I'm considering my first ever solo trip for the first week of October. Just 3 nights to get my toes in the water. The reason to try a solo is to see if I like it so that I can get out more as I don’t have people to go with.

Questions:
1.) Is this not a good idea unless you’re in peak physical condition?
2.) Does it feel safe to be out alone as a woman? 
3.) If temps dip to freezing at night, how do you protect the water filter? Take cartridge into the sleeping bag in a ziplock?
4.) What’s a good entry point/ route near Ely for what I’m planning? I’m thinking out and back or very short loop.
5.) What important things do I need to consider that is different from going in the summer or with more people that impact what gear to take?
6.) Talk me through logistics - At a portage, do you have a rope you hold onto so the canoe doesn't drift as you get the gear out so you can start portaging the canoe? I don't see myself single portaging.

Relevant context: Experience: I kayaked whitewater as a kid and teenager, I was a canoe guide for 2 summers for a small private camp in Ely when in college. I have spent a lot of time in the Swiss Alps by myself sometimes bivouacking. That's all some time ago. Now I'm closer to 50 than to 40 and with medium fitness level. Another mom and I just did a 6 night trip with our kids (11, 11, 8, and 7) and the last trip before that is 4 years ago, 2 adults and a 4 + 7 year old. I’ve camped in rainy 50 degrees and had frost at night, not colder than that but my gear (mat/sleeping bag) is rated for winter camping.

I only plan on going if the weather looks decent per the long range forecast: not too cold, not too windy - not too windy being the more important consideration. We're in the Cities and I can be pretty flexible and make a decision 3-4 days before going. I will carry a weather radio and will be ready to turn around if weather is sketchy.

I have never fallen in from a canoe but will wear a neoprene and only non-cotton clothes. I fell in a glacial lake in the Canadian Rockies this summer when paddle boarding and my bodies reaction has given me a healthy respect for cold water.

I would take a Garmin inreach with me.

If the opportunity is there, go for it. Life changes rapidly and this chance might not come again.

I’m a woman in my mid 50s who has been going solo since the 1990s. I have done over 20 solo trips and have always felt safe out by myself in the BWCA. I don’t think I’ve ever been in peak physical condition on any of my trips and it’s always been fine.

For hanging onto the canoe during portage loads and unloads, I have a long rope tied to the bow of my canoe that I can hold onto or tie to a tree. When double portaging, when I leave the canoe to carry my gear load, I secure the canoe on land, off to the side of the portage landing and trail and, especially if it’s breezy, tie it to a tree. I also keep it tied up and secured at all times in camp.

For October trips, I think it’s important to bring an extra set of clothes that you can change into if you were to get wet while paddling on a cool day, so that you don’t risk getting your dry camp clothes/warm layers wet by using those for travel. I got very wet last October by slipping on a slippery rock while loading my canoe at my campsite, but was lucky that it was a warm day.

Ely area entry points I would consider for a trip like you’re planning would be Lake One, South Kawishiwi or Slim.

I hope you have a great trip!

Yay - and yay again - GO

Late Sept and Early October is my favorite time to go. It's fantastic. I'm headed in on the 30th for a five night trip. The weather looks perfect.

For me, with the days being shorter, I like to less aggressive in the trip plan and have an easier trip in the fall. Lots of time to fish, relax, nap and read a book. Wood lake is a favorite.

It can also be a great time to get into the busy areas that are too crowded in the summer, like little gabbro and mudro.

Have fun!

Awesome! I celebrated my 56th birthday on my very first solo canoe trip a few years back. I now do multiple solo trips each summer. I have always felt safe. You sound like you have the camping experience to make this a safe and successful trip. Early October is one of my favorite times in the BWCA. You do not need to be in peak physical consdition as long as you are able to lift/carry your canoe and your pack safely. Just plan for a trip that has a flexible route so you can figure out how your body does and how far is a reasonable travel day for yourself then adjust the route as needed.

I keep a 15-20 foot line attached to my bow and one to my stern for tying off the canoe on the shore at portages if needed or on land at night. The lines are also handy if I need to line the boat through a shallow rapids or along the shore for some reason. Usually at a portage I am able to unload my pack without tying off, either let the boat just bump against my legs and spin my body to drop the pack on the shore OR pull the bow onto the shore if it is sand or grass.

