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NeilB

03/10/2011 09:01AM

Last year was my first trip back to the bwca. One problem that I had while I was there was the transitioning from canoeing to the portages. Is there any foot gear you can recommend? I would like to get the canoe out of the water and onto the portage without having to switch out from water shoes to hiking boots. We did a lot of portaging last year, maybe 40 portages in 5 days, with a few 250-300 rods. Also our outfitter did not provide us with a water filter and told us to drink the water from the middle of the lake. I was not the biggest fan of this. Is there a specific filter anyone could recommend over the other ones?

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charby

03/10/2011 09:16AM

I like my katadyn hiker pro water filter.

I wear Keen sandals with wool ankle socks, I don't switch shoes at portages, I just wet foot out of the canoe and portage.

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strom2127

03/10/2011 09:19AM

Regarding your filter part of your decision might depend on how many people you need to filter for. If it is just one or two, you might to decide to save some money with a basic pump filter. If you are going with more more I'd recommend a gravity filter so that way you can just fill your reservoir and let it do the work for you. There are numerous brands out there including one by MSR but it seems the most popular ones recommended here are the ones by Katadyn and Sawyer. I purchased the Sawyer model as they advertise that the filter is good for a million uses if cared for properly. I ended up getting the 2 liter model, but wish I'd gotten this one now for only twenty dollars more.

Sawyer 4L filtration system

As far as footwear, I've seen a lot of people recommend these two shoes, both of which were designed for "wet footing".

Chota Trekkers

video on OTB Abyss boot

sorry, the URL for the OTB boots home page isn't currently working.

"Once more unto the breach dear friends, once more."

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steven

03/10/2011 10:04AM

Welcome to the forum and glad you are going back to the bwca this summer. BTW - your route sounds like it had a lot of portages...

Regarding footwear: This is a very personal choice that requires some trial and error to find what works best for you. Most people fall into one of these groups:
- wet-footers: plan on getting wet and wearing same shoes while portaging: Sport sandals, water shoes, old boots, sneakers, etc. Pros = fast, simple, once your feet are wet you stop worrying about your feet getting wet. Cons = cold feet during shoulder seasons, increased chance of foot rot, blisters from long portages. I prefer this method in the warm months.
- Dry-footers: (my wife) does anything possible never to get your feet wet. Cons = Usually requires assistance from wet-footer in same group.
- Rubber-booters: wear tall rubber boots and can walk into water up to 18" deep. Pros = feet stay dry from lake water. Cons = feet can get sweaty on warm days. Cheap boots give blisters on long portages.
- Expensive-booters: buy expensive boots that are tall, waterproof, breathable, comfortable, etc... Cons = $$.
- Shoe-Changers. Change into dry shoes for portaging. Pros = comfortable portage shoes. Cons = takes time, shoe might get wet on portage anyways.

Lots of older posts on the same topic. You can do a search and see what others have to say.

Water filters:
I always take a water filter. Regardless of the safety aspect, I like that it removes some taste and other particulates that I don't like to see in my water. I think all of the "major" brands sold in REI and similar stores work well enough. I use a "First Need" filter $90 at Campmor.

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Walleye6

03/10/2011 11:03AM

I tried shoe changing at the portages my first couple times to the BWCA and it was a major PITA. Half the time you'll end up getting your portage shoes wet anyway if it's muddy along the trail. I've been using Keen sandals and wool socks now and it seems to be a pretty good set up. The wool socks will keep your feet from getting blisters and also keep them warm in the cooler months. A lot people don't like that this system doesn't offer much ankle support but I haven't had trouble with it. You just have to be smart about where you're walking. If you really get to a spot where you're worried about busting an ankle you can always swap then, but I've rarely had to worry about it.

For water filters, I use a MSR MiniWorks filter. I like it because it's pretty much bullet proof. You can disassemble and reassemble it in seconds. This is nice because once it starts to slow down from clogging you can quick give it a clean and you're back to a good flow rate. It actually even takes the stained color out of the stained water lakes like Lac la Croix. That said, I'll be looking at the MSR Autoflow filter this year so I can do less pumping and more fishing!!

