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Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Trip Planning Forum :: Late fall camping (with no campfires)
 
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A1t2o
10/15/2024 08:41AM
  
Besides the emergency plan, I would also make sure you have plenty of light, warmth, and things to do after dark. My buddy and I enjoy playing cards under the tarp where we hang some Luci lights. Head lamps really help as well. Having a spare jacket or blanket to throw over your lap is nice so you don't have to use your sleeping bag to get comfortable when the temp drops.


Keep in mind that you are going to have more power demands and less time to charge things via solar if that is something you have done in the past. So plan accordingly with batteries and power banks for the lights and other power needs.


Maybe a light up bobber for fishing after dark. Movie night on your phone one night. Download or print the rules for card games you might play. Bring star charts to look at the constellations. Whatever you want to do, just have a plan and a backup.
 
Savage Voyageur
10/15/2024 09:43AM
  
It gets dark early, you probably will need a light source. I recommend a Coleman gas lantern or at least headlamps with extra batteries. Wool socks and hats are a must. Everyone must wear your PFD when on the water. One trip I didn’t bring enough warm clothes and ended up wearing my PFD in camp. Bringing a wool beanie for sleeping. Bring a light pair of gloves, you will want these.
 
MikeinMpls
10/16/2024 11:38AM
  
Savage Voyageur: "It gets dark early, you probably will need a light source. I recommend a Coleman gas lantern or at least headlamps with extra batteries. Wool socks and hats are a must. Everyone must wear your PFD when on the water. One trip I didn’t bring enough warm clothes and ended up wearing my PFD in camp. Bringing a wool beanie for sleeping. Bring a light pair of gloves, you will want these. "


I have an MSR or OR battery powered globe lantern. Smaller than a baseball, it can be dimmed if full brightness is not required. I can hang it in the tent for full light. Adding a headlamp and I think you're set for light. A Coleman lantern is great, but is bigger and requires fuel.


I recommend a light hat and/or neck gaiter, for daytime AND for sleeping. I sleep hot, so I seldom require a hat for sleeping, but wearing one sleeping is invaluable in keeping warm.


Bring gloves for paddling and camp. Probably different types.


Mike
 
boonie
10/11/2024 04:44PM
  
Personally, I carry some chemical heat packs as first line of defense.
 
jsmithxc
10/08/2024 07:02AM
  
Have a plan and equipment ready if someone goes into the water. Have an accessible emergency dry bag with warm clothes and fire starter, I know there is a burning ban, maybe a small butane stove. Cold water incapacitates very quickly, even in seconds if shock sets in. Wear a PFD.

 
A1t2o
10/08/2024 10:17AM
  
jsmithxc: "Have a plan and equipment ready if someone goes into the water. Have an accessible emergency dry bag with warm clothes and fire starter, I know there is a burning ban, maybe a small butane stove. Cold water incapacitates very quickly, even in seconds if shock sets in. Wear a PFD."
A warm drink is a good way to warm up quickly. Alcohol might make you feel a little better about the situation but slows down your body's ability to generate heat.

I don't know if I would risk a fire or not in a true emergency...
 
AceAceAce
10/07/2024 01:28PM
  
My two cents is just to be flexible. Don't get too set on any plan. Watch the weather and be careful. As it gets colder, something going wrong can change from a minor annoyance in nice weather to life threatening in cold weather.

I'd look at some of the small area lakes, potentially not even in the BW. As it gets colder, the number of people camping will keep dropping quickly.
 
Camping4sanity
10/07/2024 09:40AM
  
Hi, I'm a college student who has been up to the Boundary Waters about a dozen times. In two weeks, I am bringing up two of my buddies who are first timers (I realize the days will be short and it will be cold).

We are a decently tough bunch and they realize what they are getting into, but I was wondering if any of you who have done a late October trip have advice on how I can better prepare to make this an enjoyable outing for them specifically in regards to equipment, safety, fishing, or routes.
 
907Tundra
10/08/2024 12:50AM
  
When I camp in cold weather I make sure I don’t skimp on a good down bag, an insulated pad (or underquilt if hammocking), a balaclava to keep my head and neck warm and lastly lots of calories (fat based).
Without a campfire, caloric fuel and insulation are the keys to staying warm. I really enjoy being outdoors in the cold but I prioritize knowing I’m prepared to get and stay warm. When I was younger I skimped on these things and learned some “memorable” lessons.


