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       How much time should I allocate for portaging?
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Date/Time: 03/28/2024 06:40PM
How much time should I allocate for portaging?

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Previous Messages:
Author Message Text
Hockhocking 05/01/2023 09:37PM
One part of portaging that is not part of typical trail hiking is, once you arrive at the next lake, checking your map against what you see and planning your course. On the water there’s no trail or blazes to follow, and each new lake needs a look, map orientation, looking for landmarks, etc.
bobbernumber3 05/01/2023 07:11PM
Frenchy19: "bobbernumber3: "A bear on the portage or at the landing can add unallocated time."



Yeah, and that happens all the time. Come on!"



Q. Three or four times in 40 trips. But not all the time.

Only one moose problem.
bobbernumber3 05/01/2023 07:08PM
Frenchy19: "bobbernumber3: "A bear on the portage or at the landing can add unallocated time."



Yeah, and that happens all the time. Come on!"



Q. Three or four times in 40 trips.
jayshef 04/30/2023 07:55PM
My 2 cents:


I travel pretty light, but the unencumbered walk back for the second load is one of my favorite parts of a BW trip.


And: While I'm rarely in a hurry unless weather or the hour demand it, I do enjoy the challenge of being efficient about my portages.


And: some days, especially day trips from camp, it can be fun to try to move as quickly as possible through a portage in one trip.


Oh, and: don't forget there are no signs marking the portages. Most of the time it is pretty clear where the landing is. But sometimes you spend time looking -- and sometimes it is unclear enough that people start landing in the wrong place enough that it starts looking like a real portage.
Frenchy19 04/06/2023 08:30PM
bobbernumber3: "A bear on the portage or at the landing can add unallocated time."


Yeah, and that happens all the time. Come on!
OldGuide2 04/06/2023 11:40AM
First thought you said beer. A bear or a beer or a moose. When you go into the boundary waters one of the most important parts of the experience is to forget time, at least in the conventional sense of having a watch tell you what to do. Never have and never will take a watch on canoe trips. If you really want to know what time it is, the sun will usually give you a pretty close approximation, if you let it.
bobbernumber3 04/05/2023 07:41PM
A bear on the portage or at the landing can add unallocated time.
OldGuide2 04/05/2023 03:11PM
Now that I have seen a few more posts on this, let me add, with all due respect, the estimates I am seeing for time on a hypothetical distance should be taken with caution. They pay no attention to the terrain, the condition of the portage, or the day. I have done the Vera portage on a good day with no rain or anything else in half the time it took the day after a storm felled several trees over a very muddy trail. In all the years planning and leading trips for youth groups, I NEVER figured portage time, although I did know about how long a route might take. Even then conditions and the particular group I was with could change things. Someone might be having trouble with a pack. Someone else might need a biffy break. The others might want to scope out the rapids we were walking around. We might see an interesting bird or other wildlife. Once on the Grand Portage we even followed a moose.

I remember once working out with Gene Jensen, the canoe racer. He was trying out a portage technique that involved using one of those window installing suction cups. Slap the suction cup on the side of the canoe and off you go. It was OK, but he went back to the old way. Those were pro racers for whom time really was money, but you don't have to worry about that. Enjoy the portage. It is a critical part of the experience and pay no attention to the estimates.
egknuti 04/04/2023 09:14PM
I wouldn’t worry about time on a portage-that’s not what being out in the BW is about. Some portages warrant more time to enjoy. Frequently there are rapids, waterfalls, flora, or fauna to enjoy. Take your time. If you’re in a hurry, you’re bound to get injured or leave something behind. That being said, I can usually do a 320 rod portage in 25 minutes-one way.
OldGuide2 04/04/2023 05:34PM
Am going to give an answer you may not want to hear and a suggestion. In terms of how long it will take when you get to a specific portage the real answer is you won't know till you get there. As experienced backpackers, I suspect you already know that, so I apologize if it sounds too simple. But just as on a backpacking trip, the weather calls the shots. If it has rained or is raining hard, it could take a while because things will be slippery. Water levels could affect entering and exiting and any low areas or streams you have to cross. I remember doing the Gijikiki Portage after a six inch rain. Neither fun nor easy. I have also jogged portages when the conditions are right. Check with an outfitter and on this board to view conditions on your route just before you go.


