r/BWCA

Hey folks,

My daughters are 13 and 15 and like my my wife, they are on the shorter side at 4'11" and 5'0. In preparing for a wilderness adventure, I'm wanting to make sure they are as comfortable as possible.

Personally I've had great luck with REI's hiking gear but my favorite, the REI Sahara doesn't appear to be sold in a petite size and the sleeves are a but long. To me that doesn't seem like a big deal for a shirt that I know that will dry quickly and breath well, but my wife insists we should return it and go to Lands End where they sell petite sizes. Any have insights on what works and doesn't for petite hiking gear in thr BWCA?

Thanks!

How do you guys handle other groups that don't follow leave no trace principles? We took a camp from a group on Agnes that left their fish carcasses strewn along the bank and candy bar wrappers and little paper trash scattered around the camp site, as well as a clothes line. We were a day behind them going from Agnes to Nina Moose and saw them leaving a site the next day and again they had left multiple fish carcasses along the bank. Missing bits of trash at a big camp I can understand but I was told we weren't supposed to dispose of fish in a way that would affect water quality or attract wildlife. Some of our group debated reporting them to the outfitters or something but weren't sure if this is common and accepted. If anyone from that group on Agnes is reading this (you guys with a gallon of chocolate milk on the stringer 6/25/26) thanks for letting our group have the camp, but it would have been a lot cooler if you left no trace.

Looking for a spot to hike in camp with two young kids in the boundary waters. They’re young and tough, but aren’t ready for long hikes with packs yet. Any suggestions? Solo dad- so just one adult hauling gear. Thanks!

We did an entry lake trip (no portaging) last weekend and it went well. We’ve done a lot of trips together, but this was our first with an infant. The opinions on our trip have ranged from “that’s awesome” to “you are reckless.” In any case, the trip went well and we will definitely be back next year.

I’m planning a solo trip in early September. I have extensive solo backpacking experience, so that part I’m not worried about. I’ve also done a decent amount of solo kayaking. However, it’s been literal decades since I’ve been in a canoe. I’m located in Minneapolis, and I’ve tried finding places here to rent solo canoes to get a bit of practice in, but I’m not having any luck. All rental places near the cities only have tandem canoes, or kayaks. Is it really a huge difference if I rent a tandem and get a few reps in that solo? Or will I be able to rely on kayaking skills alone and can just wing it once I get up north? (I’m not planning a route that’s strenuous or full of rapids, it’s beginner friendly…I just want to make sure I’m setting myself up for success)

I am planning a big loop out of Sawbill next month and the only part I am still debating is the route of out Snipe lake to Tuscarora.

The plan is to camp on Snipe and start the day making for Tuscarora. There are two routes to choose from:

Via missing link. Two portages, one quite long with a reputation for difficulty according to Paddle Planner.

Via Hubbub. Four total portages, three relatively short (under 100 rods) and one longish one. Based on Paddle Planner notes, this is not a commonly used route.

I will be traveling solo with a light load and will be single portaging the trip, so load/unload time and deadheading with the additional portages via Hubbub is not a huge consideration for me.

Anyone have any experience with one or both of these routes? I guess my concern is the Hubbub route may be more difficult due to less trail maintenance or something.

Any spots I HAVE to go fish? Anything I really aught to see? Notable campsites?

Hi! My partner and I have an upcoming trip to stay at a cabin at the Gun flint lodge and outfitters in July. Wondering if anyone here has stayed or worked there? Was hoping to hear some tips/feedback regarding their experience in guest terms.

It isn’t a cheap trip and we’re hoping to make the most out of our time there.

Thank you!

Looking for any and all information I can get on hunting the BWCA for grouse. What areas should I be looking at?

We are seasoned BWCA campers but next year will be a little different. We are looking waaaay ahead to next summer (‘27) wondering if anyone knows of any outfitters or lodges that have cabins on the edge of the BWCA that require *paddling in* to them. We will have babies with us so we want to have a roof over our heads but we also want the relative solitude that camping usually provides and a way to access day trips into the BWCA. Any unicorn recommendations?

What is everyone using for a good fish fry pan? Carbon steel? Stainless? Are you lugging out your favorite cast iron? Any specific model would be appreciated as well

First timer here, going next month (absolutely can’t wait). I’m a female with long hair that inevitably gets greasy when not washed after about 2 days. Obviously I’m not going to be shampooing and conditioning in the lakes. I don’t want to bring dry shampoo either and have that in the air.

If I have to just suck it up and deal with the greasiness for 6 days, that’s fine. I’m just wondering if anybody with long hair on here has any advice or tricks? My hair will most likely be up in a ponytail/bun/under my hat the whole time, but I’m just curious for other peoples’ perspectives.

Thanks in advance!