I have a yoke identical to the one in cowdoc's picture in the thread on yokes for a magic. I need to get new pads, the balance of the yoke is in good shape. What are your thoughts about replacing with similar block pads or the ones with the concave pad?

Not identical but close.




The yoke came to me with sling pads. The tandem Spirit I have used PVC cup and foam pads. Both worked neither comfortably. I went to Superior Portage Pads, cordura fabric has grip but the large blocks allow it to ride in different places on the pad. More comfort, and adjustable during the portage.

butthead

+1 on the cordura Superior Portage Pads. I had the concave ones and did not like.

I just build my own out of three layers of 4" high density foam, black vinyl, a 1x4 cut to 7" (3.5x7), bolts, brackets, wing nuts and staples. It is a really easy DIY job and attaches well to wooden yokes and aluminum ones.

I just bought a new canoe that has an attachable yoke and I plan to replace the factory pads with custom ones. Maybe this time I will experiment with stitching the vinyl instead of just folding it over.

I got a new Wilderness this year and built this yoke with the concave pads.
I love 'em. She portaged nicely and the pads matched my shoulders well.
It seems like the geometry helps hold the canoe in place.

I've built a few yokes. Placement is essential to get right! Too far apart and they just plain suck. I think the closer together the better.
If you have LARGE pads - which of course cover a greater area than smaller pads - and simply replace them using the same stud holes with curved pads, you'll be very disappointed. They need to be closer together than their counterparts.

KBA, the pads I currently use have that similar concave pad and placed right the balance with my magic has allowed me to portage hands free on more level terrain. I agree with your comment about geometry holding the canoe in place and fitting the shoulders.
I appreciate the comments including diy...unfortunately while I have most of the tools and some of the experience, both are buried in the garage somewhere and that is another story... Not sure yet but will decide soon. I leave 9/16 for the great BWCA.

New to canoe camping and portaging. Just finished second trip (first was last year). I say this up front to point out that I'm definitely not an expert on technique.

Both trips we've rented canoes from an outfitter. I've been wondering why the yoke pads are only on the sides. While I try and make sure the canoe doesn't move, I'm always finding that at some point, I'm getting some movement and thus feel the yoke on the back of my neck. Why no padding here?

You mean like these: contoured yoke pads

This is just one example, there are quite a few more.

Yes, that looks like it would be more comfortable. (Doubles as toilet seat, too :-)

I have contacted Piragis and experienced great customer service. Tom has the replacement cups I am seeking and I will pick them up before having dinner at the Ely Steak House on Saturday night, the 16th.
Thanks for the input and anyone around Saturday evening I would love to share a beer.

I recently researched the topic about toilet seat since I wanted to find something special and I found Bemis Radiance H1900NL! I couldn't figure how to get the seat off so I couldn't measure exactly. It could be 5.5" between the bolts, but I can't guarantee that. I can say that this is a standard seat, elongated shape. I would think it would fit any toilet unless the toilet is specially made.

Anyone ever use a toilet seat for a yoke pad?

mirth: "Anyone ever use a toilet seat for a yoke pad?"

Or vice-versa?