Boundary Waters

[intrepid27]

I've done 3 trips up there and it is fantastic. I cannot stress the importance of packing well. Find a book or website that has a checklist.

Also unless you have all your own equipment I'd suggest hooking up with an outfitter. They can help you plan. I've seen people up there who were poorly equipped and they were miserable.
Make sure you have a reliable fire starting system, compass, recent maps, water purification tablets, and Deet.

Also don't overpack on tackle. Jigs,slip bobbers, tiwster tails, and a few of your favorite topwater and crankbaits. we usually bring in some leeches as they will catch everyting and are easy to keep alive.

 

[cyflier]

Pack light, don't wear cotton, and don't wear any cologne or shave right before you go in otherwise the blackflies will kill you...

I am curious as to why I shouldnt wear cotton?

 

[HawkFanISUalum]

I went there with Boy Scouts when I was in high school. I'm sure the most common stuff has already been covered. Here's my one not-so-common suggestion:

Bring an extra oar and a king-sized pillowcase in your canoe. If you get a good tail-wind, the person in front can stop paddling, take their oar and the extra oar, put the pillowcase over them both, and make a nice sail out of it. We did this when we canoed across Cache Bay. All the person in back had to do was steer. I would guess the tailwind was about 20mph, as we were hauling *** across the water.

 

[Iastfan112]

I am curious as to why I shouldnt wear cotton?

Cotton doesn't dry particularly quickly. Want to go with clothing that is predominantly polyester, nylon or other synthetics that dry much quicker.

 

[cycloneML]

better take plenty of girly magazines.

 

[GMackey32]

I am curious as to why I shouldnt wear cotton?

Cotton doesn't try very well at all and when it gets wet, you'll be miserable and cold. Take wool socks (they are life savers), polyester type material (underarmour or cheaper varieties), and take hiking pants that will zip off (you should be able to find them at Jax, Sportsman's Wearhouse, or Scheel's for cheap).

 

[CyBer]

You guys realize that it is almost August right? I don't think it will be snowing in 90 degree heat lol. But the cotten thing is a good idea anyways.

 

[GMackey32]

You guys realize that it is almost August right? I don't think it will be snowing in 90 degree heat lol. But the cotten thing is a good idea anyways.

Correct, but you have to get about knee deep in the water to get into and out of the canoe at portages. Also, the average low is 51 degrees at night in August (remember, you're in a tent), with the average high only being around 75 degrees during the day. Not to mention it averages over 3 inches of rain over the summer months (the most precipitation for any season).

 

[Iastfan112]

You guys realize that it is almost August right? I don't think it will be snowing in 90 degree heat lol. But the cotten thing is a good idea anyways.

That far north you can have some sucky cool weather even in August, had highs in the upper 50's/low 60's with rain and cooling down well into the 40's at night. Was pretty cool heading back home though, between Duluth and Minneapolis we ran into one hell of the cold front, temps rose almost 20 degrees in the Span of a mile. Actually had to pull to the side because the windshield fogged over on both sides of the glass.

 

[CyBer]

Ha ha, yeah I forgot about the freezing water. Anyways it's a beautiful trip, I remember going as a kid. It's super fun if you like the outdoors. Don't listen to the people who tell you otherwise. Try to find wild blueberries if they are in season and make blueberry pancakes (best tasting pancake ever). Have fun!

 

[CyBer]

That far north you can have some sucky cool weather even in August, had highs in the upper 50's/low 60's with rain and cooling down well into the 40's at night. Was pretty cool heading back home though, between Duluth and Minneapolis we ran into one hell of the cold front, temps rose almost 20 degrees in the Span of a mile. Actually had to pull to the side because the windshield fogged over on both sides of the glass.

Yes, I know it gets a tad chilly. In fact I've been up to the end of the road in Manitoba where it snowed in the summer time. But that is way up there, and I think right now Minnesota is having the same heatwave we are having.

 

[Cytaki]

I did the same trip in late May, early June. Started at Moose Lake and worked our way around to Ensign Lake. Moose Lake is full of motor boats and Ensign Lake is packed. It is an overall good trip but if you are looking to be a little more secluded it isn't the right trip. We didn't have any luck fishing but hopefully that changes for you!

 

[stvfarmboy]

I am curious as to why I shouldnt wear cotton?

Because it holds water and takes forever to dry out. If cotton gets wet, it will be wet for pretty much your entire trip. I wear wool socks when I go camping, and if they get wet, they will still keep you warm.

 

[Iastfan112]

I did the same trip in late May, early June. Started at Moose Lake and worked our way around to Ensign Lake. Moose Lake is full of motor boats and Ensign Lake is packed. It is an overall good trip but if you are looking to be a little more secluded it isn't the right trip. We didn't have any luck fishing but hopefully that changes for you!

We saw more people than usual this year and asked out outfitter(we just rent a few things like canoes and a few packs) and he said business was up this year.

 

[CyBer]

That sucks that it is becoming more popular, it's going to ruin it.

 

[Iastfan112]

That sucks that it is becoming more popular, it's going to ruin it.

Not too worried since there are only a limited number of permits available.

 

[Broodwich]

Enjoy some Root Beer and Pizza in Ely when you are done.

 

[clone4good]

We went to the boundary waters for a easy trip in early june. It was the first time back to the boundary waters in many years. We go to fish and let me tell ya I dont think I will be going back there for fishing anytime soon. Too many people the lakes get the **** fished out of them. We will continue to go to the Quetico Provincial Park for now on. Fishing is great up there but trips are much much much harder. But the Boundary Waters is a nice spot to relax and have a good time dont get me wrong.

 

[cyhawkdmb]

BUMP

Looking for some more/updated info.

I am trying to plan a trip this summer for a few buddies and I. But only looking into 2-3 nights on the water. Want to experience everything we can.... Looking into Voyager Canoe Outfitters as it is at the end of the Gunflint trail, and I want to check out a cabin that I went to when I was younger. My grandparents used to own one up there. Had to sell it in the late 80's. Any info will be appreciated.

 

[Wesley]

better take plenty of girly magazines.

Just take a gal.