First, thanks in advance to everyone who has asked and answered posts on here before. I've read a lot and learned a fair amount, but please have some patience with me as I have no doubt some of my questions will probably have been asked before.

With that said, here is who we are and what we're planning: Two adults with significant backcountry backpacking experience including multiple week backcountry trips in the Rockies, significant time backpacking in and around Great Smoky Mountains NP, and some whitewater and flat water kayaking experience. Three kids (13, 11 and 10), two of whom have also spent (for their age) a significant amount of time backcountry, mostly centered around the southern Appalachian mountains and are comfortable backpacking loads up to 20% of body weight for 8-10 miles a day. The third has spent time camping, but it has been mostly hub and spoke camping, with limited time actually having to pack the trips worth of gear on her back, but a fair amount of hiking still involved. You may have noticed a distinct lack of canoe time, or BWCA experience in there, thus the reason for the long post and list of questions.

OK, the plan based on a recommendation from an outfitter; 6 nights, starting at EP 23 then up through Tin Can, Horse, Crooked lakes, through Friday Bay and down towards Gun, Fairy, Boot and Fourtown lakes and eventual exit back through Mudro at EP23. So, here come the questions.

1) Are we fools? Yes this is a big bite for a first trip to a wilderness area, but as Alabamians I kind of expect this may be a one time trip, and we want to experience as much as possible in this outing. Feel free to tell me I'm an idiot (the girlfriend will feel vindicated).

2) The kids are excited about the "need" to catch fish to ensure we have dinner, are we way off base about the fishing potential on this route? And no, its not a true need, there will be enough food packed for all meals, but the kids may not have the full story.

3)The portage from Fourtown to Mudro, is it really that bad compared to actual mountain hiking? Granted, none of us has ever gone hiking with a canoe on our packs, but just trying to get an idea of just how treacherous it is.

4) Portage bags vs our very nice, super lightweight backpacks? They seem poorly designed for actual hiking, but maybe I'm missing something in their usefulness in the boat? But I guess what I'm asking is there really a need for portage bags given the packs we already own?

5) Full outfitting vs food and canoe vs canoe renal only? We have a lot of backcountry equipment, and have arranged menus for extended stays. Can anyone think of a reason we're missing to use an outfitter for more than just the canoe and paddles?

Thanks in advance and really looking forward to this summers northern adventure!

OldHiker,

First of all, my experience with trips to the BWCAW is limited (only one trip - so far). So keep that in mind as you read this reply. With each trip comes a mountain load of experience and for the one trip I've had, that thought certainly holds true. Of all the lessons I learned during the course of that trip, for me, two are among the most important. One has to do with the choice of outfitting services and the other has to do with how I will plan to cook on future trips.

Like you, we (3 adults and a 5-year old child) have a significant amount of our own gear and so had to decide to what extent we wanted to pay for outfitting services. In the end, we chose a package that provided us with canoes (a single and triple) and food/cooking/eating utensils. In looking back at our trip, I think we made a mistake in having the outfitter provide anything but the canoes. I say so not because the outfitter did poorly, but because they did so well. In my opinion, outfitters try to separate themselves from the competition by trying to offer food packages that surpass what might be provided elsewhere by other companies. Because of this, the food packs can become quite unwieldy. For the four of us, we had two Duluth packs filled with food and cooking/eating utensils. Hanging those packs after every meal became a significant chore due to their weight. This chore was made more difficult depending on the availability of trees that are of sufficient height/strength. The more popular campsites tend to have less of those trees available, or trees with stout enough branches that are low enough to the ground (within 20') to hang the pack. In the future, I'll chose the canoe only package and bring my own food that requires only hot water to rehydrate it. Each adult will also be responsible for his/her own food pack and cooking/eating utensils as well as the means necessary for bear proofing.

