When you all are portaging solo what’s amount is your goal for each portage
Double portaging, triple??
My conservative goal is a triple portage but always hope to only have to do a double. I want to bring a cot with me next year so figuring on a triple for sure.
Mike

I did a fourteen day solo, my first, last year in WCPP. I did quad portages. In retrospect I would do the exact same thing again with a few modifications to the food and fuel supplies. Although I could skinny it down some and make it a triple I kind of enjoyed the challenge of the carries (x4) and the leisure walks back (x3). And quite frankly I can use the exercise while I'm there. After the trip I made a conscience decision that a few luxuries and perhaps some non essential fishing gear are well worth the one added stroll through such beautiful places. Who knows, maybe I do it because I enjoy the woods as much as the water.
Mike

After crashing and burning which required being airlifted out I no longer consider doubling or even tripling as mandatory. I take reasonable loads and the last 2 years that meant 4 trips across. This years trip looks portage heavy and I would really like to triple. I might have to leave some food behind ;-)

The trick to making decent time with many portages is long days. I typically get out of the sack while its still dark (predawn) and run until an hour or two before dark depending on the availability and expectation of campsites. Sleeping is no problem and you generally just pass out from exhaustion (LOL) and you never have time to get lonely as your just to busy to notice.

Double portage is what I plan. Sometimes I triple depending on the portage and its conditions or my attitude.

MT how much of that is tackle? LOL

I double usually but if the portage is real short I might triple. Sometimes it takes more time to tie things off in the canoe than just walk the portage.

Have you looked at the Helinox cot?

I'm curious what you guys bring that mandate so many trips?

My guess on reasons for more than double is;

1. Soloing with tandem gear- big tents and tarps, cook kits, etc
2. Comfort- chairs, cots or big pads
3. Food- lots of fresh, maybe even a cooler
4. longer trips than the average BWCA traveler. many would probably be double portaging the second half of the trip as food gets used up.

I've never tried to single carry. I'm just not ultralight enough. Two 50# loads(includes canoe) gets me through a ten day trip. If I upped it to 60# I could make a 20 day tour. It really takes purchase of solo gear and living backpacking style to lighten the load. Real light gear is real expensive. I'd really like to replace my 4.5# tent with a 2# one, but where is the $300 going to come from. I could buy the gear and then stay home for lack of travel money.

I figured out quite a while ago that single portaging wasn't a realistic goal for me, but at the same time I decided that anything more than double portaging would be very time-consuming, especially on long portages. I've worked diligently to keep the weight down to one I could double portage even with 12 days of food. In the process, I've discovered that I don't really need a lot of stuff, and that smaller lighter packs are both easier to handle at landings and also less work to portage. That's a real plus for me as I like to travel vs. base camp.

Depends on the situation. I go for the "what seems reasonable" approach and not worry about being airlifted for a hernia. For example - I have triple portaged at the beginning of a long solo because I had way too much food and fuel. I have also tripled the uphill section and then doubled the downhill.

I view efficiency as part of safety.

At my age and given the gear I want to haul along triple portaging is a must.

First trip is the gear pack and day pack (either front and back or stacked) using a straight paddle as a "walking stick" so as to learn what the trail is like. Saw and hatchet in outside pockets of the pack in case I need to cut something out of the trail.

Then the food pack (lighter than gear pack) carrying the kayak paddle, and using the straight paddle as a walking stick if needed.

Then the canoe with hands free.

"Long days" get shorter when you are 67 years old...so I plan movements so I can be looking for a campsite by mid-afternoon.

quote Fizics: "I'm curious what you guys bring that mandate so many trips? "

canoe, food pack, gear pack. Usually triple portage. I wish I had a super lightweight canoe. Then I would consider pack and canoe at same time more often. As of right now 49 lbs canoe plus 30 lbs pack is a little much. Not that I never do that, but not often. Of course, I am not young any more so that might be part of my problem.

I thought I was a piker for doubling, not single, so I feel better about it. I don't carry any "furniture" and don't miss it. Lightening pack and canoe; go back for heavier pack.

I agree light weight is expensive. When I replaced/upgraded gear for Philmont trek, I figured it cost $100 to save a pound. Sleeping bag, pad, and tent. But I have enjoyed the weight savings canoeing for the 5 years since.

Maybe it's just me...i have no issue single portaging. I have a hammock, and have always bought my gear with the lightest and smallest in mind. I rent a Kevlar, and don't bring much more than a couple bobbers and hooks. I also "dealybob" everything to everything, adds a few extra hands. I'm a younger guy, and also bring the bare essentials when soloing.

I double portage and that is it. If I have so much gear I need to triple portage then I am doing something wrong.

That said you shouldn't worry about how many trips across a portage as it's your trip. Just understand that due to the amount of gear or in some cases physical health some people end up having to do more.