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NeilB

03/10/2011 11:12AM

Thanks for all of the info already! Yea, unfortunately, not all of our portages were planned. But we were able to get off of the beaten path. We like to keep moving. Towards the middle of the trip, I just began wet footing it, but my boots became very bogged down. I think I'll look into those Chotas.

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paddlefamily

03/10/2011 11:34AM

quote charby: "I like my katadyn hiker pro water filter.

I wear Keen sandals with wool ankle socks, I don't switch shoes at portages, I just wet foot out of the canoe and portage."
Like Keens and don't switch out shoes at portages as well. Also like my Salomon Trail runners, flush water out and dry pretty quick.

We bring along a Steripen which worked great. Easy to use even while canoeing. Am bringing along a Katadyn Base camp next time as well.

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Winsum45

03/10/2011 11:54AM

quote charby: "I like my katadyn hiker pro water filter. "

I'm with charby. Like my hiker pro as well. A basket type coffee filter rubberbanded over the pickup removed any silt/sediment build up issues for me and allows a pretty high volume of water to be pumped.

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alpine525

03/10/2011 12:02PM

Regarding footware - Keen Newport H2 work great. They are a supportive water shoe/sandal with good traction for portaging. I wear wool socks with mine to keep out small rocks. They are very comfortable and they dry quickly. REI and Zappos carry them.

Keen Newport h2

Do not let the behavior of others destroy your inner peace. Dalai Lama

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jcavenagh

03/10/2011 12:03PM

I agree with strom. Look at the Sawyer website as they have several variations on the basic filter. The basic Sawyer filter can be backflushed in the field and can be put into several configurations from individual to group size.

I was a dry footer, but that just doesn't work well and is dangerous since you have to try to tip-toe over little rocks to get on shore. Now I just wetfoot it. I always wear wool socks. No neoprene because I trip in August and don't need that degree of insulation. I just got a pair of OTB Abyss. I haven't tried them on a portage yet, but I have worn them around for several days. They are much more comfortable than I thought they would be. I got mine on sale half off, so the price factor was easier to swallow.

Of course, you must bring a pair of shoes to keep dry and wear around camp.

LNT - The road to success is always under construction. http://hikingillinois.blogspot.com/

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forestmaven

03/10/2011 02:29PM

Katadyn Hiker Pro water filter and OTB Abyss boots.

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fishguts

03/10/2011 03:03PM

Saloman Water shoe.....get wet...have fun.
Drink water from lake ,no filter, no problem go to deep water to dip.

fishguts

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AndySG

03/10/2011 03:38PM

Steven's post sums it up very well. I'm a dry foot rubber boot person. So I use these Muck Boots. The unique foot box design makes them as sturdy and comfy as a hiking boot. Comfort temp range is 85 degrees to below freezing. Roll down the neoprene uppers for flexibility when paddling or portaging. Really great for those bog-mud landings during low water. The one draw back is weight, but you'd have similar issues with any dry foot system.

First Need Water Purifier is my preference.

Sincerely yours, Andy

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Craig K

03/10/2011 04:20PM

quote jcavenagh: "Of course, you must bring a pair of shoes to keep dry and wear around camp."

That's the key to wet footing it! Nothing better then having something dry waiting for you at camp.

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Mongo65

03/10/2011 05:52PM

I wear a pair of Merrell's and wool socks (wet foot). Prior to this I wore rubber boots and wool sock (dry foot). My feet got wet either from water of sweat. I will not switch back to dry footing it.

Filters Katadyn Hiker and Katadyn Base Camp

Sit back, relax, have a home brew.

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jcavenagh

03/10/2011 09:16PM

Mongo - I have been wearing Merrell Moab Ventilator boots the past couple trips. They have been OK and dried out reasonbly fast for a regular hiking boot. I'm wearing the Ventilator low cut shoes right now. Merrell makes a great product that really lasts.

Next trip I'm wearing OTB Abyss. Looking forward to comparing the two products.

LNT - The road to success is always under construction. http://hikingillinois.blogspot.com/

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NeilB

03/10/2011 11:16PM

Do you guys wear the wool socks into the water, or are you putting them on and taking them off?

