Open forum for all to speak to their opinions and reasons.
Single portage and minimalist? Is there anything you wish you had with you?
Double portage, bring some comfort gear but somewhat weight/bulk conscious?
Triple portage, dang I am on vacation and I am going to bring everything I might need for a great trip.

Basecamp versus loop or out and back versus expedition, how does that change your packing view?

How does a year to year evaluation change what you bring? If you don't use it one year does it get left behind the next? Suppose you bring a bug shelter but don't need it. The next year, same time, the bugs are atrocious. If you don't have it...

After 50 years of trips our trips have evolved to mostly basecamp with some travel days. I pack differently these days and enjoy some of the comforts we bring that I would not have even considered years ago. What is your philosophy around trip packing in general? Respectful, informative and open minded responses only, that we might all gain a different perspective and learn something...be as general or specific as you want...thanks.

I'm a newbie to the BW and canoe camping in general, but I've been camping since I was old enough to walk in the woods. My general philosophy is "Better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it". Especially in somewhere like the BW where just running to the store to get something isn't an option. So that should tell you something about how much stuff I bring on camping trips, canoeing or otherwise. That said, I'm trying to rein in my natural inclination to overpack.

Last year was my first BW trip, and I grossly overpacked 2 things - food and fishing tackle. I cut my trip short by a day because of weather, but even if I'd stayed the 7 days I planned, I would have packed out a good 3 days worth of food. I truly don't know what I was thinking, packing so much. And I didn't use 3/4 of the fishing tackle I took. So those two areas are definitely gonna get trimmed on future trips, regardless of whether I'm base-camping or looping. Otherwise I used just about everything I took, apart from things like raingear which you always gotta pack regardless of whether you use it or not.

I can't see myself ever being one of those ultralight devotees who single portage. I like a certain level of physical comfort and mental security, and I don't think I could maintain that if I cut down my gear to that point. But I would like to achieve a moderate middle ground, so to speak.

In some ways I pack like I did 50 years ago and in other ways habits have changed primarily for two reasons: my age, and gear I have acquired. For 20+ years I went without a stove because I didn't own one. No stove also meant no fuel. I didn't own a water filter or a camp chair or a Thermarest or a tarp. Now I own those things and so I bring them.

I always brought binoculars and still do. Same with a hammock for lounging in (my first hammocks were made out of netting of some sort), and a poncho. A poncho is kind of like a one-man tarp!

I have never acquired a Duluth pack. I use very old army-surplus duffle bags with backpack straps. They work fine.

My fishing gear is pretty minimal. I seem to always bring too much food.

I’ve only about a dozen trips into the BWCA, but feel I’ve narrowed down the necessities…
Chair. Yep, I’d rather forget my hammock than my chair. I’ve a collapsible one, crowd funded, (whatever that means), and am extremely fond of it.
Hammock. Three years from the tent and hanging is all I’ll do, from here to eternity. I’m too old to be sleeping on the ground.
Gravity filtration. Peerless.
CCS tarp. Invaluable.
JetBoil. I mostly boil my meals. Kinda sucks, but that’s how it goes…
Dollar General Crocs. Purchased in Ely five years ago and still serviceable.
Cordage… lots of cordage.
Silky saw. It’s badass. I’ve a little hatchet too, but can get most stuff roughed with the saw.
Bushcraft knife. Gifted, and I always have it. Looks cool at gas stops enroute.
Fishing gear… who can say what’s what? This little bag changes on the annum and one is currently at the bottom of Stuart, watcha gonna do?
Portage? Double please…
Loop or base? Enjoy both, the requisite snivel gear is unchanged.
Cold Budweiser at the finish.

We try to pack light - minimal clothes, all dehydrated food is dialed in (only 1 extra meal in case we get stranded), basic fishing gear.
But we also bring chairs (bad knees), tarp, well stocked 1st aid kit (haven’t needed anything but Tylenol so far), a dog (she does carry some of her own food), and wine.
So now we double portage. We take 2 internal frame packs, a food barrel, a day pack, a small under seat pack for binocs & bug spray; and the dog pack.
Ahhh, we used to fit food and everything into 1 pack per person. Those were the days…

We tend to move at least half the days on our trips (which tend to be 8-10 days). So we are a bit weight and bulk conscious but definitely pack heavier than a backpacking trip. It's the joy of canoeing and not carrying everything all the time. As we've gotten older, that means double portaging but that's ok. I'd rather have all the clothes and comforts we want than worry about speed. Actually we have a very efficient 1.5 portage strategy. We do use lightweight gear so that the comforts don't weigh more than necessary. I take a very lightweight chair. My wife doesn't but that's because she's perfectly comfortable sitting on a log or the ground.

My philosophy is, hope for the best but plan for the worst. I want to be comfortable, organized and prepared.

I single portage but am not a minimalist. Even solo I take a tandem canoe, 2 person tent, large size sleeping pad, pillow, sleeping bag, saw, chair, camp shoes and screen shelter.

Items I take but may not use are, screen shelter, rain gear, bear spray, first aid kit, repair kit, saw, and warm clothing.

On my two trips last year I tried two different methods and I found that I'm definitively a 'tweener with room for improvement, as I do prefer lighter pack and the option to single-portage but also to be comfortable enough to actually sleep. I dont sleep well in my own home and its far worse in the wilderness. On the trip with my father, we way overpacked food and some non-essential items. Also some items that were essential, were just not ever designed to be "ultralight".

I went in October on a solo trip, an account of weather it ended up just being an overnight but even then I packed too light and was not comfortable at camp.

Between now and the first trip this year in May, I plan to make some revisions to my kit and try to get my pack weight down closer to 40lbs, which will require probably a new sleeping bag and some different cookware ideas. I plan on adding a small hatchet and a fishing net to the kit this time, which I did not bring last time, so that will add some weight. I also plan on checking out some thicker sleeping pads. Name of the game for solo trip in May is to cover ground and move as much as possible, so campsite comforts are less of a concern. If I was base-camping then I would bring more "luxury" items.

