Hello all,
First off, I would like to say thanks in advance for any feedback. I've checked this website from time to time over the last few years and everyone seems very helpful.

After a couple years of trying to line up a group to do a BWCA trip and failing, I think I've decided to take the plunge and just plan a solo trip for myself next year. I am an avid fisherman, having taken about 15 fly-in trips to Canada so I have some experience in "roughing it." I'm 29 yrs old and in good physical shape with moderate experience canoeing and kayaking so I think I should be able to handle a week long canoe trip.

My preferences would be to spend a week, preferably base camping a few days and focusing on fishing, with an added bonus of some good sightseeing if possible. I am ok with longer portages, but I don't want anything too tough to do by myself. I am tentatively thinking the first week of June for this trip.

I have never backpacked before so I'm thinking I will try to purchase some of the basic backpacking gear needed and rent some of the other stuff from an outfitter to see what I like with plans on buying in the future.

If anyone has suggestions on lakes/routes, outfitters to use or gear to buy, I would appreciate it. Sorry about the long novel I've written.

Thank you.

My first year I did the full outfitting thing so I had a great idea of what would be needed for future trips.

Good luck!

Hello, welcome!

I can sympathize with the difficulty of lining up a group for a trip. It's why I took my first solo BW trip (2nd BW trip).

You are younger than I was then (55), probably are in better shape than I was, and probably know more about paddling. I probably knew more about camping since I did a little backpacking. I'm not sure how much a fly-in trip in Canada is comparable to a canoe trip in the BW. You can do it, but some advance thought and preparation will go a long way to making your trip more enjoyable.

My first suggestion is to join the Solo Tripping forum; you'll find it among the list at the bottom of the main messageboard page. Scroll back through the threads on various topics and read some of the trip reports - you'll find lots of helpful information. There is also a fishing forum, which you may have already have discovered. I don't fish on my trips, so I can't help much there, but will note that it's slightly more difficult solo. There is also a trip partner finder forum if you are interested in exploring that route.

I also don't basecamp, preferring to travel, so I'm geared to portaging and haven't in the past avoided any; in fact I have often sought them out to find solitude. Nonetheless, the advice will be useful to consider even if you plan to basecamp, especially if you are solo.

I'd suggest you plan to double portage on your first, certainly no more, but no less either. If you haven't picked up on the term in previous visits, just ask. That's what I would suggest you plan on and gear up for. Alternatively, you could choose an entry lake with no portages and stay there, or one with one or two very short portages to a lake for base camping. I'm going to assume you'll do a little more than that.

To double portage, you'll need to be geared and packed to carry everything - canoe, paddles, PFD, food, camp gear, fishing gear, etc. - across the portage in two loads. I'd start with an idea of how much you will be comfortable carrying for X distance over moderately rough terrain. Multiple by two and try to keep everything under that number. It is also a simple fact that no mater how much you can carry, it is less work to carry less weight. Smaller, lighter packs are also easier to handle and get in and out of the canoe, especially at awkward landing; this is even more true when solo. I would definitely suggest renting a lightweight kevlar canoe.

If you're solo, you'll be carrying some things that would normally be shared weight. A solo canoe will weigh roughly 3/4 of what a similar tandem weighs. Almost everything should be packed so that there are few loose items to deal with at portages.

Another thing to keep in mind if solo is that you'll be doing all of the camp chores - setting up, cooking, filtering water, etc.

Buying backpacking equipment is a good idea for saving weight and money if you're going to use it in the future. I'd concentrate on the big ones at first - lightweight tent, sleeping bag and pad. Often times you can buy used outfitter gear at season's end (think now). Unless you actually plan to backpack in the future, I think I'd not buy a backpack, but instead rent or buy a used canoe portage pack or two.

If there's one thing that's almost a universal experience on first trips, it's taking too much food! I'd do your own food rather than buying from outfitter, with some advance experimentation to get amounts down to what you are going to need, no more (yuck - leftovers), but enough. It took me a couple of trips to really get it down. I like to keep it simple when I'm solo - add water type meals, no cook breakfast, no clean up. You'll find several threads on it in various places with slight variations on the theme, as well as more complicated systems.

Good luck with the planning! Ask as many questions as you can think of and everything you consider will be an improvement on your trip.

I'd go with the full deal from a outfitter. A good one knows what they're doing. I did this on my first trip and I went solo. Its a different kind of camping. Get a kevlar solo canoe and don't over pack.

