Hello fellow canoers. Our group is going on the longest trip we have ever done. This will be our 20th trip so we are pretty experienced and have quality gear. With 7 days of food (and booze), plus all the regular gear, can we make it single portaging. We do not want to give up our lightweight camp chairs (2.2 lbs a piece). However, I really don't want to carry an 80 lb pack. :-(

Mudro to Horse River to Basswood Falls into Crooked Bays, then back down thru Gull, Gun and Fairy to get out. Should be an epic loop. Four guys with two tandem canoes. We are not bringing the bear barrel this trip in an effort to save weight. Just one food pack in each Duluth pack.

Can we do it?????

Thanks,

Tony

Well I think you already mentioned the opportunity cost of single portaging. :)

I think you need to pack up the packs, weigh them and see how they feel, then realize they will feel even heavier on a portage. Is that worth it or doable? I assume after 20 years you have packing down, but just in case, go through gear and eliminate duplicates. If items are seldom used and don’t add personal value, get rid of them, pack food so there aren’t left overs. There are so many areas you can cut, but then what I may cut you may think is essential and the opposite can be true. Is this type of travel fun for you or will it detract from the trip? Everyone is different.

The person portaging the canoe obviously should have a lighter pack...try that ahead of time as well. Do they feel comfortable with a pack and canoe? How much is comfortable to them?

Finally, I’d plan on bringing an extra pack or two in the car. If you get to the put-in and that first portage (from the parking lot to the stream on Mudro) seems too tough or not worth it just break down the gear quick and bring an extra pack or two. Maybe two guys double and two guys single or share the load leap frogging.

People who single portage do so a variety of ways...some bring the kitchen sink, but portage like the Hulk. Some only bring ultra light weight gear with freeze dried food. Some are in combination of those depending on their specific ideas of needs.

Good luck! Either way, you have a great trip. Also be prepared to get a bunch of unhelpful “what’s the hurry” posts. Do what you want and can...it’s your trip!

T

You can.

We are doing the same loop, but only 4 nights (2 camps). We single portage. Just have to pack smart. Here are the packs we have, it necessitates whoever is carrying a canoe to also carry a pack. Guys not carrying the canoes get their daypacks and any extras.


1 Gear Pack (CCS Portage Pack)
1 Blue Food Barrel
2 large GG Portage Packs (personal gear for 2 guys per bag)

BigCurrent: "You can.

We are doing the same loop, but only 4 nights (2 camps). We single portage. Just have to pack smart. Here are the packs we have, it necessitates whoever is carrying a canoe to also carry a pack. Guys not carrying the canoes get their daypacks and any extras.

1 Gear Pack (CCS Portage Pack)
1 Blue Food Barrel
2 large GG Portage Packs (personal gear for 2 guys per bag) "

I feel sorry for whoever gets stuck with portaging that one food pack! I’ve been on that loop and none of the first portages are crazy and when you get into Crooked, it’s all paddling.

Why not split the food and double portage the first 1/2 of the trip. By the time you hit the longer, more frequent portages coming south you should be beyond the pains of getting into the swing of things and you should also be able to consolidate down to one food pack to single portage.

Yes that is very doable. But with 20 trips under your belt, your group might be getting a little old? :P

IMO, don't ditch the camp chairs, don't ditch the booze, bear barrel isn't necessary.

Worst case, 1.5 portage the tough ones or take breaks when needed. Sounds like a good trip, have fun!

I, too, think you answered your own question. If you want all the extra stuff (that I dont consider extra, just things that make the trip better - booze, chairs, fresh food, etc.), then I would just double portage and enjoy the trip. If you want to single portage, then leave those things at home, pack fewer clothes, less fresh food, less fishing gear. I want those things so double is my preferred method.

Just my 2 cents.

Totally doable. And FWIW - my wife carries a 70# portage pack ;-)

Our strategy is that the canoe carrier (me) gets the light pack (about 50#) which is stuffed with the bulky but light gear. I use a CCS pioneer pack, and it works awesome. Its short enough that I can still put the canoe up on my shoulders easily. Wide and deep enough that it hold a LOT.

the wife has a sealline 115 portage pack, which has the best framesheet/hip belt of any portage pack we've ever used. It rides very tall, but is not wide. I have to help her put it on, but after that she does just fine on the trail. She uses both paddles as trecking poles.

The area you are going through has very well maintained portages. That 360 rod one you will come south on is not bad at all. The 'mountain goat' portage from 4town to mudro is aptly named!

"However, I really don't want to carry an 80 lb pack. :-("

Then don't.

