While you could get by with the lighter one, my preference (personal) would be comfort with the warmer one if it gets colder...

Wow. That's some long hiking days.... Kudos to you!

Very interesting. Pictures?

No I have a couple hammocks, there would be no good way to hang without damaging the shelter.

The one thing I'd say is have a clean dry set of base layer/clothes to change into when you settle in to camp or sleep. Dry clean clothes will keep you much warmer than even very nice (but sweaty) base layers. Let yourself fully cool down before changing into them.

I've been in September twice and also not had a problem getting a shelter. Up early hike hard and plan short hikes and you'll likely be rewarded.... With that said.... I ALWAYS HAD A TENT AND NEVER THOUGHT IT WAS DEAD WEIGHT. It's just too important especially at that time of year for possible weath...

Just got back. Bugs weren't too bad other than at Chippewa Harbor.

Went out Sunday 8/09 and back Sat 8-15 on the Queen. No issues.

Huh. I've done it several times before. Never worried about it. I use a small ISO butane stove though and really don't see much difference between that and cooking on a picnic table with it (which I'll do almost every time I have a site with picnic table).

Thanks for the bug update Tom. I leave for the east side on Sunday's boat (pending queens repairs). Hopefully the bugs will be good there also.

We're the thimble berries popping yet?

Any clue how long were looking at. The website says trough Tuesday at least. I'm worried as I have tickets for Sunday.

I guess I'm the opposite of most everyone else here.... I can barely choke down Stsrbucks and much prefer Folgers or a "basic" cup o Joe. I use the small packets that look like tea bags. Works just like a tea bag and works for me. I pack the grounds/bags out.

..As others mentioned, the difficuly in getting to IR and the easily tracked access to IR make it a poor place for someone who may have other intentions... I agree. Since everyone coming to IR is registered and tracked and you can't get off the island without going through some approved route, only...

I'd consider McCarge to Daisy. Hike is very doable in one day. Daisy is the largest campground which would be good as you'll be strolling in late that day. Also you'll get some great views on the greenstone and possible moose sighting when dropping into Daisy in the evening. You could consider lengt...

I just did a test hike on my Atmos 65 AG. I got the large due to fit. It swallows my gear no problem. Just lots of different ways to store gear vs my Deuter. I was very impressed with the Cary of the load. I was right around 40 fully wet (heavy water like on my longest days).