First timer
A lot depends on how much money you have to spend. I would definitely buy used equipment from the outfitters now if you are on a somewhat tight budget and you are not entirely sure that you will be doing this canoe tripping thing in the future. Keep the load light!!! Solo canoes have a somewhat limited pack space too. Remember solo canoes are less stable than tandems, especially when unloaded. I was always concerned about hauling in a large fish with a boat loaded with just about a tackle box only! I know I will raise some dander about this but I feel the best fishing prospects are found in Quetico. It is about fishing pressure and Quetico Prov. Park has about one-tenth the trippers that the BWCAW has.
The plus of soloing is that you are your own boss, there are never compromises to be made. The minus of soloing is that you start to talk to yourself after a while and you are chief cook and bottle washer! Because of that start dinners earlier than you would if tandem tripping. It is somewhat more dangerous to solo: a trip injury may not have someone to attend to you for some time, so you must be even more careful while out in the bush.
I would encourage you to outfit from an outfitter, rather than buying equipment. Which one? Oh, they are all good or they wouldn't be in the business for long. I cannot recommend any Canadian outfitters since I have not dealt with any before.
Personally, I would get a tow from Moose Lake to Back Bay of Basswood and then down the Basswood River to points north into Quetico. Expensive but the best way to get into Quetico fishing country fast and the Basswood R. route is one of the most scenic in the canoe country. The mile + long Horse Portage is not so bad, really, just long. Good luck!!!
Finally, I would read what Boonie posted - all good advice!

I would go through an outfitter the first time. You'll see the kind of gear that works. You'll also get great trip planning advice and get help with all the detail such as permits, etc. They should be able to help with fishing advice, etc.
I agree that any outfitter you choose will probably be good.
That said I can personally recommend Voyager North Outfitter in Ely. John OKane is very knowledgeable in routes and fishing in that area. I'd look at Horse Lake as a base camp. Good fishing and easy day trips to manyh other fishing lakes.
BTW choose an outfitter in the area you want to go (Ely, Gunflint Trail, Sawbill, etc.).
Most importantly, just do it. Firm up your dates and call an outfitter.

Welcome to the site! Spend some time reading threads and use the search engine to find threads on specific topics. The information available to someone willing to look is invaluable.
Portaging is one element that separates the BWCA/Quetico experience from most camping or paddling experiences. That leads to using the right gear and carrying what you need, but only what you need. Finding that balance is a common thread of discussion. Your choice to base and fish/explore could reduce the relevance of portaging, but a common belief is that most of the really good spots take a bit of travel or a tough portage. There are some great spots right at entry, but most have been heavily used and are more like state park camping than wilderness camping.
There are lots of Iowa paddlers more than willing to spend some time showing you our gear and sharing ideas. We typically get together in the Spring in Cedar Rapids for an event there, watch for postings. There are other gatherings from time to time we call wing nights and any major expo will likely have Flying Moose groups. While the information on the site is the reason I joined, meeting folks at wing night and events since has been what makes this site special. A really great group of folks; welcome.

I agree with the Quetico thought as well. I've never been to the BWCA but go to the "Q" every September. Canoe Canada is excellent with decent equipment. I triple portaged (2 packs and canoe) this year but I didn't have anyone pushing me. I'm 62 and simply don't want to carry 80 lbs at one time. 30 years ago? Sure...

I've paddled a few miles in my 48 years of paddling and this year rented a Souris River Tranquility... It had some good features and some that took quite a while to get used to... It's very tippy when empty, and doesn't seem to have a "Stop" feel when tipping, so that balance is ALL on you. Even loaded, my first trip across Pickerel in a tailwind which turned into an east wind for the last mile was interesting. Saying that, it was FAST and tracked straight, beautifully. Turning? Not so much. Also is very light. Could see a younger guy easily carrying a pack and the canoe on a portage, hence the double portage goal. I brought a kayak paddle as my backup but never used it. My ZRE paddle is so light that changing sides often is not an issue.

Good luck! Solo is a profound experience, and well worth all of the planning.

Like others have said, I would suggest you seek the help of an outfitter. They will get you set up for a good first trip and speed your learning curve. As Boonie says above you could do your own food but it does take some trial and error to find just what you like in terms of both taste, amount, and preparation effort. The outfitter on the other hand will pretty well nail portions and have a menu that's proven.

An outfitter can rent you all the gear you need, but if you are interested in collecting some of your own, I'd personally probably buy my own gear in this order (from first to last); sleeping bag, pad, tent, stove, PFD, water filtration, cook gear, tarp, packs, and all else. Everyone's list will vary but that's how I would start.

