:Wave:

In this other post on the winter forum, I shared that I may try to overwinter on the periphery of the BWCA. Seeking advice for winter trip planning, especially about Moose Lake. If I undertake this endeavor, I’ll be basecamping near the Moose EP at the CCO campground. I’m new to winter camping, so any advice about winter trips/planning would be appreciated. At the very least, I’ll be taking day trips from my base camp though short overnight trips into the BWCA when weather is nice would also be on the docket.

How far does one plan on traveling in a day during the winter? I don’t have a dog pack…yet haha

Thank you!!

The answer to this varies widely by conditions. If there is deep fresh snow there will be slush, and “you ain’t going nowhere”. Breaking trail in fairly deep snow, I think 5 miles might be a stretch. On the other hand, if there is crusted snow, or little snow on the ice, the lakes are a dream to travel on and 20 miles or more isn’t out of the question. Obviously a packed trail is going to help a lot.

Check out the winter camping forum on this site., lots of great resources and perspective. Don't go cheap on your gear and make sure you've got your clothing and sleep system dialed in and tested, not to mention the rest of your gear. Marsonite nailed it. I got caught out in 6" of sticky new snowfall this year while out on Tuscarora, and learned that breaking trail is no joke, it will limit your distance and tax your body so stay well hydrated. Use snowshoes/skis designed for your method of travel. Big alaskans are great for deep powder but modern snowshoes with cleates are better for established trails and are a must for hilly sections.

marsonite: "The answer to this varies widely by conditions. If there is deep fresh snow there will be slush, and “you ain’t going nowhere”. Breaking trail in fairly deep snow, I think 5 miles might be a stretch. On the other hand, if there is crusted snow, or little snow on the ice, the lakes are a dream to travel on and 20 miles or more isn’t out of the question. Obviously a packed trail is going to help a lot. "

OgimaaBines: "Check out the winter camping forum on this site., lots of great resources and perspective. Don't go cheap on your gear and make sure you've got your clothing and sleep system dialed in and tested, not to mention the rest of your gear. Marsonite nailed it. I got caught out in 6" of sticky new snowfall this year while out on Tuscarora, and learned that breaking trail is no joke, it will limit your distance and tax your body so stay well hydrated. Use snowshoes/skis designed for your method of travel. Big alaskans are great for deep powder but modern snowshoes with cleates are better for established trails and are a must for hilly sections. "

Thank you both for this sage advice. I'll likely be ~a mile from the Moose EP & from what I gather the dogsled teams access the park from there so I may have fairly easy access to trails they break. Dialing in gear now. I appreciate the tips regarding snow shoes, i was just wondering last night if two pairs may be warranted, one pair for packed trail/around camp & another for breaking new trail. As I'm right on Moose Lake, skis may also be handy to have for lake travel though those are a 'nice to have' on my list for now.

Breathable layers. Condensation is your enemy.

Are you staying there through freeze up or starting your adventure after freeze up?

The in between season is the toughest because of the potential for cold, cold rain or very wet, heavy snow.

straighthairedcurly: "Breathable layers. Condensation is your enemy.

Are you staying there through freeze up or starting your adventure after freeze up?

The in between season is the toughest because of the potential for cold, cold rain or very wet, heavy snow."

I love me some wool & waxed canvas :). Will have a pair or two of vapor barrier socks though besides that i love the breeze until it needs to be shut down for warmth.

I imagine that late shoulder season would be a bear. I think I'll be south ~first week of sept to convert some money into fiat for winter gear. From there, I'll camp as I have been until late Oct/early Nov, pre-ice up though cold. Late oct/start of Nov, whenever the chill comes on, I'll rotate into the canvas tent & square myself away there. I'll likely head south to see family for Thanksgiving & return to the north for the remainer of the cold season & into next summer (then winter & summer & on & on again & again until the lakes run dry).