Due to a change in my employment status my trip plans are up in the air for this year. That being said how many of you have gone without any plans. I am a relentless planner planning how far and what camp sites we will stay at even memorizing my route. Once in country I can relax an take what comes but I feel that because of my planning. If I am able to take a trip this year I may choose to go with minimal planning just hoping that it will be just as relaxing.

I have my own gear and live close enough to the BWCA I can go at anytime with little planning. My work schedule limits the duration of my trips to 3-6 days so, even if I plan my meals poorly, I am unlikely to suffer much.

I actually enjoy a spontaneous trip more than one that's pre-planned.

We/my wife and myself have done that quite often...pick a region, think about the areas we wish to explore...then adapt routes as factors such wind, weather, portages, and water levels influence the paddling...often there are more than one option into a lake or river so we bend with the conditions....

I enjoy the planning but living 7 hours Drive from Grande Marias there isn’t much spontaneity. I know that Ely is closer but have always gone off the Gunflint. I do have all the gear that I need just rent a canoe and pick up a permit from outfitters.

there is planing and there is doing. I often day dream about a particular route, sometimes even pulling the maps and reviewing campsites thinking someday I might take that trip. Gear is generally a constant so figuring food for length of trip is the only loose piece in that puzzle. Such planning can pass time when the snow flies.
I do not know how long or how much lead time you could really have, but even with a day's notice a check of the registration web sight can let you know where is open and a trip can come together pretty fast, I just pick from the list planned one winter's day.

Interesting idea never thought of planning multiple trips. My wife may think I have stepped off the deep end. Haha

For quite a few years now I’ve been getting my permits less than a month before my trips. I do 2-3 short trips each year that I need to work around my wife’s work schedule and the kids soccer schedules so I can’t plan in advance . 2 years ago for a May solo I didn’t even reserve a permit and just showed up at the Tofte Ranger station. I enjoy it and it works just fine. It’s a lot easier to get late notice permits near the Gunflint Trail and Sawbill Trail than it is near Ely.

I am a planner as well. I think it extends the enjoyment I get out of the trip. In my plans I determine the route, calculate a days travel, note the length of the portages and how many there are, and research a good campsite for each day.
In reality, how long does that really take? Just tinkering after work I can put together a trip in 3 evenings on the computer. Someone has already stated that, for the most part, equipment is a constant. If the length of your journey is constant then your food list should remain constant, if not, adjust accordingly.
Between now and ice out you have the opportunity to plan several trips if you want to. Some with a partner, some without. Choose different areas. Some designed for 2-3 days, some for 8-9 days. Decide what it is you are looking for and plan it out.
Best of luck!

I do both.
I have some trips planned and others are mostly unplanned although I like to give work at least a 2 week notice. I only trip in the shoulder seasons and winter so permits are not an issue. Once I start bringing the kids I'll probably do them in the warmer season and those will more likely be planned out for my wife's sanity.

I'd say about 50% of my trip's go as planned so when I prepare my maps I include adjacent areas just in case I need to detour. Generally I pick an EP and the # of days I'll be out and go. I go in the shoulder seasons so this is easier.

I usually reserve my permit just a week or so before my trip, and start paddling with a fairly good plan of route but not usually campsites. Plans also flex based on many factors. Like Ducks, a couple years ago I walked into Tofte Ranger Station and just asked what was available for that day.

A lot of my trips are unplanned other than the timeframe until the final week. Then I kind of look at available permits, where I think is good fishing and good camping and what is the most isolation I can get. Gather food and gear and go.