I have a coworker whose wife loves the portages. But I heard she humps the wine over the portage. :-)

Usually double. If it is short, flat or the end of a trip I still might single.
The biggest difference in number of trips, other than the amount of stuff you carry, is simply age. When you get older you lose strength and balance. I prefer to think I am also wiser at my older age in that I speculate that carrying less weight reduces the chances of a twisted ankle or worse.

quote Fizics: "I'm curious what you guys bring that mandate so many trips? "

I would also love to see a gear list from someone who triple or quadruple portages. Not knocking it, whatever floats your boat, just curious.

My longest solo is only 1 week, I double portage.
My gear, minus the canoe including food and paddles is under 40 pounds for a trip like that, and I feel like I am living high on the hog. Each year Ibuy atleast one light weight item, if I keep this up I may be able to double portage into my 70's.
I'm in my mid 50's now with a back that is not the greatest.,

Double trip. I'm solidly in the zone where gear is too much to single and nowhere near enough to triple.

Interesting topic. I triple port, not because I like to, but it is necessary for my style of travel. ON the first leg, I take my canoe with paddles, dog mat, life jacket and fish poles tied in, and tump that over ( wood canvas - canoe ). Then I take my pack and tump that. Finally, I put my bed roll on top of my Wannigan and tump that over the port. IF it is not a real long portage, I may get by with a double by taking my pack on my shoulders and tumping the canoe. This is a real time saver, but the port must be 300 rods or shorter. At nearly 53, I am not as tough as I used to be and trail miles slow me down faster than they used to.

Mastertangler - if you are still watching this thread - when you had your wilderness accident with airlift, I believe you were headed to the solotripping rendezvous. That trip was my baby. I was guiding 2 other guys in and we say the chopper heading south ... towards you in WCPP. I am glad it worked out and you are still able to trip in the back country.

Bob.

quote Solobob1: "Interesting topic. I triple port, not because I like to, but it is necessary for my style of travel. ON the first leg, I take my canoe with paddles, dog mat, life jacket and fish poles tied in, and tump that over ( wood canvas - canoe ). Then I take my pack and tump that. Finally, I put my bed roll on top of my Wannigan and tump that over the port. IF it is not a real long portage, I may get by with a double by taking my pack on my shoulders and tumping the canoe. This is a real time saver, but the port must be 300 rods or shorter. At nearly 53, I am not as tough as I used to be and trail miles slow me down faster than they used to.


Mastertangler - if you are still watching this thread - when you had your wilderness accident with airlift, I believe you were headed to the solotripping rendezvous. That trip was my baby. I was guiding 2 other guys in and we say the chopper heading south ... towards you in WCPP. I am glad it worked out and you are still able to trip in the back country.


Bob."

Ok you can’t mention wannigan and not post a photo of it. We used these back in Boy Scout days. The troop master made them, they were works of art. He was also a marine who fought in the pacific during WW2. We were developing character through suffering, lots of suffering but no one ever complained. Complaining was not an option.
I have never triple portaged. When I was 20, on my first solo trip I tried to single portage the tease-anglworm portage with a 16 foot royalex canoe. It didn’t last long. I remember sinking in the mud and throwing the canoe into the Bush, as I was solo I shouted a loud expelative and trudged forward with just the pack.

I do not have any pics of me carrying my wannigan, but I will post a pic or two of the box in my canoe - best I can do for now. Sorry. I will add that I am very ok with carrying it, as long as I practice and build up to using it, I found I prefer it hefting a food pack for lot of reasons.

quote Solobob1: "I do not have any pics of me carrying my wannigan, but I will post a pic or two of the box in my canoe - best I can do for now. Sorry. I will add that I am very ok with carrying it, as long as I practice and build up to using it, I found I prefer it hefting a food pack for lot of reasons.



"

quote Fizics: "I'm curious what you guys bring that mandate so many trips? "

Guess I should have been more specific.

Load #1, big pack (CCS Pioneer, 40-50lbs) with tent, tarp, rope, sleeping bag, pad, cooking kit, saw, axe, fishing gear, camera, clothes.

Load #2, 30L blue barrel (25-30lbs) with food and my Bell Magic (40lbs) (paddles and fishing poles lashed inside)

Sometimes I bushwhack into difficult terrain, which makes carrying a canoe and the food pack more of a hassle that it's worth. Thus, many bushwhacking "portages" are tripled as more of a safety deal.

Sometimes a 5 rod portage is quicker to triple portage than double. :)

I hit 71 this past weekend and am actually in better shape than I was 10 years ago. Those of you looking ahead, just take good care of yourself and stay at it. I do believe we lose it twice as fast and it takes at least twice as long to get it back. It has been soooo worth the effort.

