Boot recommendations for canoe trip-NDR

Dwight Harley

Dwight Harley

Well-known member
I'm planning a week long trip into the BWCA. Mostly paddling, a few short portages. Should I wear my Bean boots or my ankle-high hikers?
 
I would go with the ones that are best for hiking. Some of the portages can be like rock hopping. I try to stay dry but plan to get my feet wet.

Have fun,

Tom
 
Bean boots could be pretty slippery if you’re portaging over wet rocks and/or steep grades.

I take hikers with good ankle support and a pair of tevas
 
I have been going to the BWCA since I was in junior high. Have tried many different shoe/boot styles. That being said, go with the hikers! As stated portage’s can be rocky, uneven roots crossing the trail etc. you don’t want a sprained ankle while carrying a canoe, and Duluth pack on a 100 rod portage on your third day in of a week long trip.
 
This is sacrilege for a Maine guy, but I have never been a big fan of Bean boots for anything other than slogging around in slush or mud season. They are not warm when it's really cold out, and they are brutally hot and sweaty when it's warm. Traction, ankle and foot support are all pretty poor. They are outstanding for mud and slush season--and Maine has a lot of that, including our November deer season, which is what I think old Leon was thinking of when he developed the "Maine Hunting Shoe".


I'd go with hiking boots for the portages. Good quality sneakers--something like "trail runners"--would be fine too if you don't mind wet feet.
 
I've been to BWCA four times latest last year. We had a group of eight. Most all of us had one pair of light weight water proof short hiking boots and good sandals. My boots and sandals were both Keen brand. I wore the sandals most of the time. If the portage was rough or long I would change into my boots. My son carried the canoe plus pack and I carried a pack, paddles, and dry sack. We traveled light doing only single portages as several of the portages were half mile long. If you have any other questions let me know. We're planning on another trip next year.

Tom
 
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