My son, Henry, and I recently embarked on our second "serious" backcountry hike, this time tackling the Kekakabic Trail in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
"Serious" is a relative term, of course. It mostly means we carried really heavy packs and occasionally questioned our life choices, but in a good way of course.
Suited up with our Hooded Windshirt & Shell Pants - perfect for the trail!
The Kek certainly lives up to its reputation for difficulty. Donned in our Wintergreen clothing, we were well equipped to navigate the wilderness with its uneven ground, seemingly endless stretches of rocky trail, and face significant elevation changes. Every step was a test of endurance, but the rewards out weighed the blisters.
One of the most striking aspects of our journey was the profound sense of solitude. The only tracks we saw belonged to moose, a reminder that we were truly in their domain. In fact, the only other humans we encountered were two different canoe trip portages crossing our path – brief glimpses of other adventurers sharing the wilderness.
Taking a break at camp.
With 40-plus pound packs laden with only the necessities and dried food, we maintained a steady 10 miles a day average. For our group, that was a good, challenging pace, allowing us to cover ground while still soaking in the breathtaking surroundings, with plenty of time in the evenings to enjoy camp. It's incredible what you can accomplish when you strip away the extras and focus on the essentials.
I’d classify this trip as type II fun. But despite the minor self-inflicted torment, there's something genuinely rewarding about these multi-day trips. Henry and I are already planning our next one. Call us optimists who forget the pain once the blisters heal, but this trip cemented our love for multi-day backcountry adventures.
And let me tell you, there's absolutely nothing like a burger and a cold beverage after emerging from the Boundary Waters – a well-earned celebration of grit, perseverance, and unforgettable memories made in the heart of nature.
- Jackson Harren
