If you intend to do much solo portaging, it would be advisable to:
-rent the lightest canoe you can afford (usually kevlar or carbon fibre construction);
-rent a canoe with a portage yolk (much more comfortable than either resting the center thwart on your shoulders or attaching a pair of paddles between two thwarts);
-rent or purchase a yolk pad that attaches to the yolk with velcro straps (they are extremely comfortable);
-learn how to flip a canoe onto your shoulders (it is much easier if you use the correct technique);
-on long portages, rest by leaning the front of the canoe on a tree branch, rather than by flipping the canoe off your shoulders each time (this will reduce fatigue).
-unless you are very strong and fit, don't try to carry a canoe and a heavy backpack at the same time.
Also, don't forget the bug net or some high octane bug repellent. There is nothing worse than carrying all your gear and a canoe over rough terrain and being eaten alive by horse flies.
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If you intend to do much solo portaging, it would be advisable to:
-rent the lightest canoe you can afford (usually kevlar or carbon fibre construction);
-rent a canoe with a portage yolk (much more comfortable than either resting the center thwart on your shoulders or attaching a pair of paddles between two thwarts);
-rent or purchase a yolk pad that attaches to the yolk with velcro straps (they are extremely comfortable);
-learn how to flip a canoe onto your shoulders (it is much easier if you use the correct technique);
-on long portages, rest by leaning the front of the canoe on a tree branch, rather than by flipping the canoe off your shoulders each time (this will reduce fatigue).
-unless you are very strong and fit, don't try to carry a canoe and a heavy backpack at the same time.
vagabondbutterfly
December 20, 2007 at 10:57 a.m.
I suppose I should wipe the "yolk" off my face. Please substitute "yoke" for "yolk" in my previous comment.
vagabondbutterfly
December 27, 2007 at 7:32 a.m.
Also, don't forget the bug net or some high octane bug repellent. There is nothing worse than carrying all your gear and a canoe over rough terrain and being eaten alive by horse flies.
Dan Seaman
February 7, 2008 at 10:53 p.m.
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