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I found this on some weather site a couple of years ago--and it seems to be fairly consistent with my own Isle Royale experiences. Some people pack and prepare for the "average" temps and precipitation. I come prepared for the possibility that a new record temperature could potentially be set while I am on the Island... especially a record low temperature. Let's use August for example. The average LOW temperature is 52 degrees. Well, the "record" low for August is 34 degrees --and I have seen a small thermometer (that I had with me) show a reading of 32 degrees one August morning. When you are hiking and carrying everything on your back--it sure feels nicer and lighter to be prepared for an average low of only 52 degrees. HOWEVER, on an early August morning,--when your thermometer reads 32 degrees--you will be mighty glad that you brought the right layers (that you can combine) --and the right sleeping bag or quilt--to help you deal with the reality of that 32 degree temp. 
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A FOLLOW-UP POST to my earlier post regarding average and record temperatures on Isle Royale.
BEING PREPARED for all types of weather, doesn't necessarily mean that you have to pack lots of different clothes--in order to deal with all of the possible weather conditions. You can still PACK FAIRLY LIGHT WEIGHT and be prepared for nearly all weather conditions. The key is having an overall LAYERED SYSTEM --in which all of the various clothing items can be used TOGETHER to help you be prepared for all conditions. VERSATILITY is the key. EXAMPLES: I pack long ("convertible") pants--where the lower part of the legs are attached by zippers (which allow me to remove the lower leg portion and convert them to shorts). If I wear one pair of these--and pack another pair--I have either TWO pairs of long pants or TWO pairs of shorts--or a combination of the two. I don't pack 4-5 pairs of pants/shorts. I might pack a long sleeve base-layer top, a light micro-fleece top, and/or a semi-light puffy jacket. None of those things--alone--would prepare me for 30 degree temps. HOWEVER, if I wore all of them at the same time (and maybe threw a rain suit jacket or poncho over the top them in the nastiest of windy and misty conditions) I am ready for some pretty low temps and/or nasty conditions. (Especially if I add a "wool beanie" and a light pair of gloves). I don't need to pack a light jacket AND a parka and seven other complete changes of clothing--designed for different temperatures and conditions. I just need to be able to use 2-4 things TOGETHER to achieve the desire effect. You don't necessarily have to bring a 15 or 20 degree sleeping bag (or quilt) when the average low tenp might be 45 degrees-- but you can bring a roomy enough 40 degree sleeping bag in which you can also perhaps wear your puffy jacket inside your sleeping bag and/or along with some other layers. Then, if the low temp hits 28 degrees--you will probably do O.K. The key is having items that you can use IN COMBINATION with each other to be prepared for all weather conditions. What do you do in order to get ready for your Isle Royale (and other) Spring and Summer outdoor adventures?
Today, after a totally exercise-free winter, I begin training for my two trips to Isle Royale in 2022. (Hiking in June and canoeing in August). I find that, at age 60, (more than ever) I need to be in better shape before I begin these sorts of adventures. Sadly, Central Illinois winters are not great for outdoor activities--and I live 20+ miles from a gym. So, I fall out of shape in winter. That is a TERRIBLE thing to do each year. (And, as I age, each year it takes me longer to get back in shape). Some of the things that I will be working on: 1) Losing body weight. People worry about grams and ounces of backpack weight--but then carry 10 to 50 pounds of extra body weight. After a fall and winter of having some really bad eating habits, I am resuming healthy eating choices and smaller portions as of today. 2) Increase my leg "conditioning" and my cardio health and endurance. I will start out with light walking for a couple weeks--and then progress to doing a combination of jogging and walking. (I am also hoping to enter a half-marathon this summer). I will start out with some shorter walks and jogs--and then slowly increase the daily distances and pace. I will eventually start adding my backpack (and increase the pack weight) as I get closer to summer. I will have to find some good hills and steps to go up and down (somewhere in the midst of the extreme flatness of Illinois farm country) --in order to work on those particular components of conditioning my legs for the countless uphills and downhills of Isle Royale. (Training only on flat walking surfaces or only on a treadmill doesn't really prepare you for the stepping up and down motions that you make while backpacking on isle Royale. I also plan to do leg exercises like "squats". 3) Do exercises to strengthen my "core" and do things like yoga and stretching of my muscles and tendons. As I have aged, I have discovered that injuries are more common without having good core strength--and good flexibility (stretching). Once I got into my late 40s--I started doing daily stretching before starting a day of backpacking. I also start my hikes at a very slow pace for the first 15 to 30 minutes--in order to "warm up" and loosen everything. (Unlike when I was was in my teens, 20s, and 30s, I can no longer just hit the trail at full pace in the morning--without doing some type of stretching and slow warm up). 4) Work on my upper body strength. I'm age 60. I lead a fairly sedentary lifestyle for half of the year. I have not done a big canoe trip in 40 years. I have until mid-August to get ready for that. Until things warm up --and I can start canoeing in my local area--I will be doing exercises to strengthen my arms and upper body. What things will you be doing to get ready for your Spring and Summer activities--and your trips to Isle Royale? (Any suggestions for this old guy?) |
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Jon Prain ("The Isle Royale Guy") has made 18 trips to Isle Royale. He shares his insights and opinions in this blog. Archives
March 2024
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