First timer doing a 3 day 2 night solo. I am an outdoorsman but smart enough to know what I dont know. Doing a mid September from EP 37. Any advice will be very much appreciated.

Hi, rookie-

I'm not smart enough to know what you don't know either, nor to know what you do know, so let's start with that.

Camping experience - Car camping or backpacking? Solo or not?
Paddling experience - canoe? solo or tandem? how far and what conditions? Portaging experience?

I usually tell inexperienced people who ask about going with me that we'll be backpacking with a canoe, not car camping with a boat.

Do you have your permit? What day? Read the rules so you know what to expect, do and not do? The Kawishiwi Lake entry is fairly remote - will you be getting an early start? How far do you plan to go?

Will you be self-outfitted or renting from an outfitter?

What are you looking for out of your trip - scenery, fishing, solitude, etc.?

First, good for you! Hope you have a great trip.

There is a separate discussion board for Solos, I would suggest perusing through some of those threads. There is also an excellent trip report by straighthairedcurly that I would highly recommend.

I'm planning my first solo trip for next May or June, but I have a good bit of BWCA experience to build on. Even with that, there are a lot of things I have picked up and great advise I have received here that I may not have thought about.

Like Bonnie said, without knowing some more background it's hard to say what guidance you might need. But here are a couple of very basic things -

- Carry an emergency communication devise like an Insight or Spot.
- Make sure someone knows your plan and when you intend to be finished.
- Be extra careful with everything. The consequences of something like a simple sprain caused by bad footing or a bad cut on your hand can be much more severe with no one is there to help.

BWCA.com is, IMHO, a premier source of info. Welcome. Like many others here I have been tripping the BWCA a very long time and a member here awhile, and I am still learning from the experience of others.
Spend some time scrolling and reading posts in the solo forum and read some trip reports using your EP. I also like to use the map features and open the comments, often with photos, about campsites, portages, etc.
My specific tip is fit the yoke and unload/load the canoe to get a good balance. You want the canoe to ride at least as well as you want a pack to ride.

R00kie: "First timer doing a 3 day 2 night solo. I am an outdoorsman but smart enough to know what I dont know. Doing a mid September from EP 37. Any advice will be very much appreciated. "

Welcome to the forum! There's a wealth of information here--spend some time digging through each of the major categories and you're certain to find helpful tips. Hope your first solo is a fantastic experience.

TZ

Thanks for taking the time to respond. I do have camping experience but no backpacking experience. I do have some canoeing experience both solo and tandem mostly fishing on lakes. However it has been a few years. Zero portage experience. I Do have a permit ep37 9/13 duration 3 days 2 nights. I have read the rules and watched the videos multiple times( I like planning). Goals of the trip are fishing and solitude. If the fishing is not good I am planning on going from campsite to campsite and do some cleaning. I hear some visitors have been leaving messes. The plan is to go in ep 37 to Polly and if it goes well proceed to Malmberg for base camp. I think there will be better fishing on a deeper lake. Outfitting through Sawbill been planning trip for 2 months so far.

OK, camping experience is good. Planning is good and it's good that you've already done a good bit. As cricket suggested, click on private forums at the bottom of the main messageboard page and scroll through various posts and ask questions.

Some paddling experience is good, but you'll be paddling a good distance (maybe more than you have) and maybe in more wind. It's good that your plan is flexible.

Portaging - start with the idea of double portaging. It's more efficient if you're organized and not many loose items. Put whatever you're not carrying the first trip off to the side of the landing out of others' way; same at the other end. With a solo canoe the portage yoke is detachable because it will go right in front of the seat. You'll have to put it on and take it off at each landing. Don't let your canoe float away from you at the landing. Which reminds me - take some rope for "painters" with you. You need to carry your canoe up and tie it off at camp, maybe at portage landings if it's windy.

