Hi - its me again! I'm just 7 weeks away from my first trip and I can hardly contain my excitement any longer!!!!! We will be going into Mudro->Fourtown->Boot -> Fairy -> Gun (maybe up to beartrap) MooseCamp and back through fourtown.

So... my husband had purchased the Merrell Vibrams and I have the Keens Targhee... my question is this - obviously since we have a kevlar canoe - we are "supposed to" get out of the canoe in approximately knee deep water or so - so that we don't scratch our canoe.

Are these shoes fine for getting completely wet and then hiking in all day and hanging out in the campsite all night - or would you guys suggest the:

Keen Arroyo for my husband
Keen Rose for myself
____ suggestion for our 7 year old daghter
* or just use old running shoes for canoe/portages

And then use our Merrell & Targhee's in camp?

ALSO - we were told NOT to hike/get in the water with [wool] sox - but does it make sense to hike with them to prevent blisters?

I know this post has a lot going on - so I appreciate your contributions always. You guys all rock!

I wear old running shoes and merino wool socks. I step out of the canoe into the water and unload the canoe. I then portage the canoe, return for another load and get back on my way. Three times across the portage with wet wool socks and never so much as a hot spot let alone a blister.

Definitely keep a dry set of footwear for camp though.

I use Keen H2 newport sandals with smartwool socks. Your feet will be wet but they will not be cold. When you get to camp take off the socks and your feet will dry out quickly.

Parts of the route you are taking like the portage between Fairy and Boot and Fourtown can be small streams and muddy with rain. The Keen sandals have never failed me.

quote Unas10: "I wear old running shoes and merino wool socks. I step out of the canoe into the water and unload the canoe. I then portage the canoe, return for another load and get back on my way. Three times across the portage with wet wool socks and never so much as a hot spot let alone a blister.

Definitely keep a dry set of footwear for camp though."

I like this idea for this year! The idea of spending ANOTHER $200+ on footwear is a little wild. Maybe in a year or two we can purchase another set....

And then use our new hiking shoes/boots for camp. ;-) Planning on bringing like 15 pairs of sox! HA!

quote gsfisher13: "I use Keen H2 newport sandals with smartwool socks. Your feet will be wet but they will not be cold. When you get to camp take off the socks and your feet will dry out quickly.


Parts of the route you are taking like the portage between Fairy and Boot and Fourtown can be small streams and muddy with rain. The Keen sandals have never failed me."

My husband and I have used Keen Newport H20 sandals with Smartwool socks for many years. They work so well that we dont even bring other shoes with. They dry out quickly and they are supportive on the portages. Great toe protection too!

Last year we wet footed it and in my case my socks were Wigwam brand wool. This year I am trying out Frog Legs made by Frog Togs. They are vinyl overshoes that go just blew the knee and should keep my boots dry. They are heavy to carry but not too bad to wear.

I need the ankle support from my hiking boots so tennis shoes aren't an option for me.

I've used wool socks and synthetic socks when wet footing it and noticed no difference other than the synthetics dry out quicker than the wool. I've had no blisters wearing either type.

"Keen Arroyo for my husband"

those look really nice. like the closed heel. considering them for a nice camp shoe. I travel in chota trekkers and that wont change.

so, my sleeping bag and my sandals could share the same name. ;-)

I have the Salomon techamphibians and I love them. I've had them 2 years now and I don't have a single complaint. They not too expensive either. I remember paying around $80 for them but it looks like now you can find them for about $50-$60.

I'll wear them in the canoe, portaging, and in camp. They're made to be in the water and then dry out very quickly, and the fine mesh is great for keeping out rocks and mud. The sole is pretty good as well when it comes to managing rough terrain on portages. If I needed shoes now I'd buy these again in a heartbeat.

Salomon TechAmphibian 3

In cold temps I absolutely love my Bog's Classic High Boot

I change to my Vibram KSOs in camp or for warm weather.

After reading everyone's input so far, I may convert to Keen/Teva because Vibrams only last me about a year (I use them as a running shoe though and I weigh 250 lbs).

For shoe/boots while wet footing it, I use the OTB Abyss 6 inch boots. They drain the water out fast and a very comfortable to wear, although I did switch out the insoles with a pair of Green Superfeet insoles. Otherwise the boots dry quickly after getting to camp and taking them off and taking the insoles out. They were dry each morning I went to put them back on.

quote MNLindsey80: "Planning on bringing like 15 pairs of sox! HA!"

If you're wearing wool, then I'd recommend 3 pairs of socks per person. Maybe 4 max.

