I read many times on the bulletin board where new visitors plan to bring their expertise to the BW. Often, we tend to stick with what we know and are practiced at. But also what works at home, or what we are familiar with doesn't fit the BWCA Wilderness.

Examples:
- I'm a hiker and will bring my framed backpack. How can I fit it in a canoe?
- I eat a bowl of cornflakes every morning. How can I keep milk cold for a week?
- How do I portage a kayak?
- I have this killer bait for snook? Anybody tried it for walleye?
- I'm a stream trout fisherman. How do you fly-fish for lakers?

Looking at yourself, what habit do you force onto the BWCA?

I think one adapts or doesn't come back.

However, forced to look critically at myself... I confess: I portage in sandals, usually Tevas sometimes Chacos. I carry a light hiking shoe for camp for when the wet-footing is done and the portage mud is washed from my feet but, during the day I like the ease of slipping out of the sandal once back to paddling to facilitate kneeling. It is too much bother to put on regular shoes when the sandals are right there. My trips are typically 5-10 days; by the end, my feet are beat. Thing is I really like to paddle from a kneeling position. I can only maintain that position for 20-30 minutes before I need to come up for a sit. Bare-foot, sliding my toes under the seat is easy. With anything on my size 11.5 feet, it is difficult.

After a trip my feet recover at about the same rate as one recovers from a sunburn.

Styles change. Things we did at first we didn’t do later on. But I always smile at the “rules”.

“Cotton kills”. Hear that all of the time. We had multiple canoe trips in the 70’s and 80’s with cotton and we lived through it. We changed gradually to wool and synthetics and we were more comfortable, but not sure it saved our lives.

I canoe-tripped for most of my 40+ year career carrying a frame backpack and we had no trouble fitting it in the canoe. It worked better for my arthritic spine and we adjusted to the shape of it when we packed the canoe.

My husband did his first 25-30 canoe trips with old worn-out sneakers on his feet. No socks. He loved it. I tried it, and I switched to a good-fitting pair of hiking boots early in our career. With wool socks.

We bought a nested aluminum cook kit in 1971, after our first trip. Never saw a need to upgrade it much. Still have it, and if we were to trip again, we would use it. We did a lot of upgrading of our gear (flashlights to head lamps, sleeping pads and bags, etc.) but much of our early equipment was still evident on our last trip in 2013.

I guess our “style” was “old folks doing what we like to do.”

I think giving advice is a good thing, but if some of us don’t take that advice and we are happy with our gear. . . It all works in the long run.

Photo is from 2000.

If it works for you, it’s not “forcing” it. There is no one proper way to experience the BW, beyond bringing respect for the resource.

It's also a means of resources. That framed backpack or kayak will work just fine if it gets you into the BWCA versus staying home because you didn't have the funds to rent a kevlar canoe. Accessibility for all should always be the goal when done safely.

For some of us we plan and prepare all year for our trips, for others it is a means of escape for a single weekend.

A tripping partner's idea of camping was sleeping on a cot. We tried to explain traveling light and reducing bulk, but he brought it anyway because "We're going camping". The cot filled up most of the tent and he slept with the roof nylon on his face. The cot only made one trip.

If you bring a set of cemented in stone beliefs and rituals, don't worry. The BWCA will sort it out for you as to what works and what does not work
Our first trip was with internal frame packs and garbage bags and sweatshirts and denim.

But we were teachable. We also picked our very first trip to avoid big lakes as we had a two year old. We did some 44 portages in six days. All short


We learned. Mildew is a great teacher. It rained every day.

