So I'm planning my first solo for June. EP 47 can't wait!! Ive also decided to purchase a CCS pack before this trip. I'm having trouble deciding between the pioneer or the guide. I usually trip with my wife so I'm leaning towards getting the bigger pack. Im renting a prism for the trip and am afraid that the bigger pack won't fit into the canoe very well. Any input on which pack to get and how it would fit into a solo would be appreciated. Thanks.

I always double portage.

I would suggest getting two packs. 2 packs help with proper trimming on a prism, which I own. I use a gg quetico and a kondos day pack.
if you get the ccs packs I would get the rucksack, with the side pockets, and the pioneer. email me if you need further help on trimming and packing.

quote bwcasolo: "I would suggest getting two packs."

+1

dd

quote dentondoc: "

quote bwcasolo: "I would suggest getting two packs."

+1

dd"

+2

Two packs in a solo canoe is definatley they way to go. Unless you're able to travel totally spartan, something I can't ever seem to do, you're double portaging anyway.

So aside from providing better trim adjustments as "bwcasolo" mentioned, you're also able to split the load. The canoe and the smaller pack for portage trip #1, and the larger, potentially heavier pack for trip #2, or vice versa, depending on your portaging preference.

Although I use Grade VI portage packs, (a product of Charlie Wilson's former company), they're very similar to the packs mentioned.

Hans Solo

definitely 2 packs. i double portage too and keep the pack i carry with the canoe light, sleeping bag and clothing go in that one, kondos 3 pocket guide. i try to get as close as possible to the same carry weight for both walks. also, if you feel youll be doing more soloing, get the explorer...a smaller pack makes you choose things more wisely. :)

ditto other remarks, the PIONEER has a lot of room, the GUIDE is HUGE.
Unless you pack bulky lighter stuff in the Guide, it could get really heavy. Go with 2 packs

I personally take an Explorer and Rucksack or Pioneer and Rucksack when I go solo.

SunCatcher

im just going to further echo others on having two packs in a solo canoe. my canoe paddles best with more weight behind me. but for some conditions it is very useful to have the second pack to distribute weight in the boat. its also dangerous to reach behind you in a solo canoe, so having often accessed items in the pack in front of you is very helpful. ie tackle, water, knife, snacks, maps, camera

No need for an expensive samll pack in my opinion though, just make sure it is lined well and about anything could work.

I double portage and use one small pack for clothes and sleeping bag like kanoes to carry with the canoe. I also try to even out the weight of the loads - at least in the beginning when the food is heaviest. Two packs also helps to adjust trim.

Forgot to add that you'll be able to fit most packs in the Prism without trouble, although some narrower ones like a Bell Magic can be problematic with a larger pack.

I go for one pack (Granite gear Solo) for a week of travel and use the slider to adjust trim. In the last couple of years I've cut weight and bulk and stuff in general and once in the woods find I never miss it.

Gear and boat for a week in the Q

Thanks for all the input. My initial plan was to have the main pack sit behind me and then the food pack in front. I usually bring a 5 gallon bucket in an ALICE pack for the food. Now I'm wondering if that won't be enough weight to trim since I'm going solo. Especially at the end of the trip. What do most of you use for the food? I've heard of bear vaults but don't want to spend that kind of money.

Another vote for 2 packs.
I use a GG for my large pack, and a CCS Ruck for the other in my Bell Magic

quote MNsota0111: "Thanks for all the input. My initial plan was to have the main pack sit behind me and then the food pack in front. I usually bring a 5 gallon bucket in an ALICE pack for the food. Now I'm wondering if that won't be enough weight to trim since I'm going solo. Especially at the end of the trip. What do most of you use for the food? I've heard of bear vaults but don't want to spend that kind of money. "

In the past, I've used an old Greek olive jar stuffed into a small Grade VI pack. But recently, I purchased a 30L Harmony blue barrel and the small CCS barrel pack with side pockets at "Canoecopia" in March of this year.

Hans Solo

Guide would be huge for a solo, Ruck and a Pioneer works great, if a little warmer and no fishing a Ruck and an Explorer would work great as well.

quote HansSolo: "

quote MNsota0111: "Thanks for all the input. My initial plan was to have the main pack sit behind me and then the food pack in front. I usually bring a 5 gallon bucket in an ALICE pack for the food. Now I'm wondering if that won't be enough weight to trim since I'm going solo. Especially at the end of the trip. What do most of you use for the food? I've heard of bear vaults but don't want to spend that kind of money. "

In the past, I've used an old Greek olive jar stuffed into a small Grade VI pack. But recently, I purchased a 30L Harmony blue barrel and the small CCS barrel pack with side pockets at "Canoecopia" in March of this year.

Hans Solo"

How do you trim your canoe? Barrell in front and pack in back? What do u do when your barrell gets lighter?

i have the heavy pack behind me. trim isnt a science, its more like magic...you can just feel when its wrong or right.

quote kanoes: "i have the heavy pack behind me. trim isnt a science, its more like magic...you can just feel when its wrong or right."

+1 It's more art than science. And, every person's preferences are different.

ive loaded the magic and pushed off and noticed right away something was wrong....i landed asap. i had put the big pack in backwards. just that little thing had messed up the trim.