As for how long you might take, first question is have you ever portaged a canoe? Although the lightweights are easy to handle there is some technique to picking one up. As someone pointed out, carrying canoe packs can be different, although I have even used Kelty frame packs on canoe trips. To know how long you might take, try a distance with canoe and packs. If you have a canoe go to a nearby lake and take a practice trip. Rent a canoe if you don't have one.


The biggest thing is NOT to worry about time. Enjoy portages for what they are, not an obstacle to overcome. As experienced backpackers you know the joy that comes from what you see, hear, and smell walking in the wild. Embrace that.
boonie 04/04/2023 08:02AM
Rods divided by 10 is basically the same as the 2mph average if you prefer to look at it that way.
prizes14 04/03/2023 10:11PM
I usually figure 1 minute per 10 rods loaded and a little faster if you are empty.


So on a 100 rod double portage it would take 10 minutes over the first trip, maybe 7 back empty and another 10 minutes loaded the second time for 27 total minutes.
IndyCanoe 04/03/2023 08:56AM
Aldy1: "Portage length divided by 10 is the math I use. Your 230-rod portage should take around 23 minutes. This is assuming a single portage. "


I learned that same calculation from this forum before our first trip and love it. it is an quick calculation and so much easier to translate in my mind vs rods. It's not a perfect calculation but I find in most cases it is within a few minutes. We keep almost everything stowed on travel days so assuming we don't stop for snacks or water filtering we are usually around the 5 minute mark on each end for unloading/loading
beanpole 04/02/2023 07:36PM
YetiJedi: "beanpole: "I have an absolute nerd answer on this one. I filmed our trips to the boundary waters so I have an almost exact time of arrival at the portage until we pushed off from the other side. I specifically tracked the data from our first trip with 2 canoes (90-95 lbs each), 4 people, about 1 pack each - roughly between 50 - 60 lbs. We double portaged in 2019. In 2020, we had 4 people with the same amount of weight in the packs, but we had 1 canoe @ 42 lbs and 2 solo boats about 30 lbs. I walk faster than my companions, but I can't handle carrying as much weight so I double portaged in 2020 while they single portaged. We were in no rush and we did have a few busy portages where we were waiting for entry. The time it took varied quite a bit. (Column 1 is the length in rods; column 2 is 2019; column 3 is 202)




Rods 2019 2020
63 30 35
68 38 18
22 43 21
52 55 38
10 29 31
17 36 19
45 37 27
46 62 33
31 43 24
51 46 36
90 79 33
105 26 41
26 24 16
13 37 18
68 54 24
63 44 20
"




The disparity between the times for the same distances is significant. Do you have any insights into why there is a disparity in the times? Very interesting to see ..."



There was no intent to rush on portages. 2019 had rain almost every day. 2020 had no rain. There were quite a few other paddlers on the portages near the entry and exit - I would definitely say that affected the first and last 4 portages. That certainly added to time. There were a few portages where we sat and rested and at least 2 portages that we saw cool insects and delayed our time.
bobbernumber3 04/02/2023 06:20PM
Speckled: "On travel days I typically allocate all of my non paddling time to portaging. On camp days, I allocate none of my time to portaging.



I know it seems simple, but it's worked for us."



...You think like me.
Speckled 04/02/2023 02:55PM
On travel days I typically allocate all of my non paddling time to portaging. On camp days, I allocate none of my time to portaging.


I know it seems simple, but it's worked for us.
straighthairedcurly 03/24/2023 03:05PM
Once we start walking, a portage typically takes 1 minute for every 10 rods on average. Flat, wide portages are faster but really technical rocky or steep, hilly portages can take a little longer. Unloading and loading takes 2-5 minutes each depending upon the landing difficulty, weight of our packs, and whether my husband wants help flipping up the canoe. We keep everything tucked in a pack while paddling except water bottles and map, so the transitions are quick. My teenage son can do the portages much faster than us because he runs, but my ankles and knees keep me from attempting that.
timatkn 03/24/2023 01:26PM
ockycamper: "As others have said. . . why do people try to push so hard on portages? We unload, move the gear to the side, take a break, and take our time carrying gear through while talking to those we meet. We leave our clocks, electronics and cell phones. . . why is there such a push to just "get through" portages single portage as fast as possible?"


