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Pick any two picks from this list and see specs, current price, pros, cons and reader ratings side by side.
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#5 on this list
Sylvania Wilderness in November
Ottawa National Forest, Michigan
A normally approachable lake chain becomes a cold-immersion expedition when November brings near-freezing water, early ice, snow, and near-empty backcountry.
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- How we assessed it
- Specification researched
#6 on this list
Boundary Waters Border Lakes Traverse
Minnesota
An 80–150-mile self-supported traverse where wind, cold water, long portages, wildfire, and navigation compound over many days.
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Sylvania Wilderness in November | Boundary Waters Border Lakes Traverse |
|---|---|---|
| Route | Crooked–Mountain–Loon–Big Bateau lake chain | Gunflint-to-Ely border-lakes traverse |
| Distance | Custom 2–4 day circuit | Roughly 80–150 miles by variation |
| Season | November only for this ranking | — |
| Primary hazard | Cold immersion and forming ice | — |
| Permit | Self-issued off-season permit | Quota permit in season |
| Typical time | — | 8–14 days |
| Prime window | — | June–September |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Sylvania Wilderness in November
- Old-growth solitude
- Short portages
- Potential ice
- Very short daylight
Boundary Waters Border Lakes Traverse
- Huge route network
- Classic canoe country
- Windbound days
- Many portages
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