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kanoes

03/10/2011 11:38PM

quote NeilB: "Do you guys wear the wool socks into the water, or are you putting them on and taking them off?"

in the water. they get wet and do just fine.

i think bigfoot is blurry. (mitch hedberg)

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Honus

03/11/2011 02:17PM

Wool is natures gift to mankind - no synthetic can ever compare. IMO
I find wet footing to be the best for me. Good luck!

"The more you learn.......the less you know"

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Jackfish

Moderator

03/11/2011 02:56PM

This is a legitimate question - do people really go on canoe trips and expect to keep their feet dry? If you somehow manage at the landings, what about the mud holes on the portages?

I'm not trying to be a smart aleck. I'd really like to know if people think that they can go on a canoe trip and keep their feet dry during the day when they're doing multiple portages with varying conditions at the landings and trails that can go straight through boggy and muddy areas.

To me, the time for dry feet, socks and shoes is at the end of the day.

It's only a spot on the map... until you go there.

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fishguts

03/11/2011 03:08PM

I'm with you Jackfish! Some Quetico portages are knee deep and more and no reasonable way to stay dry. Get er done, dry off later. ;-)

fishguts

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SevenofNine

03/11/2011 03:23PM

Jackfish, it is a legitimate question if a person is using boot that is meant to keep you dry like a Chota Mukluk. Based on NeilB's response he was looking for a boot that drained well. I guess it's a matter of phrasing.

What I like about it is the title. Yummy, foot and drinking water in the same question. I always think about feet and drinking water in the same sentence.

The amount of satisfaction you get from life depends largely on your own ingenuity, self-sufficiency, and resourcefulness. People who wait around for life to supply their satisfaction usually find boredom instead.

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mooseplums

03/11/2011 04:23PM

I wear knee high chotas, and the only time I've had wet feet since buying them is when I put a small hole in them. I repaired them when I got home and they work like new.
Before that I wore knee high Gortex snakeboots, so I would guess I've been dry for the last 20 canoe trips, save one.
I paddle a Bell Magic, and I walk out into the water to launch, and step out a little ways from the landing when I'm coming in.
I do some pretty rugged trips, and have no problem, and I don't step around muddy spots in the portage.
It can be done, and has been done.

I also use a katadyn hiker water filter, but I will drink straight from the lake most of the time.

"I am haunted by waters"~Norman Maclean "A River Runs Through It"

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jcavenagh

03/11/2011 05:27PM

quote NeilB: "Do you guys wear the wool socks into the water, or are you putting them on and taking them off?"

We are not taking our socks off until the end of the day when many of us use talc or cornsilk powder and put on dry shoes and socks. The best feature of wool is that it retains its insulating ability when wet to a far greater degree that just about any other fabric.

One trick that helps dry your socks is to put the damp socks in the bottom of your sleeping bag when you go to bed at night. The heat generated by your feet will dry the socks while you sleep. This trick is best used when it is rainy out and you can't hang the socks in dry air.

LNT - The road to success is always under construction. http://hikingillinois.blogspot.com/

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Richwon4

03/13/2011 03:02PM

For me the simplest way to treat water is to get water from the middle of the lake like your outfitter said, but then use an eyedropper to add 1 drop of clorox to every quart. Smallest lightest option I know.

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mr.barley

03/13/2011 05:44PM

The title of the post made me think you wanted to drink out of a shoe.

Because I'm wearing one and I just did....

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drnatus

03/13/2011 05:47PM

quote Richwon4: "For me the simplest way to treat water is to get water from the middle of the lake like your outfitter said, but then use an eyedropper to add 1 drop of clorox to every quart. Smallest lightest option I know. "

Bleach won't kill all giardia spores.

Never criticize someone until you walk a mile in their shoes....by then you'll be a mile away and they will be shoeless!

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AndySG

03/13/2011 08:58PM

The only way I'd wet foot is if my shoes and socks would dry themselves (and release all bog mud) before I camp. I don't want the extra work of drying/washing out my footwear at the end of a long travel day. I just want to slip off my dry travel footwear, then step into dry boots the next day and go. Just my dry footing 2 cents.

Sincerely yours, Andy

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SlackerV

03/14/2011 10:29AM

Sometimes it seems like you pay more for an item that is commonly available when the manufacturer gives it a special use application.
I checked out the OTB Abyss boots and all they really are is wader boots (to go over stocking foot waders).