Are we reading the same thread? I could have missed it, but I am not reading anything on here indicating anyone is trying to "push" or go as fast as possible. Even if they were...hey it's 'Merica, so what :)


Why would someone do that though? 1. Because they can--it's fun to push your limits, it's how we grow and learn as human beings. 2. They might be training or working towards the Border Challenge. 3. Maybe they are on a loop and they got wind bound for 2 days and now need to get out to get back to work, kids, loved ones. 4. Maybe there was an injury and they need to get help fast. 5. Maybe a loved one is ill and they are the primary caregiver for them and they finally got 4 days to get away from it all and they want to maximize the experience by getting in deep.
6. For single portaging I never rushed but I can tell you why we did it--it was just easier. Why would I portage twice (technically 3x when you double) when it was no big deal for me to portage once? No rush, it wasn't hard... I could go on...lots of reasons...


With that said I am more reading of paddlers trying to be efficient and accurately judge how far they should or can travel each day. When you do a loop it's important to have an understanding of realistic timelines. Especially when wind/weather or injuries could make you pivot on the go and totally re-plan your entire trip while you are in the middle of it. It's more planning than pushing.


T
timatkn 03/24/2023 01:23PM
beanpole love the numbers and interesting to look at them. I must be a fellow nerd :)


T


lundojam 03/24/2023 06:58AM
Time shmime.
Aldy1 03/23/2023 11:08PM
NEIowapaddler: "Aldy1: "Portage length divided by 10 is the math I use. Your 230-rod portage should take around 23 minutes. This is assuming a single portage. "



That seems overly ambitious for many people. Almost 3/4 of a mile over terrain that can be quite rough at times in 23 minutes while carrying up to 100 pounds? I'm not disputing the fact that you can do that, but I'm not sure a majority of people would be able to, or would want to if they could. "



I'm just sharing the calculation our group uses, not saying it's what most people do. The OP said they were fit backpackers, so I don't think this would be too far off. If you tend to take breaks at each end, this calculation would not be very accurate.
YetiJedi 03/23/2023 10:14PM
beanpole: "I have an absolute nerd answer on this one. I filmed our trips to the boundary waters so I have an almost exact time of arrival at the portage until we pushed off from the other side. I specifically tracked the data from our first trip with 2 canoes (90-95 lbs each), 4 people, about 1 pack each - roughly between 50 - 60 lbs. We double portaged in 2019. In 2020, we had 4 people with the same amount of weight in the packs, but we had 1 canoe @ 42 lbs and 2 solo boats about 30 lbs. I walk faster than my companions, but I can't handle carrying as much weight so I double portaged in 2020 while they single portaged. We were in no rush and we did have a few busy portages where we were waiting for entry. The time it took varied quite a bit. (Column 1 is the length in rods; column 2 is 2019; column 3 is 202)



Rods 2019 2020
63 30 35
68 38 18
22 43 21
52 55 38
10 29 31
17 36 19
45 37 27
46 62 33
31 43 24
51 46 36
90 79 33
105 26 41
26 24 16
13 37 18
68 54 24
63 44 20
"



The disparity between the times for the same distances is significant. Do you have any insights into why there is a disparity in the times? Very interesting to see ...
beanpole 03/23/2023 06:15PM
I have an absolute nerd answer on this one. I filmed our trips to the boundary waters so I have an almost exact time of arrival at the portage until we pushed off from the other side. I specifically tracked the data from our first trip with 2 canoes (90-95 lbs each), 4 people, about 1 pack each - roughly between 50 - 60 lbs. We double portaged in 2019. In 2020, we had 4 people with the same amount of weight in the packs, but we had 1 canoe @ 42 lbs and 2 solo boats about 30 lbs. I walk faster than my companions, but I can't handle carrying as much weight so I double portaged in 2020 while they single portaged. We were in no rush and we did have a few busy portages where we were waiting for entry. The time it took varied quite a bit. (Column 1 is the length in rods; column 2 is 2019; column 3 is 2020)


Rods 2019 2020
63 30 35
68 38 18
22 43 21
52 55 38
10 29 31
17 36 19
45 37 27
46 62 33
31 43 24
51 46 36
90 79 33
105 26 41
26 24 16
13 37 18
68 54 24
63 44 20
A1t2o 03/23/2023 08:15AM
Personally, I measure travel time a little differently. I usually just count portages and estimate from there. Time spent traveling just isn't as important as effort spent.


