I just booked my first canoe trip ever and first trip to BWCAW. I plan on a nine day solo trip in mid May. I plan on going in at entry point 47 and just seeing where my whims take me from there. My canoe experience is dated (30 years), but I have some camping experience. I am in good physical shape and plan on cold weather. Have I bitten off more than I can chew? I chose to go solo specifically for the solitude.

No, but...you should be cautious. I don't know your experience level or skill set, but... You should prepare yourself by reading up on the dangers of cold water immersion and hypothermia since the water will likely still be quite cold in mid-May. You should definitely update and practice solo paddling skills and understand how to trim a solo canoe for different wind conditions. You should research the weather extremes for that time of year to ensure your clothing and gear is adequate. Another factor to consider: If nobody knows which way your whims took you, nobody will know where to start searching if you don't return on time. It's a big area and 9 days is a long time. You may want to consider taking a PLB, SPOT, or satellite phone.

What boonie said, but........

I need to ask, (and I'll ask this as politely as possible), why are you taking your first canoe trip, and a solo trip nonetheless, in mid-May?

Mid May of last year saw many of the lakes of the BWCAW and Quetico still iced-up. So much so, a group of bwca.com members needed to postpone their originally scheduled group solo trip until later in June. Not to mention, the way this winter is going, that again could be the case. That said, a late ice-out may derail your intended mid-May trip altogether. Even if the lakes are open, the water temperatures will be dangerously cold.

Given your inexperience, and the fact you have no defined route, I question your rationale for such an early season solo trip. I understand your quest for solitude, but a first time trip, especially a solo trip, would be much safer in late July or during August. I realize those are peak times in the BWCAW, but you could achieve the solitude you desire in Quetico during late July and/or August also.

I'm not trying to be critical of your intentions, but I'm sincerely concerned for your safety given your canoe-tripping resume' and the time of year you intend to undertake your maiden solo trip.

Sure, you could exercise ever safety measure to the tee, pack a SAT phone or a PLB in case of an emergency, but as the saying goes, "sh#t happens!" The warmer summer months would be a far safer plan of action in my opinion.

Irregardless when you ultimately take your trip, using good judgment and common sense is paramount when solo tripping.

Hans Solo

That's biting off quite a bit alright. Personally, I tend to favor smaller lakes when I solo and I stay off any lake when it's really kicked up by wind. I'd recommend you do the same and PLEASE use a PFD ALL the time you're in your canoe.

How are you with map and compass? You might want to plan on using both a compass and a GPS just to be doubly sure you can keep track of your location.

Best of luck...enjoy!

Hans......great advice.

If you must make your first trip (solo, at that) on cold water, travel near shore when on rough water. You might have very little time to act if you should dump.

Put a ditch bag together with extra clothes, firestarter, etc. and tuck somewhere handy in your canoe. Personally I'd wait for warmer weather. May can be pretty windy along with cold water.

I would say go for it. May is a good time to be in the BWCA. Less crowded, no bugs and good fishing. The weather can get nasty though, plan accordingly and have a good idea on what the 10 day forecast looks like going in. On the flip side....it can be really nice. Plan to stay off the bigger water and don't risk big crossing on windy days. Your solo so you can be flexible. Cut it short if you feel like you have had enough.I would highly recommend you get some paddling time in before you go.

Are you comfortable being alone for 9 days? Have ever taken a solo trip for that length of time?

FYI: Your ditch kit is usually what you are wearing. People that tip can get separated from their gear. What you have on and in your PFD, pants and shirt will be what you most likely have to survive with.

quote SevenofNine: FYI: Your ditch kit is usually what you are wearing. People that tip can get separated from their gear. What you have on and in your PFD, pants and shirt will be what you most likely have to survive with."

I think having a dry change of clothes (long johns, hat, socks, firestarter, whistle, and compass) in a bag tucked in the bow of the canoe is very reassuring. Stay with the boat in a capsize and get yourself dry immediately once on shore. Your big packs might be floating somewhere so having a seperate ditch bag secured in the canoe could save your life.

quote SevenofNine: "FYI: Your ditch kit is usually what you are wearing. People that tip can get separated from their gear. What you have on and in your PFD, pants and shirt will be what you most likely have to survive with."