Regardless of trip itinerary, I have one thing going against me and that is my dog, who comes with me on every trip and pretty much everywhere I go, so for a 5 day trip lets say, I have probably 5-7lbs of his food with me and some dog-related essentials like his life-vest and a some assortment of treats. He keeps himself entertained all day long at camp running around and chasing squirrels so I don't bring any bones or toys. We're going to try doing half freeze dried and have dry food this year to see if I can cut that weight down. He's a German Shepherd though and he eats a lot. I can't count on catching fish enough for both of us so I have to bring food, and even a little extra in case we lose some or a bear finds it.

Getting close to 40lbs will be tough but if I can at least do 50lbs or less, I SHOULD be able to single portage with him tied to my waist. I pick up my new solo canoe this weekend. I think for anything more than 5 days single-portaging is out the window and I would have more than a single pack with me. Probably the pack and a rucksack of some sort.

AlexanderSupertramp: "

Between now and the first trip this year in May, I plan to make some revisions to my kit and try to get my pack weight down closer to 40lbs, which will require probably a new sleeping bag and some different cookware ideas. I plan on adding a small hatchet and a fishing net to the kit this time, which I did not bring last time, so that will add some weight. I also plan on checking out some thicker sleeping pads. Name of the game for solo trip in May is to cover ground and move as much as possible, so campsite comforts are less of a concern. If I was base-camping then I would bring more "luxury" items.


Getting close to 40lbs will be tough but if I can at least do 50lbs or less, I SHOULD be able to single portage with him tied to my waist. I pick up my new solo canoe this weekend. I think for anything more than 5 days single-portaging is out the window and I would have more than a single pack with me. Probably the pack and a rucksack of some sort.


"

Alexander, I am not clear about your pack weight goal as it relates to your ability to single portage. I single portage and total carry weight is more important than my pack weight. I separate my equipment into three areas, canoe 50lbs, backpack 35lbs and food pack 15lbs. My total carry weight at the start of a 6 day trip is about 100lbs. I carry items such as a large sleeping pad, pillow, sleeping bag, 2 person tent, chair, free standing screen shelter and saw. It seems to me that your goal to single portage with your dog is well within reach.

Maybe a topic on single portage techniques would be helpful?

John

I have long distance backpacked for years. Im sick of lightweight gear and trash food. I have moved onto good heavy food and regular weight gear for my canoe trips. I honestly have no urge to get back into backpacking since I have started canoe tripping.

Alexander, just a thought. Is a hatchet really necessary? We never bring one - a sturdy knife for batoning and a compact saw is usually plenty. That would eliminate some weight and a piece of equipment that is known to be responsible for plenty of injuries up there - especially if you are solo. You may be very proficient at it, still a risk. Plenty bring them, I am not trying to say it is wrong. Heavy, yes. Necessary - not IMO. Be safe and have a great trip.

We've always been lightweight, single-portage, and minimalist, partially because of our backpacking background and because my first BWCA/Q trip was done that way. That inaugural trip was done in 1978 through BSA's Charles L Sommers Canoe Base on Moose Lake. My wife and I came back in 1979 for a 10-day Quetico trip and were both hooked for life. Now in our seventies, we still single-portage, with last year's 10-day Quetico trip out of Beaverhouse covering ~110 miles. Through the years we've evolved from 70# aluminum canoes to a 40# Northstar. Our tents, sleeping bags, cooking gear, etc, have also seen weight reductions. If we feel the need for some new piece of gear, we'll add it, but we're just fine with our present setup.

TZ

I have an extensive spreadsheet that lists every camping/paddling item that I own that includes the weight, brand, model, etc. (even food items). Each item has an ID #. When planning a trip I add the items that I want to take to a trip planner that populates the name and the weight. I add the items that I NEED first then the items that I would LIKE to have. I adjust and make trade off's based on the the weight that I/we want to carry. My tripping partners and I go through the list and build it together. I save each trip planner then afterwards we go through the list to determine what was not needed so we have the info for the next trip. This system works because I outfit our group with all of the equipment. It also helps me determine what to sell, give-away, or donate.

I started out with much heavier gear. Cheaper usually meant heavier. Our groups have now all moved away from tents to hammocks. We bring chairs, but they are the Helinox style chairs, not bag chairs. Two of the camps still bring a lot of food and one to two two burner stoves per camp. In my camp I use all dehydrated food, and only cook dinners. Everyone is on their own for breakfast and lunch. I found after 15 years of cooking breakfasts I never got out of camp to go fishing until 9-10 am.

Clothing we have learned and cut way back on. Fish gear we try to limit the guys to one or two of those lure cases each and couple of poles.

We bring gravity filters for water.

In the past days I would cook big breakfasts and dinners, almost all fresh food, and use dutch ovens to bake things to go with it. Even reflector ovens to have muffins around the fire. Now I value time more then lots of great food. I would rather be fishing, exploring or just hanging around the fire. . . .not cooking, cleaing and doing dishes.

Alexander, I am not clear about your pack weight goal as it relates to your ability to single portage. I single portage and total carry weight is more important than my pack weight. I separate my equipment into three areas, canoe 50lbs, backpack 35lbs and food pack 15lbs. My total carry weight at the start of a 6 day trip is about 100lbs. I carry items such as a large sleeping pad, pillow, sleeping bag, 2 person tent, chair, free standing screen shelter and saw. It seems to me that your goal to single portage with your dog is well within reach.


Maybe a topic on single portage techniques would be helpful?


John
"

Yes, the ultimate goal is to single portage with the dog tethered and carry weight at 75-80lbs for ease of movement and needing to make quick reactions if I have to. I am thin framed and not a lot of upper body mass (thanks cycling!). I have legs of steel though. I trust the dog 100% to never go more than about 50' from me, but he is quite intimidating by appearance, and he is not dog friendly (loves people), so when we pass other canines on the portage, I generally set the canoe down and we get off the trail far enough that he doesn't have an issue. For that reason, he stay's tethered to my waist at all times until we get to camp or if we have an empty portage on both ends. I cant say the same for many folks up there though, who let their dogs run wild, makes my life really difficult when we come through. I digress...

More weight above my waist makes it harder to portage with him tied to me. That's really the whole dilemma.

So, with that said..

The canoe weight being a constant in my equation, the only variable I have control over is the pack weight, which will of course go down slightly as the trip progresses and I eat and the dog eats, that's why I have prioritized it as an area to shave weight. I am thin framed and not a ton of upper body mass (thanks cycling!!).