So if you're a fisherman with wader boots just wear those.
If you don't own a pair before you go buying the OTB Abyss, check out what Cabellas is charging for wader boots.

PS A word of caution here. Rubber soles will work/wear better on portage trails. But felt sole (which are replaceable) will be far safer on slippery rocks.

Cliff Jacobson has some great ideas about getting particulate matter out of your water supply (just saw him speaking @ Copia) and the use of Steri pens.

An extra caveat: Steri Pens and chemicals won't work on tapeworm eggs.

There is no bad weather, only poor clothing choices

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mooseplums

03/14/2011 11:28AM

Just what I need a tapeworm....back to filtering. Of course I would bring the weight down pretty fast.

"I am haunted by waters"~Norman Maclean "A River Runs Through It"

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Jackfish

Moderator

03/14/2011 12:08PM

quote AndySG: "The only way I'd wet foot is if my shoes and socks would dry themselves (and release all bog mud) before I camp. I don't want the extra work of drying/washing out my footwear at the end of a long travel day. I just want to slip off my dry travel footwear, then step into dry boots the next day and go. Just my dry footing 2 cents."
Andy, how do you manage that? (Good to see you at Copia, btw.)

It's only a spot on the map... until you go there.

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billconner

03/14/2011 01:14PM

quote Jackfish: "This is a legitimate question - do people really go on canoe trips and expect to keep their feet dry? If you somehow manage at the landings, what about the mud holes on the portages?

I'm not trying to be a smart aleck. I'd really like to know if people think that they can go on a canoe trip and keep their feet dry during the day when they're doing multiple portages with varying conditions at the landings and trails that can go straight through boggy and muddy areas.

To me, the time for dry feet, socks and shoes is at the end of the day."
I agree but Stu (BWJ) puts high priority on dry footing. I don't know how he does it.

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mooseplums

03/14/2011 03:20PM

quote Jackfish: "quote AndySG: "The only way I'd wet foot is if my shoes and socks would dry themselves (and release all bog mud) before I camp. I don't want the extra work of drying/washing out my footwear at the end of a long travel day. I just want to slip off my dry travel footwear, then step into dry boots the next day and go. Just my dry footing 2 cents."
Andy, how do you manage that? (Good to see you at Copia, btw.)"

Yeah Andy..how do you do that? Chotas?

"I am haunted by waters"~Norman Maclean "A River Runs Through It"

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markaroberts

03/14/2011 03:48PM

I have been to BWCA on two different trips, but do a LOT of river trips here in KY. I typically use knee high neoprene NRS boundary boots. The only exception to this is when I take my kayak and then I use kayak shoes.

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AndySG

03/14/2011 04:45PM

quote mooseplums: "quote Jackfish: "quote AndySG: "The only way I'd wet foot is if my shoes and socks would dry themselves (and release all bog mud) before I camp. I don't want the extra work of drying/washing out my footwear at the end of a long travel day. I just want to slip off my dry travel footwear, then step into dry boots the next day and go. Just my dry footing 2 cents."
Andy, how do you manage that? (Good to see you at Copia, btw.)"
Yeah Andy..how do you do that? Chotas?"
Nope, 15" Edgewater Muck Boots, and I search the landing shore for a spot to step out/in that is less than 15" deep. I mean, what does a loaded canoe draft, maybe 6 or 7 inches? I double portaged the 325 rods from Poplar to Sipper in these boots last fall. Very comfortable to walk in and the footbed wicks moisture away. Buy a pair for wet & muddy chores and see what you think. These are NOT the usual rubber/neoprene boots. Very unique and made in America.

Sincerely yours, Andy

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OBX2Kayak

03/14/2011 05:39PM

I generally use a Nalgene, not my foot gear, at least for drinking water. For bath water, anything goes.

"I go because it irons out the wrinkles in my soul" -- Sigurd Olson

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mooseplums

03/14/2011 06:57PM

quote AndySG: "quote mooseplums: "quote Jackfish: "quote AndySG: "The only way I'd wet foot is if my shoes and socks would dry themselves (and release all bog mud) before I camp. I don't want the extra work of drying/washing out my footwear at the end of a long travel day. I just want to slip off my dry travel footwear, then step into dry boots the next day and go. Just my dry footing 2 cents."
Andy, how do you manage that? (Good to see you at Copia, btw.)"