Lastly, while not stated in your list of questions, don't assume that you'll be able find firewood for cooking. We made that mistake and when, from the first day on, the weather turned into non-stop rain, we had only a limited amount of propane for heating water and cooking since finding firewood dry enough to burn was out of the question (there's also the question of availability when camped on more popular sites). Needless to say, we ran out of propane well before the end of the trip. This fact, and the fact that one of the three adults failed to protect from moisture, medication he's required to take daily, ended our trip prematurely when that same adult swamped the single canoe he was paddling. So, don't underestimate the fact that you're in the wilderness and decisions on what might seem as small details can become major issues when things turn south.

OldHiker,

First of all, my experience with trips to the BWCAW is limited (only one trip - so far). So keep that in mind as you read this reply. With each trip comes a mountain load of experience and for the one trip I've had, that thought certainly holds true. Of all the lessons I learned during the course of that trip, for me, two are among the most important. One has to do with the choice of outfitting services and the other has to do with how I will plan to cook on future trips.

Like you, we (3 adults and a 5-year old child) have a significant amount of our own gear and so had to decide to what extent we wanted to pay for outfitting services. In the end, we chose a package that provided us with canoes (a single and triple) and food/cooking/eating utensils. In looking back at our trip, I think we made a mistake in having the outfitter provide anything but the canoes. I say so not because the outfitter did poorly, but because they did so well. In my opinion, outfitters try to separate themselves from the competition by trying to offer food packages that surpass what might be provided elsewhere by other companies. Because of this, the food packs can become quite unwieldy. For the four of us, we had two Duluth packs filled with food and cooking/eating utensils. Hanging those packs after every meal became a significant chore due to their weight. This chore was made more difficult depending on the availability of trees that are of sufficient height/strength. The more popular campsites tend to have less of those trees available, or trees with stout enough branches that are low enough to the ground (within 20') to hang the pack. In the future, I'll chose the canoe only package and bring my own food that requires only hot water to rehydrate it. Each adult will also be responsible for his/her own food pack and cooking/eating utensils as well as the means necessary for bear proofing.

Lastly, while not stated in your list of questions, don't assume that you'll be able find firewood for cooking. We made that mistake and when, from the first day on, the weather turned into non-stop rain, we had only a limited amount of propane for heating water and cooking since finding firewood dry enough to burn was out of the question (there's also the question of availability when camped on more popular sites). Needless to say, we ran out of propane well before the end of the trip. This fact, and the fact that one of the three adults failed to protect from moisture, medication he's required to take daily, ended our trip prematurely when that same adult swamped the single canoe he was paddling. So, don't underestimate the fact that you're in the wilderness and decisions on what might seem as small details can become major issues when things turn south.

Let me be the first to say...congrats on your desire to go, you should have no problem on that route or most any other in the BWCA for that matter, given your experience. Many people go up there every year with little to no backcountry experience and do just fine. Getting some canoeing experience before the trip or at the outfitters would be a good idea, at least the basics of paddling. A couple caveats - wear your PFD's at all times on the water and be mentally prepared to not paddle if wind/water conditions are dicey. This is where most problems occur when people are paddling in conditions beyond their abilities.

You don't say when you are going, but the fishing can be very good all season long, better at some times than others obviously. You will most likely be able to catch plenty of fish but as you stated, bring ample food just in case. Strange things happen occasionally but I would expect you will have a great fishing experience.

The route you have picked is a great route with many beautiful lakes and nice campsites. The dreaded Fourtown to Mudro portage is a bit of a challenge but after reading about it we were quite underwhelmed by it when we took it(twice on one trip. It's really not that bad. On all portages just take your time, double portage canoe and gear, and enjoy the walk in the woods. This portage in particular has some neat views from the high point of the rushing stream that goes by below.

Your backpacks will work, I have tripped with mine. But honestly, portage packs work better mainly because they fit in the canoe better. Backpacks also stick up higher and preclude carrying a pack with a canoe, but that is something you probably don't want to attempt anyways. Trying to overdo it on portages is where some folks run into problems.