One safety thing I do is carry a ditch kit in my PFD pockets or in a waist pack that I never take off. This has a signal mirror, small knife, fire starting items, a mylar emergency blanket, spare compass, and water treatment tablets. This way, if I swamp and get separated from my canoe, I have some basic items. I also make sure my SPOT or InReach is attached to my PFD.

Whether you do an out and back or a loop is really personal preference. I like to move camps each day, but others like to base camp and then do day trips. South Kawishiwi or Little Gabbro would be a fun trip. You can go camp and then explore the Kawishiwi triangle or plan a loop.

Keep your gear simple for a solo. You are the only person doing all the work and I find it annoying to have to manage, pack, and carry lots of things that I don't necessarily need. It also helps to keep the weight low even though you plan to double portage...just safer for older knees and ankles.

Have a way to protect your food from bears (Ursack with "odor proof" sacks or bear canister)...they are still trying to pack on the extra pounds in early October. Hanging food by yourself is a LOT of work so these other methods work better for me. They also provide some protection for your food when you leave it unattended on the portage.

Yes, take the filter into the tent or your bag if it is in danger of freezing.

There is some great info in the Solo Tripping forum as well.

Have fun and post a trip report when you get back!

Yay!
You sound ready for your first solo and the advice given by others is spot on. I love tripping in October, but as mentioned you can get a wide range of weather and you already mentioned you’re flexible with your plans.

My first solo was 3 nights and was basically to see if I could do it about 10 years ago and I ended up loving solo trips. It was the first weekend of October and I entered at South Kawishiwi because it gave me the options for out and back or loop depending on how it was going and how I ended up feeling. I ended up moving each day did the triangle. I highly recommend it for a 1st solo. Last year I did a 2 night solo during Halloween weekend entering at Slim. It’s an easy trip and I liked the small lake in case it got windy.

Nothing to add here because the above advice is so good already. You’ll have a ball and will get addicted to solo tripping. Have fun out there!

You already mentioned in your post but thought I would just reiterate that there is absolutely no shame in cutting a trip short on account of weather or really anything else when you're out there alone and you dont feel comfortable with something. I had 3 nights planned this weekend and went in on Thursday, came out Friday afternoon because my inReach was telling me 30mph wind gusts from Friday overnight through Sunday and I didn't want to risk it.

A bummer sure, but there will always be the next trip.

I'd also argue that the BWCA is probably one of the safest places you could be alone as a woman (or a man for that matter), at least if you're comparing it to traditional campgrounds, cities, hiking trails, etc. And generally speaking, most people you run into out there are willing to lend a hand if you need it.

Okay! Here we go!

I’ve soaked as a woman for many years. I like the comments here.

Let me offer my own thoughts for what they’re worth.

Let’s start with your own lead: solo in October. Bin there a few times! Your primary concern is wind. Whatever route you choose, maybe plan a route discussion at a reliable outfitters on the day of out-in. Be prepared to adjust your route at the last minute based on the advice of expert guides. For example, both entry and exit at a few classic loops (like Disappointment Lake) is not advised for soloists when headwinds can make your return a real challenge this late in the season. If conditions allow, go for it! But be prepared to pivot.

Water filter, yes in October you should be taking your filter into your sleeping bag every night. What’s your redundancy if it freezes? Boil water. Being extra fuel.

I never trip out without an extra paddle secured to a thwart within arms reach and both bow lines and stern lines. I use proper rescue rope from NRS you can but the rescue rope bag, cut the rope in half, melt the ends so they won’t fray, tie lines fire and aft to the thwarts using a figure eight follow through, and secure them using a variety of Velcro type devices. You absolutely need these for windy or tight landings and many beaver dam crossings.

I use SPOT as my emergency beacon. I update family on put in, take out and arriving at a new campsite. I use paper maps for navigation inside the mega size NRS ziplock map sleeve.

