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tonedeaf44
  
03/08/2018 12:17PM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
I am a BWCA lover that has 4 trips planned for this summer which will get me to a total of 11 times into the BWCA. I usually camp and fish in the middle to late summer however this year a good friend of mine and I are planning on going the 3rd weekend in May. I am real excited but am looking for any advice on early camp trips outside the obvious (such as bring warmer clothes). What type of footwear does everyone use? Since the water is going to be real cold, I'm planning on not wearing the usual chacos and planning on not getting my feet wet. Are calf high rain boots a dumb move?
 
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03/08/2018 01:15PM  
Many people wear their Muck boots in shoulder season
03/08/2018 01:34PM  
Are calf high rain boots a dumb move?"


Not at all. We wear them while we travel. sure is nice to not worry about mud holes and wet spots on portages. Also makes loading/unloading canoe at landings easter
tonedeaf44
  
03/08/2018 01:42PM  
Thanks guys!

Anything else you definitely wouldn't forget for a shoulder season trip?
03/08/2018 03:02PM  
Extra DRY packed socks. I wet foot it with thick wool socks and at camp change into dry NRS Boundary Shoes or Chota MukLuk Lites or moccasins. Always around 3rd week too.
Also don't forget that fresh food usually keeps better than mid-summer if you wish to do so. Of course; THIN LAYERS of clothes as temps,wind, and thunderstorms,and snow can VARY a lot in the same week. Hang clothes/socks etc. at EVERY opportunity to catch drying times. This time of year can very possibly add an extra layover/ weather day compared to midsummer as far as trip agenda.
manmountain8
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03/08/2018 08:52PM  
I'm going out May 11th. I'm going to wear my lightweight chest waders which have plenty of room for warm clothes underneath and allow me to wear real hiking/wader boots rather than clunky rubber. I'm gonna invest in a top dollar cold weather rain suit too. Also bringing fingerless neoprene gloves for fishing and the same hand warmer packs I use for Ice fishing. This might be obvious but a portable propane heater is coming along too.
thlipsis29
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03/09/2018 06:03AM  
Can't go wrong with Muck Boots. I own the Woody Max and done 12 or 13 trips in mid to late May. My feet have always stayed warm and dry, and they are as comfortable as my running shoes on a portage. The only drawback is they can be pricey. On the plus side, they're nearly indestructible. I got 14 seasons out of my first pair. Finally had to buy a new pair this past winter. The quality of their product has earned a loyal customer.
03/09/2018 07:13AM  
If you are base camping a good tarp and wood processing tools(axe and saw). Warming drinks and dishes such as soups, cocoa or coffee.
 
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