Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Trip Planning Forum :: Do I change up my footwear?
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TaylorRN |
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dogwoodgirl |
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pswith5 |
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Guest poster |
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boonie |
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HowardSprague |
This with a nice-soled, flexible wading boot: Chota Caney Fork |
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ockycamper |
After 15 years every one wears Muck boots when paddling, and whatever camp shoes they want in camp. We have no "wet footers" anymore. |
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bhouse46 |
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Pilgrimpaddler |
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BrianDay |
Cold spring, I think I'll be happier trying to keep my feet dry. Last spring, same time window I ran with wet foot gear and had no problems. Even got in a swim or two. Really does depend on the year. Brian from Wenonah |
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Kendis |
2NDpaddlers: "I have traveled into the BWCA a number of times always wearing wool socks and Keen or Merrill hiking sandals. Have worked well for me. My trips have mostly always been in July or August, and last year being first part of June (weather was warm). I had this same question last year when I did a trip that started mid-May. Ultimately went with waterproof boots that come up to just below the knee. |
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Nomadmusky |
You can get several styles of wading shoes/boots. I wear cleated for these types of trips or when I know I will be hiking a lot or hunting, a sticky rubber or felt sole for slippery rock type wading, and a surf style in the ocean where there could be Rays. Thanks and let me know if you have any other questions. Nomad |
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Nomadmusky |
I don't like the feel of clunky Knee boots, I don't feel the last and rocker are good for hiking. I like the breathable hippers because they feel like a pair of pants and a good cleated wading shoe wears and walks the same as a good hiking shoe or boot. That translates to; warm dry feet, dry pants for when you do go in too deep because of terrain that is too rocky, muddy, brush-covered etc., dry pant legs because they aren't full of sweat from a neoprene knee boot, and non-stressed muscles because you didn't change the weight on your feet and legs when you hiked. Nomad |
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dogwoodgirl |
Nomadmusky: "In cold weather, I have been using breathable hip boots and cleated wading shoes for the last 30 years or so. Those look great Nomad! I had this very problem last fall- mud that went over my muck boots combined with cold weather. Limited my portaging options. What brand are those? |
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Frenchy |
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Jakthund |
I use both methods depending on temps and route. I really like my lightly insulated knee-high rubber boots when on portages with deep muck. When it's warmer, my feet sweat and get wet anyways. |
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2NDpaddlers |
My question for everyone, will that type of footwear be not such a good idea this year in early June? I am heading in on June 5th and am guessing with the spring that we have all had and ice being out later than normal, will water temps be colder making me look for a different footwear choice? Suggestions? |
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MarshallPrime |
I have never had a problem and plan to do it the same this year on June 11th. I always take a pair of crocs for around camp with warm socks. I only take 2 or 3 pairs of socks for the whole trip and usually just use 1, 2 if I am careless and let the 1st pair get wet. I like to have warm socks to put on, especially if it is chilly at night or morning. I love the crocs for foot protection (around camp) and the weight, which is minimal for portaging. I used to use regular tennis shoes but they are so heavy and crocs do the same thing. When you are at the end of a portage, you are only in the water for a short amount of time, the cold wont bother me. Swimming on the other hand...brrr. Prepare for Shrinkage! Just my 2 cents. Everyone does things a little differently. |
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tumblehome |
Muddy portages? No problem. Slip off a log into muck? Bring it on. Rocky canoe landing and I have to jump out? Sounds like fun to me! I switch to shoes or sandals in camp. I am a fervent advocate for dry feet! Tom |
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schweady |
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jillpine |
I think it’s a common to lump “shoulder seasons” in the same breath. It’s not like right shoulder and left shoulder. More like left hand and right knee. Spring is well-lit, stormy weather, full of life and icey waters. Fall (not later October - that’s winter) is silent, short days, not so stormy weather, not nearly the mud, and cooling water but not ice water. Be prepared for mud and - hopefully - lots of standing and trickling water! |
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gravelroad |
jillpine: "Not just cold water for wet footing, but mud — deep, standing water and mud, on portages. I wear Mucks until mid June. There you have it folks, the Second Best B-Dub Advice Provided in the Spring (sic) of 2022. (jillpine has already won the top spot in another thread.) |