There are many other "tips" I and others here would love to give to newbies, little things to make the trip to go smoother. Continue to do your research and ask away of any questions you might have. I encourage you to give it a shot, I think you will love it. You are definitely not in over your heads, take your time and be careful and this might not be your last trip because you will be hooked!

I forgot to address equipment - if you have your own compact and lightweight equipment, which as backpackers you probably do, I would not hesitate to use that and rent canoes only. If you are missing a piece or two of equipment, rest assured that outfitters will be more than happy to fill in the blanks for you.

Regarding firewood from the post above, I have virtually never had that problem of finding firewood in camp. Some sites are definitely more picked over than others and you may have to go back a ways into the woods to gather it. Worst case, which is not a big deal at all, is you might have to hop into the canoe and paddle down the shore a bit and go into the woods away from a campsite to gather wood. I would advise planning on doing most of your cooking over stoves of some sort though, much easier, better results and reduces the need for copious amounts of firewood.

the best lessons I've learned so far are to bring less clothes and food than you think - and definitely bring a stove

Compared to backpacking, canoe camping is easy. After first trip, I used outfitter for just canoes and lodging, and buying a few items like used packs and eventually a used canoe. If you pack food for backpacking, you'll be fine, though I enjoy good and certainly allow myself more fresh or weighty good in a canoe. All FD gets tiring. You can afford a few luxuries in a canoe you can't backpacking.

You hardly sound like newbies, and are asking very good questions. You already have all the gear and food experience that you need to outfit yourselves except for the canoe, paddles, and I would recommend renting packs for what the adults will carry. When it comes to clothes, I would tell a car camper person to bring less stuff, but I would not tell that to an experienced hiker. To that person, I would say bring an extra layer (the nights will be chilly compared to your weather) and bring and extra set of clothes to wear in the event of an unplanned swim.

RiverOtter23 had really good insight regarding food and I don't think I need to expand on that at all.

The kids sounds excited and can help by bringing their hiking packs which can be used as "day packs" for carrying rain gear, bug spray, water bottles, fishing tackle etc. I also think it is neat that the kids are excited about needing to catch fish to eat. It speaks of a can do attitude and self reliance that will serve them well on the trip.

Given your extensive hiking experience and route, I think you are going to enjoy all the portages. My advice regarding portages is take two trips, you'll enjoy the hike back especially if you carried a canoe over the first trip. Also, keep all loose items inside packs except canoe paddles and fishing rods.

As for paddling canoes, any practice you can do as a group will pay dividends. Practice launching and unloading a few times. Have a few hiking packs along for this would be good. Always wear the PFD, in fact when I guided youth in the BWCA we required PFD's and shows for canoeing and swimming. You will only have one adult in each canoe which will work fine, but you'll want common sense to rule when it comes to wind, even if that means finishing a day late. Buy, rent or borrow a SPOT or some other device so that you can communicate such a delay.

If this is your only wilderness canoe trip I think you picked a beautiful area to visit. I am excited for you and would hope you'd post a trip report when all is said and done.

Last year, I was also curious about the Mudro/Fourtown portages also. If you search YouTube, you will find some FPV videos that can give you a feel of what they are like.

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=mudro+fourtown+portage

Oh, first of all - Welcome to the board! Glad to hear you are taking the kids to the BWCA for a new adventure!! I think you are appropriate in your trip proposal! Just get a little paddling practice before you officially shove off. Wind and weather will be your biggest challenges. I agree with Lindylair and Bill they have given some good advice.

Food - pack as for your backpacking trips and you will do well. Bring a few fresh things for a treat and "real" food for othe first couple of meals. Check the food section of this the site for more ideas. We usually plan fish as an extra and not a full meal just in case we don't catch as planned.