And to the OP. I double portage with Pioneer pack/small Northface waterproof duffle on the first trip and Bushcrafter and canoe the second. Paddles are secured in the canoe. I, too have been adding lighter and smaller packing gear a little at a time and anticipate dropping the Bushcrafter for upcoming trips. I will still carry a chair and like food too much to go freeze dry yet. I think I could single portage with the Bushcrafter and Northface bag for shorter and less difficult crossings with the expected set up and if I gave up chair and went to freeze dry I could probably single portage more. Volume is more an issue than weight right now and I am working on that.

A recent space and weight trade off was a down quilt to replace the sleeping bag, highly recommended.

I have read this thread again and had a few thoughts. My kit is heavy, no doubt. It is hard to get lots of miles in a day if there are lots of portages. It can't be too hard though as I am nearly 53 and have very bad knees from football and other sins from my youth. For me it is the touch of nostalgia and and intimate link with the past that is as much a part of the trip as is the wilderness itself. To that end I believe I am in the great minority as to what my kit weights and what I bring.

Relative to bhouse46 post, first let me just say I absolutely agree with you on the use or lose it comment. You are right on. Also solo tripping at 71, man I hope I have the sand to that. I have a good buddy who is 72 and trips with me on occasion. He is slowing down a bit but he has tremendous grit and such a love for the timber, you both are inspirations to me.

The quilt you mentioned - I ahve looked into those hard. I hate to even think about not taking my hand woven wool blanket with me ... but at 7 pounds, that is quiet an investment in sweat equity. When the day comes I have to part with my blanket the quilt is on my short list of necessary tripping gear.

I go solo and do not have to worry about slowing down the group with my 5 laps per portage to finally wet a paddle. So far, if it was good enough for the old way people, it is good enough for me ... until I really need to rid 7 pounds and then I can get a wonderful quilt.

Some of the purest pleasures in my life include the following; paddling a quiet backwater exchanging glances between the wood ribs of the canoe and the Precambrian boulders that adorn the evergreen shores - sitting on a wannigan sipping my Rye with sound and smell of a campfire in front of me - snuggling my dog in my wool blanket listening to the loons on the lake at night. These things make the triple ports and the heavy kit all worth while for me.

Bob.

Double Portage 80% of the time.
Triple the short ones almost always.
Triple the REALLY Long ones that are EASY. If the portage is a SOB, I try and double it instead of triple it, so I do not have to endure the pain of it twice.

SunCatcher

To add a little more. A couple of comments resonated with me:

gkimball: "Long days" get shorter when you are 67 years old...so I plan movements so I can be looking for a campsite by mid-afternoon." That's been true for a few years and I usually only plan to travel about 5 hours (=/-1).
Yes, they do, especially after a heart attack. Actually did better - just fine in fact - on my 2016 trip a few weeks before the heart attack than I did this year. I thought I'd do better with cleaner pipes, but didn't - not sure why, but am hoping it turns out to be temporary vs. permanent.

billconner: "I don't carry any "furniture" and don't miss it. Lightening pack and canoe; go back for heavier pack."
"I agree light weight is expensive. . . But I have enjoyed the weight savings canoeing for the 5 years since.

Like Bill (and some others) I have gradually replaced gear with lighter, less bulky gear, but first I just left stuff behind - food I didn't eat :), fuel I didn't need, clothes I didn't wear, things I didn't use (solar shower), things I could get along without (ax/saw/the extra bandage). I quit fishing (or attempting to catch fish) and lost about 5-6 lbs. I have never carried a chair, but did add a "butt pad" this year (god, I must be getting old :)). My sleeping pad and bag are lighter and less bulky, but just as (if not more) warm and comfortable. My tent is lighter, and it's better, but it is a little smaller. My stove and kitchen is lighter and more compact, but also better and more efficient.

SevenofNine: "you shouldn't worry about how many trips across a portage as it's your trip."
Amen. There are various reasons we all do what we do, but it's good to hear about ways to lighten up, or reasons not to, or why we do things differently.

Weights. The pack weights for my 2016 trip were 49 lbs.; for a 5-day trip recently (less food/clothing) 37 lbs. Everything but the kevlar NorthStar solo (+yoke), paddles, PFD.

A 40-50 lb. load is about all I want to carry; I could probably carry a 60-lb. load some distance on a flat, smooth portage, but . . . Like GraniteCliffs, I find myself losing strength and balance as I age.

quote Fizics: "I'm curious what you guys bring that mandate so many trips? "

Yup lots of trips across. When I crashed I had decided that it was getting late and I only wanted to double instead of triple so I piled one more bag on top of my heavy main pack and while getting the thing on i had a little stumble and that was all she wrote.

Now I err on the side of caution and take loads which are within my comfort level. They are still heavy however. In my younger days it was not so infrequent where I would stuff two big beaver into a pack basket and scramble out of a swamp and up the side of a mountain (Washington State). Two big flat tails can weigh upwards of 80lbs or more. Its odd how once you got used to doing something you believe you can always do it. It is a very rude surprise when you can't.

