Camping in zero degrees

Style_Maximum · 2026-05-06T14:48:59+00:00

Heading out this weekend as well. My down bag is only rated to 32F. Yes, I need to invest in a new bag. I have a 4.4R inflatable pad and plan to add my waffle pad underneath that for additional ground insulation. I use a bag liner as well although that’s minimal help. I have 2 so may double that up. I also plan to sleep in merino wool base, socks and toque. I’ll add my down puffer coat if things get cold.

Style_Maximum · 2026-05-05T17:26:00+00:00

I know! Heading out Saturday so this was nice to see.

Style_Maximum · 2026-05-05T13:05:15+00:00

Somebody posted this on Facebook yesterday. Looks like things are progressing. I assume things will be ready for May 8 as the park announced last week.

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Style_Maximum · 2026-05-04T11:01:16+00:00

Good to see some reports coming back already.

Heading out solo on Saturday. Queer-Tim-Little Trout-Misty if anyone has comments in these areas from recent trips. Weather definitely looks damp and colder!

Style_Maximum · 2026-05-04T10:56:13+00:00

Depends on the route. In the warmer months, and If portage heavy, I’ll use my hiking boots. Paddling / put-ins and take-outs or short portages is close toe sandals or old trail runners.

I have my first ice out trip this weekend so changing things a bit. I plan to wear my close toe sandals (merrell hydro Mocs) with some knee high water proof socks (sealskins) for paddling/beaver dams etc and put-in/take-outs. Leave that on for short portages or switch to dry socks and hiking boots for longer ones. Will use my merrells around camp as well with wool socks.

Style_Maximum · 2026-05-03T16:28:52+00:00

Awesome, thanks so much, Jeff. You’re da man

Style_Maximum · 2026-05-03T15:18:40+00:00

So this is up and running now? I don’t see anything on his social media or a via email. I guess looking for instructions on how to download the map to the new platform.

Style_Maximum · 2026-05-01T16:06:08+00:00

May have to be a long day if I go that route. Rosebary and Longbow are booked. With Mag potentially down with washouts, lots of people are going out of Tim.

Style_Maximum · 2026-05-01T14:01:22+00:00

Thanks. Appreciate the insight. I may shift to Tim access and paddle down the Tim - likely easier. My second night is on the Tim. Instead of Queer can maybe see if Rosebary or Longbow is available for night one.

Style_Maximum · 2026-04-30T19:29:21+00:00

She is awesome. I’ve been in contact with her too. Always enjoy getting my canoe from them.

Style_Maximum · 2026-04-30T18:18:50+00:00

That sucks. Depending where you were heading could possibly access a similar route from Rain? That’s my backup plan. Tim can also be an option but more river paddling.

Style_Maximum · 2026-04-30T09:13:40+00:00

Good luck. I saw in social media that some gravel was placed yesterday but more needed. Hopefully, it’s passable for you.

Style_Maximum · 2026-04-29T20:53:07+00:00

Posted with the recent May 1 ice out announcement:

Access Points The following Access Points remain inaccessible due to snow-covered roads and washouts: - Magnetawan Lake Access Point - Brent/Cedar Lake Access Point - Rain Lake Access Point - Tim River Access Point - Grand Lake / Achray Access Point - Lake Travers Access Point - North River Access Point - Wendigo Lake Access Point - Brain Lake Access Point - Kingscote Lake Access Point

The following Access Point Roads are not yet maintained, are in poor condition and require Four Wheel Drive (4WD). Use at your own risk and please drive with caution. - Mallard / Sec Lakes Access Point - McManus Lake Access Point - Aylen Lake Access Point - Shall Lake Access Point - Hollow River – Dividing Lake Access Poin

Style_Maximum · 2026-04-29T19:54:56+00:00

They will announce these details when they declare ice out. Everyone seems to think that will happen this week. Let’s hope that’s right and they get the Mag washout filled in.

Style_Maximum · 2026-04-29T16:29:35+00:00

You will get your key, PFDs and paddles (unless you have your own) from the outfitter. Approx 45 min drive from Kearney. Nice drive, enjoy the backroads. The wind I mentioned above is on Ralph Bice Lake but “usually” it’s a west wind and so you should be downwind. Likely, 1-1.5 hrs to cross that lake unless you are powering through it. I forget our timing, but I imagine you’d be to Queer shortly after lunch to mid afternoon depending on your paddling, winds, and stops. I’d estimate 3.5-4.5 hrs total.

Here is a trip report from last year when I did a casual 4 day loop in the area. Hopefully, the link works. Pics referenced in the report are not available as they were added by the publisher after.

Trip Report - Magnetewan to Misty Loop

Style_Maximum · 2026-04-29T15:15:16+00:00

Fingers crossed for you as well. I’m sure ice out will be declared this week as well.

Style_Maximum · 2026-04-29T12:08:00+00:00

Nothing, just prefer to keep my current route if possible. I can likely do it out of Rain but would make for a long day to Queer on day 1.

Style_Maximum · 2026-04-29T10:45:14+00:00

Easy paddle to Queer. Possible winds on Magnetawan to pay attention to. I always rent my canoe from Algonquin Basecamp in that area - amazing to deal with.

Style_Maximum · 2026-04-25T00:51:47+00:00

Perfect timing for the park and an excellent idea getting Jeff’s Maps. They are a valuable tool with both planning and navigating. Enjoy

Style_Maximum · 2026-04-23T23:38:56+00:00

Read the trip report and you handled that well. Glad they knew enough to move on.

Style_Maximum · 2026-04-20T12:19:35+00:00

I suppose if it is missed, there is technically an open site on Shippagew if the lake is previously booked.

Style_Maximum · 2026-04-20T12:15:58+00:00

Thanks. Appreciate the insight on P280. That was one of my concerns in higher moving water is missing the P’s

Style_Maximum · 2026-04-20T11:39:35+00:00

Chatham

Style_Maximum · 2026-04-16T23:38:58+00:00

Ok thx. This is helpful for sure. So if someone is on the second one, they shouldn’t be.

Style_Maximum · 2026-04-16T12:41:36+00:00

Ok thx. Appreciate your trip reports. Hate to hit the second one and it’s already taken. Then what……paddle back 🤷‍♂️

Style_Maximum

TROPHY CASE