And in a ditching that time of year, I wouldn't rely on a typical lighter to help me get a fire started. Even if your lighter makes it to shore in a dry state, there is no guarantee your fingers will be nimble enough to manipulate it. So I'd recommend a fire starting approach that doesn't involve a lot of dexterity.

And as 7/9 aptly states, "if its not ON you, don't count on having it!" Your attitude if you ditch in mid-May should be "to hell with everything else, I need to get MYSELF to shore." Remember, if you dump in water that is 40 degrees or colder, you have under 3 minutes until you loose dexterity and as little as 15 minutes until you could be unconscious (other good reasons for travel near shore).

dd

quote SevenofNine: "Are you comfortable being alone for 9 days? Have ever taken a solo trip for that length of time?

FYI: Your ditch kit is usually what you are wearing. People that tip can get separated from their gear. What you have on and in your PFD, pants and shirt will be what you most likely have to survive with."

When soloed last fall I had a lighter, whistle, compass, sm. knife, pen flashlight and emergency foil blanket all stowed in my PFD. You can really only count on what's on your person. Though having a small dry bag with a change tied down to the canoe isn't a bad idea.

Best advice is to not be on the water if it's really windy and if you have to, hug the shore line.

Thank you all for the advice. I am very comfortable in the woods and recognize my on the water skills as my weakness. As a result of your advice, I have decided that a SPOT is a must have. I have the greatest respect for Mother Nature and recognize the cold water risks and plan on taking all of the mentioned precautions.

Where my whims take me will be based upon my comfort level. I have no set plan so If I get out there and don't feel comfortable with the conditions, I plan on just camping and minimizing my time on the water to necessary travel.

The depth of experience on this board is amazing and I know it will serve me well. Thank you all.

you will be just fine.i always stay close to shore for the views not so much for fear of ditching.after going solo since the 80's i tell people it's not much more than paddling a city lake and camping in the back yard.i found the most "danger" was in landing the canoe at rocky portages with bad footing or tripping along the portage path.i feel safer on the water.have fun and post a report.

quote jaycopeck: "Thank you all for the advice. I am very comfortable in the woods and recognize my on the water skills as my weakness. As a result of your advice, I have decided that a SPOT is a must have. I have the greatest respect for Mother Nature and recognize the cold water risks and plan on taking all of the mentioned precautions.

Where my whims take me will be based upon my comfort level. I have no set plan so If I get out there and don't feel comfortable with the conditions, I plan on just camping and minimizing my time on the water to necessary travel.

The depth of experience on this board is amazing and I know it will serve me well. Thank you all."

You sound pretty level headed to me. That's a huge plus when soloing (and when doing lots of other stuff). Enjoy your trip!

quote SourisMan: "

quote jaycopeck: "Thank you all for the advice. I am very comfortable in the woods and recognize my on the water skills as my weakness. As a result of your advice, I have decided that a SPOT is a must have. I have the greatest respect for Mother Nature and recognize the cold water risks and plan on taking all of the mentioned precautions.

Where my whims take me will be based upon my comfort level. I have no set plan so If I get out there and don't feel comfortable with the conditions, I plan on just camping and minimizing my time on the water to necessary travel.

The depth of experience on this board is amazing and I know it will serve me well. Thank you all."

You sound pretty level headed to me. That's a huge plus when soloing (and when doing lots of other stuff). Enjoy your trip!"

+1

Search back through previous threads here and you'll find a wealth of information on soloing in general and specific topics, such as ditch kits.

I used to not even leave a trip plan, then I left a basic one, now I leave a detailed route plan that includes alternative routes and possible side trips (my whims :)). "Lost in the Wild", by Cary Griffith is an instructive read.

Canoeing experience and paddling skills are my weakness also. On my first trip to the BW, I found out I didn't really know anything about paddling up there, which was totally different than anything back home. Big water, big wind, big waves. Sometimes it's pretty calm back in a sheltered bay where the portage comes in, but an entirely different thing out beyond the point.

At the very least read everything you can about it. Practice, take some lessons if you can.

Enjoy your trip. It's a beautiful area. I went in Cross Bay, EP #50, and exited through Lizz on a 2012 Solo . It'll give you a peek at some of the country and maybe an idea or two.

quote jaycopeck: "Thank you all for the advice. I am very comfortable in the woods and recognize my on the water skills as my weakness. As a result of your advice, I have decided that a SPOT is a must have. I have the greatest respect for Mother Nature and recognize the cold water risks and plan on taking all of the mentioned precautions.