I go tripping to fish and one load is definitely fishing equipment. Depth finder, rod holders, large lithium ion battery, 25 watt solar panel and a watershed duffel full of lure choices along with 4 or 5 reels basically adds up to its own trip. Next year I am planning on 500 nightcrawlers which will need a decent sized styrofoam container.

Factor in that my last 2 trips were 24 days and 26 days then food supplies also factor into the equation. Plus I like to be comfortable. I have a chair, I have a pillow, etc. I have invested considerably trying to eliminate weight with everything being "top of the line" and as high tech and as light as possible but I am still with many trips and I don't mind it a bit. Who says you have to double anyways? I just put in huge days, am efficient when it comes to portaging (no wasted movements) and I think I make pretty decent time considering. While others might get started at 9 A.M. and stop at 4 P.M. and double I start at 7A.M. and get to the site at 6P.M. and triple or quadruple. But hey, I'm still here ;-)

quote SunCatcher: "Double Portage 80% of the time.
Triple the short ones almost always.
Triple the REALLY Long ones that are EASY. If the portage is a SOB, I try and double it instead of triple it, so I do not have to endure the pain of it twice.


SunCatcher"

That is exactly how I approach it.

After cutting my backpacking weight down I can single portage if I'm not bringing live bait and hammocking instead of tenting...oddly enough once switching to hanging and not bringing live bait, I've never gone back. It makes me wonder what other things I could ditch and never miss. My cloths and camp stuff stash seems to get lower and lower every year. If the portage is over 200 rods I'll leave my canoe along the side of the trail if I feel I'm getting too tired to enjoy the walk.

A few of the steps I took to drop weight in my pack:

ditched a bigger stove, pot and pan for a msr micro rocket and ti cup

traded heavy meals and high end coffee for dehydrated camp chow and instant coffee

pack in a 45 liter pack so there's not enough room for luxury items

use ursacks instead of food bins/barrels

buying 1 really nice light item instead of 2 or 3 cheaper heavier versions of items. (canoe paddles, hammock, down quilts, pants, rain gear, boots, down sweaters)

I'm gonna take three trips, in almost all circumstances. Double portage, my load is split into 2 trips with a sightseeing unladen trip in between. Even though I can pack a trips worth into 1 bag at 30 pounds, I just consider the 2 loaded trips as easier, and enjoy the walk back every time.

I still backpack a bit (trip are certainly shorter), at 66. Use a full framed GG Nimbus trace at 3300 cubic inch volume. Seldom go over 30 pounds all up including a few quarts water and food/fuel. Generally target,
4 pounds to---
water
food
cook gear and stove/fuel
shelter
sleeping bag/pad/clothes
backpack

That's 24, giving me 6 pounds of luxury/alternative comfort items.

When packing a canoe-centric trip I add another pack and split the load into 2 adding even more comfort items fishing gear as desired. My canoe (solo) weigh's 32 pounds paddles 1 1/2 pounds, PFD 2 pounds. So by weight I'd have single portaging down. I still chose to take my time and enjoy the trips.

butthead

Double portage, so 3 times across. Like BH, I enjoy the "naked" hike back after round one.

I always double, it's just 2 packs and a canoe, oh, so it is 3 x across.

quote Frenchy19: "Double portage, so 3 times across. Like BH, I enjoy the "naked" hike back after round one. "

Same here, you miss a lot of beautiful scenery with a canoe blocking your view. First trip is a daypack with a Bear Vault and some misc stuff, and the canoe. Then back for the pack.

quote Kiporby: "Double portage is what I plan. Sometimes I triple depending on the portage and its conditions or my attitude.
"

Ditto.

Double portaging is how I do it. Lightest pack with canoe and heavier pack with (if any) loose items. Long portages I do kind of a leap frog approach. Carry first load five minutes, go back and carry second load ten minutes. Then keep going in ten minute intervals. Then your really not more than five minutes from your food pack.

quote nctry: " Long portages I do kind of a leap frog approach. Carry first load five minutes, go back and carry second load ten minutes. Then keep going in ten minute intervals. Then your really not more than five minutes from your food pack. "

I used to do this a few times but decided the energy required to hoist things up again was counter productive. Now I just keep going. I'm good for up to a mile after the first week. I do like the idea of not being to far away from your stuff however. Certainly a better chance that your going to catch them in the act.

Double portage. #4 the first time across and day pack with canoe on the second one.

Backpacking trip, my 50L pack with 5 days of food is right around 32 lbs. I need to stop packing so much extra when I'm tripping. I think I should get a much smaller portage pack and cut out the extras. I'm always moving, so some of the camp comfort items could go.

Double portage. Blue barrel and canoe on first load. My camera is under my seat. I grab it for the empty walk back. Second load is my gear pack.....usually my Kondos Outfitter Special.