1 pair that is your 'wet' socks and are for when you're traveling or otherwise in the boat.
1 pair that is your in-camp socks that you don't wear on the water.
1 pair that is a backup pair or for sleeping & never leaves the tent.

I've also done 2 pair of wet socks alternating them by day where the goal is to dry them during their 'off' day.

quote mirth: "

quote MNLindsey80: "Planning on bringing like 15 pairs of sox! HA!"

If you're wearing wool, then I'd recommend 3 pairs of socks per person. Maybe 4 max.


1 pair that is your 'wet' socks and are for when you're traveling or otherwise in the boat.
1 pair that is your in-camp socks that you don't wear on the water.
1 pair that is a backup pair or for sleeping & never leaves the tent.


I've also done 2 pair of wet socks alternating them by day where the goal is to dry them during their 'off' day."

Agree on the number of socks, I've never had need for more than three pairs, and it keeps weight down.

quote OldFingers57: "For shoe/boots while wet footing it, I use the OTB Abyss 6 inch boots. They drain the water out fast and a very comfortable to wear, although I did switch out the insoles with a pair of Green Superfeet insoles. Otherwise the boots dry quickly after getting to camp and taking them off and taking the insoles out. They were dry each morning I went to put them back on. "

Amazing shoe for this type of activity. I love my Abyss. And yes, bring a pair of super light crocs for lounging around camp. Your paddling shoes wont be dry at night, and you will not want cold wet feet. Toss them next to the fire each night to dry them out for the next days paddle.

quote Cooleko: "In cold temps I absolutely love my Bog's Classic High Boot


+1-- I like full coverage to near the knee in the cold water come fishing opener. Plus-- the ankle support is near that of a quality hiking boot. I do prefer Muck brand. I get about 10 years or 30 trips out of them.

Cabelas wood socks- $20 for 4, at least that's what I paid.

I'm wading in wool socks often for sailing. I can wear them all day and still be warm in the evening while still wet.

I would just get some cheaper shoes to have dry and wear in camp. We use Sanuk's because they are light and pack well. But a pair of old sneakers will do it. Or trip in the old sneakers and wear the other ones in camp.

When you were told NOT to wear wool socks, they probably meant DON'T wear cotton, DO wear wool.

After using tall rubber boots for years, my first venture into wet footing was in Keen sandals. Although many people swear by them, it wasn't a total success for me. Besides blisters, the big problem I had with them was the mud and debris that got in, especially wading through knee-deep mud. It would get packed under my arch and was uncomfortable. The mud also nearly sucked one off.

I like the Keens otherwise, but prefer a little more security and protection on the water and portages.

Last year I wore a pair of the OTB boots and was happier with them.

Both had good grip on wet, slippery rocks. If you decide to wear old running shoes on the water and portages, I'd watch for that.

Smartwool socks inside my portaging shoes. They are soaking wet from the first water of the day to the last, but always comfortable. Summer season, of course.

Would you consider mid-August in the Quetico to be "summer season" for portaging shoes?

We'll be there at that time this year. Been over 25 years since I was in the Quetico in August, and I remember it was jacket weather. Am thinking about using portaging shoes for the 1st time and getting cold feet is my concern.

quote knapp9: "Would you consider mid-August in the Quetico to be "summer season" for portaging shoes?"

Yes.

quote knapp9: "Would you consider mid-August in the Quetico to be "summer season" for portaging shoes?


We'll be there at that time this year. Been over 25 years since I was in the Quetico in August, and I remember it was jacket weather. Am thinking about using portaging shoes for the 1st time and getting cold feet is my concern. "

I wet foot in Sept. usually and even in 30-40 degree air temps my feet stay warm. Just invest in the best wool socks you can. Get to camp and changing into dry socks and shoes is heaven on earth.

quote WhiteWolf: "

quote Cooleko: "In cold temps I absolutely love my Bog's Classic High Boot



+1-- I like full coverage to near the knee in the cold water come fishing opener. Plus-- the ankle support is near that of a quality hiking boot. I do prefer Muck brand. I get about 10 years or 30 trips out of them. "

We like this idea a lot! We have similar boots that come up to the knee though I don't know the brand - and then we will take the time to switch into our hiking boots for portaging.