This past Fall I solo'd a Quetico 17 which I refinished with a thiccc coat of epoxy, so I estimate it at about 47lbs, my pack was probably a tad over 50lbs with the Ursack inside, and then I have probably another 5lbs of misc items that I loose carrierd, and it was not enjoyable to single portage that with the dog around the waist, so balancing it all is tough. With the new canoe being only 32lbs (minus maybe a pound), and pack weight under 50, that gets me pretty close to goal weight of 80lbs total carry.

Doable? yes... Some sacrifices to be made? Also yes.

I have found its almost easier just to double portage than dry to pack everything tight and lug it in one go. Less thinking about it. I also prefer to do 2 basecamps, get out to a site for a few days then move to another site for a few days then head out.

Like most, I've upgraded equipment over time. My first trip ever was with old Timberline tents and aluminum canoes. Today? I'd rather not take either.


That said, I'm not a super weight weenie like backpacking up Mt Everest or something. I still bring a camp chair, however it's small and light. I don't pack a hatchet or axe or anything like that. No heavy cooking pans. On a weight scale of 1 being the Mt Everest titanium lightweight and 10 being aluminum canoes and jeans and folding chairs.....I'm a 3 or 4.

Most trips are moving but also like to stay an extra night or two in a good spot. I like to single portage especially on mid to long portages. If it's a short one, maybe 50r or under, then double is fine.

lindylair: "Alexander, just a thought. Is a hatchet really necessary? We never bring one - a sturdy knife for batoning and a compact saw is usually plenty. That would eliminate some weight and a piece of equipment that is known to be responsible for plenty of injuries up there - especially if you are solo. You may be very proficient at it, still a risk. Plenty bring them, I am not trying to say it is wrong. Heavy, yes. Necessary - not IMO. Be safe and have a great trip. "

I've been back and fort on the Hatchet actually. I normally just bring a Silky Gomboy, which has served me well, but being able to chop larger wood down would be nice especially when it has been raining and I need to get to the dry stuff. A nice knife can probably achieve this as well and I am leaning that way to be honest. I dont love the idea of a clanky hatchet either.

Early 20's - early 30's - Young, strong and I didn't really care much about weight. At that point I was in great shape and carrying a 70lb pack or 70lb canoe was totally fine, once you got through that first portage or two and got comfortable.

Late 30's - late 40's - This is now for me, no longer participating in competitive athletics and consider myself out of shape. At this point, my goal is pack weight of under 40 and my canoe is also right around 40. Maybe not surprisingly, but today 40 feels heavier than 70 did in my 20's.

On a rather comical note - we once tried to implement "A total weight carried" plan to dividing up our group gear. So under this plan our largest trip member coming in at 270lbs would have been responsible for carrying the paddles, while our smallest at 150, was going to be loaded up like a pack mule. It was the 270lb guys idea over a few beers...I was on board at 210 - I would get one pack to carry. Obviously we were never serious about it but it was a pretty funny discussion with the group at the time.

We do hammocks as they are much lighter. We are pretty lightweight compared to most. Our main mission for 2023 is to single portage, so we have been going with lightweight gear. We travel every day. I have never done a basecamping trip, as I get too antsy just sitting at camp all day. Single portaging makes the experience so much nicer, in my opinion. You can travel more ground, take those longer portages, and camp set up is so much easier.
Just learning everything these past few years has made our trips more enjoyable. For instance, each of us had a 65L bag last trip; this trip, we are taking 2 smaller backpacks and 1 big portaging bag with our sleeping equipment and clothing. We have also added non-abbrasive tie downs to the list to secure our extra equipment. There are only 3 of us going instead of 4, but I think between the portaging bag and the tie downs for paddles/rods, we should be able to single portage every time. The people that are taking coolers, tables, and chairs are nuts, in my opinion. Enjoying the wilderness is supposed to be about the bare minimum, and all those creature comforts are really unnecessary when it comes down to it. The more material objects you take in, the less you take it all in. Just my 2 cents.

Deeznuts: "We do hammocks as they are much lighter. "

For an individual maybe. For a group probably not. A 4man Copper Spur weighs in under 6#. A solo copper spur comes in at under 2.5#.

My current BWCA buddy is my 13 yo daughter. This year will be our 4th trip with just the 2 of us. She is a pack mule, but she is also very petite. We double portage. She carries 2 large internal frame backpacking packs that have our clothes, personal items, water bottles and whatever else I can cram in them. She also carries the loose items like fishing poles and paddles.

I carry the food pack on one trip across the portage, and the canoe and a small canoe pack with overflow items.

Lately, we don't basecamp. We will move every 2-3 days to do some kind of loop. I hate setting up and taking down camp, so i don't want to move every day. But we also want to get deeper in and cover more water than only 1 camp.

Fishing is our biggest goal, so we always overpack fishing gear. I'm really working on reigning in the amount of tackle I bring. The biggest extra weight (other than too many jigs) is my fly fishing gear. I always bring it, but rarely use it.

Our camping gear also is not the lightest. We only do one of these trips per year, so I can't justify shelling out the dough for the ultra lightweight gear. With that said, each year, I do upgrade one or 2 pieces of gear. Best weight saver was dumping the old Coleman stove in favor of a ultralight rocket style stove. Also upgrading sleeping bags. I got a super-packable down one last year and it's such a space and weight saver.

We still do fresh steaks for the first night and eggs/bacon on days we aren't moving camp. Protein bars for mornings we move. Freeze dried dinners every night.

We don't bring a lot of luxury comfort items, but we do bring a hammock to hand out it. The carabiners and straps are the heaviest part.

In general, we do not spend a lot of time in camp unless the weather is bad. We are either out exploring or fishing.

My gang of travelers learned through the pandemic distancing protocols that we really enjoy group/solo expereinces. Group camp site, solo boats/tents/meal plans/fishing gear etc. Shared tarp, medical kit, saw and other large redundant equipment. Our trips are usually two weeks or longer. I always double portage and place great emphasis being prepared for the season of trip. Shoulder months require warmer clothing, an extra change of clothes in case of submersion and bulkier sleeping gear(20 degree bag/synmat 9 vs. synmat5/quilt/outdoor design sleeping sack). Both summer and spring/fall clothing lists are based on worst case scenarios...how many layers can I create from my kit? Thus I don't bring an extensive wardrobe in the summer. Also, during the cold water months I am cognizant of hippies and portage boots, compared to wool sox and tactical boots in the summer. Chairs are good, and upgraded mine recently to one with longer legs and a slightly higher back. My self made/dehydrated menu does not change and has been carefully planned over the years to include one set of extra "emergency" meals.

