bsman:
Footwear depends on what type of portages populate your route.

I don't like boots - too heavy if the canoe upsets and too heavy to wear when they get soaked at canoe landings.

I wear river runner type sandals in the canoe and for the landings. I'll wear these to portage if the ground isn't glaciated rock, but I'll change to sneakers with a gripping sole if the glaciers have carved the rock on the portage.

I'm more interested in the soles of my footgear: will they grab on wet granite? Will they get very heavy when wet? I'm more worried about a slip and a fall while portaging than I am about turning an ankle. I've found that if I pay attention to where I step, I don't have ankle troubles.

I've done most of the portages on the near southern end of the Quetico (including the monsters into Agnes, Silver Falls, and the Monument portages), and haven't turned an ankle yet. But, I have slipped on wet granite. Fortunately, no damage done.

Posted by Skip Guyer on February 27, 2000 at 08:24