I'm looking for something small that won't retain water for my 50 Lb. dog to lay/sit on while paddling. Ideally i can store it under a pack flap when portaging.

Any ideas?

For my dog, who is also about 50 pounds, I use a Thermarest Ridgerest pad that I cut in half. It doesn’t absorb water, cleans off easily and I portage it by rolling it up and stowing it under the seat or under my pack flap.

I bought a thin foam yoga mat, cut it to shape, and duct taped to the floor of my canoe. I used two pieces with a slight gap down the centerline of the hull for water to drain. Dog gets good traction and is drier, happy to lie on it.

Milo really liked this old ensolite pad

I use a Thermorest Ridgerest cut to a specific length. I position it so one end butts up against the gunwale and the other end gets wrapped over my spare paddle that’s held in place with bungies. I put it in the opposite way it wants to roll up. Doing it this way it stays in place while I portage, but I can easily take it out at night for use in the tent. Only down side is the little ridges can hold water, but it’s not been a big deal so far.

I use a yoga mat cut to size. You can buy them in various thicknesses.

Jaywalker: "I use a Thermorest Ridgerest cut to a specific length. I position it so one end butts up against the gunwale and the other end gets wrapped over my spare paddle that’s held in place with bungies. I put it in the opposite way it wants to roll up. Doing it this way it stays in place while I portage, but I can easily take it out at night for use in the tent. Only down side is the little ridges can hold water, but it’s not been a big deal so far.



"

I’m ordering one of these today, thanks. Luna has always ridden in the bow with a pack behind her. I would put my heavy pack behind me in my 16 ft. solo.

What I realized (finally) is I ride better with her up front and both packs behind me. So I think I can cut to fit this pad up front for her. On occasion she would get cold on travel days in sept. Underneath insulation is something I should have looked into sooner for her in the boat.

Thanks everyone for all the suggestions!

I switched from taped in yoga mat to cutdown Ridgerest on my last Q foray. Ridgerest weighs less, rolls beneath the seat for portage, a spot for dog to sleep in tent. Good system. Thanks EmmaMorgan and Jaywalker.

I use a piece of thin yoga mat. It rolls up easily.

Also, if you're an idiot and forget your chair on a ten day trip in Quetico (when you're over 60) the Ridgerest comes in handy for creating lounging spots to relieve your back.