Equipment - your backpacking equip will work well. Light and conpact! Bring a small stove and plenty of fuel. Don't forget water filtersystem (check Sawyer products). Think about renting the "Blue Barrels" with pack or harness-for food. They could eliminate the need to "hang" your food pack. Don't forget a coupole of games (cards etc. to down time for the kids). You might get packing lists from some of us or (search the site for old threads) or the outfitter for comparisons and deciding what to rent.

Route - the route your have suggested is great - good scenery and good fishing. Make sure you have good maps, compass and know how to use them. Even the more difficult portages will be Ok if you take your time.

I would suggest renting canoes, paddles, yokes,and PFD's unless you have good comfortable ones. The paddles and PFD's usually come as part of the canoe rental.

And, when you are on your trip, remember to greet others on the trail and introduce yourself as a BWCA.com member. There is a good chance you will meet some of us up there.

Most of my advice has already been covered, but I'll repeat it anyway. It is good advice.

(1) No, you have enough experience to do this and can handle the parts you don't with some advice and forethought.

Paddling and portaging (including beaver dam pullovers) will be the new challenges for you. Portages go smoothly when you don't have a lot of loose items to deal with and everyone knows his job. Portages are bottlenecks in the BW where traffic converges, so set things off to the side out of the way. Then take the first load across if you double portage, set it out of the way, and go back for the second load. It's also considered bad form to clog up a portage by eating lunch there.

The route is a good one and manageable with your 6 nights/7 days. I would guesstimate the distance at around 35 miles and 5-6 more if you "double portage" as others have suggested. That's 7-8 miles of travel (roughly 4-5 hours let's say) a day for 5 days, which leaves you a couple of days for weather/wind delays. Your best bet is to travel early to beat wind and camp early to find a site. You will see and experience a wide variety of things

(3) No, it is not. The Fourtown - Mudro portage is a nice walk in the woods compared to mountain hiking. The most treacherous part of the three is the landings at a couple of them - watch your footing in the slippery "rock gardens". Remember, you can "double portage" and carry the canoe on one trip and pack on the final trip.

(4) You can use backpacks, but how well they will work depends on the packs. I would recommend the portage packs. While backpacks are designed for hiking, portage packs are designed to fit in canoes and be easy to load/unload from the canoe as well being able to be carried with a canoe at the same time if you plan to "single portage". You don't normally carry a portage pack for very long at one time. They are perfectly adequate for that, especially the ones with a hip belt. The single compartment envelope style portage pack can be lined with a large plastic liner (or contractor grade trash bag). This will keep the contents dry if the canoe is dumped.

(5) Your own equipment will serve you well and you'll know how to use it. You'll be satisfied with the taste and amount of your own food. I would just rent the canoes and maybe a couple of portage packs depending on your plan. You may also want to rent a tarp if you do not normally take one.

Other thoughts:

Don't take more clothing than you need, but be prepared for the worst weather you might encounter. Same for sleeping bag temperature rating. Be prepared for whatever bugs you may encounter. Also take dry camp socks and shoes.

Take "painters" (bow and stern lines) for the canoe. Bring it up out of the water and tie it down. Canoes, especially the light weight kevlar ones, have been known to drift away or even become kites! It can be windy up there.

Ask questions about any of this that's not clear.

And do let us know what you do and how it goes.

Have a good trip!

Awesome! Welcome and have a great trip. Your plans sound fun. Don't worry about canoe packs. Yours will be fine, they're just a little harder to get in and out of the canoe only because you want them low any lying down to keep the center of gravity low. Certainly not enough of a concern to warrant buying or renting. The only concern I would have for you is warmth, depending on what time of year you come it can get real cold in the evenings (I've been on June trips with night temps reaching into the 30's numerous times). Even snow in May is common.

