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mjmkjun
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quote kev971: "Thanks for the reply! We haven't planned our route yet but we are looking at a 5 day trip with only 2 different camping locations and day trips off those locations. We're hoping to do mostly fishing day trips. Something like:
Day 1: Paddle to camp.
Day 2: Day trip and return to camp.
Day 3: Pack up and paddle to the next campsite.
Day 4: Day trip and return to camp
Day 5: Return home
If you have any recommendations for where the best place to put in and run something simple like this that would be great. "
There are so many wonderful lakes to paddle in the BWCA. That said, your Kayak toting 1st trip could work on the Northern end of Sawbill Lake (basecamp #1/no portaging/good fishing/plenty of lake to paddle your heart's content) then moving on to Smoke lake or beyond a.k.a. any of the Fire Lakes) --portages wouldn't be too rough nor long to Smoke Lake (basecamp #2). Easy out--short distance to Sawbill entry/exit (#38) / Campground/hot showers $). You would definitely get the feel of wilderness although it can be busy on Sawbill Lake in high season. Reserve a site well in advance. There are some nice, roomy sites on the north end of Sawbill Lake. A few suck for a group so read the reviews.
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TREK33
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I have used a Native fishing kayak for six boundary water trips which included my children. It was a great way to travel and fish, but it was heavily dependent upon the weather. The last time I took our kayak to BW was when we were stuck on a campsite for three days due to the wind.
The problem with kayaks is their carrying capacity is half of what a canoe's is. This increases your chances to swamp (which I did without my kids) and risk your gear or life. Since then, I've been using my double-bladed paddles in a canoe. I've had the same efficiency of a kayak with the double blades, but with the added safety of capacity loads (kayak holds 400lbs vs canoe @ 800lbs).
BTW I still own the kayak if you want to buy it. Best of luck!!
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QueticoMike
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Get portage wheels and go to Basswood via Fall lake entry. That way you can pull all of your stuff across the 2 portages. Come back the same way you went in.
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BearBurrito
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I guess I have a different opinion than most. I own an Old Town Loon 126, I entered in the middle of May this year at Wood Lake, I paddled and single portaged up into Back bay and then made my way out. I was only out for 4 nights, but I had plenty of room for all of my gear. The only thing I would add if I went for longer would be more food. Everything I needed to stay completely dry went into the rear dry hatch, and everything else went into a dry bag up in front of my feet. With a removable portage yoke I was able to pull up to the portage stash my paddle, put the yoke on and go. I wasn't at a portage landing for more than 2 minutes. I know people like to bring lots of comfort items, but I am a backpacker at heart and pack accordingly. My gear weight for four nights with food is around 30 lbs, add the roughly 50 lbs for the kayak, and I'm at 80 lbs, very doable for single portaging.
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missmolly
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There's no better fishing platform than a sit-on-top kayak.
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ockycamper
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The issue is that kayaks are task specific. I have owned true fishing kayaks like the Native Ultimate. Incredible for fishing. You can even stand in one. Not a tripping boat. "Rec boats". . .i.e. 10-12 feet sit inside with large cockpits. . .are designed primarily for why they are named. . .general recreation use and are targeted at the beginner/learner paddler. Also, physics kicks in here. ..shorter and wider means slower and not as good tracking. Intermediate kayaks, 13-14 feet sit inside are an attempt at a tripping boat but are extremely heavy plastic kayaks. The top of the tripping line is the 17-18 foot touring kayak often made out of composite, kevlar or something similar. I had a 17 1/2 foot touring kayak that weighed less then 10 lbs. Dry bags are made for them specifically and are tapered to take maximinum advantage of the shape of the front and back hatches. Sit on top kayaks should be renamed "wet but" kayaks. They are popular in Florida where temps are high. I can't imagine using them if there was a chance for colder temps or colder water.
So you have to ask the question. . . are you wanting to cover distance with gear as a priority. . .then rent a true tripping kayak. All the outfitters have them.
If you have buddies in a canoe that can take your gear, and you don't plan to travel very far, rec boats will do.
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sedges
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Your WS 120 is the sit-on-top variety. That is easier for loading gear- you can just strap a pack on the back. SOTs are hard to carry. A sit-in kayak can be carried with your shoulder in the cockpit rim. Your SOT will have to be carried by two people by the grab loops. That can be difficult on a rugged trail. If your planned route has few and easy portages this is not a big deal. Some info on your intended route would be helpful. Your friends will be able to have one person carry their canoe, which will probably weigh less than your SOT.
Also, SOTs are a wet ride. Water temps are still pretty cool in late June.
If it was me I'd rent, beg or borrow a solo canoe for the trip. I'm sure you'll get some advice from folks who have used SOTs in the BWCA.
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kev971
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Thanks for the reply! We haven't planned our route yet but we are looking at a 5 day trip with only 2 different camping locations and day trips off those locations. We're hoping to do mostly fishing day trips. Something like:
Day 1: Paddle to camp.
Day 2: Day trip and return to camp.
Day 3: Pack up and paddle to the next campsite.
Day 4: Day trip and return to camp
Day 5: Return home
If you have any recommendations for where the best place to put in and run something simple like this that would be great.
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Jackfish
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If you're planning to stay on the big lakes and just paddle around and camp on the same lake, a kayak can be somewhat acceptable.
Other than that, they're borderline worthless for tripping, ESPECIALLY the sit-on-top variety. Don't do it. If you're interested in enjoying your trip, get a solo canoe via whatever means you can... or find a partner and take a tandem.
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pswith5
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I tripped this spring with three guys with Pungo brand sit-inside kayaks. Twelve foot, I think, and they carried all their own gear. Maybe some of each others? But I didn't need to help. Weather was ideal, but they had all kinds of dry bags and other stuff strapped to the outside of their boats. Without wind and rain, it seemed to work for them. These kayaks were VERY stable!
If you aren't sure you can carry most of your own gear, or wonder how weather may affect your travels, I would consider other options. Oh, I forgot to mention, they fashioned some homemade yokes to overhead carry their boats.
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kev971
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Hi! I am planning my first trip for late june/july 2018. I have never been to the boundary waters before and will be bringing my Wilderness Systems 120 kayak which has the following stats:
LENGTH: 12' 3" / 373 CM WIDTH: 30" / 76 CM
BOAT WEIGHT: 63 LBS.
MAX CAPACITY: 350 LBS.
I'll be traveling with 2 other couples who will be in canoes but wanted some general advice for doing this with a kayak. I've read a lot of people talk about how much of a pain in the ass a kayak is in the BWCA, but is it really that much more difficult if you have a few people who can help with the portages?
What general advice do you guys have for kayaking this with a group?
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nctry
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You're asking a lot from your trip mates in my opinion unless you can carry your boat, your stuff and your share of the common gear. If your trip mates are okay with it, go for it. Selling point to your trip mates might be opportunities for them to fish from your boat?
Fall Lake up to basswood wouldn't be too bad. Lake one might have good options for ya.
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ockycamper
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We have taken kayaks twice. Once we brought two 17 foot touring "sit inside" boats with front and rear hatches. Another time we let a couple of guys bring their 13 foot sit inside kayaks.
The shorter kayaks required two other canoes to carry half of their gear. Also, the proper way to carry a kayak is on one shoulder through the cockpit if it is a sit inside.
We no longer allow "rec" style kayaks on our trips. If someone is wanting to bring a kayak, it has to be the 16-17 foot sit inside type and they have to demonstrate they can get ALL their gear in the kayak before they can bring it.
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