I have had the same clamp on yoke with hard closed cell foam for a long time. I seem to do OK but it does take a few days to get used to it even with a solo boat (Softie ;-)

I was considering upgrading. Those Bourquin pads look sort of cushy and nice. I'm not sure what type to get however. Are they as nice as they look? Right now I have a single bolt holding my pads........these seem a bit more involved. Hate to make an error in choice. I am thinking of the E-standard. I wonder what the "E" stands for? Bolt pattern looks to have more flexibility so I can at least use the one one hole already on the yoke.

Thoughts?

I bought a used set from a member here. They are very comfortable.

I don't think you would regret buying a set.

The ones I have use wing nuts and can be taken on and off of the yoke.

First, thanks so much for the kind words you had for me.

I absolutely believe they're wonderful! I've tried Chosen Valley, which are nice, the Wenonah "Horsecollar," which I abhor, and a few different types over the decades. If I needed new pads, I would buy them in a heartbeat.

As for ease of putting on? Mine had two bolts and you clamped them on. Handy if you have a different portager whom needs to widen or narrow the width. Also handy because there was no drilling. If you want to put them on another boat, easy as pie! Here's a pic of my old ones:

I got a set a couple years ago and find them extreamly comfortable. I also got the Adjustable Set as I can transfer them from canoe to canoe.

Bourquin Pads

E-Standard Pads view

Alrighty then..............I thought perhaps I could make use of the hole already in my yoke but after speaking with the very kind lady on the phone she advised me it was unlikely to work......thus 3 holes total which I found rather unappealing.

So I got the full size adjustable clamp on. Not so keen on the whole wing nut thing though. There is little doubt I will put them on via stainless steel locking nuts with a nice big flat washer and cut any excess off flush so the bolt doesn't snag on any clothing.

If my wife asks "what did you get now" I will blame it on "the guys on the forum".

I bet they will be sort of nice ;-) ...............I am shooting for "Best trip ever" > Cushy Pads might help realize that goal.

mastertangler: "I bet they will be sort of nice ;-) ...............I am shooting for "Best trip ever" > Cushy Pads might help realize that goal. "

Yeah, I'm guessing that they are pretty much the Holy Grail of Yoke Pads. If there is such a thing.

Ordered a pair of the adjustable standard lightweight (3"x 6") in tan a few days ago for a Bell Yellowstone (solo). stainless steel locking nuts are a great add-on. I am hoping to find some acorn locking nuts.
I also have the sling type for a UL Prism which really works fine since that canoe is so light.

I've used my Bourquin pads for 19 years now so will attest to their longevity. I think they're great for any boat over 40 lbs. but might be overkill for the lighter boats.

TomT: "I've used my Bourquin pads for 19 years now so will attest to their longevity. I think they're great for any boat over 40 lbs. but might be overkill for the lighter boats.


"

Geez, maybe I should of went with the smaller 3x6 like mjmkjun? My carbon fiber solo probably goes somewhere around 40lbs, maybe a bit more, by the time all the rods, seat, transducer etc is factored in. I thought about the smaller pads but figured why not just go with the full size? My yoke just rides up in the bow anyway and won't take up any more room than it always has. I have been using what is basically a couple of bricks for the past 20 years.

I've got both the removable and permanent versions of the standard size Bourquin pads, replacing Chosen Valley pads which I found uncomfortable, and they are absolutely the most comfortable portage pads out there. I actually prefer the permanently mounted set as they don't move around over time on a trip, but the ability to adjust the width is nice with the portable version if others will be portaging your canoe.
You don't need to worry about any hardware or wingnuts catching on clothing, it's all on the other side of the yoke. The full size pads are just fine for your application, I think you will be very happy with your choice.

mastertangler:
... I have been using what is basically a couple of bricks for the past 20 years. "

:-)
You are going to be one happy camper then!

+ 1 on Bourquin Pads. Bought a set for my MN II 26 years ago. Have transferred them over to my Bell Magic 2 years ago and they look like new and work great.

mastertangler: "

TomT: "I've used my Bourquin pads for 19 years now so will attest to their longevity. I think they're great for any boat over 40 lbs. but might be overkill for the lighter boats.
"

Geez, maybe I should of went with the smaller 3x6 like mjmkjun? My carbon fiber solo probably goes somewhere around 40lbs, maybe a bit more, by the time all the rods, seat, transducer etc is factored in. I thought about the smaller pads but figured why not just go with the full size? My yoke just rides up in the bow anyway and won't take up any more room than it always has. I have been using what is basically a couple of bricks for the past 20 years. "

MT, tell your wife that you just gotta have that carbon fiber yoke. That will help offset the weight of the full size pads. :)