I have always had to triple portage as most of my trips are over three weeks.
I find when you are out that long you need some comfort because there will be down days. I carry all my food. kitchen utilities and fuel in one pack and all my clothing and sleeping comforts in another. I carry my safety equipment (sat phone and first aid) along with my fishing tackle and other day time needs in my small pack which I carry with the canoe. I take my paddles with one pack and my fishing rod with the other. Anything else that is not packed is tied to the canoe. I don't like to carry more than that in my hands so I have a hand free to recover from difficulties. I tend to take a pack first to see what problems there might be and then either the second pack or the canoe depending on the length and difficulty. I never stop on portages except for steep cliffs where I might take everything up the cliff and then start the portage from the top. I find the hardest part of portaging now that I am ancient is unpacking the canoe where landings are tough and getting the packs up on my back during the first week. I hate having to stop on a portage because getting started again is more difficult than continuing. I find that there are all sorts of neat ways to shift the weight on your back as the portage continues. I also sit my packs up in between short water travel where there is no wave or other danger so that it is easier to unload the packs. I like to have my canoe floating at the other end before I load it but I have to make sure that I don't lose the canoe which has happened a couple of times.

I try to be efficient so when coming to the landing from the lake I get out in the water and put my paddles and my map clipped to my pfd out of the way on shore.
I go back and wrestle the big pack and try to situate it up high sitting on shore.

I then get my yoke in place and swing the small pack on my back and hoist the canoe and take off. I will double most portages but tough long ones I will leap frog. I can carry the big pack with the loose items much farther than I can carry the 50 Lb solo boat and small pack.

The only time I won't go canoe first is if it's a known difficult carry. Then I'll scout it first with the big pack.

I've recently shifted from single to double portaging- my knees simply no longer dealt with the weight of the single, especially down hill. I put about 20# in a CCS rucksack that I carry with the canoe, the rest of the gear goes in a Kondos Outfitter Special. I am militant about never carrying anything in my hands.

Banksiana: " I am militant about never carrying anything in my hands."

I look forward to when I can lash my paddles in the canoe for portages but I just can't add any more weight to that carry with my old 50 Lb fiberglass boat.

I'm dreaming of my new Swift Shearwater with a carbon yoke that hasn't been made yet. :)

BTW, my 1994 Red Blackhawk Starship with custom new gunnels in 2011 is for sale. It's got plenty of scratches but is in fine shape and one helluva performer in the water. These are hard to find and would be a great starter for someone not so concerned with weight. At 57 it's time for me to lighten up so I can still get into the interior of the parks.
$1500 will pry it out of my reluctant hands. Email me if interested. BTW, that's the price I paid for the new gunnels done my master craftsman Ralph Frese of the Chicagoland Canoe Base in 2011.

Double portage for me as I beleive I stated above.

Here is my routine.
First trip across is my Battle Lake Pack, with paddle in hand. I like to be able to scout the portage out first without my canoe over my head. (I felt this was essential in Alaska so I could lesson my chances of coming up on a bear that was protecting a kill). Spare paddle is lashed to the canoe at all times.
Second trip, I wear my life jacket, carry my day pack and canoe.
I will rest once or twice while carrying the canoe on long portages, in Ak 160 - 400+ rod portages are common.

I used to wear my life jacket all the times, especially on the portages because I felt it gave my delicate underbelly some level of protection if I were to be mauled, but since I attached a Ditch Kit to the back now, I can't wear it and carry my Battle Lake pack at the same time.

I may adjust my routine now since I will be paddling in the BW in the near future, just not sure how. My Alaska paddling days are behind me for the forseable future.

Double portage. Main Pack and Paddle 1st trip. Food Pack and Canoe on the second trip. I can't imagine needing anything else that would require a 3 trip

I typically double portage. My first trip will be with a Sealline 70 or 115 pack, depending if I am out for two weeks or not. I also tie my two paddles together and carry them in one hand, switching as necessary. I also find that by double portaging and leading first with a pack, I can note the tough spots for when I come back through with a canoe.

Upon completion of the first trip, I return to the canoe, but I carry my camera back with me. Never know what might pop up on the trail. On clear fall days after the maples have turned, there is nothing like walking a portage trail, without a pack and a canoe.

On the last trip I throw on my smaller, 35 liter pack, and my 40 lb canoe and I am good to go.

This routine also comes in real handy for bushwacking, as it is easier to forge a path with only a pack on, instead of a canoe.

Minnesotian: "
I also find that by double portaging and leading first with a pack, I can note the tough spots for when I come back through with a canoe.

This routine also comes in real handy for bushwacking, as it is easier to forge a path with only a pack on, instead of a canoe. "

I agree for bushwhacking that taking a pack first is necessary. Butgoing pack first on all portages is more work. A LOT more work. When you go pack first you have to pick up everything and move off to the side then pick up the pack and go. Then you have to put the pack on the ground at the other end. Then you have to pick it up again and put it in the canoe. That's too much work!