The biggest challenge for me is keeping a diligent handle on my fishing tackle. Less really is more. I find that I fish, and catch fish, with the handful of lures I feel are my luckiest. Yet the temptation is there to bring a variety of "others", just in case. Like the binoculars that I will no longer bring, the extra lures never seem to be used. My smart phone is loaded with good books and I bring a tech bag that includes a solar panel/batteries, cords and a luci light. Little Bug jr, jet boil and fuel for cooking. A saw depending on group dynamics and where we are going. A Garmin and small camera. And a repair kit that includes cord, adhesive, tape etc.

My kit changes marginally each year to include new gear (usually gifts).

Our middle son relies on a walker for ambulation, so to accommodate his needs to safely navigate portages we limit all but the most necessary items in our kit. Has never felt like a compromise to fully enjoy our BWCA trips. Less is definitely more!

We try and travel ultralight. Typically do the 1.5 portage method. We’re a basecamp group and bring in fresh food for 5-6 days. With this, fishing is our main attraction. We get to our destination lake, bunker down and fish until our hearts are full. Our packs are usually hovering around 45-60 lbs. I personally can’t imagine eating those sodium filled freeze dried meals past 2-3 days no matter how much someone travels.

To show how much things have changed, here is what we took on the camp trips I guided sixty years ago for a group of nine: a big canvas wall tent (when wet this weighed more than our 85 pound food packs), two A4 Duluth food packs lined with custom wax-proofed boxes, three Duluth packs for sleeping bags (the kids brought these and they could be huge Slumberjacks that were a battle to pack) and gear (each camper had a small canvas sack for clothes), reflector oven, griddle we had made from washing machine lids (they used to sell these at the old Ely Surplus), cook kit in a gunny sack, first aid kit, saw, axe, maps, flashlights, compass, and a folding shovel. We carried the first aid kit and other essentials in a .50 caliber surplus ammo box that would float if it ended up in the water. I supplemented this list with gear from REI which I joined in 1964 before anyone had heard of it and it was still a real coop. I still remember fondly a folding candle lantern they sold and a primitive stuff sack. I also picked up a down sleeping bag from Eddie Bauer I still use and a Puma knife.

I worked during the transition to the BWCA so in the beginning we even took cans. We also had eggs in egg containers and always had steak the first night out, steaks I remember picking out in the walk-in freezer at Zups. Every night we baked cakes and pies on the reflector, complete with frosting. Our canoes were Grummans. We started with the old models that still had flotation tanks which could take on water and be a bear to portage while the draining water made a nice trail. Later we moved on to the newer ones that had foam flotation in the bow and stern. It was forbidden to run these up on shore. It was the mark of a tourist to make any noise at all with an aluminum canoe. We had wet shoes and got out in the water.

We never double portaged. In fact it was considered a black mark if you did. On one trip I had two seven-year olds who carried a duffle pack on a pole between them. On portages there were trips when I carried the 85 pound food pack with a Grumman for an estimated weight of 170 pounds. Paddles were wedged under the thwarts.

When my wife and I first began tripping in the late sixties we added a Gerry tent we still have that beats anything made today especially after we modified the vestibule, a Svea stove that nests in a Gerry cook set we also still use, our pride and joy, a 1935 Old Town I worked with Joe Seliga restoring, and a Clement t-grip paddle that is still my go-to. We made tarps, rain gear, and stuff sacks from an outfit that sold them as kits. Our packs were Kelty frame packs from REI. We also picked up a lot of stuff from surplus stores like parachute cord and army folding shovels. There was one surplus place by the UofM that was great.

My concessions to aging have been pretty much limited to the boat. I went from a Grumman 17’ and a OT Tripper RX to a 52# Wenonah Escape, although when I go with my brother we always take his Escape in the light wt version (42#). Other than that, the gear is pretty much the same weight as when I started 50 years ago and there is more of it. And at age 75 I will not be investing in much replacement light wt gear.

Most of trips the last 4-5 years have been base camping with a couple moving days. I last took a move/travel everyday trip in 2019 in Canada. I hope to get a few more of those in before I age out.

Solo trips: I strive to single portage and I really enjoy keeping it extremely lightweight and minimalist. Kitchen gear - I use a homemade alcohol stove and only bring a pot, a spoon, and a soaking jar. Homemade freeze dried meals. I don't bring a chair or saw. I have a book, a deck of cards, and a camera for my entertainment. I really enjoy the freedom of having very little to pack each day. I travel everyday except one on my 7-8 day trips. I do loops, or at least close enough entry and exit points so I can walk back to my car. Bugs don't really bother me so the only changes to gear are seasonal.

Group trips: Anything over a week starts out with 1.5 portaging. We bring chairs and slightly more elaborate kitchen gear. My husband tends to pack heavy compared to me, mostly because he gets cold very easily. Still take homemade freeze-dried meals.
Never even considered a bug shelter. I have traveled in far northern Canada and nothing the BWCA has in terms of bugs can even come close to that. We do bring simple headnets. We always do a loop and move most everyday with the occasional layover day.

Lawnchair107: "We try and travel ultralight. Typically do the 1.5 portage method. We’re a basecamp group and bring in fresh food for 5-6 days. With this, fishing is our main attraction. We get to our destination lake, bunker down and fish until our hearts are full. Our packs are usually hovering around 45-60 lbs. I personally can’t imagine eating those sodium filled freeze dried meals past 2-3 days no matter how much someone travels."

I used to think that way (and say that) too several years ago. Then I tried some of the better lines of freeze dried foods. We now use Camp Chow and the groups we take up like it better then the "home cooked" stuff. For dinners we have an main entre like beef stragonoff, a side vegetable, fried bread and deserts. Best of all it all fits in a few BV500 Bear Vaults. Check out some of the new lines of freeze dried foods and you will be suprised how good they are.

