In order to reduce the weight of my pack, I'm going to use a dry bag to carry about 10 pounds or so when I portage the canoe. I tried this last year on the portage from Wood Lake to the parking lot, though without the bag, and it worked pretty good. I tied the tent and the sleeping bag together, and draped the string over the back of my neck. Far from ideal, but it worked. I have some straps and buckles to make a harness (I hope), but we will see how it works out.

Why not just put them both into another smaller pack that already has a harness/shoulder straps?

AlexanderSupertramp: "Why not just put them both into another smaller pack that already has a harness/shoulder straps? "

+1

I usually portage my canoe with a #51 Duluth pack with fishing gear and miscellaneous stff.

Tomcat: "I carry my food canister or food pack attached to the front of the shoulder straps of my backpack. This distributes and balances the weight. I single portage.


"

I should have clarified but yes this is where I was going with that statement. A smaller backpack straps, worn in reverse. I like the kind with a lower chest strap because you can usually reach around your back and snap it closed so it is less prone to fall off your chest, but generally the portage pack harness/straps keep it in place.

I have been changing around how I am carrying and am settling in on a pioneer pack probably about #35-40 and a old fss rucksack with about #15 that I carry with the canoe. I could get everything in the pioneer but would need to separate something out of it to trim my canoe. I am going to double portage anyway so I can look around and enjoy seeing things. I have in the past as many of us have put one pack on on my front then the one on my back and using a short string to make a sternum strap to hold it on. But that was when I was my father's mule

AlexanderSupertramp: "Why not just put them both into another smaller pack that already has a harness/shoulder straps? "

Because I don't have one. I am using a Coughlin dry sack, with the strap from my Icemule cooler. I use the tent and bag against my back in the portage pack for comfort while carrying. I throw all the little stuff in the dry sack, and that has added up to about ten pounds. I haven't decided whether to carry it with the canoe, or with the portage pack. Either way, it will lighten the load a bit. I have 2 portages that are 102 and 128 rods, the other two are 24 and 46 rods. I double portage, so I think this "system" will give me more time to enjoy the scenery.

Bearpath9: "

AlexanderSupertramp: "Why not just put them both into another smaller pack that already has a harness/shoulder straps? "

Because I don't have one. I am using a Coughlin dry sack, with the strap from my Icemule cooler. I use the tent and bag against my back in the portage pack for comfort while carrying. I throw all the little stuff in the dry sack, and that has added up to about ten pounds. I haven't decided whether to carry it with the canoe, or with the portage pack. Either way, it will lighten the load a bit. I have 2 portages that are 102 and 128 rods, the other two are 24 and 46 rods. I double portage, so I think this "system" will give me more time to enjoy the scenery. "

Look for an inexpensive backpack (think something you would get for a school book bag) carrying #10-15 you won't need much and you can make a sternum strap on a "shoe string budget" so it will carry with the canoe. Keep your eyes open on thrift shops and g-sales. If you're in the northern wi. Duluth area I have one that I will trade for a good beer.

AlexanderSupertramp: "

Tomcat: "I carry my food canister or food pack attached to the front of the shoulder straps of my backpack. This distributes and balances the weight. I single portage.



"

I should have clarified but yes this is where I was going with that statement. A smaller backpack straps, worn in reverse. I like the kind with a lower chest strap because you can usually reach around your back and snap it closed so it is less prone to fall off your chest, but generally the portage pack harness/straps keep it in place."

Me Likey! I think the best thing about this setup is that you can throw the main pack behind you in the canoe, and the chest pack can be used as ballast in the bow.

Tony