I do a bit of hiking, mostly canoe tripping. The portages will not be an issue with learning to carry a canoe the primary challenge. There are tricks to getting one up over your head and balancing that the outfitter can cover if you are unable to practice before. The second issue with the canoe is trim, loading it so it balances with the front just a little higher for little wind or head wind and a little heavy in the back for a wind behind you. Balance side to side is also critical and having a low center of gravity reduces risk of tipping, especially if you find one of the hidden rocks we place so carefully in the lakes. Paddle technique is important and a single blade is different that the kayak paddle. Some of us use a kayak paddle with a canoe, but that is another issue.
Like others I have found outfitters very helpful and willing to partial outfit, giving you only what you need. Most offer bunk house or other sleeping options and if possible I would encourage you arrive early enough to check in, get the boat you will be taking and rehearse packing the boat to get a good balance (trim) and try out a short paddle. Get a good nights rest and start early to really enjoy your trip.
Glad to have you join us and have a fun trip.

quote bhouse46: "I do a bit of hiking, mostly canoe tripping. The portages will not be an issue with learning to carry a canoe the primary challenge. There are tricks to getting one up over your head and balancing that the outfitter can cover if you are unable to practice before.
Like others I have found outfitters very helpful and willing to partial outfit, giving you only what you need. Most offer bunk house or other sleeping options and if possible I would encourage you arrive early enough to check in, get the boat you will be taking and rehearse packing the boat to get a good balance (trim) and try out a short paddle. Get a good nights rest and start early to really enjoy your trip.
Glad to have you join us and have a fun trip."

I think Rockwood has a good video on the proper way to hoist a boat over head and shoulder it. Go to their website and search for their videos. They also have a couple instructional videos on useful things such as the "J" stroke. Good stuff.

1. If this turns out to be a once and done trip your route choice is excellent. It has a little bit of just about everything the BWCA has to offer. Big lakes, small lakes, small rivers, water falls, picto's, historical locations, etc etc. Did this exact trip two years ago and the first timers thought they had gone and went to outdoors heaven. Just watch the wind on Crooked, get early starts on the days you will be paddling on Crooked.
2. Excellent fishing the entire trip. Take some leaches with jig heads or bobbers and hooks and you will catch something.
3. You will be fine on the portage.
4. Use your own gear. My first few trips we used army duffle bags with trash bag liners, not perfect but its what we had and they worked okay (don't tell my wife, it will cut into my duluth pack Christmas presents)
5. Canoe only, but rent good light weight ones.

Just my thoughts and opinions, others will have their own thoughts and opinions, read them all and make your own informed decisions..
enjoy
dd

Welcome Old Hiker!
Firstly - the people on this site are amazing at helping everyone, at all levels. New to the BWCA - and veterans alike. Some may tell you to use the search bar, but most aren't offended if you ask the same question a million other people asked before.

Second, We also went to EP 23 for our first trip and had the best time ever! Our route was from Mudro to Fourtown - Boot - Fairy - Gun - back to Fairy- Boot - Fourtown - Horse- and back to Fourtown, back to Mudro.

Check out my trip report here:

My First trip to the BWCA

The three (yes three) portages from Fourtown to Mudro....

Portage #1 - go to the maps and look at the portgage information. I posted a photo. PORTAGE EARLY on this - otherwise you have to go rock climbing, and its no fun at all.

Portage #2 - long, hilly, but it does end. Careful to swing your pack into the hill as once and a while you feel like you'll tumble over, but we didn't, and you won't either.

Portage #3. ROCKY HELL.... keep your head down and your eyes on your footing. IMO this is the worst of the three.

Have the best time ever!!!! I will ALWAYS ALWAYS love that area. Can't wait to get back someday.

Thanks for all the help everyone, I did fail to mention that this will be a late June trip, hopefully heading out on the 20th. You've made the girlfriend me way more comfortable with our plans, really appreciate it. I'm sure problems will arise, but that's part of the wonder of being in the wilderness!

