I have a removable Hidden River clamp-on solo yoke which is a great product and does the job, but I think removable yokes in general are kind of a PITA. I'm considering ditching it this year and just using a big Bell (CCS?) T-shaped kneeling pad I inherited bunched up on top of my head and placing the boat directly onto my generously padded head. I used it this way on some short portages last year and it worked great, but those were day-trips with minimal gear. It kept the weight straight on top and it was fairly easy to adjust as I went along. It really did make the boat feel weightless. I'm hesitant to use it w/o a net though, particularly when I'm fully loaded. (with gear...I remain at camp when fully loaded in any other way)

Anyone ever go this route? The only real problem was getting the pad to stay on my head while I hoisted the canoe over. Anyone have any ideas on keeping the pad in place? I have tried a tump line, but I just wrenched my neck.

Does the sides of the canoe dip below your shoulders when you portage like that? I can see if your canoe gets too low, it would start interfering with your canoe pack. Or to put it another way, it would start riding on your pack.

quote Minnesotian: "
Does the sides of the canoe dip below your shoulders when you portage like that? I can see if your canoe gets too low, it would start interfering with your canoe pack. Or to put it another way, it would start riding on your pack. "

Thats a good point. I'm not really sure. It must be a little lower, but the folded up pad still gives me at least 3-4 inches of clearance and the seat is still pretty well above my shoulders. I'll have to give it a dry-run fully loaded one of these days.

Most of the time I would portage my Courier like that. Will look for a picture. But, I used two 3' NRS straps to secure it. Looks like they're less than $5 apiece.
NRS Straps

Velcro, perhaps?

I have portaged a boat on my head like you are thinking of. Its fine for short distances but you do lose mobility for looking around and scouting for footing difficulties as your head is not free to move (and so your eyes to examine all your surroundings)

I portaged a 23 lb boat in that fashion for a mile and a half on a woods road. 23 lbs is nothing..but my head really hurt and my hair was pulling.

Do not wear a ball cap with a button on top. Do it and you will understand why quick.

quote yellowcanoe: "Do not wear a ball cap with a button on top. Do it and you will understand why quick."

I learned that the hard way as well.

Short distances fine but I think you will regret it on longer, rougher portages. Your head and neck will not thank you.