Great topic. We’re over 50, 3 time trippers who are good to carry comfort items but also appreciate the wilderness experience and some “roughing it”. Basically, if we can fit it and will use or consume it, we bring it. We always pack out fuel, figure it’s better to have it and not need it. Have lost tackle/lures on each trip so don’t feel like we have brought too much. We bring the ribeyes from Zups for the first night as well as wine and bourbon to last the week. Food pack starts heavy, gets lighter throughout the week. My first trip 20+ years ago was very minimalist with no comforts(read:cigars, bourbon, etc after a hard day) and it just felt like work. Fortunate to have found a trip partner who enjoys the work/journey but also enjoys the comforts we can enjoy at the end of an adventurous day.

And we unapologetically double portage.

Good thread, Lindylair. I enjoy reading the posts.

I enjoy the variety of different types of trips. The planning takes more time which I enjoy a lot too. I frequently retreat to my cave to work on various planning and prepping activities and the variety of trips ensures there is always plenty to do to think through the logistics. This board really helps with learning various approaches to the projects I attempt as I prepare.

Last year I soloed twice - one loop (a week) and one basecamp (a week). Packed lighter on the loop trip, saw new country, and kept meals simple. On the solo base camp, I did a lot of reading, writing, napping, and fishing with a little bit of photography.

Last year I also went with family members on three different trips. Two were loop trips (12 days and a week-long outing) and one was a basecamp (a week). With my dad, we did more fishing and photography. With my older daughters, we picked berries, went for day hikes/paddles, and enjoyed good meals together. With my youngest daughters and my wife, we base camped and played lots of games, swam, fished, helped each other make great meals, and just generally hung out together.

We almost always double portage to keep loads lighter even though a lot of my gear is lightweight. I did try to single portage on a failed trip last September but a combination of too much weight and just getting over a bout with the 'rona contributed to a nasty fall about 4 miles into a trip. Too many ankle surgeries so I keep my loads under 50 pounds.

With the variety of trips we take, I also like switching up gear too. So, for example, I'll take an ursack one trip, a bear vault the next, and the blue barrel on another. I switch up tents, packs, stoves, cooking gear, fishing tackle, etc. Fun to collect the gear (which might be approaching obsession level!) and learn different ways of doing things.

My philosophy, I guess...when in the wilderness, enjoy it. Appreciate it. Respect it. When I'm not in the wilderness...do something every day to prepare for a future trip. :)

Interesting thread.

As you mentioned there are several variables to consider.

Early on I was on a budget and wanting to make miles so we were roughing it. Funny thing is we still double portaged with aluminum canoes and cheap heavy gear. Nowadays I prefer a basecamp or two and have invested into the gear so it is much more cushy. Kevlar canoes, a screen tarp, helinox chairs, party lights, camp tables, and poker chips (gasp!) make the cut. Not to mention depth finders, canoe seats, live bait and way more fishing tackle than you could ever use. With my current outfit I could get down to a single portage if we really wanted to move every day and cover some ground.

One thing that really helps is having a large group as the fixed weight community items really get spread thin. With 8 guys double portaging it is pretty tough to bring too much gear.

There is no right or wrong way to do it, the key is to align the way you pack with your trip goals. It’s all about maximizing your time out there.

Personally, I lean towards more of a minimalist. I’ve done a few month long canoe trips, so I have a pretty good feel of what is essential for me or extra stuff. With my kids with, I tend to pack a few more comforts than if it was without them. If it was just me and husband or me and my teenager, we could pack light and single portage. As a family we double portage mostly but hoping to streamline our packing for this upcoming summer to work towards single portaging. It’ll get more efficient as the younger two grow and become capable of carrying more.

I don’t like staying in the same place too long. I like to travel and see new sights. With the kids, we’ve stayed at a site max two nights in a row. Our big splurge this past year was the kids’ squishmallows that doubled as their pillows!

I have a detailed packing list that gets updated frequently with different packing categories: canoe stuff, shelter, kitchen/cooking/fire gear, food, personal gear, and first aid/repair items. Husband packs his fishing stuff. I usually bring my older camera and cheapie kit lenses.

For me, part of the appeal of BWCA is the simplicity. I don’t feel like I need much to be happy up there!

ockycamper: "

Lawnchair107: "We try and travel ultralight. Typically do the 1.5 portage method. We’re a basecamp group and bring in fresh food for 5-6 days. With this, fishing is our main attraction. We get to our destination lake, bunker down and fish until our hearts are full. Our packs are usually hovering around 45-60 lbs. I personally can’t imagine eating those sodium filled freeze dried meals past 2-3 days no matter how much someone travels."

I used to think that way (and say that) too several years ago. Then I tried some of the better lines of freeze dried foods. We now use Camp Chow and the groups we take up like it better then the "home cooked" stuff. For dinners we have an main entre like beef stragonoff, a side vegetable, fried bread and deserts. Best of all it all fits in a few BV500 Bear Vaults. Check out some of the new lines of freeze dried foods and you will be suprised how good they are."

I agree! I’ve tried some Peak Refuel meals and those are pretty tasty! My issue with them deals with with how terrible they are for you.

If we went lo sodium in our groups, the guys would just dump a bunch of Creole Seasoning and salt on it anyway!.

Lawnchair107: "

ockycamper: "

Lawnchair107: "We try and travel ultralight. Typically do the 1.5 portage method. We’re a basecamp group and bring in fresh food for 5-6 days. With this, fishing is our main attraction. We get to our destination lake, bunker down and fish until our hearts are full. Our packs are usually hovering around 45-60 lbs. I personally can’t imagine eating those sodium filled freeze dried meals past 2-3 days no matter how much someone travels."

I used to think that way (and say that) too several years ago. Then I tried some of the better lines of freeze dried foods. We now use Camp Chow and the groups we take up like it better then the "home cooked" stuff. For dinners we have an main entre like beef stragonoff, a side vegetable, fried bread and deserts. Best of all it all fits in a few BV500 Bear Vaults. Check out some of the new lines of freeze dried foods and you will be suprised how good they are."

I agree! I’ve tried some Peak Refuel meals and those are pretty tasty! My issue with them deals with with how terrible they are for you."

Equipment, food choice and tripping styles vary. Personal preferences are seldom right or wrong.

I prefer simple meals and simple food preparation. I am completely satisfied eating tuna out of a bag, dried fruit, nuts, packaged cheese, freeze dried meals and such as long as I have variety and quantity.