When you go canoe first you're coming with the big pack and plopping it right in the canoe! And your small pack is already in the bow and the yoke has been moved out of the way. I don't know about you guys but I'm not a fan of lifting my big pack more than I have to.

That said I will go pack first on a real long portage or one with steep hills. Otherwise I'm all about efficiency and conserving energy.

When you go canoe first you're coming with the big pack and plopping it right in the canoe! And your small pack is already in the bow and the yoke has been moved out of the way. I don't know about you guys but I'm not a fan of lifting my big pack more than I have to.

I'm confused Tom,

If you go canoe first are you setting the canoe in the water on the other side of the portage? If so I can see how it saves you lifting your pack twice, since you would be setting your pack in the canoe once you reach the other end.

When I've gone canoe first, I always stashed my canoe off to the side of the portages on land, so it was not in the way of others.
I therefore had to lift my pack the same amount of times no matter which piece I took first.

Perhaps I'm not doing my math correct, I never was good at math.

Fizics: "I'm curious what you guys bring that mandate so many trips? "

I take what makes me happy ! To this end I was successful ; ). Don't get me wrong, I'm always learning and more than willing to make changes. I have several pages in my journal dedicated to improvement ideas for next year. However, in my advanced years I'm getting to know myself fairly well and when I do come back from a trip and there's a smile on my face and a song in my heart I know I did it right.......for me.

mpeebles,

I see you are from Wisconsin. I tried to send you a PM, but I could not do it. I have a few questions for you. If you are so inclined please pm or email me.

Thanks,

Bob B.

Hey Tom T.,

Good luck with the sale of your boat - it looks like a robust awesome solo tripper.

I look forward to see you again at the Copia show.

Bob.

LindenTree3: "
I'm confused Tom,
If you go canoe first are you setting the canoe in the water on the other side of the portage? If so I can see how it saves you lifting your pack twice, since you would be setting your pack in the canoe once you reach the other end.

When I've gone canoe first, I always stashed my canoe off to the side of the portages on land, so it was not in the way of others.
I therefore had to lift my pack the same amount of times no matter which piece I took first.
Perhaps I'm not doing my math correct, I never was good at math."

When I go canoe first I do set it in the water on the side but still "grounded" so it won't blow down shore. When I come back with the big pack it's just a matter of pushing the canoe further in the water and gently unloading the pack in the boat.

If you go big pack first you will be lifting that sucker three times vs. 2 if you go canoe first. Although, I guess it's possible to put it on your back right from the canoe and then pull the boat on shore before leaving ....

Maybe I just need a lighter big pack. :)

hobbydog: "

quote SunCatcher: "Double Portage 80% of the time.
Triple the short ones almost always.
Triple the REALLY Long ones that are EASY. If the portage is a SOB, I try and double it instead of triple it, so I do not have to endure the pain of it twice.



SunCatcher"

That is exactly how I approach it. "

Yep me as well.

Solobob1: "mpeebles,


I see you are from Wisconsin. I tried to send you a PM, but I could not do it. I have a few questions for you. If you are so inclined please pm or email me.


Thanks,


Bob B. "

Bob, sent you an email with contact info. Looking forward!

Awesome - email replied to.

Bob.

Triple portage here, I can't do it any other way. I am 67 and I like a few comforts (ultra-lite chair, boxed wine). I didn't start soloing until I was in my 60's, so I don't know what I would have done back in the day with old equipment, aluminum canoe, etc. Now I am thankful that my legs will carry me and if I cut the load I can travel anywhere.

Keep on truckin'!

Dave

RetiredDave: "Triple portage here, I can't do it any other way. I am 67 and I like a few comforts (ultra-lite chair, boxed wine). I didn't start soloing until I was in my 60's, so I don't know what I would have done back in the day with old equipment, aluminum canoe, etc. Now I am thankful that my legs will carry me and if I cut the load I can travel anywhere.


Keep on truckin'!


Dave"

+1.

At 66 yrs./357 days old, I too am very, very thankful that I can still do the "stuff" I so love doing!

I single portage, but I'm also young, and I pack like a backpacker. Anything under a week, and my total pack weight is under 40 lbs. If i were to go longer I would probably end up double portaging.

First trip this coming sept. I am wanting to single portage, with a 20 lb canoe balanced on my side/shoulder/pack. Are most portages wide enough to do this?

Not necessarily, Wick, and besides it's very awkward for any distance at all over a few rods - much easier with a yoke that puts the weight on top of your shoulders and directly over/in line with your shoulders, spine, hips, legs. I've done it for short distances and it's much easier with a yoke if you plan to do anything besides 50 feet from the parking lot to the put in.