Where my whims take me will be based upon my comfort level. I have no set plan so If I get out there and don't feel comfortable with the conditions, I plan on just camping and minimizing my time on the water to necessary travel.

The depth of experience on this board is amazing and I know it will serve me well. Thank you all."

I like your idea of just going where your whims take you. Many people feel that they must follow a specified path and keep to a specific schedule. I like your idea better. Hope you have a good time. That time of year can be fun....fewer folks.....no bugs yet.

One thing I've noticed on my solo trips. It takes me a couple of days to get "into the swing" of being alone. A little lonely, a little guilty, a little spooky. Then I get into a routine, get used to my surroundings, sleep better at night, etc. But it does take me a couple of days to properly adapt.

in mid may the waters in minnesota are ice cold. you have very little time to get to shore before hypothermia, death and all that. in cold water canoeing we always wear several layers of poly and over that rain gear, and obviously the life jacket. even if the air tempts are warm you dress for the very unlikely case that you may be swimming. the idea is that the rain gear will provide enough insulation to see you through till self rescue.

Just speaking for myself here, but I know that I would not venture to take my first solo into the BWCA that early in the season. The weather is too unpredictable (forcing you to bring more weight in heavier clothes, sleeping bag, etc.) and the water temperature is way too dangerous. Why not go in early July, say? At that time, I think the whole experience would be a lot more enjoyable. Just saying.

I wouldn't sweat it. I took my first solo on May 10th(don't remember what year).I was told the ice had gone off Alder 3 days before my trip. Snow and ice on most portages for a majority of the trip. Did some white knuckle paddling across East Bearskin coming out and I'm still here today. Few people, no bugs and lots of Lake Trout. I think you're in for a fine trip.

Personally, I love tripping in May, before Memorial Day. The weather is seldom unpredictable and you'll know by the time you head up that way what to expect. I used to always go in the middle of May, I wanted to avoid the "summer" crowds. One year it was in the 90's, next year at the same time, it was snowing. You just need to prepare properly, watch the weather forecast and respect your surroundings.

My most enjoyable trips have been before Memorial Day and after Labor Day. Many years I also tripped around the Columbus Day week. I like going before and after all the tourists are gone.

quote wetcanoedog: "it's not much more than paddling a city lake and camping in the back yard."

+1 You will find that the BWCA is a very civilized "wilderness."

Be safe and have fun.

quote TomT: "

quote SevenofNine: FYI: Your ditch kit is usually what you are wearing. People that tip can get separated from their gear. What you have on and in your PFD, pants and shirt will be what you most likely have to survive with."

I think having a dry change of clothes (long johns, hat, socks, firestarter, whistle, and compass) in a bag tucked in the bow of the canoe is very reassuring. Stay with the boat in a capsize and get yourself dry immediately once on shore. Your big packs might be floating somewhere so having a seperate ditch bag secured in the canoe could save your life.

"

Tom, respectfully I just disagree with the idea that you would be able to stay with your canoe and get to your ditch kit. Wind could push your canoe out of your reach and/or out further into the lake along with your ditch kit. My thoughts are would you chase after the canoe in cold water to get to your kit or would you swim to shore?

quote SevenofNine: "

quote TomT: "

quote SevenofNine: FYI: Your ditch kit is usually what you are wearing. People that tip can get separated from their gear. What you have on and in your PFD, pants and shirt will be what you most likely have to survive with."

I think having a dry change of clothes (long johns, hat, socks, firestarter, whistle, and compass) in a bag tucked in the bow of the canoe is very reassuring. Stay with the boat in a capsize and get yourself dry immediately once on shore. Your big packs might be floating somewhere so having a seperate ditch bag secured in the canoe could save your life.

"

Tom, respectfully I just disagree with the idea that you would be able to stay with your canoe and get to your ditch kit. Wind could push your canoe out of your reach and/or out further into the lake along with your ditch kit. My thoughts are would you chase after the canoe in cold water to get to your kit or would you swim to shore?"

I agree with what you say about swimming to shore away from the canoe to be out of the water asap but I like the idea of the ditch kit and it wouldn't take much effort to release the buckle on a small dry bag after you dump and take it to shore with you.

