I have a group heading in to the BWCA over the weekend. We have an odd number of people and I was considering trying to rent a Kayak for the extra person. Does anybody have any recomendations? I would like to find a outfitter on the way to the Tofte area.

My suggestion would be to skip the kayak and rent a solo canoe instead. They are easier to pack and unpack. Travel well with light loads. Most importantly in my opinion is they portage much, much easier than a kayak. Pretty sure most of the outfitters in the area rent solo canoes and can get you set up right. I have paddled solo for fifteen years and find it to be my favorite mode of travel.

Sorry, forgot the question about Tofte area outfitter. I have done buisness with Bear Track Outfitters and have been very pleased. Likewise Sawbill Outfitters do a great job.

I would also think about a solo canoe, but a kayak with an odd number of people works better as long as the amount of gear you need to carry in the kayak is minimal. If you have a route with alot of tough portages with lots of rocks and elevation change-and seeing you are talking about Sawbill trail or Gunflint trail I expect you will-I would talk solo canoe-easier to portage and pack/unpack at portages. If you are intent on the kayak go for it. I am not personally familiar with any outfitters in the area so can't help with that part of the question. Go online and look around or use gizz's advice

Thanks for the advice. I will check on a solo canoe.

Try www.vetterkayaks.com. Hungry Jack outfitters on the Gunflint rents some out. Very light (30lbs or so) & very strong (kevlar). They are relatively new & although they could use some minor improvements, they are a great niche product. The neoprene zippered compartments in front & in back are an innovation that makes you scratch your head & say "Why didn't anyone think of that before?"

Thanks for the advice! I rented a Prism Solo canoe and it worked great. It was good for portaging and also moved through the water very nicely.

Glad to hear the solo canoe worked out for you. Be careful though. They are sneaky, next thing you know you own one and would rather not paddle tandem.

IMGrizzly is right. I got the solo bug, bought a Prism this winter and the SR tandem has not seen water yet this year. I will take it up in July with the youth group trip and other times for family travels, but the Prism is my canoe of choice now.Paddling solo has many advantages. They are fun to paddle and give you more independance and solitude.

The Prism is a nice compromise in a solo between stability, tracking and glide. The down sides are a little wide to be real fast, can be difficult to turn,especially if not with a load and not as nimble to take in twisting, turning rivers. All in all I am happy with my Prism and look forward to many trips with her.