I'm updating my photo equipment from compact to Four Thirds with lenses, which means that I'd have to carry a Pelican box (either 1120 or 1150, total weight at 3-4 lbs). I looked for advice on how to deal with Pelican on portages and found that some portage it in a front pack. It's not an option for me, since I prefer to single-carry when possible, which makes front pack both inconvenient and dangerous. I wonder if anyone has worked out an alternative method to transport their Pelicans?

Leave room at the top of one of your packs and stuff it in at the start of the portage. Easiest if you have Duluth style packs vs. a Sealline dry bag style pack since you can just stuff it in an "ear" and cinch the strap quickly. That would be my choice. I do not like to have any loose items on portages other than my paddle(s). I even clip my PFD to my packs and stuff water bottles in the packs.

straighthairedcurly: "Leave room at the top of one of your packs and stuff it in at the start of the portage. Easiest if you have Duluth style packs...."

+1
Unless you can manage to carry the Pelican by its handle in one hand and balance the canoe with the other, you will have to stow the box in the top of your portage pack or attach it to the outside of the pack. Like you, EddyTurn, I do not like to front-carry packs because they prevent me from seeing exactly where I'm placing my feet.

I usually carry mine on my second trip with paddles and fishing rods. But since you're talking single portaging, maybe 2-3 BDB bungee dealie bobs securing the Pelican case to a top loop of your pack?

I've put things on the canoe seat (bottom of the seat technically) behind my shoulders before. Probably no more than a few pounds like you're talking. I'm usually holding the canoe front down from tipping back anyway, not sure I noticed a difference. May work for ya....I too prefer a single portage

Thank you everyone for your help! Unfortunately, I can't put anything on the top of my pack on solo trips - it will interfere with the seat, but I might try attaching the box under the seat - a small Pelican shall fit and it's a perfect spot for extra load: over my shoulders, not behind my back. A problem I foresee is a lack of attachment points on the box (except for a handle). Some combination of bungee and chota ties will work, hopefully.
Thanks again,
Sergey

I put my camera gear (body, lenses) in foam/padded cases designed for lenses and/or body, then put those in a clear dry bag. Either a Sony A7R or Leica rangefinder. I put the dry bag in the top of my pack. With the Sony A7R I only carry a 28-70 zoom. If I have the rangefinder I will take 3 or 4 lenses on a trip, but those lenses are much ore compact.