My choice for a solo canoe, in the BWCA is, as light as possible, or you can afford. Close to 16' long.
several of my strippers are around 15' 9".
I have made 6 composites, using my strippers as a mold. They generally are 10-15# lighter than my strippers.

ockycamper: "If we went lo sodium in our groups, the guys would just dump a bunch of Creole Seasoning and salt on it anyway!."

Maybe. Perfect example of how everyone hikes their own trip!

Very light & single portage, mostly.

For the group trip in the early season we add back in some luxuries...light weight chairs (helinox), fishing net, giant carbon steel pan & oil for fish fries, some booze, bacon & tortillas and a few extra nice-to-have items in the kitchen kit.

We generally give a person carrying a canoe a light pack - like just their personal clothes & sleeping pad/bag...maybe 20# or less. Then a person with no canoe gets a very large 60-70 lb pack with their gear, communal gear and food.

Solo I take even less & single portage.

Dog Cerberus has her own pack.

sns: "Very light & single portage, mostly.


For the group trip in the early season we add back in some luxuries...light weight chairs (helinox), fishing net, giant carbon steel pan & oil for fish fries, some booze, bacon & tortillas and a few extra nice-to-have items in the kitchen kit.


We generally give a person carrying a canoe a light pack - like just their personal clothes & sleeping pad/bag...maybe 20# or less. Then a person with no canoe gets a very large 60-70 lb pack with their gear, communal gear and food.


Solo I take even less & single portage.


Dog Cerberus has her own pack."

I can't imagine a 60-70 lb pack, or how you put such a huge pack in the canoe. Our groups (probably due to us all being 50-70) use a couple smaller packs each vs the large one. I doubt any of our packs weigh over 35 lbs loaded. Then we use BV500's. I divide them one barrell per person to carry through.

If I have the 20 something sherpas - then "Fits, it ships"! Otherwise, super light and compact!

From all my years camping in various ways, by foot, by pedaling a bike, by car, by sea kayak and now canoe, I’ve acquired plenty of lightweight gear. Never someone to count ounces, choosing a balance between comfort and weight, but somewhat light is nice. Although, I find my gear choices for canoe tripping pretty solid for my adventures, it’s always evolving or swapping out an older model for a newer or cleaner version. I don’t bring a lot of clothes, but will almost always pack merino base layer bottoms and a heavy top in case temps drop. I have a pretty extensive blood disorder, so quick clots, and first aid are always quick to access.

My tackle is in a small waterproof box with plenty of options, but dialed down for packability. I also have a short spin rod or collapsible kids rod I use. Lightweight folding Opinel fillet knife and have been looking at getting a handy pak net.

Other items that usually come. MSR Hubba Hubba (4#) or Snow Peak Vault tent (20#). Chair. Multi tool, not used every trip but when it has been.. thank god! Snow peak Gita torch. Silky saw. First aid. Canoe repaired kit. Whisperlite stove. Binoculars. Gravity filter. Purifying tabs just in case. AeroPress with extra coffee. A book. Some sort of game. Large tarp. Licorice/gummies. Homemade trail mix, granola bars. Mix between home made freeze dried meals, name brand freeze dried and grocery store items. I love food food and my wife really enjoys the freeze dried. And a good pillow, either foam filled or foam and air chamber.

We double portage, and my haul without the canoe is roughly ~50#, while the wife is close to ~25#. Then the canoe haul isn’t much with a couple small things.

When we return to the car, we always leave clean clothes, drinks, food and snacks.

14 pound base weight pack. That includes a chair.

Depends on the trip....I take 3 basic kinds. I do double portage.....at 63 (almost 64) I just can't carry the heavy loads I used to and I enjoy the unburdened walk back along the trail.

Solo, which is pretty light weight- freeze dried food and a few meals worth of pancakes for layover days, freeze dried espresso and cream. Only cooking gear is a folding frypan, bowl, the solo stove, a little fuel and a heypig stove in case of fire bans, a spork and a silicone long spoon, a folding spatula, a coffee mug. Tent, bag, a good pad, first aid kit, Helinox chair zero, a solar panel, SPOT, phone for pictures/GPS/offline mapping/bird ID, uber light weight binoculars. The dog and her gear. Spare paddle. Spare set of clothes/layers for cold or wet weather, rain gear. Sounds like a lot of stuff when it's all typed out!

Trips with my son also pretty light weight. Same stuff X2, but the addition of an aeropress and real coffee. I consider them in the same category as the solos.

Group trips- still moving most days, but a few more creature comforts in the food department, less freeze dried and more grocery store food- noodles, soups, biscuits, brownies, etc. The Jello Mold Oven comes along, and also plates in addition to the bowls. Sometimes the big camera and a book.

Geezer trips- I have a couple friends that like to go but aren't up to much anymore, so we carry more stuff and don't go far at all. Those are just kinda sitting around the fire type trips.

Good thread!

Great reading these posts, what a pleasant thing to enjoy on a winter afternoon.
The variables identified reminded me of the early days and the progression over time. Started young and dumb humping 100 -150 pounds over portages and most of the gear came from Salvation Army and Military surplus stores. Gear philosophy has been quality focused as the budget would allow and buy from the little guy. I've been at it 44 years and finances and light weight gear has made it possible to still go and maintain another guiding principle; bring no more than you need, everything you will need, and a little for comfort. Input from this forum has helped me find most of my current gear. Ted Bell built my canoe in his garage, Dan Cooke my packs in his basement (both I have visited). Hammock, tarp and quilts are all small business. The Helenox sunsetter and SeaLine dry packs and other gear are more trade name and have good reviews here.
Now at 76 with a body to show for how I have treated it I do more base camping with day trips. And I carry a Garmin these days.

I’m new to the BWCA and have only done one trip so there’s that. I live in Alaska near Denali NP and spend a lot of time traveling in wilderness both summer and winter. Packrafting is the thing here. Basically backpacking all your camping gear plus a high performance whitewater raft up into the mountains and then paddling out on whitewater streams. The good news is that the raft is super light (6-8 pounds) but the portages are long. Did a trip a few years ago with just one portage but it was 8320 rods. That’s kind of ridiculous but just making the point that I come from a background that prioritizes lightweight packing and efficiency combined with a need for safety due to remote travel.

