BearVault BV 475. It’s supposed to accommodate 5-6 days of food, but it’s not the largest, heaviest option. On paper, at least, it seemed to be the right compromise of weight and volume. Will know more by the end of June after I’ve returned or been consumed by wolves. If I make it back, I’ll let you ...

I've gone ahead and ordered a bear cannister. I figure if nothing else, it gives me the encouragement to go ahead and get out West a bit, as well, to try some of their terrain. At 2 pounds, 4 ounces, it's not light, but it's also not going to be what keeps me from accomplishing any of the things I ...

Sorry to loop back to this, but this is new territory for me. Can any of you give me any thoughts on whether you'll be using a cannister, or suspending a bag, or if there's another option I should consider? Not sure if it matters, but I'll be heading on a small loop from Windigo, to Island Mine ...

Anyone have any guess as to how this plays out? What do they mean that animal-resistant food storage will be required? Will someone be checking? Is this similar to the requirement that you filter and chemically treat water that most people don’t actually do? I’ve read that people coming from the ...

Probably just a snowshoe hare…

Name: Ryan and two first-timers
Email: (at) message me here
Hometown: Northwest Indiana
Arrival Date: June 20
Departure Date: June 24
Coming From/Via: Seaplane from UP
Itinerary: Quick trip through Windigo, IM, Siskiwit, Feldtman, then back to Windigo, hoping to connect Hugginin as well
Notes/Other ...

That settles it. I was leaning clockwise anyways. Based on what I’m hearing from both of you, I feel pretty good about sticking to that plan. We’ll actually get back to Washington Creek the night before our flight, so we won’t be in a rush. We may, however, push on the Hugginin and sleep there on ...

Oh one last question (yeah, right)…It seems most of what I’ve read about Feldtmann has people going counterclockwise. I’d really prefer not to end by hiking from Island Mine to Windigo. Any strong reason not to reverse the route?

Thanks for all the feedback. Ultimately, I think I’m going to see what I haven’t yet seen. I think we’ll do the Feldtmann Loop, and possibly sneak in Hugginin Cove. I appreciate all the advice.

Feldtmann sounds like it has a strong following. Definitely something to consider. Firetower would definitely be climbed if we opt for that route. So much to think about...

Thanks for the great feedback. I think we both kind of enjoy getting a decent number of miles each day, so my guess is we're shooting for something a little longer than the first suggestion. That said, as you've mentioned, a day trip out between campgrounds wouldn't be out of the question. Feldtmann ...

Hey all, I've been to IR twice before, so I'm familiar, but in no way an expert. I'm going to bring a friend next summer, which will be his first trip. We'll fly in first thing on a Friday morning in June, then fly out Tuesday morning. Anybody care to offer a "Best of IR" 4 day route for me? I've ...

My first backpacking trip ever was almost exactly as you're planning, in late June 2021. Like you, I tried for almost a year (two, really, thanks to COVID...). I was 43 and reasonably fit. I found the trip to very manageable. I also thought it was amazing. In fact, so much so that I returned the ...

Apologies…reading too fast. I volunteered for the Moosewatch during the summer. You’re correct; they don’t have volunteers as part of the winter study.

As someone that participated in the study last year, I can’t say enough about the experience. I learned so much about the process, the island, and backpacking, in general. If you’ve ever been on the fence about participating, consider this your proverbial push.