Sounds like a perfect first trip, I've always loved those areas and my wife and daughter did that trip alone 2 years ago with no trouble or rush in 6 days double portaging and lounging around a lot. As a newbie from the south, be prepared for cold weather. It can potentially be down in the 30's and the record for that time of year is around 20 even. It's usually much warmer, but trust me you never know.

Sounds like a good trip route. You have been given some very good advice from some of our great members. The leech and bobber tip will work well with fishing, keep the leech about a foot off the bottom and if anythings swimming around down there they will soon be joining you in the canoe. Something that no one has suggested is to either bring a tarp or rent one, they are priceless when you need them. Wear those life jackets, all the time, your new to canoeing and things do happen. It saddens me to think that this COULD be a one and done deal, this is such a great area to see and feel. I'm betting you or yours will be back. FRED

I don't know if anyone else mentioned this but I would suggest renting some bear barrels. I prefer more smaller barrels vs one bigger one. Bear spray is good to have and ammonia with water in spray bottle can be used as a deterrent to spray the perimeter of your camp. Pack lighter than you think and put your clothes and anything important in waterproof bags. You will get wet. I use water purification tablets and a drink powder mix to help the taste. Take water from a deep part of the lake, obviously. For fishing I'd suggest bringing live bait and a portable baitwell with an aerator. I learned this trick back in the 90's when my group got practically skunked on walleyes while another group on the same lake was limiting out by midmorning. They shared that tip on a portage on the way out. You also may have the opportunty to catch live bait so a bait net would be handy. A live crayfish can work really well. A portable depth finder is also invaluable. Without it you are fishing blind. If you want to catch fish regularly you must have one. Pike will hit anything but it doesn't make much sense to target them because you'll catch them on Walleye and Smallmouth lures anyway. If you do target them in a weedy back bay or something I'd suggest larger bass spinners. For smallmouth, a white tube jig is the best lure I have found. Walleyes and Pike will hit it too. If you only fish one lure that is the one. For Walleye bring plenty of jigs of all colors and sizes and be sure to bring some heavier ones too. You'll need them to stay vertical in the wind. Speaking of the wind, well, beware of the wind. If it really picks up get off of the lake wherever you are and wait it out. I'd also suggest bringing slip floats which can help catch finicky fish in certain situations. Don't forget about fish cleaning tools, a flour based breading, and some cooking oil. Clean your fish far away from your camp and bury the entrails.

you sound like awesome parents, so I'll throw my $.02 in, as I've also transitioned from mostly hiking trips to mostly canoe trips.

Kevlar canoes - no debate!

Be careful of your footing when portaging. The nicest portages are equal to the worst hiking trails! They are almost always wet, muddy, rocky, slippery. NEVER carry a pack in front of you when portaging - you need to see your footing.

Be careful hoisting the canoe onto your shoulders. Hurting a rotator cuff sucks. Unless you hang drywall or sheath houses for a living its a very awkward maneuver. You're shoulders will be fatigued in the first place from paddling. Be deliberate in your movements and you'll be fine.

backpacks are fine, but you'll be double portaging, which is ok (and safer for your first trip). Portage packs ride lower in the boat and you can also single portage with them. No shame in dumping your pack if that gets too hard - just don't leave it in the middle of the portage.

permethrin soak for your clothing (youtube if unfamiliar). Bugs in June are epic, and permethrin is a game changer.

Start EARLY. Wind can be an issue on the big lakes and early/mid afternoon seems to be the worst. East/West oriented lakes are most wind prone in my experience. You'll be in a popular area during a busy time, so getting a great campsite can be a challenge some times, and having to scramble as the sun goes down is no fun. Use this site to read reviews for campsites and make notes on your maps. A low lying swampy site can be pure hell on a hot nite, but a godsend on a cold windy nite.

good sites are picked clean of easy wood. Paddling a short distance will get you plenty. Use a saw to get big pieces, paddle back to your camp and process it down for firewood. A folding saw from Home depot doesn't weigh or cost much, a sven saw or a silky is pure awesome. A cheap bushcraft knife to split the wood and you'll have a fire every nite with minimal effort.