I'll respectfully disagree with all those pointing your toward Quetico. Given that it's your first trip to the border canoe country, possibly your first solo, having no backpacking experience, and moderate canoe experience, staying on our side of the boarder with just a few more people around in case of trouble seems a good idea. It also will cost more in daily fees, RBC, and assorted licensing that could be put toward your own gear. My advice is get a couple trips under your belt then head further north.

There will be other great ideas, but I'll toss heading up to Knife Lake as an idea. One solid day of paddling in and out from Moose, yet you feel like you are away from the entry point. Only a couple of short and easy portages each way too. One of our other members posted a report and video of his first solo to the BWCA for fishing last spring. Do check the video.

Welcome to the forum Iowafishingguy and to the Iowa bdub bunch. I would have to agree with the majority on using what gear you have and renting the rest. First you would want to see if the bdub is your thing and if it isn't, you didn't spend a lot of $ and now have stuff sitting around. Second if you decide this is your new passion you can slowly accumulate gear over the years and make great decisions by asking people on this board about the different kinds of gear you decide you want to buy.
Of course if you have unlimited resources buy all you want, then if you need to get rid of it let me know.
I personally wouldn't purchase food from the outfitter, because part of the fun for me is making up the menus and figuring out what works and what doesn't.
I would start in the bdub first to get your feet wet so to speak. I can guarantee that compared to Ledges or Backbone it's wilderness. If you like it and want more remoteness you can always go to Quetico the next year.
Where to go in the bdub? Fishing: Mudro to Basswood route, Horse has good walleye population and below any of the falls should have everything but trout. Basswood has a smalleys, eyes and monster pike in it. No lake trout in this route.
Moose to Knife through Clearwater to Disappointment. A fairly challanging route, Knife has all species and decent fishing, Ashigan has great small mouth, and if you find the eyes in Disappointment they tend to be nice sized.
Seagull to South Arm Knife To Big Saganga is a great route with all species and good fishing.
For a short route Magnetic Lake up the Granite River to Big Saganga is one of my favorite trips, I've had so so fishing on that route however.

I'll agree with getting an outfitter. Ask all the questions you have and maybe buy some used gear. Plan for bugs at that time of year. A headnet for sure. Quetico is my choice now after many years of going to the BW. Going to Knife for a basecamp is a good first trip idea. Carp Lake is closer and would be nice too. Lots of day trip options into other lakes from there.

Just a tip - don't fish the first day while you're traveling. Pack the reels and lash the rods in the canoe. You want to be stealthy while portaging. Bring an extra paddle and lash the two in the canoe or do what I do - carry them together with those 12 inch wire/rubber gear ties. When portaging the canoe I have the smaller pack on. 2nd trip is big pack, paddles in one hand and pfd with map clipped to it in other.

Carry back up maps. If going to Quetico get the "Adventure Map". It is the whole park on one map and has the most accurate portage locations. Good for back up only as it's relatively small scale.

Keep a notebook/journal for future reference. You will learn a ton on your first solo. Be safe, watch every step, and enjoy!

Welcome to the message board. Good luck on your trip! I would probably go the outfitter route if I was you for the first trip. You will learn a lot on your first trip on what to do and not do, what to bring, what not to bring, what to use, not use, what to wear, what not to wear, where to go, where not to go, etc......

Hey everyone,

Thanks for the input and all the tips so far. I don't doubt a bit that the seclusion would be better in the Quetico, but I think for my first trip I will stay on the US side, and get my feet wet here. From the little bit I've read so far, a lot of people go through an outfitter to get their permits, and I'd assume the earlier you get in contact with one, the better the chances are of getting the lakes you want, with the dates you want, correct? I've read a few threads that have mentioned June as being a very busy time of year, so the earlier a guy has his trip in order and can reserve a permit as soon as they are available he will be better off it seems.

As far as buying used equip from outfitters, is there a particular time of year that they have more for sale, such as now due to end of season, or is it year round? I will have to post a few questions in the Gear Forum to get more specific info on that, but since I was writing here I thought I would ask that question.

A few of you have mentioned to bring your own food, which is what I was planning on doing. That is why I mentioned the many Canada trips I've been on, we have to pack light, and only bring up the essentials, and have a pretty well thought out meal plan for the week. Backpack cooking will be more extreme than flying in groceries on a float plane, which is why I plan on trying out various dehydrated foods and different things to eat beforehand at home, and deciding what I like, and how to properly proportion each meal out, so that I do not have a bunch of leftover food that will go to waste.

