Entering East Bearskin next week solo. I have been using a kayak since 2007, but always tripped with others so we would just grab the kayaks fully loaded and portage.

I plan on doing at least two portages and am wondering if I should use my kayak or use a 16’ aluminum canoe solo. Not sure how to load or sit in/where on the canoe when solo. I’ve seen people say to paddle them backwards, but I’m not sure if that’s merely a joke. And yes, I’m well aware of the fact most folks consider the BW to be canoe country so we can go without those comments.

TIA
Dafud

Best option, but not mentioned, is rent a solo for the trip.

If the only options are kayak or tandem aluminum canoe than kayak would be my suggestion with thoughtful preparation for portaging. As a kayaker, you are not going to have much fun paddling a too big boomalum.

If your kayak is light enough to carry with the cockpit rim on your shoulder you are set. If it is going to be uncomfortable to do that then you need a clamp on yoke... fast. Some of the outfitters at the end of the trail rent kayaks a lot for use on Saganaga and Seagull. You might be able to rent one from them.

Portaging your gear can be simple if you prepare well. No loose items. Everything in stuff sacks that fit through the hatches. A big duffel with backpack straps that can hold all your stuff sacks is the last thing in the hatch and first out at a portage. Or you can strap the folded duffel on the deck if it doesn't fit well in a hatch. It real only takes a few seconds to drop everything in the duffel or empty it back into the hatches.

For kayaking I would consider a big lake to base camp. Brule comes to mind if you don't want to share the lake with motors.

Paddling a canoe from the bow seat is an excellent option.

... I can never add a picture from my phone...

FWIW, the portage from East Bearskin to Alder is very short and easy, but be sure to take the southern one. From Alder there's an easy portage to Pierz, a dead end lake, or another one into Canoe. There's another short one to Crystal, another dead end lake. They are all 50 rods (~ 1/8 mi.) or less and pretty much flat. You probably won't want to carry to Pine, but you can walk that portage to get to Johnson Falls. So you can do OK with the kayak, I think. You'll need to prepare to double portage.

+1

I would always say canoe but its what I know best similar to how you know a kayak best. Seems you have portaged with them before so I guess it is a judgement call on your part. I'd argue canoe and yeah sit backwards from the front pending what style it is. More room for gear, easier portaging, and easier fishing would be my arguments though you might be able to argue a kayak in all those.

This picture is just something off the internet but imagine something like it. The rear seat is way in the back. However if you were to flip around on the front seat you are more near the middle making paddling easier. Only catch is you have to remove that stabilizer bar which is just a few bolts.

Thank you for all the input! I have decided to take a canoe. Tested it yesterday and it worked great. Nice thing is, I can paddle either direction without removing bar behind bow seat. But I am going to use my kayak paddle though. Found that easier than a single blade paddle. Happy travels everyone!

Thanks again, Dafud

Great to hear. Hope the trip is great.

dafud: "But I am going to use my kayak paddle though. Found that easier then a single blade paddle. "

You might consider also bringing a straight-blade paddle with you in case you wish to try it. You may find that, with sustained paddling, a single-blade paddle will be your preference.

If you decide to bring one, use Old Scout Bungee Dealee Bobs to secure it in your canoe.

Solo canoe, period. It's called canoe country for a reason, and at this time of year staying dry and comfortable is more important. Done many solos in canoe and only day tripped several times with kayak. I cannot imagine kayaking with gear as a viable option....yuck.