Everybody trips their own way. People who have been at this a long time usually evolve into what's most comfortable for them. What creature comforts they don't want to give up. People new to the BW world should be made aware of the fact that there's many different styles of tripping. Whether it's the Boundary Waters Journal style of triple portaging dry ice and milk' or people like me who solo- single portage with a 15 lb or less base weight pack They should be encouraged to try different ways until they settle into what works for them. My advise to people is not so much what you bring or what you paddle, but rather how it's packed (No loose stuff) for ease of portaging and less likely to forget items. A lot has to do with how people word things when they critique other peoples methods. Sometimes it can come off as "forcing" their views.

naturboy12: "If it works for you, it’s not “forcing” it. There is no one proper way to experience the BW, beyond bringing respect for the resource. "

Amen! For example, a framed pack has worked for us for over 40 years and will probably be with us on our last Canoe Country trip (which we hope is many years off). Note the wording: it works for us. I'm not asking anyone to use one--YMMV. The "proper way" (with natureboy12's caviat, respecting the resource) is whatever gets us into the BWCA/Q.

TZ

The only thing I can really think of is I always brought my kids. Other people always said to find babysitters and go without them since the time they were born. But we didn't have anyone that wanted to babysit and I wasn't going to to stop going to The Boundry Waters. So my kids have been to the Boundary Waters since they were 6 weeks old. Now some of them are teenagers and they all are very experienced and love The Boundary Waters.

Great thread.

One of the reasons I have paddled on the portage clearing trips (including Wabakimi) was to paddle with folks I wouldn't normally paddle with. As a result, I get to learn new things, techniques, gear usage and such that has helped me determine what works for me the best.

And logging into this and other forums gives me lots of new ideas. So "my way" is always evolving.

And it's helped me have way more gear than I should have!

Whoever dies with the most gear wins.... (however, my wife doesn't agree with this)

From another thread...

"I was with a guy who used a sinking line to catch a lake trout on a fly rod in August. Wasn't easy, but he did it."

On the flip side, I had never heard about or used a slip bobber until canoe tripping. I gave a new skill a try, learned a lot, and now have another technique in my arsenal.

aruthenb: "It's also a means of resources. That framed backpack or kayak will work just fine if it gets you into the BWCA versus staying home because you didn't have the funds to rent a kevlar canoe. Accessibility for all should always be the goal when done safely.


For some of us we plan and prepare all year for our trips, for others it is a means of escape for a single weekend."

Frame pack always worked better for me, but in 2000 (the year of that picture) I had rotator cuff surgery in mid-March and did the canoe trip in early July. Back then it was either a Duluth-type pack (we had two of them) or the frame pack, and since we had used one frame pack before, I just bought a new, heavier duty one for the trip. I found it was far more comfortable and I could carry more weight with the frame pack. I needed a comfortable pack, as I have severe arthritis in my spine, and also was dealing with arthritic knees by then. Used it until 2011, and we didn't have a rented canoe any of that time. (Bell Northwind Composite.)

I am sure people on portages, seeing me with that big pack, felt sorry for me because I didn't have the "proper" equipment. And I was doing just fine, smiling my way along the portage, and not caring a whit what they thought.

We never did a weekend trip. The trip in 2000 was nine days, so that food pack started out pretty heavy. Some of us don't live in Minnesota and if we are going to do a trip, it is the only opportunity we have to be in the canoe country until the next year (or later.) A weekend trip was out of the question. We did plan our trips well. We had no lack of resources, and if we were still using the same old gear in 2013 that we used in 1973. . .it was because it worked for us, not because we didn't care enough, or couldn't afford something else.

I will certainly admit that I've developed many preferred methods and "rituals" on my BWCA trips and bring many newbies whom I show the "way it's done". I will also admit to occasional silent pouting in the back of my mind when "my" way isn't being done but I don't make a big deal of it, knowing that in reality there is usually more than one right way. That being said, I will never begrudge anyone else from doing what they prefer and appreciate not being lectured by another party that the way we are tripping does not meet their standards. I've had other groups make comments to us about the inferiority of our aluminum canoe vs their kevlar, criticize us for dry footing rather than wet-footing, remark that they were covering lots of ground with their single rather than our double portaging and point out as they passed us by that our fishing luck would probably be better at dawn rather than the mid-day angling that we were attempting. My thought is always, "You take your trip and we'll take ours".