Does anyone know what the landings are like for that first portage out of Mudro towards fourtown? I know the actual portage is rocky as heck - but was wondering about the landing for the portage if maybe we can (GASP) do a dry landing?

sounds like you're going at the end of may. water will be cold but the air could be warm or cold. we always go end of may and wear wool socks in salomon techamphibians - wet footing the kevlar canoe. in camp - dry wool socks in crocs or an old pair of converse all-stars.

quote MNLindsey80: "

quote WhiteWolf: "

quote Cooleko: "In cold temps I absolutely love my Bog's Classic High Boot



+1-- I like full coverage to near the knee in the cold water come fishing opener. Plus-- the ankle support is near that of a quality hiking boot. I do prefer Muck brand. I get about 10 years or 30 trips out of them. "

We like this idea a lot! We have similar boots that come up to the knee though I don't know the brand - and then we will take the time to switch into our hiking boots for portaging.


Does anyone know what the landings are like for that first portage out of Mudro towards fourtown? I know the actual portage is rocky as heck - but was wondering about the landing for the portage if maybe we can (GASP) do a dry landing? "

If I remember the one you are talking about correctly, it is shallow and rocky. The rocks are very slippery - be careful or you'll end up sitting in 2" deep water wearing a canoe hat ;). Maybe even with a busted knuckle that will never be that will ever after be larger. I know this to be a distinct possibility.

I wouldn't bother trying to change into other boots; in fact I wouldn't take other boots - just the pair I wear and camp shoes. The first and third portages from Mudro to Fourtown are so short that you'd spend way more time changing boots than it will take to walk them. And both are a short paddle to and from the longer middle one.

Does anyone know what the landings are like for that first portage out of Mudro towards fourtown? I know the actual portage is rocky as heck - but was wondering about the landing for the portage if maybe we can (GASP) do a dry landing? "

I wouldn't plan on it. Last year the first portage was completely flooded, it was basically like walking down a river. The landings aren't good, even if they're not flooded, especially the portage into Fourtown, it's on a steep embankment and could slippery if wet so be careful. I'd count on zero dry landings, if the elements cooperate it will end up being a nice surprise.

I'd also recommend wearing the same shoes the whole time paddling and portaging.

quote BigCurrent: "

Does anyone know what the landings are like for that first portage out of Mudro towards fourtown? I know the actual portage is rocky as heck - but was wondering about the landing for the portage if maybe we can (GASP) do a dry landing? "

I wouldn't plan on it. Last year the first portage was completely flooded, it was basically like walking down a river. The landings aren't good, even if they're not flooded, especially the portage into Fourtown, it's on a steep embankment and could slippery if wet so be careful. I'd count on zero dry landings, if the elements cooperate it will end up being a nice surprise.


I'd also recommend wearing the same shoes the whole time paddling and portaging. "

what he said...the landings here are rocky. can be slippery and steep. but just wear a good pair of water shoes and wool socks while canoeing, and have dry, wool socks and camp shoes.

quote MNLindsey80: "Hi - its me again! I'm just 7 weeks away from my first trip and I can hardly contain my excitement any longer!!!!! "

Have a great trip and don't worry so much. Sounds like you have done your homework and I'm sure you are ready. Your excitement gets me excited. :)

quote Cooleko: "In cold temps I absolutely love my Bog's Classic High Boot


I change to my Vibram KSOs in camp or for warm weather.


After reading everyone's input so far, I may convert to Keen/Teva because Vibrams only last me about a year (I use them as a running shoe though and I weigh 250 lbs)."

Just got some Bog's tonight at REI with some of my dividend money for just $45! They are so warm and so comfortable!!!! Going to use these + wool sox in the Canoe and on portages, and then use my Keen Targhee's in camp.

I think these will be perfect since we will be mostly going to the BWCA in May and October!

Thanks so much Cooleko for the tip! I'm in love!

Muck Wetland Boots......best for mid-May water temps. Feet stay warm & dry, always. Comfy to walk in, even on long portages.

About 16 inch lacrosse rubber boots with good insole,about $30.00. MY feet stay usually nice and dry.

quote Pinetree: "About 16 inch lacrosse rubber boots with good insole,about $30.00. MY feet stay usually nice and dry."

Where do you find Lacrosse boots for $30? Everything I see on their website is north of $90. If I could do comfortable dry feet for that price I would replace the old running shoes.

We will be up in that area on may 15. I use mountrek shoes and wool socks, I always wet foot in one pair, switch to a dry pair in camp, and swap back and forth between my dry and "wet" socks. They dry out over night for the most part. I also have a pair of camp shoes

Just to chum the waters....

US Army is coming out with a new Jungle Boot.

www.defense.gov/News/Article/Article/1102480/new-army-jungle-wear-gives-trench-foot-the-boot

Muckboot Wetlands

and

Keen Newport H2O's with NRS neoprene socks