Reading about Rjovik's plans for the Hairy Lake PMA started me wondering about double/single portaging. I know this is a topic that's been debated endlessly in the forums, but I believe it's a different matter in PMAs.

I'd be interested to hear from those who single portage through PMAs &/or bushwhacks.

We always double portage. Personal packs first, canoe & food pack second. Reason being, if we run into something unexpected, or lose the 'trail', or have to take the long way around, we only have our packs on our backs, & not a canoe overhead. It also allows us to identify places where the canoe-carrier is going to need assistance.

I can think of a few places in particular (going from Nibin -> Stuart) where bringing the canoe first would have been extremely unpleasant. But once we found a way through, it wasn't too bad.

Great Topic, I too would like to see others opinions on this.

Our "plan" was to have the guy with the packs take lead and keep the trail. If we run into an obstacle then we would both drop our load and see what we can come up with.

I too would like more information/input on this idea/method.

"... but I believe it's a different matter in PMAs."

It's a diiferent matter in different parts of different pma's.
I've had to start through with nothing, just to scout a route. I'd then go get my pack... then the canoe... three trips.
OTOH, I've crossed bogs with all my gear, usually leaving the pack in the canoe and dragging it since footing can be iffy, and you don't know if you're going to step through. When in pma's, not much is done as normal. Sometimes you have to make it up as you go. You do what works.

We too have been giving this a lot of thought. We have always been single portagers but on our PMA trip there will only be 2 of us and bushwhacking adds a whole new dimension.

We started out identifying our target weight for a single portage then started weighing gear...the result was we will need to make some new gear purchases.

Based on the other threads you mentioned I think the answer will probably be to bring 1 big pack, 1 small pack that can be carried papoose style or in your hands when single portaging, a food pack, and the canoe. That way we can double portage the bushwhacks (the small pack and food first then go back for the canoe and big pack). While single portaging those easy (by comparison) maintained portages (the canoe guy gets the food pack and the other takes the big pack and the small pack).

PortageKeeper, very good point. Do what conditions demand. We, too, have had times when we've needed to scout ahead without any packs or other stuff. I was noting what we've 'typically' done on an 'average' PMA outing or bushwhack...but you're right, they vary wildly, staying flexible is key.

Rob, interesting point about buying new gear. I've taken our standard load into PMAs in the past, but I can think of a few 10 year old items that could stand to be updated with significantly lighter gear.

Well something to think about if you are bushwhacking, be carefull divding up your gear if you double portage. If there is no trail then it is easy to lose track of where your stuff is at. A GPS may help but sometimes it is so dense you cannot get an accurate lock on a satelite.

Single portaging advantage is all of your gear is always with you. You can't lose it then. If there are old trails to follow may not be an issue, but soemtimes you are just busch crashing.

There is no wrong or right way though--whatever gets you through with the least effort.

T

I plan to enter #5 zone next June just for a day trip. We will be doing the portage in one trip. As far as a GPS not getting coverage in heavy cover you need one that has a patch antenna. Mine has never let me down in the woods. I can even get coverage in my basement at home. Only thing with a GPS with a patch antenna you need to hold the unit upright so the antenna can read the sky.

For me personally, the danger of single portaging and getting hurt far outweighs the danger of getting gear separated on a double portage. I have lost gear on a bushwhack, and learned from that. It is more of a controllable risk than injury I think.

Last May, sometimes I tripled, sometimes doubled, but was unable to single. I plan to lighten load even further, but even with the most streamlined load, a solo paddler probably shouldn't single portage through a PMA unless conditions are awesome. I could see single portaging on a tandem trip with a "one pack, one canoe" settup.

I would also add that a hammock sleep system would be your best option if you plan on sleeping in there!

quote Rob Johnson: "We too have been giving this a lot of thought. We have always been single portagers but on our PMA trip there will only be 2 of us and bushwhacking adds a whole new dimension.


We started out identifying our target weight for a single portage then started weighing gear...the result was we will need to make some new gear purchases.


Based on the other threads you mentioned I think the answer will probably be to bring 1 big pack, 1 small pack that can be carried papoose style or in your hands when single portaging, a food pack, and the canoe. That way we can double portage the bushwhacks (the small pack and food first then go back for the canoe and big pack). While single portaging those easy (by comparison) maintained portages (the canoe guy gets the food pack and the other takes the big pack and the small pack)."

Post trip...we didn't get light enough. The original plan was the 1 1/2 portage that you can do when there are two of you. Once it got tough everything became double portage.

I will double portage, taking pack first to see what it will be like, thought about trail marking tape or rope so I don't lose the canoe, has any one tried trail marking tape?

trail marking tape could be a good idea, just remember to take the tape with you when you leave. Once going into neglige we couldn't find the old portage we bushwhacked in then walked the shore and found the old portage then brought the canoes in. I've done both single and double it just kind of depends on the situation. I kind of like double you can look around and enjoy the adventure. I usually videotape the way so when I'm going back for the second load is a perfect time for this.

Thinking of an orange flag to tie on a tree when I stop and one by the canoe when I go back, at least in the spring it shouldn't be to thick, where you should be able to see a little more.

Double portage (two paddlers with tandem canoe). First trip with packs and flagging tape if needed. Second trip one guy has canoe and other guy with pack helps and removes flagging... Usually works pretty smooth and allows for some photos on second trip.

I have travelled with Portagekeeper on numerous occassions and I am pretty much the same.

On unknown routes the most I will ever take is a pack, if it is really a question I may take a small daypack to scout the route. If it is a real tough bushwack I also will set a waypoint on a GPS for where I left my gear-it amazes me how easy it can be to get turned around when there is no easy path. In addition we usually break off branches, make heel marks in the ground or do whatever we can to mark a trail without leaving a trace. I also have had surveyor tape to mark a route as long as we know we will be going back that way to retrieve it.

So I guess my answer is I do whatever seems appropriate for the portage that I am about to take on. Anything from very little to everything if it is one where it can stay in the canoe for pulling.