Yeah Andy..how do you do that? Chotas?"
Nope, 15" Edgewater Muck Boots, and I search the landing shore for a spot to step out/in that is less than 15" deep. I mean, what does a loaded canoe draft, maybe 6 or 7 inches? I double portaged the 325 rods from Poplar to Sipper in these boots last fall. Very comfortable to walk in and the footbed wicks moisture away. Buy a pair for wet & muddy chores and see what you think. These are NOT the usual rubber/neoprene boots. Very unique and made in America."
I've tried them on and liked them. I should buy some.

"I am haunted by waters"~Norman Maclean "A River Runs Through It"

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Jeriatric

03/14/2011 06:59PM

I don't use my shoe to dip water from the lakes. :-)

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markaroberts

03/15/2011 08:09AM

"This is a legitimate question - do people really go on canoe trips and expect to keep their feet dry? If you somehow manage at the landings, what about the mud holes on the portages?

I'm not trying to be a smart aleck. I'd really like to know if people think that they can go on a canoe trip and keep their feet dry during the day when they're doing multiple portages with varying conditions at the landings and trails that can go straight through boggy and muddy areas.

To me, the time for dry feet, socks and shoes is at the end of the day. "

In reading all the threads on what shoes/boots to wear I have come to the opinion that those that are wet footing in Keens or something similar are coming from a back packing background and/or are really in a hurry at portages.

I do LOT of hunting here in KY. It is not uncommon to have to haul a deer a mile out through creek beds, mud and brush. No hunter would think of wearing Keens to hunt in for these reasons.

In the same way, I wear knee high neoprene boots or knee high rubber insulated boots when I am canoeing. That allows me to get out while still in water without getting my feet wet. . .have heavy soles and good foot support so not to "pussy foot around on the rocks" and I just slog through the portages that would fill up a pair of Keens.

I would imagine most of those that go to BWCA that are hunters and/or spend a lot of time in the field are not taking water shoes.

The only caveat to this is when I take the kayak, which I did last year to BWCA. I would wear kayaking shoes when in the kayak and on portgages.

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Walleye6

03/15/2011 09:36AM

quote markaroberts: ""This is a legitimate question - do people really go on canoe trips and expect to keep their feet dry? If you somehow manage at the landings, what about the mud holes on the portages?

I'm not trying to be a smart aleck. I'd really like to know if people think that they can go on a canoe trip and keep their feet dry during the day when they're doing multiple portages with varying conditions at the landings and trails that can go straight through boggy and muddy areas.

To me, the time for dry feet, socks and shoes is at the end of the day. "

In reading all the threads on what shoes/boots to wear I have come to the opinion that those that are wet footing in Keens or something similar are coming from a back packing background and/or are really in a hurry at portages.

I do LOT of hunting here in KY. It is not uncommon to have to haul a deer a mile out through creek beds, mud and brush. No hunter would think of wearing Keens to hunt in for these reasons.

In the same way, I wear knee high neoprene boots or knee high rubber insulated boots when I am canoeing. That allows me to get out while still in water without getting my feet wet. . .have heavy soles and good foot support so not to "pussy foot around on the rocks" and I just slog through the portages that would fill up a pair of Keens.

I would imagine most of those that go to BWCA that are hunters and/or spend a lot of time in the field are not taking water shoes.

The only caveat to this is when I take the kayak, which I did last year to BWCA. I would wear kayaking shoes when in the kayak and on portgages."
That's kind of a generalized comment there. I go to the BWCA, wear Keens for portaging and probably hunt just as much as you do. I'm not a fan of rubber boots when I'm hunting, they just don't seem to be comfortable to me. I wear Danner Pronghorns hunting and would never wear those to the Boundary Waters.

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markaroberts

03/15/2011 12:46PM

So I am missing something. If you would wear boots when hunting. . . .and for the reason of rough terrain, slogging through mud and creeks. . .why would you wear Keens for portaging? The only reason I can come up with is that Keens work better for wet footing at landings, possibly more comfortable in the canoe, and you don't want to change to boots at the portage.