If I had to put a number to it, I'd estimate an hour or less per portage, including paddling and breaks, and go from there. This number varies a lot with the size of the lake, but for mid-sized lakes, I'd say it is a good estimate. So a 5 portage travel day is probably going to take about 5 hours. More like 6 if you are going to fish.


There are several adjusting factors to consider as well, such as multiple short portages and paddles between lakes and large lakes. With multiple portages, I usually group them into one 'portage' if they are less than 40 rods. A long lake that takes hours to cross must also be counted separately. Looking at the big picture though, it tends to work out.
bobbernumber3 03/23/2023 08:01AM
NEIowapaddler: "Aldy1: "Portage length divided by 10 is the math I use. Your 230-rod portage should take around 23 minutes. This is assuming a single portage. "



That seems overly ambitious for many people. Almost 3/4 of a mile over terrain that can be quite rough at times in 23 minutes while carrying up to 100 pounds? I'm not disputing the fact that you can do that, but I'm not sure a majority of people would be able to, or would want to if they could. "



There are as many variables as canoeists... but as a rule of thumb, it would be in the ballpark.
NEIowapaddler 03/23/2023 07:21AM
Aldy1: "Portage length divided by 10 is the math I use. Your 230-rod portage should take around 23 minutes. This is assuming a single portage. "


That seems overly ambitious for many people. Almost 3/4 of a mile over terrain that can be quite rough at times in 23 minutes while carrying up to 100 pounds? I'm not disputing the fact that you can do that, but I'm not sure a majority of people would be able to, or would want to if they could.
Aldy1 03/23/2023 12:54AM
Portage length divided by 10 is the math I use. Your 230-rod portage should take around 23 minutes. This is assuming a single portage.
chessie 03/22/2023 05:54PM
Tomcat: "chessie: "10 rods a minute [noteworthy exception of extremely difficult portage].
Load/unload time depends on how you pack (less loose stuff = more efficient), and how putzy you are. Also -- if you aren't wet-footing it, you may spend a bit more time figuring out how to disembark and not ding up the boat. "




I take mental notes but I don't keep a journal while canoeing. I normally cross portages from water to water without stopping unless I have an equipment problem or have to clear the trail to negotiate an obstacle. On some portages I find myself wondering how much longer until I see the water. There is one 300 rod portage I have timed crossing on several trips. I converted my crossing times into Rods Per Minutes and my slowest time was about 8.5 RPM and my fastest time was 10 RPM. My total carry weight is approximately 100 lbs.



Thanks chessie, for mentioning Rods Per Minute."

The ratio 10:1 isn't precise, but it makes the math easy :) I also consider it a safety measure, as in, if I am portaging a lot longer than what ought to be given the stated rods, maybe I am off track. I like to have an idea of where I am on a long portage, and this is one way to know. I think it's good for individuals to estimate their portage time, and paddle time. The info may come in handy at some later date.
bobbernumber3 03/22/2023 03:23PM
chessie: "10 rods a minute..."


Looks like a good number. 5.16 miles works out to be 2-3/4 hours figuring 10 rods a minute. Actual time was 2-1/4 hours plus load and unload.


chessie 03/21/2023 02:13PM
10 rods a minute [noteworthy exception of extremely difficult portage].
Load/unload time depends on how you pack (less loose stuff = more efficient), and how putzy you are. Also -- if you aren't wet-footing it, you may spend a bit more time figuring out how to disembark and not ding up the boat.
coffeetalk 03/21/2023 11:11AM
When I single portage (solo) I move maybe 1.5 mph, tortoise-style. Put-in/take-out probably as little as a minute each for an easy landing, more (sometimes much more) for a tricky landing. I would assume 35 minutes for a 230 rod portage, for me, for an easy portage without hiccups, more or less.


