Thanks, KevinL, for pointing me towards this forum.

I was hoping some folks here could give me some advice. I'm an avid hiker and a reluctant but proficient camper. I have limited canoeing experience, but I've always enjoyed it. I'm up for an adventure.

I'm planning some form of outdoor vacation for mid-September, and BWCA is on my list of possibles. Any trip I take will be solo and probably 4 to 5 days. So I guess here's my question:

Is it possible for a solo canoeist with limited experience to enjoy himself for a week in the BWCA, or is the trip going to be too strenuous, stressful, and frustrating for a newbie alone?

I do have the resources to get some experience before September.

Any other advice or recommendations are welcome and appreciated.

I soloed first time a few years ago. Knew I wanted ba SR Tranquility, plopped it in Beaverhouse along with gear and off I went for 5 nights, first time ever in a solo. Don't be foolish - if you're not real steady and the water is kicking up - stay in camp. It was suggested and I did have a shot cut onmy route so I could abort if I needed to but didn't. Nice not having to reach agreement on going and stopping,longer setting up and freaking camp, but otherwise pretty simple. I took a Spot to assuage my wife's anxiety, but not necessary.

Have fun!

Hang out on this forum and read up on your next, best adventure. Keep your head on straight, stay focused use great caution in windy conditions and you likely will only talk about the great time you had.

This one is tough one to answer. In a nutshell the answer would be yes a newbie can go solo in the BWCA and have a good time for 4-5 days........but I say this with some trepidation.

Don't bite off more then you can chew. Get yourself organized and try out some short trips near home to see how you and your equipment work out together.

Get comfortable with your gear before you are three days away from your Entry Point and are miserable because you're feet are full of blisters or you can't stand another three trip portage.

I once spotted a young woman on a solo trip trying to haul a ton of gear and a heavy canoe over a portage. Every thing was loose and unorganized. I can't imagine that she would be having a good time. I'm sure she quickly learned some lessons.

It's best to practice closer to home so that by the time you get to the BWCA, you aren't nearly so much of a newbie.

Biggest comfort barriers,
solo wilderness camping, many folks I know have tried and never went back
solo paddling, a very different beast from paddling tandem

As awbrown put it, small bites to get your head wrapped around the reality. I'm a big advocate of simple first exposure. Build from there.

Be careful, safe, and have fun!

butthead

Yes, it's possible...with proper planning and preparation.

It's usually difficult to know what advice to give without knowing someone's experience levels.

For example, does "a reluctant but proficient camper" equate to multi-day solo wilderness backpacking trips or overnight car camping at the state park. The former will relate much more closely to what you are planning than the latter. If it's the former rather than the latter, you'll need much less advice in that regards.

My biggest shortcoming on my first solo was my paddling skills, which were exposed by adverse wind conditions, which slowed my progress and often halted it. That made my route plan - travel many miles every day without options to shorten - impossible to complete on time. That resulted in a certain amount of "angst".

So, get that solo paddling experience and knowledge before you go. Heed all the advice from the other posters about conservative planning.

I don't know where you're from, but mid-Sept in northern MN, the weather can be quite variable temperature-wise and windy. Be adequately prepared for that. Days will be short too.

Keep asking questions.

quote boonie: "For example, does "a reluctant but proficient camper" equate to multi-day solo wilderness backpacking trips or overnight car camping at the state park."

Definitely the former. I've always enjoyed day trips more for the comforts of a soft bed and a lot of wine at the end of the day, but as a backpacker, you camp out if you want to enjoy the best places.

Perhaps I'm missing something, because as a I read the forum I see so many people talking about two or three packs per person totaling 90+ pounds. I've never carried more than 45, and about 10 of that has been water. Is that weight difference necessary equipment or creature comforts and fresh food? Hikers are certainly accustomed to trash food and things that get boiled. I've even known hikers to drink olive oil because of the low weight to calories ratio. I've never felt that need before, but that's the mentality I'm starting from - minimize weight and keep it simple.

quote boonie: "My biggest shortcoming on my first solo was my paddling skills"

That, and navigation, is my biggest concern too. I imagine finding your way is more complicated tan following blazes on the tress

quote Alex1818: "

quote boonie: "For example, does "a reluctant but proficient camper" equate to multi-day solo wilderness backpacking trips or overnight car camping at the state park."

Definitely the former. I've always enjoyed day trips more for the comforts of a soft bed and a lot of wine at the end of the day, but as a backpacker, you camp out if you want to enjoy the best places.