I once had a newbie with us who turned out to be a bit of a clothing nazi as he made comparisons between his zip-off nylon pants (which are anything but comfortable for me but, again, to each his own) and my Carharts with comments like "cotton kills" and "cotton is rotten". After one of these reminders, I responded with "Cotton is comfy!" to which he replied, "Not if it's wet". I pointed out how my pants were NOT wet and if they got wet I'd wear my synthetic back-ups until the cotton ones dried.

Later, I felt just a bit of satisfaction when the hard-framed Alice pack he brought, and which he had been warned pre-trip would be an awkward fit in the canoe, caught his fishing rod and snapped the end off as he tried to wrestle the pack out of the canoe at a portage. That was his one and only BWCA trip.

Portage shoes...everyone told me you need good boots with ankle support. My feet and ankles were miserable, my footing/traction was terrible, compared to what I was used too.

Never have worn boots since. I like a water shoe. Drains fast, better traction, more flexibility in the foot so I could grip rocks for even better traction. Ankles felt better not being all locked up.

I know I am in the minority...but it works for me.

Oh yeah...I don’t hang either...gave up on the bear piñata in 2000.

T

I don't think it's so much "Forcing your style on the BWCA " as using familiar gear then figuring out what works.
I use full frame backpacks, they fit into either my solo or tandem fine and carry more comfortably. Leather boots, properly cared for good quality, they last for years even wet footing. Fly fishing for deep fish species is done with sink lines. Cots can be had in compact light weights.
It's all what works for the individual. You can point out potential problems butv it's up to the user to decide.

butthead

yellowcanoe: "If you bring a set of cemented in stone beliefs and rituals, don't worry. The BWCA will sort it out for you as to what works and what does not work."

Wise words.

Adaptability is a trait that should supercede all others.

I know people will cringe reading this but I bring an iPod and headphones for solo fishing adventures. I'll leave them packed away for 9 out of 10 adventures. But when the mood is just right.....

If you have to modify your style depending on your destination then something's wrong either with the style or the destination. Of course, whitewater and lake trips ask for different canoes, outfitting and what-not - but it's just variation in the equipment, not the knowledge. It goes without saying that we wear different clothing depending on the season and our body's ability to adjust to range of temperatures - the clothing itself doesn't make us experts or otherwise. If one knows what he's doing then equipment is of a little importance, even more so if one doesn't.

I'm not so stuck on the "rules".

I wear cotton. In the summer, I portage in sandals, I use a hatchet, in the heat I take my PFD off and set it on the floor of the canoe. I'm not consistant in properly hanging my food. I have brought my flyrod at times.

Has my trip style changed from day 1 in 1999 to now...yes, mostly as a result of being able to afford better gear. I mean day 1, I brought a tent, sleeping bag, fishing gear, a sleeping pad, some clothes...cook kit, etc...today I bring the same assortment of stuff, it just weighs alot less and works alot better.

My first trip was with a group of 4 newbies and one guy who'd gone prior. The guy who'd gone prior was a total know it all. He knew all the "rules". He'd read every article he could find on how to trip, had the best gear out of all of us and unfortunatly felt the need to pass his "wisdom" on to us at every opportunity. He didn't pick up on the body language, either, that everyone was tired of listening to him by mid day of day 1. He appointed himself trip leader and tried to dole out chores and instruction at every turn. Through out the trip, we heard why it was wrong to bring cotton, we heard how to do a proper J-stroke, we heard why it was wrong to bring a hatchet, we heard how to build a fire, why it was best to split up and assing camp chores and he just couldn't seem to stop.

He's the only one of the original group that isn't still going. His last ever trip to the BW was in 2002.

Here is a classic example...

One year, we wanted to grill steaks for a special meal. We brought a bag of charcoal because that's how you grill steaks at home.

Oops.

An interesting question, bobber3, that has engendered a greater variety of response than I would have thought. I'm still thinking about it, but haven't come up with anything.

boonie: "An interesting question, bobber3, that has engendered a greater variety of response than I would have thought. I'm still thinking about it, but haven't come up with anything. "

I'm in the same boat...

