What are the disadvantages of using a framed back pack in the BWCA vs. a Dututh style pack? I can see it being a disadvantage if you are trying to carry the pack and a canoe at the same time (could not be done), but other than that, I see no disadvantages.

Some Frame packs can be tough to fit into canoes as they are so rigid, the frames also are not real friendly to kevlar if you have that type of canoe.

They can be hard to waterproof as they usually have lots of small additional places to store gear and waterproofing is a must. A duluth pack with one large space easily accepts a plastic bag for waterproofing and molds to the shape of the canoe easier.

Friends who have brought frame packs have had rodents chew into the small external pockets to get at gear and food stashed there.

The main problem you have already mentioned in not being able to carry a pack and canoe together

With just a tad of ingenuity you can reasonably duplicate the KnuPac system (knupac.com). Vertical tubes of most frame packs will accept a stem on each side by slipping into the top. Get rid of the original bag and find a large bag to strap to the frame. You can fabricate some U-shaped holders for the tops of the stems in under an hour in the garage. Or try these attached to a stem that fits into the vertical side tubes of the pack:

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/item.aspx?style=3725&department=670&division=6&WT.MC_ID=80003#

You can buy just the Y shaped top which already has a hole in the base for the stem (I use a long bolt/nut as a stem).

This way you CAN carry canoe and gear in one trip.

Jordans Outfitters in Ely uses a specially costructed fram pack in their outfitting...rent - Pack and Frame - Med. 5600cu.in. $5.50
Pack and Frame - Large 6200cu.in. $6.00 http://www.jordansoutfitters.com/index.html

The argument that frame packs do not belong in canoes is based on real, but short sighted and outdated evidence. A frame pack consisits of 2 parts, the external frame system and the packbag. Packbags designed to be carried on external frames for backpacking are not ideal for canoe camping primarily because they are very difficult to waterproof. Too many pockets and compartments and there are lots of stories of folks gear getting soaked using these packbags. When kept attached to the frame, they also can be difficult to pack into the boat. An external frame, however, is an extremely valuable tool on a canoe trip. They are still the most effective and comfortable way to carry heavy weight, and when do you carry more weight than on a canoe trip? Unlike the tump line, which uses muscles that most of us don't use very often, the external frame uses mostly our legs, which we use every day. The external frame can carry a Duluth pack or Sealine dry bag far more comfortably than with the sh ulder strap/hip belts usually supplied. Once the bag is separated from the frame, there are no packing problems. The soft bags go in as usual and the frame gets layed on top. The Knu-Pac proves that external frames also can be used to carry either canoes or kayaks and can carry the pack at the same time.

Hey,
I used my aging(30yr old) tioga kelty frame pack on my Quetico trip in June. We had four of six days of rain. I used no extra bags for water proofing and everything stayed dry as a bone. I obtained a retrofit from Knupack that fit nicely into the frame tubes and allowed me to carry all my gear,both hammocks,stove, fuel,water filter and a nalgene of water plus a Minn. ll. We did about 36 portages and really didn't mind them. My son used an internal frame pack. He carry his sleeping bag and his clothes and the foood. I strapped a 5gal bucket with lid(HOme Depot about $5) to the lower part of the pack and this carried my sleeping bag and rope. The bucket assured the bag stayed dry. The two packs fit easily into the Minn ll and did not damage that kevlar beauty. I'm using the same set up in August to take my two girls to the BWCA. I'll be carrying less gear but a Minn lll will be perched on top. I prefer a frame pack not only for comfort and versitilty,but the frame keeps the pack up out of the bilge. Like anything else personal preferences. I really can't emphasize enough how good the Knu pack system is. As you know canoes are an awkward load. The system really gives you a ton of control. Toodles,Frogge.