Like others said, minimizing stuff that needs gathering minimizes time spent gathering. Instead of a day pack or loose gear, I keep anything I might need while traveling either on my person (PFD with lots of pockets) or in top pouch of canoe pack (an indispensable feature) where I can just reach the zipper behind me in the boat. All I have to do then is wedge the paddle between hull and seat drop, map in pants pocket, leash the dog to PFD (I keep it on), load up and go.


As also mentioned, popular routes can get pretty busy and courtesy demands that you wait for others who may not be as organized as it sounds like you guys are. In an extreme case, I waited once with the rest of a flotilla to access the portage to Hula Lake from the single-file landing on (the aptly-named) Good Lake for at least 40 minutes I'm sure. It looked like the staging area at Omaha Beach. It was a beautiful day to just sit and bob, but it's an illustration of just one of the potential hiccups.
Z4K 03/21/2023 05:34AM
EddyTurn: "I found very little in common between portaging and backpacking. Firstly, loads are very different, even double-carrying. Secondly, weight distribution is totally different - even without a canoe: backpacks and canoe packs are usually of different shape and weight."


I disagree in a most friendly way. I still trip with my backpacking pack, I will simply load it a little wider and lower when there's a canoe involved. I imagine the OP plans on doing the same. When I've taken backpacking-experienced friends to the BWCA for their first time, they've done better than most of the group I go with every summer. It's their second trip you have to worry about, after they've started to add gear.

My fastest experience with single portaging was with one friend, backpacking packs and a dog who carried the kitchen. Portage transition time was less than one minute at either end after the first couple portages, and we walked 3 mph or so through about anything. We were both much fitter than I am now and we were on a mission to chew through miles. Most of the time I go much slower, perhaps 3 or 4 minutes loading/unloading, 2 mph on the trail and then an extra 10-30 minutes at every third portage or so for a snack, change of socks, water-bottle fill, etc.
bobbernumber3 03/20/2023 05:42PM
Frenchy19: "I would not worry about allocating time for portaging. As this is your first trip and it is a short one, enjoy and learn from the experience. "


Great advice!
Frenchy19 03/20/2023 04:22PM
I would not worry about allocating time for portaging. As this is your first trip and it is a short one, enjoy and learn from the experience.
boonie 03/20/2023 03:42PM
ockycamper: "Our group is also mainly in their 60's and primarily does fishing and taking pics. We have 19 going up this year (divided into 3 groups). I polled the guys on doing multiple portage trips and going "further in" vs single portage to a basecamp. When it got down to basecamp=more gear and food, it was a unanimous vote to do Seagull, Alpine, Red Rock or Sag and basecamp. "


That's why you don't care about it, ocky, you're not going anywhere or doing anything much as far as portaging, paddling, repeating. I don't fish, I don't basecamp, I travel, therefore I want to know if my route is doable without pushing, rushing, etc. If you were doing that, you might find that information useful, maybe even necessary. Yes, I'm older than you guys, yes I talk to people I meet, yes I have a watch (horror of horrors), sometimes I look at it because I have uses for it, but not because I'm pushing on a strict schedule. I purposely plan with plenty of leeway.


But, back to the OP. You'll need to sort these issues out to whatever suits you and your goals.
ockycamper 03/20/2023 02:56PM
Our group is also mainly in their 60's and primarily does fishing and taking pics. We have 19 going up this year (divided into 3 groups). I polled the guys on doing multiple portage trips and going "further in" vs single portage to a basecamp. When it got down to basecamp=more gear and food, it was a unanimous vote to do Seagull, Alpine, Red Rock or Sag and basecamp.
fishonfishoff 03/20/2023 02:03PM
We single portage and wet foot it. I usually figure 2mph (maybe a tad faster) on the portage. Loading and unloading is about one minute (usually less), unless either end is backed up with other people.
Our group is in our early 60's and not in "prime" shape.
FISHONFISHOFF
HayRiverDrifter 03/20/2023 01:55PM
Figure 2 mph on the portage.