One can have a open mind or one can have a close mind
.
I have been evolved in the outdoors for over 6 decades.

I am a outdoorsman I can't remember when I didn't have hand a rod or gun handy.

I made more money trapping some years then working all summer.

I was raised on a farm with the Namekagon river running through it.

I spent more time in a canoe than I did on a bike.

My first trip to the BWCA was in 1968.

I will give advice and I enjoy reading and hearing about others people trips.

Some times I learn something new and use full.

Some times I say that the most stupidest idea I ever heard.

One can learn from it all.

A lot of people come here looking for advice and to learn good bad or otherwise.

Keep a open mind and one just might learn something.

butthead: "I don't think it's so much "Forcing your style on the BWCA " as using familiar gear then figuring out what works.
I use full frame backpacks, they fit into either my solo or tandem fine and carry more comfortably. Leather boots, properly cared for good quality, they last for years even wet footing. Fly fishing for deep fish species is done with sink lines. Cots can be had in compact light weights.
It's all what works for the individual. You can point out potential problems butv it's up to the user to decide.


butthead"

This is also my approach or at least has been since I got into canoe travels. I started with the backpacking and camping equipment that I had. I've modified it as I've gained more experience (and money :) to buy better gear more suitable to canoeing.

HighnDry: "

butthead: "I don't think it's so much "Forcing your style on the BWCA " as using familiar gear then figuring out what works.
I use full frame backpacks, they fit into either my solo or tandem fine and carry more comfortably. Leather boots, properly cared for good quality, they last for years even wet footing. Fly fishing for deep fish species is done with sink lines. Cots can be had in compact light weights.
It's all what works for the individual. You can point out potential problems butv it's up to the user to decide.



butthead"

This is also my approach or at least has been since I got into canoe travels. I started with the backpacking and camping equipment that I had. I've modified it as I've gained more experience (and money :) to buy better gear more suitable to canoeing."

Learning and growing with experience is part of the natural process with BWCA canoeists. Upgrading gear as money permits is part of the process.

I'm thinking more of the newcomer who brings a mindset from previous experience and applies it to a BW adventure....
- I'm a hiker. What campsites provide good hiking opportunities?
- I had a great time on the Colorado. Where is the best whitewater route?
- Will the bluegill fishing be as good as the Ozarks?

Probably just bringing my old town guide 147 in lieu of splitting the cost of renting a kevlar. On the plus side, it's great to fish out of, and the wide beam will fit my 80L internal frame pack a little better. Maybe I should look into a river route.

Mine is a shower. I bring a sunshower every trip. The shower usually doesn't get very warm, but I shower every night before bed. Even in the rain, snow, heat, wind.... it's become a ritual. I get the days grime and sweat off me, feeling refreshed (thanks, Doc Bronner). I sometimes get cold, but it's only temporary, and crawl into bed feeling great.

Mike

MikeinMpls: "Mine is a shower. I bring a sunshower every trip. The shower usually doesn't get very warm, but I shower every night before bed. Even in the rain, snow, heat, wind.... it's become a ritual. I get the days grime and sweat off me, feeling refreshed (thanks, Doc Bronner). I sometimes get cold, but it's only temporary, and crawl into bed feeling great.


Mike"

That's awesome !
The only time I get wet before tent, is when it's 90 degrees or more.