Good luck. Hope you have a great trip.



 
billconner
10/07/2024 06:27PM
  
Accept you probably won't make as much distance. Easy to take fresh food. I took a small ham and it went with so many meals. Of course plan for freezing temps. One morning we got up planned to travel, started eating breakfast, started to snow. By time we finished eating 3-4" of snow covered everything. After lunch we packed up and traveled for several hours.


My favorite time in BWCAW.
 
YaMarVa
10/08/2024 07:13AM
  
Wear a life jacket.
 
jwartman59
10/08/2024 10:20AM
  
A Coleman gas lantern is a great substitute for a fire. Worth the hassle.
 
Cricket67
10/07/2024 09:19PM
  
One lesson I took from my winter camping trips is to have some level of activity before climbing into the sleeping bag at night. The other way to stay warm at night is to place a water bottle filled with hot water in the sleeping bag.



 
cowdoc
10/07/2024 09:37PM
  
Fire ban this time of year is a bummer. I don't bring a lantern, but I will if I go late fall with fire ban again. Its happened twice to me and its no fun sitting around the fire pit with it being dark at 6:30 pm.
 
billconner
10/08/2024 07:34AM
  
Down booties for sleeping.
 
deerfoot
10/08/2024 01:02PM
  
jwartman59: "A Coleman gas lantern is a great substitute for a fire. Worth the hassle."
So true and you get that great hissing sound also.
 
jsmithxc
10/11/2024 09:34AM
  
A1t2o: "jsmithxc: "Have a plan and equipment ready if someone goes into the water. Have an accessible emergency dry bag with warm clothes and fire starter, I know there is a burning ban, maybe a small butane stove. Cold water incapacitates very quickly, even in seconds if shock sets in. Wear a PFD."
A warm drink is a good way to warm up quickly. Alcohol might make you feel a little better about the situation but slows down your body's ability to generate heat.

I don't know if I would risk a fire or not in a true emergency..."
I would not either. 15 degrees air temp I would fire up hot drink and put on all of my clothes, no excuse for a fire. 15 degrees air temp and both me an my partner go in the drink and water is 35 degrees even if you get on dry land, you have minutes until you are helpless. No time to gather wood but a few sticks and a good Vaseline and cotton ball fire starter kit would give a tiny fire that could save your life. I would boil water first with a small butane stove you would have in a grab bag. Not suggesting violating the fire ban, just suggesting you have a solid plan in case of an emergency and a well stocked and accessible grab bag.

 
MinnesotaJenny
10/25/2024 12:17PM
  

 
chessie
10/23/2024 09:07AM
  
Clothing. Newbies may tend to bring bulky cotton clothes, like hoodies. Remember the old adage about outdoor activity: "cotton kills." Make sure folks acquire and bring proper clothing, warm synthetics (long undies, etc.), winter type stuff s/as hats, mittens/gloves, wool socks, etc. A windbreaker over fleece is a good combo. Also, air mattress type pads in cold weather are cold to sleep on. Y'all are young enough to probably tolerate less padding, so closed cell foam type pads (there are light weight models) will be warmer than air underneath your backside.
Rain gear and a good tarp.
Warm stuff to drink.
Don't wet portage unless you can keep your feet dry (i.e., wear boots).
Have fun!
 
CanoeCos
10/31/2024 03:47PM
  
Like all have said, be prepared to be flexible.


I would only add that I had a trip earlier this month, and found the light and ambiance of a UCO candle lantern to be a real game-changer with the fire ban. Sitting the lantern on the fire grate doesn't give any real heat, but it's better than a cold cast iron hunk of metal! As an added bonus, the candle lantern in the tent will provide a little bit of warmth.


Also, a small primus lantern is worth the extra ounces for me. Not as heavy or unwieldy as a Coleman, and better light than an LED.


https://primus.us/collections/lanterns


Enjoy, stay warm, and don't be afraid to ditch out to the hot tub at a hotel for the last night. Better to leave early and happy than when planned and miserable :).