Anyone have experience or an opinion on using an 80L Big Joe as a portage pack? They are technically a duffle bag but have padded backpack straps in addition to a handful of other carrying options. I’m looking for a gift to give my soon to be high school grad. He needs a rugged duffel for global adventures, and if it could double as a waterproof portage pack that would be a huge bonus.

Thanks!

If the bag has fair backpack straps for a young person it would work, they can lug anything across a portage!
At that price I would question the durability and how waterproof it is.
I would suggest looking at a CCS pack that would serve both purposes. I was on the road for 40 year and always used a backpack for my clothes, and still do.
Carl

Look at getting him the CCS rucksack it will fly as a carry on, and it will last him for quite some time. I can get my complete sleep system and clothing into it so don't be concerned about the size.

Thanks for the ideas. I think CCS is a little out of the price range. I have a line on a very reasonably priced big joe which was why I asked specifically about that one. I’m not so worried about the waterproof aspect, as he typically uses dry compression bags for the important stuff.

Perhaps the real question I should be asking is about size. What’s a good size for a pack that won’t be too cumbersome to travel with but is still large enough to be useful on a canoe trip?

We have found that size doesn't necessarily matter.(Ha Ha) More important is what you put in your pack and how you pack it. My favorite pack to carry is the Duluth Paul Bunyan. We put sleeping bags, clothes, sleeping pads and then fill with other items around those things. It is like a big pillow.