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Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Group Forum: Solo Tripping :: OT Pack Angler or Rent another Solo Canoe
 
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HaveCanoeWillTravel
07/08/2014 02:47PM
  
I am a newbie to the BWCA message board and have never been to the BWCA. I am planning a trip next summer with 2 other paddlers to spend a week in the BWCA. I have canoed on Class 1 & 2 rivers for many years and taken a number of canoe camping trips in tandem canoes. I purchased an OT Pack Angler last year and have used a number of times. I even installed float bags and took it down a Class 2+ river last fall. I also have a Karma by Jackson Kayak I now use when I go on whitewater.

I don't want a discussion on the best Solo Canoe to use in the BWCA, but I have had great results with my OT Pack Angler and plan on using it next summer.

I prefer paddling a Solo Canoe and did not know if I should rent a Wenonah or Bell Solo or stick with my OT Pack Angler. I rarely see any mention on this forum of the OT Pack, but see a lot on other canoes. I am 5' 10 and 200 lbs and paddle with an long Werner Kayak paddle that moves the OT Pack Angler very well. I am not concerned with the faster speed that come with a longer canoe.

What would you do?
 
Jaywalker
07/08/2014 06:08PM
  
I agree with AWBrown. Depends on where you are going. At 33 pounds, it is as light as most, but maybe not as fast. I'd think of it as a choice to either rent a faster boat, or save some money and buy some cool gear like a new CCS pack, or tarp and gravity water filter.
 
awbrown
07/08/2014 05:06PM
  
I don't know what your trip plan is, but the Pack Angler may be a bit awkward to portage. That being said, I'm sure it would be a nice platform for fishing. It's not going to be the most speedy or wind friendly canoe available, but it would be better then some I've seen out there.


Every canoe is a compromise in some way. No canoe is perfect for every use. Ideally, if your plan is to cover a lot of territory and you're in a hurry, this wouldn't be the best choice. But, if you're planning on going in a couple of lakes from the Entry Point and base camping, or spending all day fishing, I'm sure it would work fine for you.
 
jcavenagh
07/08/2014 07:39PM
  
quote kanoes: "if youre happy with it stick with it."
what he said. Canoes are a bit like women...sometimes the fastest model ain't the right one for you ;)
 
bhouse46
07/08/2014 09:10PM
  
What will the two other paddlers be using? If they move a lot faster or can handle some wind/waves better that might be an issue. Otherwise I agree stay with what you have. The wilderness is no place to get to know the temperament of your close partner. Good response jc...
 
butthead
07/09/2014 01:16PM
  
Expand your experiences, rent something else.


butthead
 
awbrown
07/09/2014 05:58PM
  
From an old 60's hit.


"If you wanna be happy for the rest of your life,
never make a pretty woman your wife.


Go for my personal point of view,
get an ugly girl to marry you."
 
SunCatcher
07/09/2014 10:28PM
  
I have ran into folks in Pak Canoe, they had a double blade, they like it. They are heavy to portage. I would go with something lighter but I am an ole fart. I am in butthead's camp, try something different if you can. If you cannot, go with what you got, it will work fine.
SunCatcher
 
kanoes
07/08/2014 06:29PM
  
if youre happy with it stick with it.