As a rapidly aging but still active outdoorsman I often suffer lower back strain. Not enough to put me down, but I am usually in some degree of pain in the BWCA. I have discovered that wearing a lightweight Valeo back support belt relieves a great deal of the strain. It is nylon and velcro, the kind warehouse guys use. It supports the lower back when picking up the boat and packs and on portages and very importantly, while paddling. I have a bad habit of slouching after a few hours of paddling. The belt forces me to sit upright. Try one if your back hurts on canoe trips.

Where did you find it?

I got mine from Uline (great web site and customer service)for $30.

Thanks. No time to order one for this trip but I'll check it out for future paddling.