QUESTION NUMBER 5:

What is an outfitter, and what should be compared between them?



NORTH COUNTRY'S ANSWER:

Naturally we, at North Country, want you to take your canoe trip with us. We also fully realize that no one, individual, outfitter can be all things to all people. For that reason, we have outlined a few areas you might want to consider when selecting the outfitter that's right for you. For every person that dips a paddle into one of our sparkling lakes, there is a particular set of reasons for taking a canoe trip. Quite often members of the same party want different things from their wilderness experience. And that is how it should be. The outfitter you choose should be in a position to take all of those reasons into account, and be able to discuss them as he plans your trip with you.

It is very important to actually talk to your prospective outfitter. Assuming that you have done this:

• When you initially talked to an outfitter (whether at a sport show or on the telephone) did he actually ask what you were looking for?

• Did he start talking about beginning a trip from a particular lake, or into a specific area, without really knowing your unique circumstances?

• How close is he going to be when it comes time to design your route around your expectations and ability level?

There are thousands of lakes in the north country; each one is unique.  Some are good on one occasion, others may be better for another trip.

We hope you will take the time to check out some of the following comparisons. We are one of the finest outfitting businesses in North America, with thousands of satisfied customers. Many return year after year. No, we are not the cheapest. If you are looking for a rate that is at the bottom end of the scale, we simply cannot help you at this time. If, however, you are looking for a trip worth paying a little extra for ... one that will live in your memory for years to come ... an outfitter that you can recommend to your best friends .. come see us. We can give you just that kind of experience!

Equipment

Whether you are buying a car, staying at a hotel, choosing a college, or picking an outfitter, it all ends up the same: What are you getting in return for the cost? Don't make the mistake of assuming everything is the same. Quality comes at a price. A listing like "spacious tents, roomy packs, comfortable sleeping bags, and lightweight canoes" tells you nothing. Look for national brand names and particular models, specific sizes, temperature ratings, and exact weights. Don't be comforted by words like "top drawer, best, or newest."

Look at equipment lists in detail. If something you are expecting isn't specifically listed, ask about it. Don't assume it will automatically be included. Consider amenities. While they should never be the primary reason to choose one company over another, they are a good indication of the type of comprehensive services you can expect. Look for an outfitter that reflects an overall attitude towards excellence.

Food

Menus should be viewed under the same bright lights as equipment lists. "A fresh steak" for the first night on the trail may not be the same size or cut as "A 12oz USDA Prime New York Strip” Increased quality and variety goes hand-in-glove with trip costs. Read each menu item as if it stands alone ... it will at meal time out in the woods. Is one brand of food used exclusively? If so, this could imply cost cutting thru quantity discounts from the manufacturer. There is nothing wrong with cost control. It may, however, indicate leaning away from variety and the best tasting individual items, and towards a higher profit margin.

Check to see if items are repeated on the menu in order to make it appear to be a larger selection. A listing of peanut butter & jelly, versus another calling for jelly & peanut butter is NOT two different selections.

All outfitters pack food on a per meal basis; everyone eats the same thing at one meal sitting. A few, however, allow party members to select different beverages, or on the first night, different main course meats. Does your prospective outfitter make options like this available to you on your menu?

Base Location and Accommodations

The purpose of your trip to Ely is to take a canoe trip. You will, however, have time before and after the trip available to you. Choosing an outfitter located "out on the lake" affords you the opportunity to try different canoes if the outfitters offers a choice. Spending the afternoon and evening before your trip away from the din of in-town clatter has advantages, too. You can listen to the loons and waves outside your window, versus the traffic outside your main street motel room. Also, on-the-lake businesses tend to keep far more flexible hours than the "store hours" found in town. The reason: lakeside outfitters have their homes right on the property.

On the other hand, choosing an outfitter located in town allows you the opportunity to do some last minute shopping and go out to eat after you have reviewed your equipment and food packs. You'll have, by far, a bigger selection, and not be locked into end-of-the-road prices. For dinner, you won't be stuck with "our one selection for tonight is ..." or "cook's choice". In addition, you will be close to the International Wolf Center: a highlight for any trip to Minnesota.

We have a lakeside base less than 6 miles from Ely (versus 20 miles). Spend time in town, then return to our cabins, canoes, docks, and decks.

Overall Pricing

When looking at the cost of your trip, concentrate on the bottom line, not just the price of the rental equipment. Make sure that all aspects of your visit are covered:

Outfitting: Are there any equipment options which may add to the invoice? Are stoves included? Does the outfitter charge separately for fuel?

Accommodations: Was the quote for both the night before and the night after the trip or just for one night. Is there an upgrade available? If an in-town commercial motel was suggested, what was their rate? Are any meals complimentary or invoiced?

Transportation: Is there a charge for getting to/from landings. Do you have to drive yourself and your gear, picking up the canoe somewhere else? How many landings are available to choose from? Why are some landings not offered?

Supplemental Items: If a written or verbal quote was given, was the cost of maps, equipment insurance, entry permits, fishing permits, camping & user fees, and local & state taxes figured for you, or were they lumped together under the words: "Plus some miscellanies charges"?

Rarely does anyone get too concerned about the amount of a planned and budgeted purchase unless there are hidden charges or a higher than expected price for a basic item. EXAMPLE: Whether an outfitter charges for a full breakfast or provides a complimentary continental breakfast is of little consequence ... unless, of course, an egg, a strip of bacon, and a piece of toast, at $5.95/person, runs up a surprise bill of $25.35 for four people.

Feel free to ask for a reference, and then take the time to actually make the call. Check to see if the brochure accurately reflected the cost of the trip. Was a price estimate close or was there some "Gee, I forgot to add ..." charges upon arrival. North Country will be happy to figure a trip estimate over the phone if you will call our office at 218-365-5581. If, however, a firm, to-the-penny quotation is required, we will respond by writing-up a completed invoice.