On my 1st solo trip I double portaged. The next 3 I cut a lot of gear weight and bulk getting from 2 packs down to one so I single portaged most of the time.
Sometimes I would double based on the portage itself and/or when I was fatigued later on in the day. For these trips I rented a 29lb Northstar Northwind Solo and carrying that with a 40lb pack was no problem. I will add.... I travel with a 90 lb lab so I don't need 2 packs for trimming purposes.

Now, I just purchased a SR Quetico 16 that I will use for my solo trips as well as my daddy/daughter trips. With the additional 13 lbs compared to the Northwind Solo I think I will probably be going back to mostly double portaging.

Wick!

I've been watching your threads and posts about your plans for 2018. It would be good to pack your outfit as close to size and weight as you can pick up your canoe and go for a walk in the woods. Pick a rugged place.

The Adirondack style of travel you are planning is certainly appropriate for the BWCA. The question is will it be comfortable enough to be fun. Twenty pounds hanging off your shoulder for a few minutes is cool, for half an hour may not be. It will especially be more difficult or painful when you also have a 30 pound pack. It is certainly possible to make a portage yoke for your canoe. They are quick to clamp on and having the load balanced on your shoulders will be very pleasant.

The portages are generally clear enough to portage the way you describe, but there will be times... Of course, with the canoe resting on one shoulder it is easy to slip it off and get it through the tight spots.

The Adirondack style pack canoes have other issues for me, maybe not for you. The seat is on the bottom, or raised slightly. My old body has a hard time getting in and out without having near swampings in the process. With a regular canoe with the seat raised to my liking I can swing my leg over the gunnel and stand up in the lake. When launching, sitting to a seat near gunnel height is way easier than getting quickly to the seat on the bottom. Portage and campsite landings are more often rugged, slippery and muddy than they are firm, smooth and sandy. This makes getting in and out of your boat more interesting.

I have not seen many folks travel in your intended style in the BWCA. The reason for that may just be that there is not much exposure here of the Adirondack style. Many of us single portage much heavier loads than you suggest. Many of us chose to walk the trail three times and enjoy the view on the return trip.

This being a first trip and all I would take it easy and not be rigid about itinerary and destination. Get the feel of it before trying to get the distance. I look forward to a trip report to find out how it worked for you!

Several years ago I was paddling solo late in the fall. I was in the Q, running along the Hurlburt and Payne series of lakes. It was fairly cool and had a light rain all day and a light wind. I was quite certain I would not run into anyone for a couple of days and I didn't.
In any event I started on what I thought was a short and easy carry so figured I could make it in one haul instead of two. I took off and went about 20 yards before I tipped the nose of the canoe up and saw the most beautiful view of vibrant green moss on the ground with overhanging moss from tree branches just catching a few glimpses of sun rays trying to peek through. The colors were so vibrant and bright I was awestruck.
So amazing I quit looking where I was going, stepped wrong and got catapulted off the trail and onto the ground with the packs and canoe landing on top of me. It took me a few seconds to realize I was not hurt. It took me just a few seconds more to realize it was very possible that no one might come by that way until spring.
Imagine. I am now very careful on portages when I am solo. The chances of me single portaging certainly decreased after that day.

GraniteCliffs: "
So amazing I quit looking where I was going, stepped wrong and got catapulted off the trail and onto the ground with the packs and canoe landing on top of me. It took me a few seconds to realize I was not hurt. It took me just a few seconds more to realize it was very possible that no one might come by that way until spring.
Imagine. I am now very careful on portages when I am solo. The chances of me single portaging certainly decreased after that day."

Yep! And I'll never understand the strapping of a pack on your chest to portage. Ya gotta see where where feet will be going. It's too easy to break an ankle or blow out a knee while carrying a big load on your back.

mastertangler: "After crashing and burning which required being airlifted out I no longer consider doubling or even tripling as mandatory. I take reasonable loads and the last 2 years that meant 4 trips across. This years trip looks portage heavy and I would really like to triple. I might have to leave some food behind ;-)

The trick to making decent time with many portages is long days. I typically get out of the sack while its still dark (predawn) and run until an hour or two before dark depending on the availability and expectation of campsites. Sleeping is no problem and you generally just pass out from exhaustion (LOL) and you never have time to get lonely as your just to busy to notice. "

Wut? Is the story about that posted on the forum, mastertangler?
I shoot for double portaging but never can do less than three. Too many creature comforts, I suppose.

sedges: "Wick!


I've been watching your threads and posts about your plans for 2018. It would be good to pack your outfit as close to size and weight as you can pick up your canoe and go for a walk in the woods. Pick a rugged place.

We have those exact plans! I have a woods right out my back door that i have made trails thru while cutting wood. It goes up and down hills, thru ditches, and is rough in a few places. Much to the annoyment of my wife, i pack, unpack, repack our packs, and store them in the living room on “her” furniture,,waiting on the snow to melt so we can start our portage conditioning. I have made her a portage yoke for her hornbeck since she complains about her shoulder once in a while, but i have always had very stout shoulders, and hope it will work for me. The spitfire has no place for screws in the gunwales,,that i want to drill holes in anyway. We will be training this summer!