I've never dumped anywhere let alone in cold water so i'm learning things with this thread. I'll always have a ditch bag though along with waterproof container on my pfd with essentials like firestarter, lighter, compass, whistle).

I think staying close to shore is the best advice in cold water.

quote SevenofNine: "

quote TomT: "

quote SevenofNine: FYI: Your ditch kit is usually what you are wearing. People that tip can get separated from their gear. What you have on and in your PFD, pants and shirt will be what you most likely have to survive with."

I think having a dry change of clothes (long johns, hat, socks, firestarter, whistle, and compass) in a bag tucked in the bow of the canoe is very reassuring. Stay with the boat in a capsize and get yourself dry immediately once on shore. Your big packs might be floating somewhere so having a seperate ditch bag secured in the canoe could save your life.

"

Tom, respectfully I just disagree with the idea that you would be able to stay with your canoe and get to your ditch kit. Wind could push your canoe out of your reach and/or out further into the lake along with your ditch kit. My thoughts are would you chase after the canoe in cold water to get to your kit or would you swim to shore?"

One could argue that if the wind is so bad your canoe is going to get away from you, shouldn't be out there in the first place. But if for some reason you just had to risk a dangerous crossing you would take extra precaution and tether a ditch kit or even a whole pack to your life vest.

in super cold water your priority is getting to shore. swimming while pulling your canoe and or pack will use precious energy. if your packs are properly latched to your canoe they will not be lost. it all floats and will eventually end up on shore somewhere (unless you are running whitewater, a whole different matter). i've never heard of a ditch kit before but it sounds like a good idea. i always have waterproofed matches, a compass and pocket knife in my pockets, it's a habit that i will never break, i guess that is my ditch kit.

respectfully, i disagree with the idea of lashing anything to your body, ever. becoming entangled with ropes could lead to drowning. i've done many a swim in march water here in minnesota. often while there is snow on the ground. even wearing a wetsuit the intensity of the cold renders you momentarily in shock. number one priority is getting out of the water.

Thank you for all of the great information and different opinions on this topic. I plan on carrying a fool proof fire starter, a mylar blanket, a caloric dense snack, my back-up compass, and my trusty signal mirror on my person at all times. This should go a long way toward addressing immediate life threats (I assume water won't be a problem) in case I get pitched into the water. My plan is to stay near the shore as much as possible to reduce the risks. If I go into the water, getting out and dry will be my priority. If I can salvage my equipment, great, if not, I will get warm and dry and go to plan b.

Make sure you take all the maps covering the areas you could possibly go. Take a book. Take tea.

Have fun!

Hey Jacopeck......hope your trip is fulfilling. Let us know how it went when you get back.

Sounds like a great trip plan. I had a good bit of wilderness experience prior to my first trip to BWCA. And my first trip was also a nine day solo. Late May at that! I planned and geared up for cold weather. Bought neoprene booties, neoprene gloves, all the stuff I would need for cold weather.

When I got there though the ice had been out since early April and the water was warm enough for a swim with daily temps in the 80's for the most part.

Regardless, I had a warm weather forecast for my entire trip, but 9 days is a long time out for weather forecasts so I had some bare minimum cold weather gear with anyways. I do admit I had way to much gear though.

I had a fanny pack ditch kit with an extra map and a compass in the canoe and additional survival gear on my person.

If your going to ditch, it will most likely be while you are fishing in a solo canoe.

If you have outdoors experience and are level headed you will make it through just fine and have a great time. Just mentally prepare yourself for lonely thoughts, have a fire every night, bring a hammock, a tarp, and a couple good books.

Dig yourself in a few days from your exit. Make a pact with yourself that your not going to exit early and can hack a solo for that length of time.

And please, please, write a trip report!

By the way, what canoe will you be using?

I will me using the We-No-Nah Prism.

It's a nice boat, and I think the seat is adjustable for trim? Having never paddled a solo until my BWCA solo trip, I had a lot of self-taught moments. Also some advice from this forum helped.

Check out different solo paddle strokes, etc. don't forget that trimming goes front-back as well as left-right. Simply leaning a knee further over with a quartering or cross wind....