I'm familiar with that entry and will be entering there the day after you exit. You'll have 9 miles travel to the N end of Polly (assuming double portage). There are 4 portages totaling about 320 rods (1 mile) of portage to Polly, so you'll have 6 miles of paddling and 3 miles of walking, 2 with a load. To give you an idea, it usually takes me about 4 hours, which isn't rushing, but not dawdling.

None of the portages to Polly are difficult - mostly easy landings and trails, but it can vary. There may be some mud and a beaver dam or two to negotiate. But most of the portaging (over 3/4 of a mile) is 2 portages at the end separated by a very short paddle. Another 4 miles with 4 more portages totaling 210 rods will get you to Malberg (about 2 more hours). The problem with Malberg is that there's a lot of shoreline and sites are scattered. You could paddle several more miles looking for a site.

Since you only have 3 days, Polly is probably a good destination. You'll have the camp chores to do and days are starting to get shorter. The weather can be variable and often windy enough to be a real problem paddling. Can't control the weather - I hope you get good stable normal weather, especially with only 3 days. Since wind picks up after noon and you have to find a designated campsite, most are looking for one by early afternoon.

Have a good trip! :)

Welcome!

Based on your most recent response, I'll just take a stab at one specific thing... portaging. Although mid-September will (hopefully) see a reduction in traffic:

* Try to pare down the weight and the bulk of the items you bring. (Especially now that I re-read that you plan to do some garbage collection along the way. Kudos.) Many of us have stories to tell about meeting groups bringing everything AND the kitchen sink.
* Try to eliminate any small items lying loose in the canoe. Keep them packed up or attached so that you aren't spending time at the portage landing grabbing at multiple pieces of gear and figuring out how to carry them.
* If you are making multiple trips across a portage (no shame in taking less at one time and going back for the rest), make sure that you keep your items together and off to one side to allow others access to the landing and to eliminate leaving anything behind.
* Portages are not places for extended lunch breaks or general dawdling. It can seem like you're alone and suddenly, two more groups are arriving to share the space. That said, use the walk back for that second load of gear to check out some possibly great scenery; many portages travel around some picturesque rapids or other unique rock formations, etc.
* Look closely at topo maps (or search comments given here) to identify probable tough portages. It isn't always the length; it's often the ups and downs that'll get you.
* 1 rod = 16.5 feet. 320 rods = 1 mile. Do your algebra and you'll soon get a good sense of how long each upcoming portage might take.
* Practice (youtube) flipping a canoe onto your shoulders for portaging. Do everything you can to not grind it around on the rocks and gravel. Load and unload while it is still in the water. (Yes, you will get wet feet, maybe up to your knees...)
* Enjoy!!

Welcome to bwca.com!

Welcome! Better to jump in with both feet rather than just one :)

Thank you Cricket for recommending my recent trip report. I was new to solo canoe tripping this summer, though I did have lots of trip experience with various sized groups.

My recommendations:
1) Travel as light as you are comfortable doing. Really think hard about each item you are bringing and ask yourself if you really need it, whether it has more than one purpose, and whether you have a lighter option.

2) I had a 55L pack and then 27L daypack that had water bottle sleeves on the side. I kept a map case attached to the daypack. My paddles (1 canoe paddle and 1 break apart kayak paddle) were attached to the canoe for portages using Bungie Dealee Bobs (BDBs). My lifejacket was clipped to the 55L pack on portages. This way I had no loose items on portages that could get left behind.

3) Attach at least a bow line for tying up the canoe at portages. Even a small puff of wind while you are removing a pack, can send the canoe skittering out of reach.

4) Think about what you enjoy doing when you are by yourself and then bring what you need for that. (Photography, fishing, reading, journaling, etc.). I love your idea of doing cleanup :)

5) Have fun!

I agree with the comments of having Polly as your destination area. Yes it's probably been abused a bit but should have calmed down some by then. Malberg is a good day to get to and another back. That just leaves you the middle day to fish and relax. Polly you're more like a half day in and out, leaving you extra time on the ends. The spot we found with the most fish a few yrs ago (in June mind you) was where the river enters Polly on the far western bay. Paddle up that as far as you can. If water levels allow you'll find a small waterfall/drop. Fish the pool below that....it's tight quarters and in a burned area but was good to us.

