I'm sure this has been asked before, but I'm having a hard time finding any answers in old threads. In past BWCA trips, we've always just rented duluth packs from our outfitter, and they've worked OK. We're taking a large group of nine on a week long canoe trip in late July, and wondering if we could get away with using the backpacks we already own. There are 7 60-80L external frame backpacks that we have at our disposal. It would only save us about $100 total through the whole trip, so it isn't a huge deal. I'm just curious if anyone has experience using both and can explain why one may be preferable over the other. Thanks in advance!

They will work, you have to be extremely careful when loading them in the canoe. I have heard stories about the bottom of the frame causing damage to the canoe when carelessly thrown in the canoe. In the early days I did use them a few times and had no problems.

I've used both, but I mostly use Duluth-type packs now. If you want to carry the canoe while wearing a pack, I think that the Duluth-type pack works best because it does not ride high above the shoulders.

I still have a Knu-Pack with an external frame, but that frame was specifically built for carrying a canoe on the frame.

10 pages of responses.
I use regular backpacks exclusively, without a problem.

butthead

I have personally used both and I like Duluth packs better. They are more waterproof if a huge contractor bag is used. I also like the way they fit in a canoe. They seen to mold to the curves in a canoe. They both will work fine for your needs. If you already have frame packs, I would use them.

Forty some years ago I used my frame pack, loaded to the max. After a portage on the Horse River we began to paddle when we suddenly had water in the bottom of the Grumman Canoe. Sure enough, we had literally put a round hold in the bottom of the canoe by setting the frame pack down too hard. Duct Tape saved us and had to have it welded when I got back.

Will external frame packs work? Sure. Are they the best tool for the job? No. Portage (Duluth) packs ride much better in the canoe than frame packs which is where they'll spend most of their time

quote Blatz: "Will external frame packs work? Sure. Are they the best tool for the job? No. Portage (Duluth) packs ride much better in the canoe than frame packs which is where they'll spend most of their time"

My thoughts exactly. We used hiking packs on our first trip because we had no experience and were borrowing gear. They worked ok but when I bought my own gear there was no question I wanted portage packs.

As has been stated a few times, both will work. I always use hiking backpacks because that's what I own, and I've spend my gear money upgrading just about everything else. Since you've used Duluth packs before, I say try your frame packs to see what you think. Spend the $100 you save on a pile of steaks for the first night dinner or a killer bottle of scotch.

They will work but you will find them hard to situate in the canoe. Plus you might end up having to bias some weight to one side to get it in the canoe or have the frame sticking up. I used one for years so yes it's possible but I'm glad I upgraded to a canoe pack.

Until recently I went with a Northface external frame pack. Love the pack. But it was always an issue getting the top bar under the thwart, even when it was the first bag in the canoe. My husband finally got fed up, and made me get a new pack.

I went with an internal frame pack. I like having some external pockets, tho I don't like stuffing from the top into one big bag. ( I liked the front opening and 2 compartments on the external pack). We did not have an problems fitting 2 internal frame packs flat in the canoe.

I used to use only Sealline/Boundary Bag style packs (one big open back). I found that things got jumbled up in those and it was hard to find what you needed.

I have now gone to Maxpedition packs that has lots of pockets and compartments. Everything stays where I can find it. The only thing I use a waterproof style/boundary pack for is the sleeping bag, hammock, underquilt and clothes. . .the stuff that can't get wet.

I am not hung up with single portaging. I would rather carry lighter more comfortable packs through and make 2-3 trips then haul through a heavy fully filled canoe pack.

I use my internal frame packs, and love the comfort of carrying them. The only thing I attempt to do in packing them is to keep from filling them all the way to the top as this can make a 60 - 70 L Pack taller than the width of the typical tripping canoe. If I do have one packed 'taller' than the width and put it in lengthwise in the canoe, it seems other things can be packed around it fairly well, but it raises the center of gravity of the load a little. Nothing worse, in my opinion, on a windy day, on a decent sized lake, than feeling a little top heavy. Also, a filled 65 L pack is still of manageable weight, and a person can also carry a couple of the waterproof duffles that can hold sleeping bags, clothing, and other lighter items that need to stay dry.

I have a knu pac easy tripper that opens from the side. I like it. I always put it in frame up so I don't damage my canoe. The frame sticks over a little. It has a water proof pack attach so I don't worry about my stuff getting wet in the bottom of the canoe. It forms well and is easy to get in and out. That being said knu pac is not a normal frame pack. I would agree with not using an external frame pack in a canoe, but try the packs in a canoe to see how they fit and easy they are to get in and out. Duluth pack are popular because they don't have things hanging out everywhere getting caught. They have handles on the sides and top for lifting out of a canoe. A question you might think about is how careful the group you are going with at loading and unloading the canoes.

My two cents

Having used everything from surplus military backpacks to canvas bed rolls I've grown fond of the hybrid backpacks/drybags. I wasn't really sure about these until a friend bought one and after 3 years I bit the bullet and bought one. Mine is 30 liters and so far has made it without a leak to include one 30 minute dunk into 3 foot of water from a spill.

water proof back pack