u/Adventurous_Class_90

I’ve just finished my first trip. We were motored up from EP 25 to Birch. From there we made our way to Knife Lake and stayed at the campsite 1460 near the portage to Bonnie (which was where we went on day 2). Day 2 was Bonnie to Spoon to Pickle to Kekekabic to Frasier to Thomas Day 3 we made our way to Insula and stayed an extra day. We stayed north of Williamson Island there. Day 5 we canoes up to Lake Two and stayed there on Day 6. Day 7 (Saturday) we made our way to exit on Lake One at EP 30 (where we had left a vehicle).

What I learned:

1. I definitely overpacked. I needed far fewer changes of clothes than I thought I’d be comfortable with. I really only wore two shirts, two pairs of underwear, and the same pair of pants all week.
2. Have a hammock is essential. Likewise a good chair (mine used some cheap aluminum collars to secure the legs; they broke. I fashioned some woods pegs but it was annoying).
3. Paracord! Tip: have 10 or so 6-foot lengths with bowlines on each end. You can daisy-chain them and use them to secure your tent corners if you’re on rock or shallow soil.
4. My comfort items: some shower wipes to clean off at night; sleeping clothes, and instant coffee.
5. I probably need a new tent. I have a backpacking dome. I need a half dome.

My next trip:

In addition to what I wear on Day 1, packing 2 pairs of socks; 2 pairs of athletic underwear; 1 extra pants; 2 shirts. Still taking sleeping clothes and two pairs of ankle socks.

I’m looking for a new tent. My current backpacking tent is not ideal. It’s a 7 by 7 dome and I just completed a canoe trek where it was difficult at times to find a good spot.

I’m looking at the Helix 2 from ALPS. I was curious if the hive mind has any experience with it. And I’m specifically looking at ALPS because I get discounts on their products thanks to Scouting.

Please advise.

Does anyone know how to add a merit badge counselor for a scout? I could do that in the old Scoutbook but I can’t in the new one. The box is grayed out on the merit badge.

Hi everyone.

I was directed here by r/Canoeing. They’ve already offered some advice.

I’m a long time canoeist but I’ve never had a chance to visit the BWCA…till now. I’m coming with some friends who’ve made the trip made times (they have bear containers and filtration systems).

Currently, I’m geared up for weekend canoeing overnights and backpacking/car camping. For further reference, I’m scout leader and have a large amount of gear (tents, first aid, backpacking stove, etc.). Cotton is rotten and all that.

I’m looking for recommendations on upgrades and special considerations for the BWCA in August.

I’m not sure I want to permethrin my clothes particularly my shirt since they are camp/work out clothes. Someone recommended using permethrin on my tent but I worry that will ruin the waterproofing.

I’m debating about getting my own pfd since I teach paddlecraft skills to youth and adults (as well as go canoeing 2-3 times a year). I’ve just been delaying…

Edit to add: Entry point 25 at Moose Lake; 5-6 day outing. Exact plan is not defined yet.

My current gear list: Duluth portage pack; whisperlite stove; exped air mattress with schnozzle; ozark mt two-man backpacking tent, lots of smart wool socks, first aid kit with tick tool, fire starting box (matches and ferrocerium), mess kit, backpacking chair, 3-season bag with a waterproof stuff sack

Known needs: water shoes, pfd,

My buddy has: bear container, gravity filter system

See post title. Despite canoeing regularly for the last 15 years, I’m now doing my first Boundary Waters trip. This is the first time, my schedule has aligned with my friends who have done this before. The trip is in August.

I have gear for weekend trips but I know I need to gear up.

Currently have: backpacking tent (walmart brand, 4 stake points); portage pack; 3 season sleeping and a waterproof stuff sack for it; mess kit; towel; good inflatable air mattress (including bag fill system); good solid water bottle

I know I need: portage boots; better rain gear (frog

Togs); pants/shorts with the swim trunk liner

Gear wise, what does the hive mind know I need versus what are nice to haves. For example, my water bottle is a large hydro flask, should I go nalgene instead? Do I need a better tent?