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Canoe Country Outfitters
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 Boundary Waters Quetico Forum Gear Forum Packs: Framed vs. Canoe Reply
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View BWCA Photo and Trip Report Contest Page
Poll: What is your favorite month in the BWCA/Q?
| Previous Messages: | |
| Author | Message Text |
| kcbandit |
07/28/2008 10:48AM Woodbender, you are right, there are a lot of good answers to my question. Thanks to everyone for taking the time to respond. |
| Woodbender |
07/28/2008 10:30AM On this next trip in August we are using my old internal frame AND a #3 Duluth pack AND a SealLine ProPack. As mentioned earlier the internal frame is going to be used as our equipment bag of hardware and oddball stuff. Basically anything that has to hit the site first to make it safe or livable in a storm also goes in the equipment bag. (tarps & ropes, lines, tent etc.) The #3 Duluth bag is our food/kit bag. Hang it at night. The 115 SealLine ProPack is going to be our personal bag - clothing, sleeping bags, and stuff that MUST stay dry. It does not get opened up (in rain) until the tarps are up and it's contents are protected. That was a great question - lots of good answers huh? Like was mentioned earlier too - if it's your first trip - use what you have if it works. [edit] Forgot to mention it's only three of us going so the SealLine ProPack will be more than enough for a personal bag to hold all of our stuff. If it's just two of you you could probably throw your tent in there as well. |
| Blackstick |
07/28/2008 09:13AM I have used a framed pack for over 20 years, never had an issue with it. For my last 3 trips I have also used a Duluth Pack and still cannot say that I like it better. |
| Merganser |
07/28/2008 08:09AM The CCS and Kondos packs have hip belts and padding but don't actually have a framesheet. The only canoe packs with a framesheet that I am aware of are from Granite Gear. The Nimbus is thier top of the line pack and I've been very happy with mine. They also have less expensive models with a framesheet minus the fancy suspension (Superior/Quetico). I have one of those as well, no complaints. This is no knock on CCS or Kondos packs. I own a CCS pack too, a Rucksack, and love it. Very well made. I assume the Kondos are similar. My point is simply that if you realy want a framesheet in a canoe pack I think GG is the only option. |
| benr0 |
07/26/2008 08:36AM I have used both and there are have pros and cons to each. One thing we have done is when using frame packs with 2 people is to lash the seats, paddles, fishing poles and PFD into the canoe, then we hoist the canoe onto our shoulders setting the support bars on the top of the pack vs our shoulders, this keeps the weight on your hips. You can just about walk hands free. This allows for single portage trips. But it can be a little more difficult to portage single with both your heads under the canoe. You tend to push each other. With Duluth style packs you can stuff more in, but they tend to get heavier and you usually see most doing double portages using them. |
| timberwolf |
07/26/2008 07:00AM Another option is the Sealine 115 boundary pack, not the greatest pack out there but inexpensive,durable and water tight. NRS also makes a similar pack. I've been using the Sealine for about 15 yrs and they are still watertight. |
| Paddleboy |
07/26/2008 12:16AM I used two framed backpacks for years, many years, until they were destroyed. I used to backpack quite a bit and they were what I had. We complemented them with a waterproof duffle. They worked fine and we had loads of fun despite the minor inconvenience. In fact, on very long portages, back in the day, they were more comfy. We always double portaged and canoe with pack at the same wasn't an issue for us. If that's what you have then use them for your first trip. All of the things that have been mentioned are valid...they aren't made for this but they will serve you for your first trip..you'll figure out how to pack the boat and you'll have a blast. I'm using packs that are suited for a canoe now but, frankly, i don't even think about it...it is easier to pack the boat properly. you might cuss a bit when you're tired and the frame or pockets get stuck on the gunnels as you are pulling the pack out or putting it in the boat...mumble something and pull that sucker out of the boat and look around at where you are...nothing matters, it's an incredible place. All your stuff is going from point a to point b the same way. First time out you'll be so overjoyed it won't make a difference One thing..we always packed the main compartment of the framed packs with doubled up heavy duty garbage bags so we could count on some sort of flotation in a swamp situation. The hardware pack was most suspect in terms of this. We doubled up because we figured the hardware might poke holes more readily than the 50 lbs of cheerios we brought for food. Have fun!! |
| whiteh20 |
07/25/2008 10:30PM The canoe packs simply fit your canoe better and do not get caught on the gunnels when taking out of the boat. Do not buy for one trip but if using mutiple times then go with CCS, Kondos or Frost River, Duluth Pack. All made in MN. |
| kanoes |
07/25/2008 08:55PM CCS and Kondos are far superior to GG packs. (the current GG packs anyway) just a FWIW...kondos sale |
| Waconiawayne |
07/25/2008 08:33PM Duluth packs are the way to go for canoe trips. Unfortunately you can definitely drop a lot of money on gear for your first trip (and begin a downward spiral of gear addiction if your not careful). So I would suggest you beg, borrow, and rent on your first trip. If you're going to buy just one pack, get an internal frame pack. They work great for a gear or food pack in the BWCA and you can also use them hiking. Granite Gear gets my vote for for Duluth packs and Kelty or GG for internal frames. |
| Bannock |
07/25/2008 01:45PM OH! Another point. Sometimes a frameless backpack is prefered to a canoe pack. I think of some of the narrow solo canoes where a canoe pack doesn't fit between the gunnels but a frameless backpack does. |
| suko |
07/25/2008 01:33PM Frameless is cheaper and can generally hold more gear and fits better in the canoe. There are some very good internal or sheet frame portage packs out there but they are expensive, like Ostrom Outdoors Algonguin and Wabakimi and the Granite Gear Nimbus. |
| Bannock |
07/25/2008 01:30PM A backpack can work. If that's what you have and are taking just one trip to the BWCA, then you'll do OK. To add to bassmaster's comments, another reason is that canoe packs tend to hold more. Portages are very short compared to backpacking so you can carry more weight. Canoers' have the option of not being as weight conscience as backpackers since the canoe is carrying the load most of the time. You'll get difference of opinions on the backpack being more water resistant than a canoe pack. Backpacks may deal with rain but canoe packs deal with bilge water and swampings and still keep the kit dry. You'll also get a difference of opinions of the usefulness of the outside pockets. They can get caught on gunnels and thwarts, are just another compartment to waterproof, and don't hold very much. But all-in-all, if you have a backpack and want to use it on your trip go for it. |
| kcbandit |
07/25/2008 01:18PM Aha! The light just went on in my head when you mentioned needing to consider how the pack rides on your shoulders. Thanks bassmaster. |
| bassmaster |
07/25/2008 01:02PM Sits and fits lower in the canoe and you can wear it with a canoe on your shoulders. Framed packs are usually to high on your shoulders to carry a canoe. Think low center of gravity in the canoe and less chance of tipping. |
| kcbandit |
07/25/2008 12:35PM First, as a newbie planning his first trip next year I want to thank everyone for being so generous with their advice and answers. It really helps clear up a lot of questions I have about the BWCA and finally fulfilling a vacation dream. OK, my question: Why are framed backpacks (internal or external frames) less preferred versus the traditional canoe pack? It would seem a framed pack offers better weight distribution for portaging, better organization with multiple outside pockets and better water resistance (especially with a rain cover). Are canoe packs preferred because of: better packing of bulky/odd sized items, better packing in a canoe or is it just tradition? |
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