FYI, Wick, Placid offers a fabric portage yoke for overhead carrying; just something to keep in mind.

boonie: "FYI, Wick, Placid offers a fabric portage yoke for overhead carrying; just something to keep in mind. "

I saw that, but had forgotten about it. Good reminder Boonie. I hope to not need it, but glad to remember no drilling would be needed if shoulder carry doesnt work out this summer.

TomT:
When I go canoe first I do set it in the water on the side but still "grounded" so it won't blow down shore. When I come back with the big pack it's just a matter of pushing the canoe further in the water and gently unloading the pack in the boat.


If you go big pack first you will be lifting that sucker three times vs. 2 if you go canoe first. Although, I guess it's possible to put it on your back right from the canoe and then pull the boat on shore before leaving ....
Maybe I just need a lighter big pack. :)

"

Thanks for the explination TomT

Wick: "

boonie: "FYI, Wick, Placid offers a fabric portage yoke for overhead carrying; just something to keep in mind. "

I saw that, but had forgotten about it. Good reminder Boonie. I hope to not need it, but glad to remember no drilling would be needed if shoulder carry doesnt work out this summer. "

I don't know how that would work, but most solo yokes just clamp on the gunwales - no drilling needed, unless there is some reason that wouldn't work with a Placid canoe . . . ?

boonie: "

Wick: "

boonie: "FYI, Wick, Placid offers a fabric portage yoke for overhead carrying; just something to keep in mind. "

I saw that, but had forgotten about it. Good reminder Boonie. I hope to not need it, but glad to remember no drilling would be needed if shoulder carry doesnt work out this summer. "

I don't know how that would work, but most solo yokes just clamp on the gunwales - no drilling needed, unless there is some reason that wouldn't work with a Placid canoe . . . ?"

I was thinking the same thing as boonie.......... is there something we don't know about Placid canoes?

No wood/metal gunwales or thwarts to clamp on or drill. The whole canoe is 1 pc of carbon fiber, even the gunwales and thwarts. That is why it only weighs 20 lb.

Sorry to digress for the portage yoke discussion, but to answer the original discussion, here's my two cents.

I generally always double portage. I really don't know how some solo trippers manage to get down to one small, relatively light pack. I'm not willing to give up that many items I consider necessities, not to mention some luxuries, (i.e., a chair, tarp, etc.).

My system is as follows; I usually take my solo canoe and my CCS Quad/30L blue barrel food pack on the first carry. I then return for the bigger, heavier pack and my NRS "Bill's Bag". The NRS "Bill's Bag" contains, my tent, tarp, Therm-a-Rest and a folding saw. The larger pack contains my clothes, sleeping bag, spare shoes, books, med kit, and a few other miscellaneous items. The CCS Quad/30L barrel pack contains my food, obviously, cook kit. The top pocket contains my water filter(s), and the two front poacket hold two nalgene water bottles.

After strapping on my large pack, I throw the "Bill's Bag" horizontally across the top on the large portage pack while retaining control of the "Bill's Bag" by holding onto one of the back straps. Depending on the length of the portage, I will usually carry at least one or two of my paddles and my camera in a small Pelican case. For the longer portages I'll strap in the paddles and fishing rod. My PFD usually get strapped to my portage pack.

Until recently, my large portage pack was a Grade VI portage pack @ approximately 4200 cu. inches. In 2015 I purchased a CCS Superior Hyrid pack to replace the Grade VI pack. The Grade VI pack worked fine, but I wanted something with more capacity. The 5700 cu. inch CCS Superior Hybrid pack definitely gave me more capacity, but maybe too much. As is often the case with large packs, (like a #4 Duluth pack), you tend to want to fill them up and therefore over-pack. Much like my #4 Duluth pack, the CCS Superior pack generally approaches the 100-pound weight range. So in-order to curtail my over-packing, I'm intend to replace the CCS Superior pack with the 4700 cu. inch CCS Pioneer pack this year.

The only time I've tripled portages is when there's a very short portage, like 10-rods or so. On a group solo trip to Woodland-Caribou Provincial Park in 2014, we encountered numerous short portages. One day in particular, we had maybe a dozen or more portages, many of them so short you could literally see the other end of the portage once you landed and pulled your canoe up on shore. In that case, it was easier and faster to just grab packs and return a third time for the loose items that we'd strap-in if it was a portage of greater length.

At some of those short portages, my son and I would just take the heavier packs over first. We'd return and grab each end of our respective canoes and carry the solo canoes across with the miscellaneous items and the smaller, lighter packs still instead. It also saved time by not having to attach and detach the portage yokes on the canoes.

Nevertheless, I can usually get it done by keeping it to a double portage.

Hans Solo

OK, I thought it must have something to do with that.

Two round trips.