I agree with efficient portaging. Number one thing: No loose items. Second, pack things based on who will carry it. Have one lighter pack for the person carrying the canoe if needed. The second person will have a pack and just a couple things to carry in hand.

For me, nothing hits the ground except my 5 gal bucket when I am solo. In a group, everyone has 1 Pack and 1 or 2 buckets per canoe. Fishing poles get tied into the canoe

Single Portaging: Step out in the water, help each other shoulder packs. Strap in paddles or grab them. One person grabs the bucket, and the other shoulders the canoe and you go. At the other end, set the canoe in the water, take packs off and set them in the boat, put buckets in and go.

Double Portaging: set things on shore that are not part of the first load, making sure you set things off to the side and out of the way so others coming across the portage have room. Shoulder packs for the first load, and shoulder the canoe and go. On the other end, set all equipment out of the way. Head back for the second trip.
schweady 03/20/2023 01:03PM
Portage efficiency does not necessarily equal hurrying. Skills and techniques that get you on and off of the water in short order are always welcome. (Especially in the group directly in front of you!)
scotttimm 03/20/2023 12:11PM
ockycamper: "As others have said. . . why do people try to push so hard on portages? We unload, move the gear to the side, take a break, and take our time carrying gear through while talking to those we meet. We leave our clocks, electronics and cell phones. . . why is there such a push to just "get through" portages single portage as fast as possible?"


I have two different reasons: if with my son, we're pushing to do 35-40 miles per day, and portages are where time definitely gets eaten up. When with the rest of the family - if someone isn't cracking the whip - we'll spend an hour on each portage, lol.
boonie 03/20/2023 10:37AM
a2lackey: "lindylair: "I might be wrong but I think her questions was more about how much time the entire portage will take, including unload, portage and reload. If someone could comment on approximate time for a 230 rod and a 100 rod portage, including unload and reload I think that will be more helpful to her. If I am wrong, I apologize.




"




Yes, that's what I was getting at. Thank you! Looking for total portage time."



It's kind of like my favorite question on here - somebody will ask "how long will it take to get to X entering at Y" (a moderately long distance) and replies will vary from 4 hours to 8 hours. Which one is the right answer for you? Depends on the assumptions each makes and how they do/don't apply to you.


It's always just a guesstimate calculating your own travel time much less anyone else's. If your guesstimate is never much faster than the average speed you travel, you'll never be far behind. Being far ahead is much less of a problem. Having a realistic but conservative estimate of your time is best but only comes from personal experience.


I believe I touched on it in your other thread, but will go one better. I'll review my plans, calculations, and experience from that loop in 2019 and email it to you with some additional explanatory information about what it is based on that will give you a good idea of what you can realistically expect at a minimum. I may send you additional information which may or may not apply. The subject will be "Your BW trip".
ockycamper 03/20/2023 10:30AM
As others have said. . . why do people try to push so hard on portages? We unload, move the gear to the side, take a break, and take our time carrying gear through while talking to those we meet. We leave our clocks, electronics and cell phones. . . why is there such a push to just "get through" portages single portage as fast as possible?
NEIowapaddler 03/20/2023 09:08AM
bobbernumber3: "a2lackey: "... don't know how much time to allocate to portaging..."



Look at the bigger picture... you may be overthinking your travel details. BWCA tripping is a good time to be off the clock."



+1. For me, trying to push through the BWCA on a tight schedule that requires me to maintain a certain traveling speed would ruin the experience. But YMMV.
scotttimm 03/20/2023 08:18AM
a2lackey: "My husband and I are planning our first BWCA trip and first ever overnight canoe trip. We are avid backpackers and very fit. We are trying to plan our schedule for our 4 day, 3 night trip and just don't know how much time to allocate to portaging for realistic travel expectations.


I know it will depend on the portage length and difficulty, but in your experience, how long do you take beaching and gathering your belongings? How much time does it take to get paddling again at the end of each portage?


Our longest portage is 230 rods (which is described as hilly and muddy) but most of the others are under 100 rods and described as flat/dry. We are also planning on making each portage in one trip, not doubling back for left gear.


Thanks so much for any advice and information you have!"