Good luck on the trip - awesome route and your kids will grow up to be awesome human beings.

Sounds like an exciting adventure and I love the diverse group. Two of my favorite BWCA things are introducing adults and kids to the BWs. I paddled this exact route a few years ago. (2 adults and 2 big dogs) My partner male 57 and strong paddler and myself an experienced but not extremely strong paddler. (I kick but for a smaller gal) We put in on June 4th and took out June 10. I was concerned about bugs but they really were not all that bad. I'm not a huge chemical fan rather I have a bug shirt and head net which in my mind are priceless. They pack light and are rock awesome. The only time we had bugs was early evening at table rock then they disappeared. We spent our first night at Table Rock, it's a fun stay especially with all the history that revolves around that site. We headed west and stayed on Wednesday Bay for a few days, we got the most awesome 5 star campsite on the south side of the island. While there we heard helicopters, we later found out someone had drowned on the same route we took. They shot the rapids, we portaged. Note to self, unless you know the waters it's not worth the risk. Other than that I don't recall which lakes we stayed on but we had another lay over day. Since we paddled good ground the lay overs were nice. I don't think your trip plans are crazy at all.....so as long as you are properly equipped, leave your plans with someone on the outside and respect the waters........as in not running the rapids, keeping an eye on the weather and such. I would strongly recommend a good canoe pack, they lay in the canoe so nice and are tough with regards to the rocks and wherever else they may land. Regular packs are great and comfortable, I just wouldn't want to chance ripping mine. Without question I would use Kevlar. Not only are they easier to portage but easier to paddle. I had an older heavy canoe, when I paddled it went. When my stroke was over it stopped. I now have a Souris and I LOVE it. I paddle and I glide forever, this canoe is key to long miles for me. Also remember I mentioned that I'm not a big gal? 5'6" 125 lbs, also I have a neck injury where I lost felling in my arm for 6 years. I can portage this canoe and a small pack with no problem. I enjoy portaging as much as I enjoy paddling. BobDobbs is correct, careful with hoisting the canoe. One thing that helps me tons with a heavy pack or a canoe is the initial lift is to my knee then I am able to roll the canoe or pack onto it's proper place with no issues. Footwear? I see lots of folks with some interesting shoes. You need good shoes for serious portaging. Not your Crocs, Keens or flip flops. Old tennis can work but I love my portage boots. They have ankle support and are great on the rocks. One other thing they have is a good toe. Now I'm not clumsy but by golly I stub my toe more often than not on portages with rocks and roots. Your calmest waters are most likely going to be found early morning and evening. It's great to get an early start and when the evening calm comes and you already have camp set, you can hit the lake on a joy ride. Have a great time on your trip, I encourage you to go for it so as long as you feel comfortable. In my opinion it is totally doable, have fun!

Lots of great info above that I agree with. You have a great plan.

As noted above, I strongly agree with Kevlar canoes and bear barrels. Both will make life easier and more pleasant.

Bears are no more of an issue in the BWCA than in the appalachians. Keep a clean camp and secure your food and you should be fine.

Definitely use permethrin. You won't regret it.

Your backpacking packs and gear will work fine. I've used both types of packs. Canoe packs are easier when loading/unloading the canoe, are easier to pack/balance and keep low in the canoe, and are easier to wear while portaging a canoe on your shoulders. However, those benefits may be offset by being familiar with your own pack and by rental cost. You won't go wrong either way.

With your experience I agree to just get what you need from the outfitter. Canoes/paddles/PFD's, bear barrels, and permits are what I have always used them for. They can also help arrange accommodations in town on either end of your trip, help plan routes, etc. Outfitters are great but don't feel pressured to get outfitted for things you have yourself unless you want to do so for convenience.

Thank you for introducing more young people to the wilderness. It is a passion of mine as well.