As for fitness, I’m always pretty fit in my late 50s now but the reality is, canoe touring is a full body experience that one can only really get fit for by doing and shit happens out there. Take your time. Portage mindfully. Step in and out if tte canoe using the three points of contact rule—every time. Bring adequate Band Aida because you will get blisters, and you probably will take a tumble or two. Don’t be a hero. As a woman your upper body will tire faster on portages, generally speaking, than a man. So take male route planning advice with a grain of salt. I limit myself to six portages a day unless it’s an emergency, and my preference is for four or five. Your biggest stabilizers are your hips and hamstrings. If you do any training for canoe touring, I’d focus on that. Then work on shoulder and lat strength.

As a soloist I have redundancy for every critical item I pack in—except for the canoe. Learn how to patch a leak in your canoe in the field

Finally, your PFD can save your life when the water turns cold. I was reminded during an October check-ride trip with a Piragis guide to NEVER travel in Oct without fire starter and a strong torch style lighter in my PFD. My knife is strapped on, I have food , a whistle and a Petzl e-lite on me at all times, my SPOT gets strapped on my PFD in Fall, and I have the ten essentials and more in my go bag (day pack) within arms reach in a capsize. Know what to do in a cold weather emergency self rescue situation. Hint: swim immediately for shore and build a fire, eat and drink to warm your core, and only then make an action plan to recover lost items.

Better to keep things dry-ish in the cold. I like what Cliff Jacobsen has to say on this subject.

Always carry the maps adjacent to your planned route.

Get out there and have a blast!!!

Maybe Slim Lake for your check ride? It’s not a loop, but you will test everything on those portages back to the wild and beautiful sites on Keanu etc.

Indian Sioux North to Loon is another decent option.

Or a loop in/out of EP30 on the Kawishiwi River.

Carpe diem

Suzanne

Welcome to the site and to the idea of soloing! I say go for it, and there are some really good points that have been made in the above posts. I am not a woman, but one of my daughters has been on a number of solo trips and has never reported feeling unsafe.

About the only thing I would suggest is to keep your meals simple. When I solo, I almost solely rely on meals where all I have to add is boiled water. Also, I do not eat as much when out by myself; I have learned over the years to keep my food stash small when traveling by myself.

Finally, I am 61 and will be going somewhere for a week by myself the week of October 15. I am far from in peak condition (think: Stay Puffed Marshmallow Man in Ghost Busters!), but I will be going in any case.

I hope you move forward with your plan; I do not think you will regret it!

Do it. If the weather is bad, quit. Make plan A, plan B, and plan C; then be ready to scrap all of them.
I'm a 60 yo man, did my first solo this summer. Loved it. Long naps mid-day, very relaxing, took it easy. It's way easier to regret not having bit off enough in terms of travel, portaging, etc, than the other way around. Have fun!

I have never solo'd but that time of year is my favorite. This was touched on by others, but I avoid big water this time of year (or have options for small water if things get bad). I've been out where medium sized lakes are dangerous and the rivers that feed or drain them are placid.

If it were my first trip (solo or not) this time of year, I'd choose a river route that has access to lakes.

I also choose campsites that are more protected, especially from the westerly and northwesterly winds that are common that time of year.

Fall solos are not like going any other time:

1. Much longer nights - It will be dark a lot longer than light. You will need a plan for that. Books, headlamp (batteries), fire, etc.

2. It is much quieter in the fall. Most of the birds will be gone. The quiet will startle you.

3. Many animals (not birds) are more active. We have seen much more fauna in the fall. Not scary. Just amazing.

4. You have mentioned it, but the water is much colder. It surprised me. Just wading in up to my knees was a new experience. I grew up learning to swim in a northern Wis river. This cold was more intense.

5. The precipitation will not be warm. Whether it is liquid or solid, it is cold.

6. No bugs!

If you have the time to get there, I think my first solo would be entry at Baker Lake and up to Jack and back. I also like Kawishiwi Lake to Polly for a first solo. Both are a little more remote though.

I solo in September, I've never done an October trip. But here are my thoughts never-the-less. At age 73 I triple portage. This allows me to bring warm clothing, some creature comforts, and (okay, I'll admit it, some boxed wine). Triple portaging may seem like a sin to others, but I really do enjoy the quiet walks back, and I can distribute weight so that I don't overtax myself on any one trip.

I like to get to a campsite in the early afternoon so I can process firewood. I always prepare wood and kindling for two fires, one for the evening and one for the morning. I love being able to wake up on those frigid mornings when my water bottle is frozen and my toes are numb and start a fire right up. So cozy! Titanium cup on the grill and coffee is ready in minutes.

