that bad when I'm there. Down here, some days I pine for the good old days.

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Frenchy19

06/10/2017 12:57PM

quote Banksiana: "
quote Frenchy19: "I wear zip offs (legs on) treated with Permathrin. Know too many people dealing with lymes disease."

Curious about the choice of zip-offs if you only wear them as pants. Why not just buy pants?"

I paddle in shorts, I swim in shorts and depending on the site, I wear shorts around camp. I wear long pants on portages.

"The future ain't what it used to be" Yogi Berra

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Jaywalker

06/10/2017 02:12PM

Lately I'm leaning back toward long and light weight fast dry trousers, but have portaged and camped in shorts many times. I usually wear tall rubber boots even with shorts, so had a bit more protection even if it did make me just a nice sweater vest away from being a complete M.P. Gumby.

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Blatz

06/10/2017 03:35PM

From what I've read the original people who created the portages may have had some bare legs

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arm2008

06/27/2017 12:12PM

quote Banksiana: "
quote Frenchy19: "I wear zip offs (legs on) treated with Permathrin. Know too many people dealing with lymes disease."

Curious about the choice of zip-offs if you only wear them as pants. Why not just buy pants?"

Around here the pants without zipoffs are typically twice the cost of the ones without. Makes no sense. So I have zippers I don't use. Local Gander Mountain location is closing so I just recently picked up some Columbia quick dry pants without zippers.

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mapsguy1955

06/27/2017 12:39PM

zipoffs for me, but never tripping before 3rd week of September.

If we aren't actively working to protect our planet, we are acquiescing to those who run their life as if their personal WANTS are the only things that matter. John

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deerfoot

06/27/2017 12:43PM

Slightly OT. When traveling out of the country I can always pick out the Kiwis (New Zealnders). They are the guys wearing shorts everywhere. If it is cold they wear tights under the shorts.

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deerfoot

06/27/2017 12:43PM

Slightly OT. When traveling out of the country I can always pick out the Kiwis (New Zealnders). They are the guys wearing shorts everywhere. If it is cold they wear tights under the shorts.

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deerfoot

06/27/2017 12:43PM

Slightly OT. When traveling out of the country I can always pick out the Kiwis (New Zealnders). They are the guys wearing shorts everywhere. If it is cold they wear tights under the shorts.

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jamotrade

06/27/2017 01:15PM

Wow! Deerfoot gets the elusive triple post...

I wear shorts just about all the time but most of my trips are in June and July.

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QueticoMike

06/27/2017 02:37PM

I can't remember the last time I portaged in shorts. Pants help protect the legs from many things, one of them is ticks.

I can be followed on Instagram @queticomike

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bwcadan

06/27/2017 03:33PM

First picture down, made me look at enlarged photo. I just wanted to be sure photo actually was in keeping with theme of shorts on portages. Happy to note it was, assuming he actually portaged.

the greatest come backs are reserved for those with the greatest deficits.

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mutz

06/27/2017 06:10PM

all depends on the weather, warmer weather less clothes, colder weather more clothes. Pretty simple

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s500yards

06/27/2017 07:20PM

Shorts here. On travel days I'll stuff the bottoms of my convertible trousers into the cargo pockets. Keeps my pants dry when wet footing, keeps me cooler, and is just more comfortable overall. I'm usually tripping in spring or fall and so far it has never been chilly enough to warrant the full legs. Once I'm in camp the bottoms go on.

"The least I owe these mountains is a body. - Randy Morgenson"

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johndku

06/29/2017 10:18AM

Only made a few trips so far, my schedule has only allowed me to go in late July or early August, when bug season is over.

I haven't worn long pants in the BW yet, ever. I have, however, had to throw on a sweatshirt some cold chilly mornings.

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Captn Tony

07/01/2017 05:09AM

I'm wearing shorts most of the time.

You're going to HELL and you're going to drag me with ya!! -Gunsmoke

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QueticoMike

07/01/2017 06:47AM

quote QueticoMike: "I can't remember the last time I portaged in shorts. Pants help protect the legs from many things, one of them is ticks."

I also don't wear sandals on portages.

I can be followed on Instagram @queticomike

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TomT

07/01/2017 06:53PM

A hot humid day? You betcha! There's nothing worse than sweaty underwear under long pants. Gotta breathe. I'll always do a tick check once in camp too.

"Life is not about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself." --- George Bernard Shaw

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egknuti

07/02/2017 09:46AM

I never where shorts mainly because I don't want the sun exposure. A good lightweight pant keeps me cool enough.

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ozarkpaddler

07/03/2017 08:06AM

If it's warm, I do. I wear shorts on the river and on the farm here so much, so my legs are pretty tough when it comes to abrasions, bugs, etc. They may scare you, but don't look (LOL)!

"Let us live so that when we come to die even the undertaker will be sorry." Mark Twain

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billconner

07/03/2017 08:30AM

Except sometimes in camp, long pants and long sleeve shirts for bugs and sun protection. Never felt too warm. Just walk into water at portage to waist or a little higher if really warm. The quick dry stuff is dry in an hour or two.

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HansSolo

07/09/2017 12:08PM

quote TomT: " A hot humid day? You betcha! There's nothing worse than sweaty underwear under long pants. Gotta breathe. I'll always do a tick check once in camp too.

"

I've gotta agree with TomT here. I understand wearing long pants for sun, bug and abrasion protection, but on long, hot portages, or on hot days in general, I prefer wearing shorts. I also like the fact there is just less leg restriction when portaging steep trails. I can always apply sun screen and bug dope and I'll deal with the occasional scrapes or cuts.

Hans Solo

Water reflects not only clouds and trees and cliffs, but all the infinite variations of mind and spirit we bring to it. – Sigurd Olson

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2rivers

07/10/2017 09:46AM

Sunblock 50, Shorts, Chaco sandals

Casey McDowell Embrace the Suck

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arm2008

07/10/2017 10:13AM

quote TomT: " A hot humid day? You betcha! There's nothing worse than sweaty underwear under long pants. Gotta breathe. I'll always do a tick check once in camp too.

"

Underwear? Canoeing? Do those two words belong in the same sentence?

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Jeriatric

07/10/2017 02:54PM

I have been flexible. It depends upon the weather, bugs and whether my legs are already burned.

The business of life is the acquisition of memories. In the end that's all there is. ___Mr Carson (Downton Abby)

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BigTim

07/10/2017 06:54PM

Never been in anything other than shorts in the BWCA. I have rain gear pants - but can't remember the last time I put them on. Irish Setter portage shoes for portaging, and sandals for everything else. For some reason, mosquitos and ticks do not seem to like me. Might be all the garlic and beer......

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mgraber

07/15/2017 02:28AM

Long pants on all portages. Soo much more comfortable without bug bites and scratches. Also cover your feet, keep them dry and you can be comfortable and safe traveling all day. I think many of you must be gluttons for punishment or sticking with easy portages.

So many fish,so little time

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Banksiana

07/15/2017 04:16PM

quote mgraber: "Long pants on all portages. Soo much more comfortable without bug bites and scratches. Also cover your feet, keep them dry and you can be comfortable and safe traveling all day. I think many of you must be gluttons for punishment or sticking with easy portages."

It is not possible to keep your feet dry on the routes I prefer, or your legs for that matter. I can't stand the loss of mobility created by long pants, especially when wet. A scratch or two is no big thing, easy to keep bugs off.

Nobody exists on purpose, nobody belongs anywhere, everybody’s going to die.

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riverrunner