Perhaps I'm missing something, because as a I read the forum I see so many people talking about two or three packs per person totaling 90+ pounds. I've never carried more than 45, and about 10 of that has been water. Is that weight difference necessary equipment or creature comforts and fresh food? Hikers are certainly accustomed to trash food and things that get boiled. I've even known hikers to drink olive oil because of the low weight to calories ratio. I've never felt that need before, but that's the mentality I'm starting from - minimize weight and keep it simple.

quote boonie: "My biggest shortcoming on my first solo was my paddling skills"

That, and navigation, is my biggest concern too. I imagine finding your way is more complicated tan following blazes on the tress"

In regards to the weight difference between backpackers and canoe campers........the "hikes" that canoe campers do are much shorter then the backpacker, so the pain lasts a lot less time. The weight difference is primarily due to creature comforts. I'm willing to haul a bit more in order to camp comfortably. That being said, if you're used to backpacker loads you won't have many torturous portages.

By limited canoe experience what are you talking about? Are you talking about just going out for a little paddle around the lake for a few hours or have you done canoe camping of any sort?
You'll need to have some basic paddling skills and will need some navigational skills too as there are no trail blazes out there.
I would maybe stick to the more closer in lakes and not get too far out or too extended of a trip.

A lot of the weight is just "extra" stuff or "real food". Of course, you'll have the weight of canoe, yoke, paddles, etc. If you plan to fish you'll have that too.

Most people double portage, i.e. they carry 1 load across, walk back and carry the second load across. If you can carry the combined weight of the canoe and pack and are organized to do so, you can single portage. Just make sure that you don't attempt to carry more than you can safely handle. An injury while solo could be a serious problem.

One reason to have a second smaller pack is to adjust the trim of the canoe to compensate for wind conditions. That's probably something you don't know about and will need to learn before your trip.

Navigation probably won't be as big problem as you'd imagine. Just pay attention from the beginning and keep track of where you are. Pretty easy to do if you keep your map out and keep track of features as you go - islands, points, campsites, portage landings, etc. You should be paddling close enough to shore to do this and should avoid any really large lakes and long open water crossings on your first trip.

Really, it seems like about all you need is to pick up a little solo paddling savvy, skill, and experience, and not try to "over reach" on your first trip.

quote Alex1818: "

quote boonie: "For example, does "a reluctant but proficient camper" equate to multi-day solo wilderness backpacking trips or overnight car camping at the state park."

Definitely the former. I've always enjoyed day trips more for the comforts of a soft bed and a lot of wine at the end of the day, but as a backpacker, you camp out if you want to enjoy the best places.


Perhaps I'm missing something, because as a I read the forum I see so many people talking about two or three packs per person totaling 90+ pounds. I've never carried more than 45, and about 10 of that has been water. Is that weight difference necessary equipment or creature comforts and fresh food? Hikers are certainly accustomed to trash food and things that get boiled. I've even known hikers to drink olive oil because of the low weight to calories ratio. I've never felt that need before, but that's the mentality I'm starting from - minimize weight and keep it simple.

quote boonie: "My biggest shortcoming on my first solo was my paddling skills"

That, and navigation, is my biggest concern too. I imagine finding your way is more complicated tan following blazes on the tress"

Last quesstion first, surprisingly easy to navigate. I carry at least two sets of maps and you quickly learn to spot portages from quite a difference.

I suspect mostly more food and heavier food because you can, perhaps fishing gear, and perhaps some water things including enough clothes to be sure you have dry, add weight - paddle, spare paddle, pfd. But you probably can get away with basically same gear as backpacking.

I did Philmont last year - IMHO backpacking is much more taxing and requires more skill than paddling, but I go for getting away, not to prove anything with speed or distance.

You'll do fine - don't over think.

quote Alex1818: "

quote boonie: "For example, does "a reluctant but proficient camper" equate to multi-day solo wilderness backpacking trips or overnight car camping at the state park."

Definitely the former. I've always enjoyed day trips more for the comforts of a soft bed and a lot of wine at the end of the day, but as a backpacker, you camp out if you want to enjoy the best places.


Perhaps I'm missing something, because as a I read the forum I see so many people talking about two or three packs per person totaling 90+ pounds. I've never carried more than 45, and about 10 of that has been water. Is that weight difference necessary equipment or creature comforts and fresh food? Hikers are certainly accustomed to trash food and things that get boiled. I've even known hikers to drink olive oil because of the low weight to calories ratio. I've never felt that need before, but that's the mentality I'm starting from - minimize weight and keep it simple.

quote boonie: "My biggest shortcoming on my first solo was my paddling skills"

That, and navigation, is my biggest concern too. I imagine finding your way is more complicated tan following blazes on the tress"

Last quesstion first, surprisingly easy to navigate. I carry at least two sets of maps and you quickly learn to spot portages from quite a difference.