Those are a few of the thoughts I've had since posting first, and reading your responses. I'm sure I will have more questions in the future, and I appreciate all input. Thanks

Iowa fishinguy...
The time to buy used equipment is now or in the near future, as you would have guessed. I first started going to the BW/Quetico 60 years ago when it was canned goods, canvas tents and 90 pound aluminum canoes you portaged. Our first trip ever (no previous canoeing experience) we went from Moose Lake to North Bay, Louise Lake, McEwen, Agnes Lake and back. Many miles and many portages. We made mistakes, none of them terrible, thank goodness. We figured out the trick of the J stroke while on the trip. Now don't let those timid people above tell you to slowly get your feet wet!!! If you say you are in good shape, go for the whole enchilada and when you get back you will be in much better shape, believe me! With today's lightweight equipment and fast asymmetrical canoes being in good shape should be just fine. My friend on my first trip was a high school football guard, that helped!

You could always volunteer to be a Sherpa for this Grandma. I do the canoes and gear you do the carrying. Just saying. And, were in Iowa are you from??

oops - double post

Welcome, my wife and I are in our 20's and know the struggle of finding others to commit to a trip. We're also in IA.

Tons of info here, I'd rent from an outfitter the first time for stuff you don't already have. As the trip goes you can see what you like and what you'd change before you actually buy anything.

My first two trips ever were with Boy Scouts, i soon learned Kevlar canoes were amazing and aluminum sucked. Heavy cooking kits weren't fun, water purification strategies better than others, etc.

Equipment rental is fairly cheap through an outfitter. Many have standard and ultra-lite options. Decide what you want and put a list on this site. Everyone has something that they would like to sell. I just sold a new, never used UL tent and 4 Exped pads last week for 1/3 of the cost of new. Find out what you want, and what you need first by renting, then purchase. If you want a super light tent, sleeping bag, and pad you will want to purchase them because most outfitters choose durability over weight with those items. After my trip last fall with some "over-packers" I was determined to cut my pack weight back this year. I weighed everything to the tenth of an ounce, cataloged every piece of equipment that I owned in a spreadsheet, and assigned each item an identifier so I could easily build my packing list and change items out. I was fairly happy with my results. For my trip last month, for two people we came in at 135 lbs. which included everything except for the canoe and paddles. Within 2 weeks after returning I now have that list down to exactly 100 lbs. for 2 people. I could get it down still, but I'm not willing to because there are certain "luxury" items that I'm not willing to live without.

Like other have said, go with a kevlar canoe. With that be prepared to get you feet and shoes wet. If having wet feet all day isn't appealing to you, get a pair of Chota Hippies.

For food I have determined that despite what I eat at home, I only want 2 meals a day when base camping. If I needed a 3rd, I would probably bring some sort of protein bar and dried fruit or nuts for lunch. I have determined that when I'm busy I don't eat as much/often.

For the permit go to www.recreation.gov. Choose your date and entry point. You choose where you want to pick it up. Outfitters are generally the easiest because they are typically open both earlier and later in the day.

Where do you live in iowa I'm from Center Point Iowa just north of Cedar Rapids. I've been going to the BWCA for roughly 35 years. Knife lake is a good base camp and fishing lake, if you get the tow you can be up to the north or south arm in 6 or 7 hours depending on the weather. Shoot me an email if you have any questions

The 2018 permit season will begin the last Wednesday of January. I prefer to get my permit as soon as I know my dates since the only penalty for cancelling is the permit fee. As noted you can reserve your own at rec.gov and specify your outfitter as the place to pick it up or the outfitter can also reserve it for you if you prefer.

Now (end of season/Oct) is when used gear becomes available. Some of it can go quickly.

I think your plan with the food is a good plan; it will be personalized regarding taste, amount, prep, etc.

Just to clarify, there's a big difference, often, between frame/hiking packs versus canoe packs. For canoe tripping, you'll want Duluth style packs - likely something bought used from an outfitter or new from Duluth Pack or Cooke Custom Sewing.

I did my first BWCA trip (solo) this fall as well and if you are in decent shape and do your homework you should be fine. I am sort of in the same boat as far as getting a group together is concerned, so I might be game for a trip in May/June if you are interested. I got all the gear (minus fishing equipment) as long as you have your basics covered...

quote Northwoodsman:

For food I have determined that despite what I eat at home, I only want 2 meals a day when base camping. If I needed a 3rd, I would probably bring some sort of protein bar and dried fruit or nuts for lunch. I have determined that when I'm busy I don't eat as much/often.
"

This is how I usually am, too, except I'll eat a cliff bar and some jerky if I want breakfast, and have something more substantial for lunch and dinner.

I prefer to snack frequently while traveling rather than stop down for a big lunch though - so the lunch is usually something easy like a pita sammich.

