• How many will be in your group (BWCA requirements allow groups no larger than nine per permit, groups larger will need multiple permits).

• What is your preferred entry date and exit date?

• Do you wish to overnight in our bunkhouse before your entry date or after your exit date?

• What kind of trip are you looking to do? Are you looking to have a base camp, where you paddle in and set up camp, then take day trips? (recommended for first time trekkers)? Or, are you looking for a more challenging trip where you break camp every day, then paddle on to new adventures? Is fishing important to you, or maybe BWCA waterfalls is on your bucket list?

• Is it imperative that you have a satellite phone in your possession?

• How many in your group are quite inexperienced? ( we provide a complete orientation of gear and routes before departure).

• Do you want Packsack to prepare three meals a day? Or, just two? Do you want to attempt to rely on any meals of fish (will your team revolt from possibly going to bed hungry)?

• Will you secure your permit or do you want us to do?  

•  What is your first-choice entry point?

•  What are your second, third and fourth choice entry points?

• Do you expect to require any other gear, equipment from your BWCA outfitters?

• Have you considered which, if any, members of your group have allergies (food, insect stings, etc.)?

• Will you need the cook stove, fuel and all food prep utensils?

Certainly, you may not be prepared to have answers to all these questions when you call, but you can be sure that we’ll cover them to help you plan a successful and safe adventure.

Other things to consider as you prepare your group:

• Are all your members familiar with portaging etiquette?

• Do all members of your group have the physical strength for lengthy paddles, or paddling into the wind?

• Is your team prepared to understand and respect the Leave No Trace Rules in order to protect the peace and serenity of this unique place?

• Do a few members of your team have a basic comprehension of wilderness first aid, wilderness survival skills or even starting a fire using natural materials? Most BWCA outfitters are unable to provide this sort of advanced training.

• Have you made sure your team is familiar with BWCA laws and rules about what can be taken in and what cannot (i.e. cans, glass, etc.)? Leaving each campsite cleaner than you found it (taking out the garbage of others)?

A fully outfitted trip can take away some of the headache, but it should not be used as an excuse to free campers from personal responsibility or accountability for their actions. As a group leader, it is your responsibility to make sure all members are completely prepared. Be sure to prepare them before you arrive in Ely. Most BWCA outfitters will appreciate the advanced work you've done.