Looking for input here. For wilderness canoe trips of 3+ days do you use a solo or tandem canoe? If a tandem, what make and model? Why (either way)?

Background: I have a kevlar Bell CJ Solo solo canoe. I also have a royalex Nova Craft Pal. Both are nice canoes. The Pal is a symmetrical all-purpose canoe. To paddle it solo I paddle it from the bow seat seated "backwards". The CJ Solo has seen a few BWCAW trips and a group solo 10 day trip to WCPP. I really love the Pal and use it solo regularly for day fishing trips and short recreational paddles on Lake Superior. I have learned to paddle it leaning it on its edge a bit. For reference I understand the CJ Solo is very similar in size to the Bell Rockstar.

The reason for the question is that while the CJ Solo is a true solo canoe and is narrower and I am assuming more efficient, I must double portage because a solo canoe has the seat in the middle and to trim it properly requires two packs. I do not mind portaging, but I hate double portaging. On any tandem trip I single portage. So I am thinking it may be better to use my Pal so I can place one larger pack well in the front of the canoe to trim it and be able to single portage.

Look forward to any input out there.

For years, I used a smaller tandem canoe as my all purpose tripper. It is a Nova Craft Bob Special, Royalex Lite and weighs in the mid 50 lbs. range.

A couple of years ago, I had my first opportunity to paddle a Northstar Northwind Solo and finally found out what I was missing.

I love my Bob Special, but I will never use it for solo tripping again. I'll use it on local rivers and day trip fishing, but not for solo tripping.

The Northwind Solo is so much easier on me in regards to paddling in wind, ease of portaging (30 lb), general overall speed and efficiency. It's like tripping with a sports car compared to a van.

I set up up both my solo canoes with a rail system that allows the seat to move far enough to trim with all packs forward. The portage yoke also clamps to the same rail.

This thread in the solo tripping forum has my post about it with a bunch of pictures. My post is about 6 from the bottom.

http://bwca.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=forum.thread&threadId=992285&forumID=120&confID=1

Here is one photo of the set up.




You have such a fine solo canoe. It would be a shame not to use it.

Here's I do for single trips.
One pack with a dry bag of food on top.
Dry bag comes out and goes into bow when paddling any real distance. Pack goes in stern. That way the canoe is trimmed. If pond hopping dry bag stays in the pack for portaging ease.

quote Bearpaulsen: "Here's I do for single trips.
One pack with a dry bag of food on top.
Dry bag comes out and goes into bow when paddling any real distance. Pack goes in stern. That way the canoe is trimmed. If pond hopping dry bag stays in the pack for portaging ease. "

Here's what I have done with a solo canoe:
1. placed the pack right behind the seat
2. Kept an empty dry bag that I would dip in the lake, partially fill with water, and then seal. Place that in the front and move to trim. Dump the water at the start of a portage so no need to carry the weight.

I've only done one real solo trip but got the idea from other members here and it worked well. Was able to single portage easily.

A sliding seat will solve your problems, it's exactly what you need.

Thank you for all your comments and suggestions. Much appreciated.