Along with all the good advice already given - I would recommend paying close attention on day one to how far you go (total) divided by how long it took you to get there (total) each day. This will give you your approximate travel "speed". On day two you will be moving faster, you'll be quicker in transitions as you become familiar with them, and compare your travel speed. This will help you then figure out days 3 and 4, how long it will realistically take you to cover distances in front of you. My son and I, at our best, were moving a total of 3.3mph...and we were hauling ass, single-portaging, traveling super-light, for 12-15 hour days. Our normal, pretty darn-fast pace was 3mph (in good shape, having trained for endurance paddling), and what we usually use to approximate how far we can travel per day.
Kendis 03/20/2023 07:50AM
Under five minutes combined loading/unloading time as a dry foot paddler in a tandem with my wife.
bobbernumber3 03/20/2023 05:04AM
a2lackey: "... don't know how much time to allocate to portaging..."


Look at the bigger picture... you may be overthinking your travel details. BWCA tripping is a good time to be off the clock.

If your destination is 10 miles away with a couple portages, figure on 2 miles per hour and 5 hours.

Allocate some time for sightseeing on the portage and blueberry picking, approximately 4.6 minutes per portage.
andym 03/20/2023 04:38AM
The question was, “…how long do you take beaching and gathering your belongings? How much time does it take to get paddling again at the end of each portage?” I can’t separate how long it takes from procedures.
Tomcat 03/19/2023 10:18PM
a2lachey, is your question about portage time or portage procedures?
andym 03/19/2023 09:29PM
The unloading and loading time vary a lot and depend on how organized you are. Think about things such as where do your maps, PFDs, cameras, and paddles go for the portage. If you are organized it can be very quick. If you wind up with a lot of loose stuff in the canoe and need to put it all away then it can take a while. This is the part that I think may be slower on day 1 than later in the trip.

Total time depends on how fast you walk with a load of 40 to 100 lbs with the higher end being whoever is carrying the canoe.
EddyTurn 03/19/2023 09:08PM
I found very little in common between portaging and backpacking. Firstly, loads are very different, even double-carrying. Secondly, weight distribution is totally different - even without a canoe: backpacks and canoe packs are usually of different shape and weight. Thirdly, while canoeing one rarely keeps all the gear in the pack, e.g. fishing gear, water filter, camera bag are often enough outside of the pack and for good reason. There's also PFDs, paddles, ropes etc. - and all this gear has to be properly arranged for efficient portaging. Sometimes even landings could be difficult enough to require extra few minutes just to get in or out of the boat. Do hikers often wet foot for the whole trip or are they used to change between dry shoes and water sandals all the time?
Michwall2 03/19/2023 09:03PM
There is a rhythm to portaging. This depends on several factors:


1. How much loose stuff you have.
2. Who gets out first - This may sound simple, but it will change depending on the take-out/put-in. How your canoe fits in the portage ends.
3. Who leads down the portage trail.
4. Others encountered.


While single portaging seems to be the "goal", you may find that you get tired of sitting in the canoe mile after mile. I like a nice walk in the woods once in a while, too.


Build in a little time to grab a snack from the food barrel, pump water, put on sunscreen, put on bug repellent, grab rain gear, etc.


There are some portages where you will want to go back. There are scenic spots along falls, beautiful flowers, overlooks, cliffs, etc. for pictures. Then there are the berries - blueberries, raspberries, etc.


Being first time trippers, I would strongly suggest that you build in a little time to consult a map before you get in the canoe so that you both know the navigation strategy before you get in the canoe. Sometimes it is easy, and other times much more complicated. e.g. Which shore are you following, which side of an island are you going around, how many peninsulas are there at the end of the lake and which bay is the portage in?


The walking itself is about the same as normal walking speed, about 2mph. Although, depending on your carry weight, your speed may vary as you try to single portage.


Another caveat to single portaging, it tends to tire myself and my partners much faster. Especially under more weight than you are used to carrying as a backpacker. Tired portagers tend to make mistakes. Be flexible, just because you planned to single portage doesn't mean you have to stick with that strategy. Adjust as you go and how you feel. Try a shorter one double. See how you like it.