Quetico nice. Did a solo in the spring one year and met a individual male with his three kids. For some reason he was worried about me being alone and offered if I needed any help he told me where his camp was located. Never seen him again,but one nice offer.

To each his own,but the first solo is like a 3-4 day canoe trip to see what you can handle. But also if on a 9 day trip,be flexible and stay as long as you want or shorten it up if things don't quite work out.

I love doing a solo or two each year along with other trips with my very small group.
Need help.most if not all people will lend a hand.

Great advice has been given on this thread.
Just another observation for your "Mid May" trip this year: I would suggest bringing an ice auger and snowshoes.

I'd be afraid, really afraid !

this came up again so i thought i would toss in another comment.
my first solo was two weeks and i was afraid at times but not overly so.in the first day down the Little Indian Sioux i slowed down for a big rock not far from the first portage that looked like a moose.
every camp i went into the first thing i did was make a big,really big fire with the idea that would keep bears away or i could stand between the fire and a bear.looking at old photos i have a road flare or a big club like stick handy.
it just not bears but deep dark bays that looked like you might get into them and get trapped by the wind and not have a place to camp.
the setting sun making the west side of forest black was spooky.
on LaCroix i camped in places where i could see a resort or boat house in Canada with the idea i could call out for help if i had a problem.
stumps just back into the woods at portages looked like bears and i paddled back and forth looking until i was sure they were just stumps.
and last but not least i had a few really stiff drinks before getting in the bag,i had no tent,so i would "pass out" and lay awake hearing the night sounds.
it took at least one more trip of 17 days to relax out on the canoe path.by now i feel like the BW is my backyard and i treat it like that.

I have to say there is some great advice in this thread...and other things that make me scratch my head in disbelief at what some people are suggesting a first time rookie solo canoeist should tackle...in early May, this year.

quote GraniteCliffs: "Great advice has been given on this thread.
Just another observation for your "Mid May" trip this year: I would suggest bringing an ice auger and snowshoes."

LMAO. Might be the best advice given yet. I remember on consecutive years in mid-May, one year it was in the 90's, the next year it was snowing on the same weekend. You just never know, the way the weather has been this winter, we very well may still have "hard water" in mid May.

quote awbrown: "

quote GraniteCliffs: "Great advice has been given on this thread.
Just another observation for your "Mid May" trip this year: I would suggest bringing an ice auger and snowshoes."

LMAO. Might be the best advice given yet. I remember on consecutive years in mid-May, one year it was in the 90's, the next year it was snowing on the same weekend. You just never know, the way the weather has been this winter, we very well may still have "hard water" in mid May."

Was on Man chain one year in May in the 90's and we were in a mini blizzard of about 4 inches of snow and a leaky tent and poor rain gear.
Yes been in the 90 degrees also in the middle of May and actually on fishing opener. That year the ice went out 2 days before and than to go to 90 degrees F..

Great thread. I'd like to second/third what Boonie and Exo said about "trim." Especially Boonie's: ". . . and understand how to trim a solo canoe for different wind conditions." Trim bow a little low for headwind, stern a little low for tailwind. From EP 47, once past Lizz, you might want to consider modifying your "where my whims take me" to "where the winds take me." (Seriously.) Soloing, you may find it almost impossible to make certain turns -- say, out of a quartering headwind to into a tail wind -- say, to get to a portage. (Unless you are a much stronger paddler that I am.) I've had to let the wind blow the stern completely around and coast backwards towards a portage because of a tail wind. (Day tripping with empty canoe.) I hope you'll be fine, and don't think you should be scared, but think you should be (very, very) prepared. (BTW, Prism is a great solo canoe, but last year I had an Encounter, which IMO is even better.) --Goose

I did a 6 day solo last year .had the same worries . But looking back to was the time of my life and I would do it again in a heart beat . Make sure to have a good survival kit stashed on your body . Fire rod, compass, space blanket, fishing kit, para cord,whistle, knife, . And get a spot satellite gps messenger and clip it to your belt at all times. Do not take chances as self rescue may be impossible. But have fun and just relax.

quote Mort: "Just speaking for myself here, but I know that I would not venture to take my first solo into the BWCA that early in the season. The weather is too unpredictable (forcing you to bring more weight in heavier clothes, sleeping bag, etc.) and the water temperature is way too dangerous. Why not go in early July, say? At that time, I think the whole experience would be a lot more enjoyable. Just saying."