Our first trip was a bit of an adjustment for sure and not surprisingly my wife and I opted to single portage. What was a surprise was how much I enjoyed the portages, honestly it was one of my favorite parts. We went with a large group of my wife’s family who had varied levels of experience. My wife and I had a nice little routine down where upon reaching a portage (we’re wet footers btw) we both hopped out in knee deep water I’d hold up a 70L dry back pack for her to put on her back and then help her put a smallish backpack on her front that weighed a combined 30-40lbs. She felt the double packs gave her better balance than one large pack and by using a smaller pack in front it didn’t hamper her view of the trail. She also carried the paddles. I then grabbed an 80L drybag backpack and flipped the canoe up on my shoulders. We’d hike the portage, I’d wade out to my knees, flip the canoe off and into the lake and set my pack in its usual spot. I’d then relieve my wife of her packs depositing them directly in the canoe and we were ready to paddle again. Then we’d go back and help our family portage their gear and canoes. It was nice to help out and another stroll back without gear was a chance to enjoy the trail again. (FWIW…In case anyone is wondering I’m 51 and my wife is 55).

I can’t say I feel like I’m making sacrifices with the gear I take. I’m comfortable, safe, entertained and happy. We operate by a few general philosophies. First, you can take less if what you take does its job well. Taking extras and “in-cases” eats up space like crazy. For example one well packed and lightweight high quality sleeping bag you trust prevents you from adding a liner bag or a second set of sleeping clothes. One good tarp that you know how to rig securely means there is no need to pack that last minute blue poly tarp. Second, efficient packing is equally important to what you take. Keep what you need on travel days readily accessible in your packs. Even more important is not having lots of loose items like water bottles etc to round up and keep track of at each portage. Third, experience and knowledge = comfort. Having the essentials and knowing how to use them will keep you safe and happy. You can spend more time enjoying yourself paddling, fishing, taking photos, reading, relaxing etc if you’re not digging through mounds of gear fretting about whether you have what you need and where the heck you last put it.

Lastly, make safety a conscious effort, an injury or getting lost can really lay waste to all your other good plans.

On our trip we moved every other day and our focus was on family time. If we had planned a base camp trip I can certainly see bringing extra stuff, what the heck it’s a party. If I was going to make fishing my priority I could also easily see myself bringing serious gear like live bait and a depth finder etc.

I guess to sum it up every trip is different depending on your goals, season, trip partners etc. If you have a good time, you don’t lose anyone and you left the wilderness as good or better than you found it, I don’t think there’s a wrong way to do a trip, it’s a matter of what suits your style.

The BWCA is a true gem, looking forward to another visit this summer.

PS For those interested in going lighter the Boundary Water Journal had a good article last year by Rob Kesselrig that did a nice job of describing how he travels light and comfortably.

First I’ll start by say we only take pack numbers equal to people going. We single portage every portage, except the really long ones . I have been doing a spreadsheet for years with all of the gear we bring, including what and how much clothes can be taken. Two packs are clothes, tents, bed rolls and such, one pack is gear and one is good for our four people.

Over the years, and due to older ages, we’ve started taking luxury things like helinox cots and REI camp chairs. To offset the weight, I’ve started really watching how much things weigh and how bulky they are. I recently bought down bags because of weight and the ability to pack small. I’ve changed skillets several times because I found a lighter one that works.

Our spreadsheet really helps everyone understand what is expected and what is happening day to day. I’ve said it before, our trips are a democracy, until the group makes a wrong decision and then it becomes a dictatorship

Deeznuts: " The people that are taking coolers, tables, and chairs are nuts, in my opinion. Enjoying the wilderness is supposed to be about the bare minimum"

Deeznuts, can I ask what rule book you found this in? Official USFS publication? BWCA Outfitter guidebooks?

Joking aside, we have never brought a cooler and agree that is unnecessary but for those that do, good on ya. For the first time this year my tripping buddy is bringing a small lightweight table, we will see how that goes. But chairs, well many of the folks on this forum bring lightweight chairs and we have been doing so for quite a few years. Many of us long term bwca.com members are getting up there and as you get older and continue to trip it is a small luxury to not sit your butt down on a rock, root or worse at the end of the day(or anytime). That one struck a bit of a chord.

I get the gist of what you are saying, there is a point where things you bring can start to detract from the experience but I don't think lightweight chairs are even close to qualifying. I would lean more towards electronics, tablets and cellphones that are used significantly up there as a distraction from the meaning of the trip. But even for those, to each his own if it works for them.

Just out of curiosity, how would you feel about a deck of cards and a small cribbage board?

If you really focus on packing lightweight, single portage, move every day and count the physical challenge and mild discomfort as part of the experience, good for you, I am glad it works for you. Luckily we can all do it the way we like and get the most enjoyment out of the trip as we can.

Deeznuts: "We do hammocks as they are much lighter. We are pretty lightweight compared to most. Our main mission for 2023 is to single portage, so we have been going with lightweight gear. We travel every day. I have never done a basecamping trip, as I get too antsy just sitting at camp all day. Single portaging makes the experience so much nicer, in my opinion. You can travel more ground, take those longer portages, and camp set up is so much easier.
Just learning everything these past few years has made our trips more enjoyable. For instance, each of us had a 65L bag last trip; this trip, we are taking 2 smaller backpacks and 1 big portaging bag with our sleeping equipment and clothing. We have also added non-abbrasive tie downs to the list to secure our extra equipment. There are only 3 of us going instead of 4, but I think between the portaging bag and the tie downs for paddles/rods, we should be able to single portage every time. The people that are taking coolers, tables, and chairs are nuts, in my opinion. Enjoying the wilderness is supposed to be about the bare minimum, and all those creature comforts are really unnecessary when it comes down to it. The more material objects you take in, the less you take it all in. Just my 2 cents. "

That's easy to say at 32. Wait until you turn 66 or 70. We don't take coolers. We use all freeze dried foods in BV500's. We do bring very small collapsible tables to put the stoves on to cook. We also bring helinox style chairs.

In our experience the biggest area of overpacking tends to be clothes, fishing gear, food, and "gadgets". After over 30 years as a trip leader we have lightened up the food, paired down the cooking gear and kithen gear to two small carry bags. Each guy brings his personal clothing and hammock and insulation in his pack, and one other day pack for travel (we are base campers).

