I'm making my first trip in June, 6 days, EP 16 up to LLC and back down thru Ge-be. Obviously there's a thousand variables involved, but how much distance can a guy expect to cover in a day? Just beginning to plan my route and scout best campsites in each area based on where I'll be every day. As of now, I'm thinking first day will start ASAP, and cover as much ground as possible. From there, thinking of 2 days as layovers, and the rest travel. It's a vague question, but any input is appreciated. Thanks

I double portage and without killing myself, 10 or 11 miles is my average.

OK, here's a vague answer to your vague question ;).

As a rough guesstimate I use 2 miles per hour as an average travel speed (let's say 1.5 mph portage, 2.5 mph paddle).

The first variable is me and you - some people travel faster, some slower.

Portaging is generally a little slower than paddling with the loading, unloading, etc., and it's also more variable. I double portage, so I also walk each portage 3X and that extra 2X across the portage goes in the calculation, i.e. the distance of a 160-rod (1/2 mile) portage is 1 1/2 miles total. I have tried to become more efficient at portage landings and have nothing else to pack up or strap in when I get there. I get out, put the second load off to the side, put the yoke on, pack on, and go. On the trip back, I'll maybe take a few pictures, eat lunch/snack (I don't stop for lunch). I usually drink some water on the third trip and put the canoe in the water, load up, and go. YMMV.

When paddling, I'll occasionally take a picture, wander over to look at something, but mostly I'm just paddling along. I don't fish, but if you fish while you travel, it'll add an unknown and variable amount of time.

Beyond that is the question of how many hours per day you want to travel (and are capable of doing). I usually figure on traveling 5 hours, give or take an hour, so 8-12 miles.

Other variables - weather (wind/lightning), navigating, looking for portages, finding an open campsite after you get there.

To sum it up for you, start with 2 mph average, adjust for anything that you'll do differently - single portage, triple portage, stop for lunch, fish, stop to get you water filter out of the pack and filter another liter of water, change shoes to portage, whatever. Planning to only travel 5 hours (4-6) gives me a little "wiggle room" for things I want or need to do.

Just know where your 2-mile intervals are and keep a general track of your time. If you double portage, you'll start your trip with an easy 160-rod portage, or 1 1/2 miles of walking, so an hour after you leave the parking lot you should be 1/2 mile up the river, another hour an d you should be another 2 miles; if so, all good, if not adjust your thinking.

I hope that gives you some kind of starting point and helps you think about the process. Have fun!

Plan on 3 miles per hour as a general rule. That includes walking the portages. In my 30s I did 20 mile days. Now in my late 50s I do 10-12 mile days

We figure 10. Some days are much better and some worse. Weather ,mood, and group input on any given day can change, but 10 should be easy enough when double portaging and not loafing or fishing much. Wind direction on big lakes and such can take a mile or three off a day's travel distance, some routes more than others.

The last two paragraphs in boonie's post is an excellent gauge and valuable advice to adjust with. Every planner and trip member should read that!

Boonie has it covered pretty well, so I don't have much to add.

We usually single portage, so most of our "travel" days are 20-30 miles. That's two people, in fairly good shape, paddling a MNII and getting out of camp at a decent time in the a.m. Your mileage may vary, literally. :)

My son and I, 26 and 66, average 10-12 miles a day, which includes lay over days. So in 12 days with 2 or 3 layovers, 125 miles. Did a trip a few years ago with a fellow my age and was close to 15 miles a day. OK, glad i did it, but probably not again.

when I was outfitting and routing parties for their trips, I used the 3 mph travel time while canoeing and figured about 30 minutes for portages 100 rods or under and an hour for portages over 100 rods. Gives you some rough figures to go by based on how long you want to travel each day.

Single portaging with a group...I usually see 15+ pretty easy with getting into camp late afternoon/early evening....if pushing or long days can easily get up to 20-30, upper end if doing both. I'd cut it about in half is soloing probably.

Echoing the comments in Boonies last paragraphs. And yes there are lots of variables with physical condition and weather obvious. As I got older I could not go as far or as fast so adjusted my attitude. I now take time to enjoy the views on portages and from the lakes and am known to stop and just float along taking it all in. That cuts distance/time all to pieces.
So get to know a little about how you travel in the variables using Boonies model of tracking distance/time in 2 mile intervals. Your plan to have lots of time will give you flexibility to base more or less. Lots of nice places in that area. Enjoy.

walllee: "I double portage and without killing myself, 10 or 11 miles is my average. "

+1

10 miles a day, up to 20 miles if you're humping it. That is double portaging.
I've never single portaged so can't comment on that.
The more portages the more it will slow you down.
With no wind and decent paddlers you should be able to paddle 3 mph all day.

Between reading trip reports and our own trip through EP 16, if you're on Agnes by lunch you're doing fine. Some push to the first few sites and bays of LLC but that's a pretty good haul and potentially single portaging. And if it's late, those sites on LLC can be taken.

Since we don't know your experience level or if you are single or double portaging (HUGE difference) it's hard to know for sure. But I agree it will probably fall in the 10-15 mile range if you are somewhat canoe experienced, double portage and don't fool around too much. It could, however, easily be 6-8 miles per day if you are inexperienced, out of shape, triple portaging, or stopping to fish or take photos a lot. Just don't plan on traveling late as campsites start filling up by late afternoon. With the long days (you can see to paddle well after 9) it can be tempting. My advice is to get to Agnes early and camp as it is very popular and can fill up. If you try to get to LLC it is a lot further with no sites and the first sites on LLC are very popular. It could be a loong day. It's just better safe than sorry for a first trip. We usually do 10-12 on travel days double portaging and not pushing or piddling. Have a great and safe trip!