Just have a curiosity question. I see a lot of people buying or using specific Boundary Water packs when they're going on their canoe trips. Is there any big issues or problem that I might have by using just my frame packs for hiking? I already have them so I wouldn't have to purchase more items which is a plus, and I already know everything fits in them fine. Just looking for some insight. Thanks in advance

This had been asked before on here so you may want to do a search for it. Just do a Google search of " Backpack VS Portage pack BWCA.com" Otherwise a couple problems with a regular backpack compared to a portage pack.
- If you want to carry a pack with the canoe you won't be able to as they ride higher than a portage pack.
- A backpack will also sit higher in a canoe if you have it sitting upright, thus catching more wind.

The dedicated canoe packs of various design all have one thing in common: soft sided for conforming (mostly) to the contours of the canoe when stowed for paddling. The main advantage here is that this allows the load to ride lower in the canoe, keeping the center of gravity low. They also are freer from those extra straps and frame ends and exterior pockets found on a traditional backpacking pack that tend to catch more on the seats and thwarts, etc when loading and unloading. You're not going for miles and miles at a time on a portage so an envelope canvas pack is tolerable enough without the obvious technical advantages that a frame provides.

The frame will make it an awkward fit inside the canoe especially in a solo canoe. Plus they sit higher so portaging the canoe will be hard because they sit higher. I used one for many years so it is possible you just have to consider the issues with a frame pack.

Everything written above is accurate. However, a group can do a canoe trip with anything that holds your gear, and backpacking-type packs will do just fine. Go with what you have. Down the road, if you should decide to take more trips, you'll very likely want to buy "canoe packs" that are better designed for canoe tripping. But then, you may also want to buy better tents, better sleeping bags, better everything. Have fun on your trip. Make notes of what works, what doesn't work and what you'll do differently next time. Someday, you'll probably end up with canoe packs. Just don't worry about it now.

quote Jackfish: "Everything written above is accurate. However, a group can do a canoe trip with anything that holds your gear, and backpacking-type packs will do just fine. Go with what you have. Down the road, if you should decide to take more trips, you'll very likely want to buy "canoe packs" that are better designed for canoe tripping. But then, you may also want to buy better tents, better sleeping bags, better everything. Have fun on your trip. Make notes of what works, what doesn't work and what you'll do differently next time. Someday, you'll probably end up with canoe packs. Just don't worry about it now. "

Well said, better to just go if you can than worry about every detail . I've seen 5 gallon buckets and sacks being used and the people were having fun.. That being said, you WILL be better served in the long run with proper packs. You can also rent them.

Thanks for the feedback everyone. Ultimately I know that BW packs are the best choice. But as stated in a comment I will make best with what we have initially. We have great gear so we should be better than most :-) I will have to pack one of my hiking packs full and do a test on how it will work with my canoe and thwart. If need be I could always pack the pack low if it interferes with thwart. Our packs are only 50L so they work out well in our canoe. Thanks again for the input everyone. Experience is knowledge.