I've read several places to "not wear jeans" and "no wool" while in BWCA.

We will be going up May 29 - June 3 on EP 16. Traveling each day. What type of pants should I be planning on bringing? I guess I'm confused about materials and such.

Thanks for the info.

Dean

I bring a Nylon type pant. Some like the zip off style, I just like a pair that has plenty of room in the crotch so they are comfortable to wear paddling. They dry quick, are durable enough and are easy to clean.

I bring 2 pair. One is zip off one is not. Its nice to be able to zip off the legs to go swimming or just have a pair of shorts on warm days. Just be careful of sun burn and portages. I tend to only wear shorts in camp no matter how hot it is to avoid sunburn and getting scratched up on portages. In fall the shorts rarely make an appearance.

Bogwalker,

Thanks as always. Nylon pants it is. I'll have to look for those.

Dean

Layering will be key. As Bogs said nylon quick dry pants are great. They block wind and the occasional splash while paddling and offer scratch protection. In rougher weather a pair of water-proof breathable (wpb) pants layered over a pair of poly propylene long underwear will provide warmth from wind and rain while avoiding the bulk and scratch of wool pants. I actually have a light pair of wool pants that I wear in early season but I like them and I am used to the feel. I suspect people say "no wool" because of these reasons. Fleece pants layered under wind or wpb pants or alone might be nice too. The only things about synthetic materials materials to remember is that sparks and heat melt them. Be careful by the fire! You won't have that problem with wool. Bring along some "Tenacious Tape" for patching.
In late May to early June the weather will be unpredictable. Be prepared for flurries to swimming weather.

I'm going in two weeks before you - here's what my son and I are taking - Zip off nylon pants for the reasons outlined above with polypro long underwear, both for sleeping as well as layering underneath the zip offs and rain pants in the event of cold weather.

Wool pants are actually an excellent choice for fall and spring trips.

I agree with the wool pants, in colder weather there is nothing wrong with them. Avoid cotton. Nylon is good, but with the time of year you're going take some polypro long johns to wear under them.

Really most anything will work as long as it is not jeans. Cotton is not good if it gets wet.

As far as looking for nylon pants, check the mail order places such as sportsmans guide, Campmor, and Sierra Design.

I use wool pants and either wool or poly pro long johns for all of my May trips. I was very greatful to have them last year because it was cold and wet for most of the week. Wool will still insulate you when wet.

In the summer I use the nylon zip offs but I also take a pair of long johns in case it gets cold.

tony

Nylon pants are great, I know cotton is a no-no but BDU's with the double layer of cloth on the knees and butt ar good, they're thin enough that they dry out pretty quikely unless you get totaly soaked. Definately no jeans, if you get those wet, the'll be dripping the entire rest of the trip. Plus they tend to chaff really bad. I don't know why you wouldn't want to wear wool though.

I tend to wear the zip of nylon pants as well, with high tec long johns if necessary.

I finally gave up the blue jeans and couldn't be happier. I got a pair of zip-off nylon with lots of cargo pockets and it's perfect. Light weight, dry fast. No need to bring both long and short pants. Was worried about it not being thick enough, not just for warmth, but also for biting insects... not a problem. Tucked them into my field boots and the ankle-biting flies were no longer a problem, either.

While most of the time when I go to the BWCA it is not cold enough to worry about the cold, or so I thought until late June a couple of years ago... awoke to 35 degrees, wind and rain... and nothing but lightweight nylon pants and shorts... I learned a lesson! Now I take an insulating layer, but I don't take polypro any more... I take silk... very lightweight and very warm... at least to me... Here at home, this spring when it has been in the 30's in the morning I wear Nylon camp hunting pants, and a pair of silks. Keeps me warm and does not get too hot when it warms up...

Anyone else wear silk?

Bruce

Silk is good. The only silk I have are boxers. When on canoe trips I also avoid cotton underwear. I believe I also have some synthetic underwear (maybe polyester). I have a polypro tee-shirt that I like, although I will take a cotton tee shirt (or two) on trips in late July and August.

Wow. Thanks all! I mis-spoke myself in the opening post...I said, "no wool" and meant "no cotton."

This was great input. We're definitely using the poly pro longhandles and going to start shopping for nylon. I see Sportsman's Guide has a sale on some zip offs. Might pick those up.

Again, thank you.

Dean

I wear a cheap cotton/raimi blend navy-style cargo pants I got for $20 from the army/navy store. They're not as durable as jeans, but very quick-drying. And, of course, Capilene long johns for warmth.

I have been wearing a silk layer with a wool outer layer for years when I'm deer hunting in Wisconsin. My silks also come with me when camping in northern Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Canada. Very warm, breathable, and does a good job of moving moisture away from your body. it packs very small and weights almost nothing.

Most of our trips are spring or fall, so warmth is a factor. I like an old pair of wool suit pants, warm, strong and not too heavy. If it's cold I wear polypro's under them.

I have been wearing nylon pants on camping trips for years. I bring two pair. I don't have zip-offs since I hate the sun. I have a pair of Railriders and a pair of Ex Officio's. I also always wear a long sleeve nylon shirt. If I get cold wearing nylon pants I just throw my gore-tex rain pants on.