I’m making my latest trip ever this year. October 17th I believe. I have a lot of spring/summer experience but nothing this late in the year. Any helpful hits/recommendations for a safe and successful trip?

Obviously, the weather is wildly unpredictable in October. I’ve had 70 degree daytime temps in mid October and temps in the teens with ice on the shorelines. The key is to pack for cold and then you’ll be safe and ready. Pay extra attention to the forecast in the days leading up to your trip and make changes as necessary. Fire tools are more important for fall trips for obvious reasons. Fall is the only time I ever bring a hatchet. Having a hatchet and saw will allow you to make fire easily and quickly should the need arise. It gets dark early so plan on having something to do in the evenings (cards, games, books) unless you plan on going to bed at 8. Its pretty quiet, no loons, most birds are gone for that matter, but it’s extremely peaceful. It’s a beautiful time to go. Hope this helps!

Tony

The biggest thing that you will notice is the days are going to be much shorter so plan accordingly. It'll be colder obviously so pack a few extra and warmer clothes. And you will notice the absence of people, depending on where you are going. I've never had an issue getting any campsite that I wanted as the majority of visitors will be gone at that time of year. I always found myself taking a more casual pace that time of year because I knew there was not a lot of competition for campsites. You may even find some spots with fall colors yet. Depending on your preferences you'll spend a lot more time around the fire grate than you would in the summer. I've never fished on any of my fall trips so can't help you there. I love that time of year, it's magical.
What is your route going to be?

Early spring and later in the fall are my favorite times to go. And I always try to go during the week. A friend and I went in mid October 2018 for a week off the Sawbill Trail and were surprised at the number of weekend trippers we’re saw. The earlier comments were right on especially being prepared for the long nights. I also always bring a couple tarps to rig for more shelter during inclement weather days.

I've liked my October trips. Fall has a smell/feel to it that adds something to camping.

If you are a star gazer, obviously you get more of that.

It's nice having a fire when you actually need the warmth.

Smaller crowds and all that.

Like someone else said, the loons are gone. Loons in the evening and at night are one of my favorite parts of camping out there, so I miss that.

If you're solo, firewood is all on you, you need more of it, and you have limited time.

No going after lake trout.

We went in Oct under a fire ban.....that are currently in place. Nights were long. Bring extra lighting like some Luci lights or small lantern. Going to bed early will be ok cuz you will want to rise and travel early to beat the winds. Cool water and the land masses heating over the day....if sunny....create thermals that can make it breezy on the water.
Wind in the Pines, the squawk of the Raven and occasional Jay will be your only sounds.

Beware that you can get snow at that point. In October, snow is usually very, very wet and will chill you quickly. We did a daytrip mid-October last year. The day was beautiful and sunny. One lake later, we were in a snow squall white-out. We had extra layers and raingear, but even with that, my son who never gets cold mentioned that if he had needed to stay overnight in that weather, he would have been in trouble regarding body warmth. I believe someone had to be rescued that weekend because all his warm layers had gotten soaked and he was heading for hypothermia.

But it is a beautiful time of year! Enjoy!

One more thought about the weather. As others have said it can vary wildly, but one big difference is in summer storms often blow in and out overnight or in a couple hours. In October a storm might bring you cold air, wind, and steady rain - for 3 days straight. You need to either be ready to paddle through it, which really takes the right gear and fortitude, or sit it out in camp. Be ready to extend your trip a day or two if needed. Fall storms make for good reading or writing weather.

Many birds will be gone as mentioned, but not the grouse. With the leaves down or falling, they will be much more visible and you should still be hearing them. The moose could still be in rut, but it might be just over by then. The bulls can make a lot of noise. Even if you don’t see them, you might get a good fix on their location just by sound.

Everybody's words are spot on for a mid-late October trip. Less people, less birds, less fish, and less light. But the wildlife encounters can be really good, you can get several days of actual solitude, and the smells seem more intense. Its just a different trip.

The weather can be harsh. Bring some decent gloves to keep your hands warm if you have to paddle in sleet or rain, and bring good footwear. I always bring a small thermos in the fall to have some warm beverage in the boat and I bring a folding chair since there is more campsite sitting in the fall.

Have a great trip.

Others have mentioned the positives - they won't get you in trouble, the others will. Weather is your biggest concern as mentioned. I've typically tripped from mid-Sept. to the first few days of Oct. and have had really good and really bad weather - Indian summer days and days with strong wind, rain, freezing rain, sleet, hail, and snow (all the same day late Sept. 2018). Many experienced people reported cancelling or cutting short their trips. I've been windbound more than once or twice. The later you go the more likely to have bad weather. Cold water will be a concern, so read up on cod water safety and be prepared. The chances of no one being around to help go up. Daylight hours will be short, nights will be cold (teens, maybe single digits), so you'll need a good sleeping bag/pad and tent. A tarp is really helpful for shelter. Two or three people called for rescue last year on late trips. Fortunately they had rented satellite SOS devices. If you don't have one, consider doing that. I'd consider avoiding big water and paddling close to shore.

On the positive side, it'll be quiet, no bugs, starwatching, maybe northern lights, wildlife sightings. Be prepared and enjoy yourself.

boonie said it really well. Just a couple more items in the same vein. If you are doing a traveling loop, definitely keep a couple layover days planned. Or, be prepared to convert a traveling trip into a base camp trip. That would mean extra warmer clothes as you are not moving around as much.

I love October in the BWCAW! My favorite memory was paddling down Moose with snow blowing.

I enjoy camping in the shoulder months, and Camptober is my all time favorite.

Lots of layers, and rain gear. Being dry and cool is one thing, but being wet and cool is straight-up dangerous.

Understand that you might pack more gear than a summer trip and plan ahead for that aspect.

Totally agree with Cowdoc on planning ahead for lighting. If you can't have a fire- or even if you can it gets dark so much earlier, but that also means a chance to really get some good rest too.

Enjoy.

My main tip is pack for dryness.
- Rain Coat
- Meticulously protect your sleeping bag + extra clothes
- Long Johns
- Maybe hand warmers too?
- Extra shoes if yours get wet
- Wool all the way. Even if it gets wet, you'll be warm.
- Gloves for paddling, or anything
- puffer jacket to stay warm
- Hat, and buff too

ps. TOTALLY agree with the smells. October has the best smells!

Emphasizing the message plan for weather. I recall an October trip and selecting a campsite providing good protection from the wind, except for the northeast. The following three days the wind blew in from the NE with regular small white caps on the lake. It blew across the firepit so no fires and top temps were low 40's. I had the right gear, but got pretty bored before the weather broke.
I am likely to be returning this October, nothing like paddling a crisp autumn morning and the smell is awesome.

I bring a Coleman single mantle lantern on my fall trips. I bought it in high school, 1976. It’s an amazing piece of equipment, it holds pressure for years. Bring spare mantles as they tend to break as they are getting banged around on portages. I was curious if these are still sold, apparently you can buy them on eBay. I still have the original box it came in, I varnished the box for waterproofing.







Anyone want to buy a very used lantern?

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