TomT: "

mastertangler: "

TomT: "I've used my Bourquin pads for 19 years now so will attest to their longevity. I think they're great for any boat over 40 lbs. but might be overkill for the lighter boats.
"

Geez, maybe I should of went with the smaller 3x6 like mjmkjun? My carbon fiber solo probably goes somewhere around 40lbs, maybe a bit more, by the time all the rods, seat, transducer etc is factored in. I thought about the smaller pads but figured why not just go with the full size? My yoke just rides up in the bow anyway and won't take up any more room than it always has. I have been using what is basically a couple of bricks for the past 20 years. "

MT, tell your wife that you just gotta have that carbon fiber yoke. That will help offset the weight of the full size pads. :)


"

Carbon fiber yoke? I didn't know they even made such a thing. It would match my boat and my paddle! Nice ;-)

But.............. get thee behind me foul tempter! I have already spent to much money on stuff I don't really need but rather just want. Enough already! Maybe next year.

mastertangler: "...get thee behind me foul tempter!"

The Tempter awaits
Just needs to move into mass production phase. :-)

schweady: "

mastertangler: "...get thee behind me foul tempter!"

The Tempter awaits
Just needs to move into mass production phase. :-)"

Ha! Yes I have already googled carbon fiber canoe yoke and read this thread.

I think I like what I have, seems sturdy and basically indestructible and with the new pads I probably will be very happy > but a bit softer (sigh).

It does seem to be a trajectory which is easy to get on, that being the entire "softer" thing. I hate it, hopefully this trip will get me back on the right side of the scale.

Quite simply the best. Have had a pair since the first year they were made. One thought not expressed here: yoke pads are one of the best bang-for-buck investments you can make if you make many trips to the BWCA. I make my own yokes and find the Borquin pads perfect because there are so many ways you can mount them.

Swift Boatworks makes a fine carbon fiber removable yoke for a measly $350.

TomT: "Swift Boatworks makes a fine carbon fiber removable yoke for a measly $350. "

Oh brother! The next thing you will be suggesting is $300 portage boots.

:) Yeah, the yoke idea might not go over so well. "Don't push it" as my wife likes to say.

TomT: ":) Yeah, the yoke idea might not go over so well. "Don't push it" as my wife likes to say.


"

She would never even know. She lets me do what ever I want.........and I let her do what ever she wants. Lately she has wanted to get those prepackaged meals that are delivered right to your doorstep with everything already divided and provided. Its about $80 for 3 meals, comes in a cooler type box and serves 2 people per meal. She does it once per month.

I was like "what the heck are you doing"? She told me her friend has been doing it and likes it. I just shook my head. She believes in the authority of a husband (novel concept) and stated if I was not pleased she would stop ordering. I gave her a long hard look and asked her if that was what she wanted...........so now we have 3 meals a month delivered right to the door. She has fun preparing them as they are generally fairly quick and easy and she is learning lots of new ways to cook. The meals are surprisingly varied and good and not something we would of ever have prepared on our own. This month is Mediterranean style........interesting! A recipe book is provided and if you really like something it can be replicated on your own. Glad I didn't let my initial feelings get the best of me.

Just last week I was complaining about burning through money (kid in college, ouch) and she reminded me of spending $300 on boots.........I was like "yea, what was I thinking".

Pads came in today. Nice! I was a bit nervous that they might be to big and bulky but no I think they might be perfect. Now, I just need to get them out into the shop before she gets home ;-)

mastertangler:

Pads came in today. Nice! I was a bit nervous that they might be to big and bulky but no I think they might be perfect. Now, I just need to get them out into the shop before she gets home ;-) "

Do you like the standard 4"X8" size for your canoe? I have a MNII and am debating the standard or the lightweight 3"X6".

I currently have the sling style pads and they are very uncomfortable on longer portages, so I'm looking to upgrade the pads and it sounds like Bourquins are the way to go!

You are reviving a 3 year old thread, and I don't believe mastertangler is with us any longer,but in my opinion you can't go wrong with that type of pad. I like the larger size as it allows a bit more adjustment and comfort on the go.

mgraber: "You are reviving a 3 year old thread, and I don't believe mastertangler is with us any longer,but in my opinion you can't go wrong with that type of pad. I like the larger size as it allows a bit more adjustment and comfort on the go."

I don’t see an issue reviving an old post when the topic is still very much relevant 3 years later. Master angler is still around, I emailed him and got a response very quickly.

Thank you for your input though, I did go ahead and ordered the standard size adjustable pads. Cant wait to get them and try them out!!

Have been using Borquin pads since they first came out and highly recommend. Your shoulders will thank you. On long portages like to carry no hands and these are perfect for that.