My style is to start something new with with what I have and adapt and adjust from there. Take hiking the 14ers of Colorado. Having never done it before I strapped on my sturdy Keens that I wore for work to go up Mt. Bierstadt. They worked fine, but my more experienced son wore trail runners. My next excursion will be in trail runners as I find those much more comfortable and nimble. He also had a set of trekking poles he used while running these same trails. Because of my advanced age and fragility (his view) he offered them to me for our ascent. I found them cumbersome and will not be using them again (at least not until I am older and more fragile). Try it. Learn and adapt.

bobbernumber3: "

HighnDry: "

butthead: "I don't think it's so much "Forcing your style on the BWCA " as using familiar gear then figuring out what works.
I use full frame backpacks, they fit into either my solo or tandem fine and carry more comfortably. Leather boots, properly cared for good quality, they last for years even wet footing. Fly fishing for deep fish species is done with sink lines. Cots can be had in compact light weights.
It's all what works for the individual. You can point out potential problems butv it's up to the user to decide.



butthead"

This is also my approach or at least has been since I got into canoe travels. I started with the backpacking and camping equipment that I had. I've modified it as I've gained more experience (and money :) to buy better gear more suitable to canoeing."

Learning and growing with experience is part of the natural process with BWCA canoeists. Upgrading gear as money permits is part of the process.


I'm thinking more of the newcomer who brings a mindset from previous experience and applies it to a BW adventure....
- I'm a hiker. What campsites provide good hiking opportunities?
- I had a great time on the Colorado. Where is the best whitewater route?
- Will the bluegill fishing be as good as the Ozarks?"

I'm not sure on the message here. Are the above examples forcing a style to the point of being a problem or are you just pointing out the different types of trips individuals take to the BW? I don't see or have an issue with any of the above. If someone want's to primarely hike - no problem. If a guy has whitewater experience and is looking for some rapids - no problem. Want to target panfish - no problem.

The idea of "forcing your style on the BWCA" just seems ridiculous to me. Is it even possible to force your style on the BWCA when the BWCA doesn't care about style?

It doesn't care if you're in a canoe or kayak, using an external/internal/ or no frame pack, using garbage bags instead of duluth packs, eating gourmet freeze dried food or packing in a weeks supply of bologna sandwiches, doing a solo in a hammock, or bring a group of 9 in large family sized tents.

Style is a human concern, we all have our own style that develops and changes as we take more trips. We also tend to judge others based on their style. Either way the lakes, trees, and trails of the BWCA don't care one way or the other.

This topic has had me baffled since it’s first post and I haven’t been able to understand or come up with a response. I think I know why:

The title of the post is “Forcing your style on the BWCA”. I agree with nofish that it is not really possible to force a style on the BWCA. Style is strictly a human concern and something each individual develops over years of canoe trips. What works for some, may not work for others.

The question that was asked was “What habit do you force onto the BWCA?” In my mind a style and a habit can be separate topics and approached differently. I will address the question here.

I interpret “forcing a habit” as a “force of habit”, which is very closely related to bad habits. So, as you cannot really force a pair of pants or boots or hat on the trees and water. You can force a bad habit such as habitually doing something because one does, or has done it habitually. This to me sounds like complacency. Complacency leads to trouble. You can also try and force a set attitude or mindframe on the wilderness, but that will get you put in your place mighty fast. Nature only has so much patience for that.

A forced habit also creates a relationship that impacts all parties involved. You can see the evidence of this when someone disregards LNT; it impacts the environment, resident animals, other canoe trippers who will spend time in the same area in the future, current rules, and so on. Or when a party decides to cross a big body of water with 3’ rollers; it puts them at risk as well as others who may need to get involved. Some feel the need to have a campfire, and will, even when there is a fire ban. No need to explain the repercussions from this decision.

I will think about this on my next trip, and try to recognize IF I am forcing any of my habits on the BWCA. I may be doing SOMETHING out of complacency or ignorance and not even know it...


JW

I wouldn’t worry about it. Having your own style is half the fun.

naturboy12: "If it works for you, it’s not “forcing” it. There is no one proper way to experience the BW, beyond bringing respect for the resource. "

+ 1 couldn’t agree more !!!!!

I have been tripping since the 60’s and have introduced many to the BWCAW. I will make suggestions but everyone learns in their own way. Many of the new paddlers we introduce have new ways of doing things the work great. It is never too late to learn new ideas.
Now that I’m getting up there in years, it is nice to see some of the younger folks take the reins and just go along for the ride and enjoy the trip.