Maybe you'll inspire me to try an October trip! Have fun.

Dave

While Minnesota weather is always erratic, our early October cold seems to be missing the past few years. This year the forecast for October 1st and 2nd in Ely is for the high temp of 75. This forecast can change at any time including the day of the forecast but waking up to frozen water bottles seems unlikely.

You guys are amazing! Such wonderful support and helpful tips and advice. I have also read through the solo forum.

Unfortunately, the husband vehemently vetoed it. Some fear I think but mostly super stressed out about the short lead time and the additional work that would land on his plate re the house and kids with me gone.

Bummer. I was really psyched about trying it and I will definitely make it a point to do a solo next season. That will give me time to convince him that risks can be sufficiently mitigated and more lead time to make sure everything is under control at home. And I can work on make a ditch kit and procure other more colder weather/solo related items without being in a hurry. (This is me trying to find the silver lining... ;-))

Thanks again. This is really a great community.

You could consider a scaled down version for your first solo that was less of a time investment. Not sure where you are located but Sylvannia is a great place for a first solo and I believe after Oct 1 the campsites are just first come first serve. Really beautiful time there due to the fall colors.

Bummer! Work on helping him design an "alone time, recharge" activity that he would enjoy. That way you each get to schedule "me" time. Hopefully that combined with planning ahead a bit further will allow you to make this happen for you in the future. In terms of risks, you are more at risk driving around in your car everyday than going on a solo trip.

bbwanderratte: "
Questions:
1.) Is this not a good idea unless you’re in peak physical condition?
It will be a step towards being in peak physical condition :). One will just travel shorter distances on travel days until their performance improves.

2.) Does it feel safe to be out alone as a woman?
I cannot comment though other women on the board solo trip.

3.) If temps dip to freezing at night, how do you protect the water filter? Take cartridge into the sleeping bag in a ziplock?
Last year I saw a few mornings in the twenties & had no issue with my filter freezing, though I did keep it in my tent. If I was concerned, I would do as I had to in order for my battery pack to function & that is bring it in the sleeping bag with me. I filled a thermos with hot water before bed & tossed that in the bag as well to counter the cold battery (& I was using a 30* bag in sub-30* w just a foam pad).

4.) What’s a good entry point/ route near Ely for what I’m planning? I’m thinking out and back or very short loop.
Lake One EP is first that comes to mind. The numbered lakes should be pretty at that time as the area has many deciduous trees resulting from the fairly recent Pagami Creek fire. Note: Burned out areas may have less options for hanging a food pack, if that is your preferred method, & first week of Oct May have hungry bears.

5.) What important things do I need to consider that is different from going in the summer or with more people that impact what gear to take?
First part of that question, I would say prepare for shorter days (sunset ~6:45PM Oct 1st) & mixed weather potential. Depending on how you hit the weather cycle, it could be mild/warm (80*’s today/yesterday) or wet & ‘cold’ (check out the Ely weather for the next few days). This year it has been mild though last year it was in the twenties more than once by this time.
Second part, I would say two main things : 1) You need to carry almost as much as you would need for a group (still need tent/stove/cookware/etc) though you can tailor it to your specific requirements & have less bloat than would be possibly had with a group. Cooking elaborate meals may be less preferable to ‘add boiling water’ though some enjoy cooking. All camp work needs to be done by you, so setup & takedown of camp can take longer, eating into travel time or sleeping in.

6.) Talk me through logistics - At a portage, do you have a rope you hold onto so the canoe doesn't drift as you get the gear out so you can start portaging the canoe? I don't see myself single portaging.
I keep painters ropes (floating rope) attached to both grab handles. If the wind is blowing offshore & I’m setting directly in the water, I’ll tie one painters line to a tree on shore. More typically, I’ll not place the canoe into the water until all of the gear is portaged & then load it up at the end. I am cautious about the canoe floating away, though much less so than I once was. Painters hitch is the knot I use & it is the same which I use when affixing the canoe to a tree at camp.
"

It sounds like you know what you are in for & are being responsible about it, so I would say you will be fine & have a great trip!