"Can we do it (single portage)?????" Probably, but only you know for sure. I carry less than I "can" because it's a lot easier.

What do you gain by single portaging? It's not that long of a trip and not all that much portaging. Just double portage and enjoy your trip. Walk the extra 8 miles, only half with a load, spend the extra 3-4 hours of walking, 1/2 or 3/4 hour a day, and enjoy yourself. You'll walk a lot faster carrying 40 lbs. than 80 lbs. anyway, and be a lot less likely to break an ankle! Use the walk back to eat a snack and stay hydrated,

Have fun! Enjoy your trip! :)

brux: "

BigCurrent: "You can.

We are doing the same loop, but only 4 nights (2 camps). We single portage. Just have to pack smart. Here are the packs we have, it necessitates whoever is carrying a canoe to also carry a pack. Guys not carrying the canoes get their daypacks and any extras.

1 Gear Pack (CCS Portage Pack)
1 Blue Food Barrel
2 large GG Portage Packs (personal gear for 2 guys per bag) "

I feel sorry for whoever gets stuck with portaging that one food pack! I’ve been on that loop and none of the first portages are crazy and when you get into Crooked, it’s all paddling.

Why not split the food and double portage the first 1/2 of the trip. By the time you hit the longer, more frequent portages coming south you should be beyond the pains of getting into the swing of things and you should also be able to consolidate down to one food pack to single portage."

It's not too bad, it's 4 nights and 4 guys so it's not the heaviest pack. I carry the barrel and a canoe. The barrel carries better than a big bulky pack with the canoe, plus it gets better as the trip goes on. We get from Mudro to Thursday Bay on day 1, so single portaging is important from a time stand point. We've done this loop 3 times already so we're comfortable with our method.

You don’t say what kind of canoe you have. A light canoe helps a lot. I used to always single portage the food pack and the canoe. But in later years I get lower back pain so I’ve given that up. Whatever floats your boat.

It's and Old Town Canadienne, around 56 lbs. It's not necessarily fun, but its makes for an adventure and I'd rather be paddling/exploring/fishing than taking 3 trips across each portage.

To the original question, yes it can be done, but doesn't mean it's the best way for everyone to travel.

Get up a half hour earlier and then break camp a little faster. The time lost by double portaging (if any) will be offset by the safety issue and the enjoyment in the BWCA the half hour you are up. Might even catch a sun up or some wildlife. Besides that, it is easier.

I always like the unburdened walks back across the portage, with time and freedom to sight see.

BigCurrent: "

brux: "

BigCurrent: "You can.


We are doing the same loop, but only 4 nights (2 camps). We single portage. Just have to pack smart. Here are the packs we have, it necessitates whoever is carrying a canoe to also carry a pack. Guys not carrying the canoes get their daypacks and any extras.


1 Gear Pack (CCS Portage Pack)
1 Blue Food Barrel
2 large GG Portage Packs (personal gear for 2 guys per bag) "

I feel sorry for whoever gets stuck with portaging that one food pack! I’ve been on that loop and none of the first portages are crazy and when you get into Crooked, it’s all paddling.


Why not split the food and double portage the first 1/2 of the trip. By the time you hit the longer, more frequent portages coming south you should be beyond the pains of getting into the swing of things and you should also be able to consolidate down to one food pack to single portage."

It's not too bad, it's 4 nights and 4 guys so it's not the heaviest pack. I carry the barrel and a canoe. The barrel carries better than a big bulky pack with the canoe, plus it gets better as the trip goes on. We get from Mudro to Thursday Bay on day 1, so single portaging is important from a time stand point. We've done this loop 3 times already so we're comfortable with our method. "

My post was for the OP’s7 day trip. Have a great trip!

ManAndDog: "Yes that is very doable. But with 20 trips under your belt, your group might be getting a little old? :P


IMO, don't ditch the camp chairs, don't ditch the booze, bear barrel isn't necessary.


Worst case, 1.5 portage the tough ones or take breaks when needed. Sounds like a good trip, have fun!"

Not too bad....late 30's for me...early 40's for the other 3 old men...LOL

Thanks for all the input. There is something nice about walking the portage back with no pack...enjoy the scenery. However there is something very nice about making it in one trip as well. I'm torn. We have light canoes (43-49) but our canoe guys only carry their daypacks...plus fishing poles strapped into poles. But daypacks with booze and all sorts of goodies can weigh 20lbs. So our canoe carriers will be around 68-73 lbs. 2 guys with duluth packs will also carry their daypacks front facing. So 65 lbs duluth pack (Hopefully) plus 15-20 in daypack = a sore back (80lbs-85 :-(

My main concern is the food.....I have never packed for a full week. But we are pumped to take this trip and if we have to dbl so we don't break our backs it's all good. We would go the 1.5 route......2 guys take off with canoes and go all the way across....other 2 bring 2 packs half way..drop then come back for remaining packs. Is that improper portage etiquette? We certainly pick a good spot and leave our packs off trail..

