BWCA Hiking the Kekekabic in mid-August Boundary Waters Trip Planning Forum
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iridium7777
member (8)member
  
07/29/2020 02:48PM  
Plan on doing a 4 day hike on the Kek, starting and finishing on the east side. Ballpark idea is to hike-in in 10 mile intervals each day and back. Never done this hike and was wondering if someone could give some tips on typical conditions in August:

-bugs? do i need sprays or netting?
-typical temps, hiking in pants/long sleeves or shorts/tshirt ok with some warmer stuff for the night?
-footwear -- i keep reading how rugged and raw this trail is, are hiking boots absolutely necessary or could this be done with trail sneakers or even sandals?

anyone done this portion already this year and could provide any tips and experiences would be much appreciated.

 
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07/29/2020 04:22PM  
I hiked it from west to east back in May. The west side has lots of tree cover, bugs will be bad there, but the east side goes through lots of burn area and high ridges, so you may not get them as bad over there. I would still pack bug spray and a head net. I would recommend hiking boots, especially for the east side as there is lots of boulder hopping and you're feet are going to take a beating so boots would be more suited. Light pants and short sleeves is what i would do, however, shorts aren't out of the question. It can get really hot out there, so don't be shy about jumping in the lakes to cool off. Good luck and have fun!

Tony
07/29/2020 08:55PM  
GopherAdventure (or anyone). What was the general condition of the trail? Is it cleared or is there still climbing over/under/around deadfalls?
07/30/2020 09:18AM  
I prefer to hike in long sleeves and pants in the BWCA. Yes, it is a bit hotter, but it keeps the bugs off. Lightweight, well ventilated stuff will help here. Don't forget to treat with permethrin.

With a fully covered limbs and a head net, the only ting left uncovered is your hands. Some people use lightweight gloves. I find that a little bug spray solves the issue. But with almost full coverage the amount of bug stuff you need is minimal.

I haven't through hiked the Kek, but I have hiked most of the other BWCA trails (all of which can be very rocky) in trail runners and they are my preferred footwear. I find that I can be more nimble (great for boulder hopping, beaver dam crossings, etc) and I don't worry about trying to keep my footwear dry. Trail runners will dry out much faster than boots.
iridium7777
member (8)member
  
07/30/2020 10:48AM  
thank you gopher & geo, guess i gotta pick up some long sleeve/pant hiking gear for bug proteciton, was really hoping to do that but it seems like it's inevitable and for longer term comfort necessary.

will probably go with the trail runners.

thanks again to you two, and if anyone else has any recent experience with the trail please chime in.
07/31/2020 07:00AM  
Cricket67: "GopherAdventure (or anyone). What was the general condition of the trail? Is it cleared or is there still climbing over/under/around deadfalls? "


Very few trees across the trail. The Kek Trail crew did some unbelievable work the last few years to get it back to normal after lots of blowdown from a 2016 storm. I can only remember about a 1/2 dozen trees that we had to step over, and that’s over the entire 45 miles.
 
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