Instead of early in the season, I went late season (october) for my first solo trip. as long as you are properly prepared to deal with the elements both mentally and physically, I dont see a reason to change plans. paddling practice in a solo canoe would be advised though, solo canoes have a tippier feel to them and can make some people uncomfortable at first.

enjoy your trip.

We have been going to BWCA for years, but we are also cold weather paddlers in both canoe and kayaks. Several years ago I researched the ditch kit idea reading every thread on it on these forums and elsewhere. Here is what I paddle with:

I have a Kokatat PDF designed with this in mind. It also has a small bag attached to the back (see photos below). I carry these items actually in the PDF:

front pockets:

whistle
signalling mirror
SPOT
marine radio
river knife
tactical light
plotting compass
mini air horn
garmin tracking GPS

in the back pocket:

first aid kit
para cord
tactical knife
energy bars
Lifestraw (filtration)
water purifier tablets
waterproof matches in a waterproof case
flare gun and flares
emergency solar bivy

I also have a special holster that fits in the side area of the PFD that I carry a 45auto.

When tripping, that is the PFD that is on me with that gear which stays in the PFD all year round (except the 45). If I lose my canoe, am injured, lose my food, etc., I can last a long time with this kit.

quote markaroberts: "We have been going to BWCA for years, but we are also cold weather paddlers in both canoe and kayaks. Several years ago I researched the ditch kit idea reading every thread on it on these forums and elsewhere. Here is what I paddle with:


I have a Kokatat PDF designed with this in mind. It also has a small bag attached to the back (see photos below). I carry these items actually in the PDF:


front pockets:


whistle
signalling mirror
SPOT
marine radio
river knife
tactical light
plotting compass
mini air horn
garmin tracking GPS


in the back pocket:


first aid kit
para cord
tactical knife
energy bars
Lifestraw (filtration)
water purifier tablets
waterproof matches in a waterproof case
flare gun and flares
emergency solar bivy


I also have a special holster that fits in the side area of the PFD that I carry a 45auto.


When tripping, that is the PFD that is on me with that gear which stays in the PFD all year round (except the 45). If I lose my canoe, am injured, lose my food, etc., I can last a long time with this kit. "

wow. i'm fairly certain that a flair gun and flair would be prohibited in the BWCA.

the flare gun and flares are for big water lakes here in KY. they don't go to the BWCA

I have never been on a solo, so I have no advice on that aspect of tripping,which is why I'm hanging out here.I do, however, have experience with dumping a canoe in 45 deg water.My canoe partner stood up to cast, and you know what happened next. This was many years ago but I will never forget how quickly my body went numb and my muscles quit working. I can not stress enough that you must get out of the water NOW! You will not be thinking about details at this time, trust me. So, be careful and make your dump plan with that in mind. Oh yeah, we both survived the 150 ft swim to shore, but I can tell you we probably wouldn't have without PFD's. We were utterly numb and shivering uncontrollably. Heavy clothing did not help us swim, I can tell you that!

I just returned from a great trip, although I cheated. A buddy heard that I was going to do a solo and decided to tag along. We stayed together for the first three days then we completed the remaining five days solo. I went into the water on my second portage. I'm glad my buddy was there to help me retrieve my packs. My canoe skills were obviously lacking, but improved greatly over the following week. I would not attempt a solo trip without having solid canoe skills at least. I will post a trip report with photos when I get it written. Thanks for all of your help.

Congrats... I suppose your hooked now. :) Look forward to your trip report.

Great for you Jayco. I too went on and returned from my first extended solo a week ago. The oddest experience I had was a very horned up spruce grouse who thought I was a hen to impress. And of course all the funny looks and questions I got/get regarding going solo. Nothing to be afraid of at all is there!

Glad to hear you had a great trip, jaycopeck. I'm looking forward to the trip report and pictures.

Thank you for finishing this thread/story...it doesn't happen enough.

quote MacCamper: "Great for you Jayco. I too went on and returned from my first extended solo a week ago. The oddest experience I had was a very horned up spruce grouse who thought I was a hen to impress. And of course all the funny looks and questions I got/get regarding going solo. Nothing to be afraid of at all is there!"

Sounds familiar , we had a grouse we named Tyson.