I suspect mostly more food and heavier food because you can, perhaps fishing gear, and perhaps some water things including enough clothes to be sure you have dry, add weight - paddle, spare paddle, pfd. But you probably can get away with basically same gear as backpacking.

I did Philmont last year - IMHO backpacking is much more taxing and requires more skill than paddling, but I go for getting away, not to prove anything with speed or distance.

You'll do fine - don't over think.

I wouldn't stress about navigation too much for a 4-5 day trip, unless you are one of those people who gets disoriented easily. For the most part, all you have to do is hold the map in front of you and orient it to the physical features you see. I always have a compass, but bet I have only needed it twice in my last 15 trips. Most days I just hold the map up and go.

Paddling skills are the biggest deal to address in my opinion. Get out and practice, especially if the winds are up. Anyone can paddle on a calm day. Bring weighted packs with you.

Pack weight wise you are right - backpackers do way better at getting by light. As others have said, canoe pack weight is mostly about comfort. I literally plan my trips thinking I can portage 70-80 pounds no problem (each trip on a double portage). Wouldn't try that on the AT.

September weather is usually nice but variable. Watch the weather a few days before you go to adjust clothing, food, route as needed. September is probably my favorite month to paddle. Have a great trip.

Pak wise I'm in the light category. Less than 45 lbs packed gear. 2 packs for canoe trim options, 1 in front 1 in back.

Navigation is another personal item, based more on individual abilities (sense of direction and good memory). Something only experience will tell.

butthead

****My reply has been copied & pasted from the "Trip Planning Forum"****

Welcome to the site, but a few preliminary questions. You mentioned you're a hiker, but a reluctant camper. Is that to say you have your own camping gear, borrowing, buying or renting? Also, are you renting a canoe, using your own, or borrowing from a friend?

If you're an owner of a canoe, or borrowing from a friend, what canoe might you be using? If renting, are there any particular canoes you've considered using for your first solo venture?

Are you considering any particular Entry Points, or are you not at that stage of planning yet? Any health concerns, (i.e., bee allergies, bad knees, bad back, etc.)

I'm not sure what the "reluctant camper" comment implies. Is that to say you day hike and prefer not to over-night? Although this probably goes without saying, but camping is a large part of the BWCAW experience.

Another thing to consider when going solo, you're doing EVERYTHING! Many first time solo trippers don't fully realize that there's no one else there to split the loads on portages, gather firewood, cook, wash the dishes, filter water, start and maintain the campfire, set-up and take down the tent, the tarp, or whatever else you've packed in to make the wilderness your temporary home.

I know a few people that have solo'd, but rarely do anymore. Several have commented that although they enjoyed the experience, it was just too much work, or they got a little lonely and/or spooked once the sun went down. That's not to dissuade you, but it's something that many first time solo trippers don't always think about.

You'll find a lot of great information on this website with numerous members that are more than willing to pass along their knowledge and assist you with trip planning. But to better answer some of your questions, it would be great if you could provide a few additional details so we can provide you with some better feedback.

I personally love solo tripping, and in less than a week I'll be embarking on another Quetico solo trip for 10-days. Many on this site have also grown to embrace solo tripping, while others, not so much. Nevertheless, you won't know until you get out there.

Hans Solo

as important as paddling skills....being smart portaging. thats where one wrong step can end a trip badly.

Alex,
Lots of Great advice already! Here is my $.02 worth.
You do not have to be a pro paddler to do this! But, you do have to have common sense and pay attention to where the hell you are! 2 packs for ballast is a good idea. A lighter one you can carry (por tage with the canoe) the second is the main pack.
Map out your plan and don't over do it on your first trip, make it a "learning experience" sort of get your paddling feet under you!
As kanoes said, it is important to watch your every step when you are by yourself, and don't take uneccasarry risk, as no one is right next to you to bail your ass out of trouble. a turned anckle or cut hand or whatever is risky when by yourself. I think you will instinctivly do this when you are alone, cause you KNOW no one is around to bail you out. It takes a while to figure out your "Pace"
So allow plenty of time to set up and take down camp, remember you are BY YOURSELF, so no one is there to do it for you. So I would plan on starting early and quitting early.
Have Fun and enjoy and keep asking questions, There is a LOT of experienced solo trippers on here.
Welcome aboard
SunCatcher