I am also from Iowa and have the same problem nobody to go on trips. So I started solo trips but I had made several trips before. Renting from an outfitter for the first time was invaluable. Going by yourself safety is always the most important thing to keep in mind. I have always rented a sat phone and highly recommend it or another something like SPOT. Windy conditions make soloing more dangerous and difficult so you learn your limitations when traveling. I always wear a life jacket when I am in the canoe! Now to the good stuff, going solo is exciting and I have always felt a sense of accomplishment . A good Kevlar solo canoe makes good time and I prefer the Prism. Being a fishing nut I have taken way too much fishing tackle and hauled it all over the place while using a small part of it. I have learned to take less. Two rod and reels, jigs for fishing with live leeches, and a few lures and soft baits. A short handled net, pliers and stringer and I would probably be set. A portable depth finder is a must! I like the US side because of cost and I can fish with live bait. Just a few more things, try to travel early in the morning with light winds and fewer people on portages. Fish at first light or in the evening. You are on the right site for canoe country.

I forgot to add something and that is the 1st week in June is usually cold and wet. The water temps are cold. Fishing is still fantastic later in the month. I went this past June 25 and wore rain gear the first day with 50 for a high. Smallmouth and walleye fishing was fantastic.

Ihawk, have you recovered from yesterday's football game? Very entertaining game!!!

Welcome to the forums! I feel ya about the frustration of not having enough people to go to the BWCA with. I'm your age (29), I moved out here from Montana 6 years ago and when I first heard about it I knew I had to go, but it's such a damn plunge, I know you didn't post in the group finder section but if you're interested, I need more people to get out there with. I brought my buddies from Montana this June to Knife Lake and their hooked, but I definitely want to plan more trips for 2018. Also, Kraut88 you should message me too, maybe we could plan a trip next year if it worked out

Thanks everyone for the responses. Sorry, had gotten busy with harvest and then didn’t respond for a while. For those that asked, I live in NW Iowa, about 45 miles north east of Sioux City. I may be interested in joining another group, so thanks to those who have offered. I think I have talked one friend into going, so the next week or two will be to hammer out a for sure yes or no from him. If he backs out, will look into joining another or biting the bullet and doing solo.

A question I have about choosing routes/lakes: If going thru an outfitter, they only have access to certain entry points, correct? So is it easier to find the outfitter that offers the entry you want and go that route, or obtain your own permit, and then rent gear from an outfitter after? This may have a simple answer, but I’m not 100% sure what to do.

Yep, crops come first. Welcome back.
Yes, technically outfitters tend to limit service to EP's within their "range", but could do any EP in theory. Whether you get the permit or they get it for you you can have it picked up at the outfitter so selecting your outfitter before getting the permit is a good idea. If you change your mind and have ordered your permit you can have the pick up location changed.

Technically, they could get you a permit for any EP, but most only serve entry points near where they are located, especially if you are expecting a shuttle to your entry . . . It's just simple logistics.

You wouldn't want to drive out to Seagull Outfitters at the end of the Gunflint Trail to pick up a permit and canoe for an entry in Little Indian Sioux out of Ely, for example, when there are a bunch of That's hours and hours of extra driving ( just google it) and they wouldn't operate a shuttle that far, which would be way too time-consuming and expensive.

So the two basic options are: (1) pick an entry point and then an outfitter that's convenient, or (2) pick an outfitter, then get a permit for an entry that's in that area.

You can get your own permit and list an outfitter (most are "cooperators") as an alternate place to pick up the permit rather than the FS office. Outfitters usually have more extended hours than the FS offices, which is more convenient. Outfitters will get a permit for you if you desire and accomplish the same purpose, but I do not know what fee (if any) they might charge for the service.

I usually decide on an entry point, get my own permit, and list my outfitter as the pick up point. I usually use an outfitter where I'm entering, such as Sawbill Outfitters at Sawbill Lake or Rockwood Outfitters on Poplar lake or one I'm driving right by on the way, such as Sawtooth Outfitters, as a few examples. I like to pick up my permit and canoe the day before entry when possible or very early the morning I'm entering, so those kinds of arrangements are more convenient.

Hope this helps to clarify things a little for you.

Iowafishnguy,
Something that is obvious to us but not perhaps to you, if you rent a canoe from an outfitter and do not have a roof rack on your vehicle, the outfitter will give you styrofoam blocks and tie your rental down for you. Of course a sturdy roof rack is best. Outfitters do not charge permit pickup fees, it is part of their courtesy for doing business with them. Otherwise the advice Boonie gives is great and as complete as you will need on this subject!