There have been many that seem to infer that the only way to go to the BWCA and keep your feet dry is by prissily stepping from stone to stone at the landings.

All the guys we take up take knee high neoprene or rubber boots just so they can jump out without driving the kevlar canoes up on the rocks. . .have good traction for portages. . .and don't like the mud and goo working through their shoes.

I also should add, however, we don't go in summer. . .only May and September when temps are cooler and water is colder.

My comment was just observations that most hunters hate wet cold feet. That doesn't change much in my experience on canoe trips that we have run for many years. On the other hand, the guys that have come with us that are in to backpacking or don't spend as much time in rough terrain typical come in crocs or some type of Keen style shoe that is a water shoe.

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Walleye6

03/15/2011 01:28PM

I hear where you're coming from. I don't like cold, wet feet either but I don't mind it when they can dry out. When my feet are in boots and get wet they stay wet but when I have Keens and wools socks on they'll dry out in a short while. I'd probably wear boots on portages but I hate changing. I wear the Keens while fishing since it makes landing the boat easier too, even in May when the water is chilly. I guess I'd rather keep good footing and have wet feet than taking a spill and getting soaked trying to keep my feet dry.

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markaroberts

03/15/2011 01:37PM

makes sense to me.

I will also admit to being 55 and as not being a young guy I don't like cold wet feet as much as when I was in my 20's.

I also don't like to change at portages so I usually elect to wear something like NRS boundary boots when paddling and on portages. If the water comes over the top you still don't really get much in as they fit snug at the top. I also don't wear shorts or jeans when paddling. Typically I wear all synthetic paddling pants of some type. If I have to jump out in 2-3 feet of water. . .neither feet or legs get that wet.

I do a lot of river kayaking and typicall dress the same for BWCA with the exception I move to knee high boots as opposed to kayak shoes.

I have operated with the rule. . .whether kayaking or canoeing. . .dress/prepare as if I know I am going to get wet. This means water shedding pants, shirt, often spray jacket, and the PDF like a NRS Chinook secured at all times.

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mooseplums

03/15/2011 03:51PM

That's what it is...I'm 52, and I never used to hate wet feet..but I do now.
I also require ankle support that Keens or other water shoes don't give you. I have rolled my ankle way too many times, and really don't want to do it on a canoe trip.
I have also seen more than my share of bloody stubbed toes on people in sandals, that I meet on the trail. IMO sandals are made for camp, not for portaging.

"I am haunted by waters"~Norman Maclean "A River Runs Through It"

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mr.barley

03/15/2011 04:13PM

I saw a guy portaging barefoot last year. My brother and I laughed as soon as he was out of ear range.

Because I'm wearing one and I just did....

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Jackfish

Moderator

03/15/2011 05:07PM

quote mr.barley: "I saw a guy portaging barefoot last year. My brother and I laughed as soon as he was out of ear range."
I try to be courteous most of the time, but I would have laughed right in front of the guy and probably told him why I was laughing. Portaging in bare feet is nothing short of moronic.

It's only a spot on the map... until you go there.

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Walleye6

03/16/2011 06:48AM

quote mooseplums: "That's what it is...I'm 52, and I never used to hate wet feet..but I do now.
I also require ankle support that Keens or other water shoes don't give you. I have rolled my ankle way too many times, and really don't want to do it on a canoe trip.
I have also seen more than my share of bloody stubbed toes on people in sandals, that I meet on the trail. IMO sandals are made for camp, not for portaging."

That's why I love the toeguards on the Keen Sandals, I've bashed that toeguard into so many roots and rocks along portages and never had a stubbed toe. I'm actually sitting here with a bad toe injury I suffered from the carpet in my house, so trust me I'll be protecting them better in the future.

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Grant

03/16/2011 07:21AM

Merrel sport extreme hiking shoes. they're meant for getting wet and hiking.
Any water filter works

Extreme Explorer

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snapcrackpop

03/16/2011 10:08AM

How about this $40 Cabelas wader boot? Cabelas 900 denier wader boot

Can't find it on their "full" site.

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