Happy canoeing!

Tony

20 trips? And this is your first post? Wow

A lot of people portage that way, it’s not bad etiquette as long as the gear is off the trail. I would pack to single portage and if it’s too much go with the 1.5 portage. A full week is a lot of food, not much you can do about that. Maybe split it up between packs to spread out the load.

I had to change my username and create a new one. I just used my full name and all my info was just out there. I love yall but it was too much :-)

Is that why i don't have any cool trees under my username??? I am so basic...

I agree with Boonie and others. Just the chance of a trip ending back or leg injury are too great IMO. I like my luxuries too so I double portage and as others said enjoy the walk back for second trip to sight see and snack/drink. I would definitely do a dry run with all your gear at a local state park or hiking trail that is comparable to your toughest portage in length and see how it goes. Nothing would bum me out more than ending a trip early or suffering through pain the rest of the trip just to save a little time. Good luck whatever you decide, and have a great trip!

bwcadan: "Get up a half hour earlier and then break camp a little faster. The time lost by double portaging (if any) will be offset by the safety issue and the enjoyment in the BWCA the half hour you are up. Might even catch a sun up or some wildlife. Besides that, it is easier."

+1
Double portaging headed north and single portages on return. Your food load will be somewhat lighter heading out. Assuming you don't' catch so many fish that you eat fish at every meal. ;-)
I'd bring those chairs. When sitting around campfire and taking a nip now and again your backs will find some support & relief.

With so many days for so few miles I wouldn't bother single portaging. You're in a good spot for 1.5 portaging, given your crew, and that still saves you one entire length of the portage compared to double portaging. You'll probably be single portaging the last day or two anyway, just because things will have lightened up so much.

We are trying to figure out the same thing right now. Normally we travel with 3 of us in 1 canoe, but this year we are adding a person and a second canoe.

With the 3 of us, we have 1 #4 Duluth pack (not stuffed to complete fullness), a Sealline dry bag pack (not sure the capacity, but definitely smaller than the Duluth), and a Maine pack basket. My husband carries the pack basket while he carries the canoe and my son and I each carry a pack.

With 4 of us, we need to figure out if we can fit the additional sleeping gear and clothing for the extra person in the current packs. My husband tends to have bulky, heavy clothing (ex. military rain gear that weighs many pounds) so the first step is to switch his stuff for better. If worse comes to worse, we will pack a small day pack that someone can front carry or the second canoe portager can wear. Either that or I will switch the Sealline pack for a bigger capacity. We carry lightweight food and very little booze so that is not a big concern in our case.

So yes, with the right planning and packing I think it is quite doable. Have a great trip!

To me, portage efficiency, to include single portaging, is about having you stuff "wired tight." In this I mean... no loose stuff. Everything (except paddles and bait buckets) goes in a pack. PFDs are strapped to the outside of packs, fishing poles remain strapped to the thwarts or gunwales, thwart bags either stay in or are strapped to the outside of a pack. I see so many trippers who have so much loose stuff that they make more portages than they need to, and they run the risk of losing gear. One person carrying a paddle, a water bottle, one boot and a sierra cup, followed by another person carrying lunch, one of four fishing poles, the other boot and a pfd is inefficient.

Just my two cents.

Mike

DonTony: "

ManAndDog: "Yes that is very doable. But with 20 trips under your belt, your group might be getting a little old? :P



IMO, don't ditch the camp chairs, don't ditch the booze, bear barrel isn't necessary.



Worst case, 1.5 portage the tough ones or take breaks when needed. Sounds like a good trip, have fun!"

Not too bad....late 30's for me...early 40's for the other 3 old men...LOL"

Oh, you are babes in the woods :) I am 55 and my husband is 65. I agree with the worst case scenario being a 1.5 portage.

The early twenty's portaging for me was a chance to show off. Trying to complete portages double packed and a canoe on my shoulders. Lame I know, lol. Later it's turned into another part of trip to enjoy for what it is. I've seen families of weasels playing on the trail and other various smaller animals you don't see from the water.

Separate from the hustle and bustle of city life where everything is a race. No semi trailers to race around to the next stop light. No beating the car into the parking spot and the door of the starbucks.

Enjoy your experience and time in the woods and water.