Oh, and the "be organized on portages" is probably my biggest tip. You can tell first-timers by how much extra crap they have laying at the landing that's not in packs or tied into the canoe. For me...rods and paddles are bungied/tied into the canoe when "traveling" and the only thing to carry is the pack on your back. (and maybe one on your front) No paddles and water bottles and rods and whatever laying around to pick up and remember to put in the boat on the other end. Boat...check.....packs.....check....ok we're good.

Thanks everybody for responding. I am trying to keep my gear to a minimum so I have a few questions.

What is a good weight for a pack? 30lbs 40lbs?

Next question is about what kind of clothing and rain gear recomendations please.

Finally, sides for dinner what is your favorite quick, light weight, and tasty option?

Thanks, I look forward to reading what you all think.

Malberg is a good destination lake but you just won't have much time because that's a full day in and out. Polly or Koma is a good place to stop for your time allotment. Now, my best advice and I'm serious here - is to add at least one more day preferably 2 to your trip. It takes time to get into it. I'm just starting to get into the flow on day 3 of a 10 day solo.

Look, I know we all say we can't do this can't do that.... Life is short. Put on another 2 days and really get into what this is about. Go to Malberg and set up on a nice site. I did that exact thing with my son in 2008. A great day trip from there is a loop up and around through the Kawishiwi River. Try Kivaniva for walleye. Best of luck even if you do the "toe in the water" trip. Just kidding.

Practical tips - keep a journal and document how it goes. Write down things you need to improve on. Go lighter than you think you need to. You can rinse out dirty clotyhes in the lake so don't over pack. And last - it's a cliche but in all seriousness, watch your step. On those portages don't get caught looking around while you carry a load. Save that for the walk back. Have your eyes down at the ground and be overly cautious.

R00kie: "What is a good weight for a pack? 30lbs 40lbs?"

It's all relative - there are people here who have 50 years of experience paddling solo who would say a 60 pound pack is light. It also makes a difference if you're built like an NFL lineman...

I am going in solo next week. I will be single-portaging. There are two components to my load: my canoe and my pack.

The canoe has two paddles and a fishing rod strapped inside - so it will weigh 30 pounds all-in. The pack weighs 25.5 pounds with food. But I have decades of ultralight backpacking experience and have the gear and know-how to go really light. For a first-timer if you can get your pack under 40 I'd call that a win.

If you get the bug and want to do it again and again, start chipping away at the weight over time.

Pack weight can vary with personal preferences. I like a few comfort items, a chair for sure. Colder weather requires more layers. Food preference can make a huge difference and I am willing to carry the weight, even double portage to eat well (my Preferences). Then consider camera, binoculars, fishing gear, etc. (Most of which I no longer take.) You get the idea.
Mid September is seasonal change and clothing requirements and heavier weight sleeping gear become more critical. The longer nights call for a fire and wood processing gear, but can be an option. Rain is likely, perhaps cold rain. Summer trips I might leave raingear at home, in September a good jacket and pants and layers is advised. I wetfoot so legs get wet and rain pants are a hassle. I wear wicking running pants under nylon canvas pants on chilly rainy days.
What you decide to carry really depends upon the type of trip you want to have. Some go fast and far and tend towards the minimalist style in packing. Others base camp and according to reports this summer they might bring along a kitchen sink.
Also looking at a September trip, probably the 3rd-4th week. Enjoy yours.

TomT: "Malberg is a good destination lake but you just won't have much time because that's a full day in and out. Polly or Koma is a good place to stop for your time allotment. Now, my best advice and I'm serious here - is to add at least one more day preferably 2 to your trip. It takes time to get into it. I'm just starting to get into the flow on day 3 of a 10 day solo.


