Let's assume that in reality, by dropping body weight we mean getting to a healthier bodyfat %, whatever that means for you. Heck it could be putting on a touch of bodyfat for all I know.

For ME, I have some fat to lose. I've been over 300 lbs. I've still be strong and active at that weight, but still, that's not healthy. What is healthy for me is probably from 200 lbs on the low side to 215 lbs. It doesn't matter what my "feelings" are on the issue, it's a fact that there is a range where I am at my healthiest, as far as being lean. Add onto that my fitness, whatever it is, and you get closer to a total picture.

So .... on Jan 3rd of 2017 I weighed a few ounces under 275 lbs. I now weigh 229 lbs. and have more to go. Along the way I've ramped up my exercise to retain and even build a bit of muscle.

As far as the weight goes (back to that), I've lost enough to equal some of the canoes out there. In theory, I could pick up the canoe and walk as far as I could when I was 275 lbs. In reality, if I was to SUDDENLY lose that weight and SUDDENLY pick up that canoe it would be closer to the truth. Because that's not happening the effect is far far less.

My brother in law was thinking about packing an item or not on a recent trip. He's a bigger fella. He said "You know, I could just lose that much and be mostly even..." and he was right. Not just because of that but for other reasons he is also going along my path for trying to regain control of our health.

So .... next time you are considering taking a luxury item, think ... "I could just drop a few pounds and call it even ..."

Canoeing in the entire reason I try and stay in shape. 15 years ago I was over weight but it didn't hit me until a big portage came up. I was really struggling with it and realized if I want to do the BW for the rest of my life I need to be in shape.

Great job on the weight loss, it isn't easy at all

Losing the weight certainly helps you while in the BWCA and facing a long portage but probably more importantly it reduces the wear and tear on your body year round which should effectively lengthen the span of years your body can handle the challenges of the BWCA. Even the short easy portages start to get daunting as you get older and you're still carrying the extra weight.

nofish: "Losing the weight certainly helps you while in the BWCA and facing a long portage but probably more importantly it reduces the wear and tear on your body year round which should effectively lengthen the span of years your body can handle the challenges of the BWCA. Even the short easy portages start to get daunting as you get older and you're still carrying the extra weight.
"

Agreed.