We enjoy the wilderness. I have found that one simple rule takes care of those who bring way too much. Each person carries their own gear including water filtration, breakfasts and lunches, hammocks, etc. The only "group gear" is the two small bags that have the stoves, pots and pans, and utensils, and the BV 500's.

I'm late to this party but, in most cases, less is more. With exception of course to short travel distance base camping trips. In that case, bring the kitchen sink and several comfort items. I've done a trip like this were we traveled in about 4 miles with only one easy portage. We base camped for 4 days, packed up and left the same way we came in. Made for a really nice trip.

One item I like to bring on either style of trip is a frozen steak to cook the first night at camp. It's usually thawed by evening and makes for a great first meal to kick off the trip.

I'm an old guy and knees, ankles and just about everything else has worn out ( I still have great hair though) I double portage, first trip with dry pack and food pack with Ursack inside (doubles as ballast) with a total weight of 40 to 50#. Second trip with canoe, spare paddle, repair kit, fishing gear and thwart pack containing rain suit and bug suit, total 50#. The only way I would exceed the 50# limit is more food for a 14 day or longer trip.
I do take luxuries such as a camp chair, large tarp, three paperbacks, real coffee and mug, a drop of something to ward off the chill and a cook kit that allows for more versatility. I still do my own dhy meals but add some fresh foods.
My gear is "light weight" in the sense that is mostly 20 years old; for instance, my tent is 6# plus, a feather compared to the leaky, smelly, HEAVY canvas tents I started out with.
I'm slow and sometimes I huff and puff on the portages but that's ok., I get the job done and still enjoy it.

A couple specific things I didn't mention in my first post. One, like a lot of other people, I've found a lightweight chair invaluable on camping trips. I'm only 29, but I have chronic back pain, and sitting on hard/uncomfortable objects sucks a lot of enjoyment out of being in nature.

The other thing is a Sea to Summit kitchen sink. If you're not familiar with folding kitchen sinks, I highly recommend checking them out. They make doing dishes or washing your hands/face/hair so much easier in the backcountry.

Great thread. I’m 47 and new to backcountry canoeing (one short Quetico solo in Aug/Sep), but have been a backpacker going back to junior high school.

I definitely go lightweight for most of my gear and always shoot for a less than 40 lb pack (much less if it’s a short trip). I am fortunate at this point in my life to be able to afford the inherent extra cost to get the “ultralight” tent, sleeping bag, etc. However, canoeing definitely allows for one or two luxuries that I would never strap to my back for a mountain backpacking trip. Top of the luxury list is a good camp chair. So much better than sitting on a log or rock to eat dinner and watch the sunset (while enjoying a cocktail - my other weighty luxury).

This winter I’m going to start playing with dehydrating my own meals. I love the weight saving of going primarily dehydrated for meals, but after all these years, my enthusiasm for the available prepackaged dehydrated meals has significantly waned!

On my very limited portaging experience, I went double even though my gear was probably light and compact enough to try single. Doing double carry just seemed safer when navigating the rough terrain. I knew someone that suffered a tibial fracture in the backcountry, and after hearing his story I’ve grown pretty cautious about leg injuries in remote locations.

The other thing is a Sea to Summit kitchen sink. If you're not familiar with folding kitchen sinks, I highly recommend checking them out. They make doing dishes or washing your hands/face/hair so much easier in the backcountry. "

I have one of these, I do love it, though it can be a real PITA to get back into the bag.

I've lightened my gear quite a bit over the years. Last summer I went on a 24 day solo--I had to triple portage for the first 12-14 days, then it was down to double portaging. I feel as though I've got it pretty dialed in terms of weight/necessary gear. I'm no minimalist, but I think I pack pretty light. I would ideally like to take a tent and hammock, though. That's a luxury, but I enjoy having both options. Hammock tarp doubles as all purpose rain tarp.

I think on a long trip I'd actually ditch the helinox in favor of the old crazy creek. I don't like packing the helinoxchair up and it blows over in the wind. If I'm out for a long time and get trail-hardened, a crazy creek is plenty of comfort after awhile.

I cooked mostly on a twig stove, with an alcohol stove for back-up. Most mornings I used the alcohol stove to boil water for breakfast (oatmeal/coffee).

This will be my 40th year tripping in the park. I have found that I enjoy the travelling light and fast. I like to travel hard for a full day and Basecamp. Everything goes in one pack, rods lashed in the boat. I am walking down the portage in less than a minute. I hate clogging up portages.

I have found that bringing only what I need helps me keep a tidy camp. Modern life is filled with convenience and clutter. I feel at peace getting by with less and am very comfortable. My main gear selection is a good hammock. Great night sleep, comfortable for rainy days on shore and lightweight.

I pack like I am going to war.

I am dialing it back, getting some lighter gear, etc.

But comfort stuff like chairs and hammocks are must brings. I take 2 tarps..one to cover my wood, one to cover people. I take 2 stoves...dragonfly and soto windmaster...in case I have to cook meals under a tarp. I use a silky gomboy and esee 6 for processing wood.

I bought a klymit inflatable mattress that I will try this year. The rollup pads have gotten on my nerves...light but bulky.

I bought a set of frybake cookware to replace my stainless and carbon steel stuff. I will try that this year...so much lighter.

BUt overall, I pack enough to keep everyone from being miserable. I want them to come back.

As I am responsible for a lot of guys, I pack based on "what if" principle.

I bring a full med/trauma kit with me. It is based on the Wilderness First Aid training I went through a couple of years ago.

I bring a PLB type device. Presently that is a sat phone with PLB push button emergency rescue feature.

I bring water filtration. . .Platypus gravity filter

As others have mentioned, I bring a group tarp and a small tarp for firewood.

I have a fire starter kit that includes several ways to start fires including some Orion Fire Pit Pro sticks that will start even wet wood.

That's the "fixed" gear. I have paired down my cooking/kitchen gear to to very small carry bags, and bring BV500's with dehydrated meals. I am a hammock camper and have lightened it up by ditching the insulated pad for a down underquilt and down top quilt, both with compression sacks.

A Helinox camp chair, and small Helinox table to work off of for cooking.

Most bring way too many clothes. I have cut those back as well to a set of merino wool base layers, light weight pant, insulated pant, fleece jacket and Goretex Rain gear.