Look, I know we all say we can't do this can't do that.... Life is short. Put on another 2 days and really get into what this is about. Go to Malberg and set up on a nice site. I did that exact thing with my son in 2008. A great day trip from there is a loop up and around through the Kawishiwi River. Try Kivaniva for walleye. Best of luck even if you do the "toe in the water" trip. Just kidding.


Practical tips - keep a journal and document how it goes. Write down things you need to improve on. Go lighter than you think you need to. You can rinse out dirty clotyhes in the lake so don't over pack. And last - it's a cliche but in all seriousness, watch your step. On those portages don't get caught looking around while you carry a load. Save that for the walk back. Have your eyes down at the ground and be overly cautious.


"

I would second the suggestion to add a couple days to your itinerary. Three days is barely enough to have a tiny taste of what a BWCA canoe trip is like. In our case, we always thought six was short, and 8-12 a much better experience. But even adding a day or two will help you get into the rhythm of being "out there", and the trip will end up feeling much more satisfying.

A good weight for a pack is as light as it can be without leaving out anything essential or comprising your safety. For a 3-day trip 35 +/- lbs. is certainly attainable even without ultralight gear. There are lots of things I no longer take.

Besides the clothing you're wearing, you'll want a dry pair of camp socks and shoes. I pack a clean, dry base layer, socks, and hat for sleep with my sleeping bag in a waterproof compression stuff sack. You'll need enough additional layers to keep warm in the lowest temp you might have. Weather that time of year can be highly variable, but you should have a good idea of what it will be for 3 days when you enter. Average temps about 65/45, but could vary by 20 degrees either way with wind and rain. Rain pants and jacket (vs. poncho) Hat, gloves. I find a buff very useful.

You'll want quick dry nylon, polyester, wool vs. cotton.

I just take cold cereal and coffee for breakfast, ProBars and nuts for lunch/snacks, dehydrated meals for dinner. I just eat them out of the bag. Quick, simple, light, nothing much to clean up. You might check out the Freezer Bag meals website. If you go that route you'll want a cozy to rehydrate them in, which you can make from reflectix bubble wrap. You can also use a cozy for pot cooking too.

Too lazy to read all of the responses. ALWAYS wear your pfd.(on the water) travel early,and don't wait too long into the day to get a site. Have fun

As people have already mentioned, it can get pretty cold, as I'm sure you know as a Minnesotan , and it doesn't take too much of a mishap or miscalculation to end up wet in temperatures in the 30's or even lower. Just put some thought in to clothing, jackets, rain wear, emergency fire starter, a dump kit or emergency beacon. Hypothermia is probably the biggest threat out there and not much of a threat at all if prepared. Be safe and have fun!

Okay, managed to extend the trip an extra day and maintain a buffer day for weather. So the question now is four days three nights, is that more realistic to base at malberg entering from EP 37? I am thinking the fishing will be much better in a deeper lake. Thoughts?

<3weeks from departure. Cant help but feel I am forgetting everything. Anyone have a basic list I can check against?

Email me with a subject line that let's me identify it as you. I have very detailed checklists and a process. It's too detailed to post here and some won't apply to you, but I can pare it down and send to you.

Very abbreviated list:

Print out your permit confirmation and take it!

Tent - make sure you have body, fly, poles, stakes, guylines. Repair items.
tarp, stakes, lines
Sleeping bag
Sleeping pad w/inflator if applicable and repair kit.
First aid kit
Personals kit - toothbrush/paste, etc. Include any Rx medications
TP, hand sanitizer
repair kit
ditch kit
PFD, paddles, painters, etc.
clothing
food
stove, pot, fuel, lighter, spoon/spork, cozy, mug, etc.
knife
maps, compass, GPS
water filter
headlamp, batteries
camera, notebook, pen
sunscreen, bug juice, headnet


Make list as you go, post here and people will help.

test/check your gear/equipment/clothing - set up tent, inflate pad leave overnight to check for leaks, test stove/fuel canisters, test water filter, etc.