Welcome to the BWCA and I hope you have a good trip.
a2lackey 03/19/2023 08:29PM
lindylair: "I might be wrong but I think her questions was more about how much time the entire portage will take, including unload, portage and reload. If someone could comment on approximate time for a 230 rod and a 100 rod portage, including unload and reload I think that will be more helpful to her. If I am wrong, I apologize."
Yes, that's what I was getting at. Thank you! Looking for total portage time.
boonie 03/19/2023 08:22PM
Agree it is basically just a slightly slower pace than normal hiking with a backpack. You should expect to be no slower than 2 mph average, maybe as fast as 3 mph.
gravelroad 03/19/2023 08:17PM
I’m mildly surprised no one has mentioned the stinky elephant sitting over there in the corner.


There are occasions when there is a line of canoes waiting to land at a portage. At the other end of the portage there may be a line of canoes waiting to get into the water. I’ve seen a jam coming off Isabella that looked like the fleet waiting to cross the Delaware and stick it to the Hessians.


YMMV, and it will depend in great part on the route and the time of day.
Tomcat 03/19/2023 07:43PM
NEIowapaddler: "I think Lindy is right, but realistically, all portaging is, is backpacking between paddles. I mean, carrying the canoe is a little different, but not that much, time-wise. So I would just time yourself walking with a fully loaded pack over terrain similar in both length and difficulty to that which you'll encounter on the portages in question, add maybe 5 minutes to each end for loading and unloading, and you should be pretty close to how long it'll take you to single-portage. "
+1
NEIowapaddler 03/19/2023 07:06PM
I think Lindy is right, but realistically, all portaging is, is backpacking between paddles. I mean, carrying the canoe is a little different, but not that much, time-wise. So I would just time yourself walking with a fully loaded pack over terrain similar in both length and difficulty to that which you'll encounter on the portages in question, add maybe 5 minutes to each end for loading and unloading, and you should be pretty close to how long it'll take you to single-portage.
lindylair 03/19/2023 06:44PM
I might be wrong but I think her questions was more about how much time the entire portage will take, including unload, portage and reload. If someone could comment on approximate time for a 230 rod and a 100 rod portage, including unload and reload I think that will be more helpful to her. If I am wrong, I apologize.


YetiJedi 03/19/2023 06:43PM
Good advice in the previous comments. One factor to consider is your preferred footwear. If you are okay with "wet footing" it should be a quick transition. As a converted backpacker, it took me some time to embrace hiking with soaking-wet feet and shoes but having dialed in my socks and shoes to my liking, wet feet don't bother me at all.
billconner 03/19/2023 06:25PM
My son and I have become quite fast at landings. Everything is stowed/lashed before we get out of canoe in knee deep water. I toss one pack on shore and another on my back. My son grabs lightest pack and canoe. I think from hopping out of canoe to being moving on portage is half a minute. He's much faster and doubles for second pack, while I get 2 packs loaded and ready to go when he returns. He comes off trail, sets last pack in, hops in, and we're off.
boonie 03/19/2023 05:37PM
I am old, solo, double portage and it wouldn't take me more than 5 minutes on average. It should take you less being young, fit, tandem, and single portaging. It will vary somewhat since some portage landings can be awkward, while others are easy. In your other thread I addressed some of the factors that can increase speed/efficiency in the transition.
Tomcat 03/19/2023 02:28PM
An avid backpacker in fit shape capable of single portaging should be able to transition from water to portage or portage to water in 2 minutes or less.


a2lackey 03/19/2023 01:56PM
My husband and I are planning our first BWCA trip and first ever overnight canoe trip. We are avid backpackers and very fit. We are trying to plan our schedule for our 4 day, 3 night trip and just don't know how much time to allocate to portaging for realistic travel expectations.

I know it will depend on the portage length and difficulty, but in your experience, how long do you take beaching and gathering your belongings? How much time does it take to get paddling again at the end of each portage?

Our longest portage is 230 rods (which is described as hilly and muddy) but most of the others are under 100 rods and described as flat/dry. We are also planning on making each portage in one trip, not doubling back for left gear.

Thanks so much for any advice and information you have!