Update:  first trip with the NRS boundary boots is a wrap and did about 11 km's of portaging in them.  Two tears in the neoprene, one clean through just above the ankle.  Happened while navigating blow-downs.  Still I think they're a game-changer and as long as I can repair them (we'll see) they will be a new shoulder-season staple.  Very impressed.

PaPaddler wrote:

I've worn neoprene muck-type boots which look quite similar to the boundary boot during spring or fall trips when it's a bit cooler outside and I don't want wet feet.  I found them very effective and comfortable both in the boat and on the trail.  It's nice to be able to roll down the upper section so they don't constantly constrict your calves.

I see quite a few comments about getting feet wet when getting in and out of the canoe for portages.  Unless it is a muddy, sloppy landing, I don't usually get in the water and just step right onto land or a rock or a root or something solid.  But I'm deliberate and careful...because I don't want to make a mistake that ruins a trip or puts a damper on the day.  Others may just splash out and dash onto the trail in the spirit of moving on quickly...kudos to them.

Actually I mostly get wet on the portages going through mud and muck.  In/out of a canoe I usually just step into the end of the boat and walk the middle of the boat to the seat then do I spin if I'm facing the wrong way.  

This came with one of my old kayaks, it's brilliant!  But I have no idea what it's called or where to buy another one, ideally one that provides even more of "boost" for using a packboat.  

Help appreciated!

ShawnD wrote:

 
Placidboat works makes packboats with different height pack seats that are stackable. US manufacturer though. Rare to see one for sale up here.

You can see their seats here.

https://placidboatworks.com/how-to-choose-your-boat-lay-up/

I actually just emailed them to inquire. Nice boats.  Not sure about a bungie yoke or wrap-around yoke though I guess you could still get clamp-on or pressure-fit yokes in there.  Swift's pin-in yoke system seems nice, although I guess disadvantage is having to move objects around the thwarts to find balance. 

Thoughts of the yoke systems anyone?

Shayne74 wrote:

What are your plans for your Osprey? 

Let me know if you're interested.  I just actually weighed it... it's 40lbs even.  Strange, must not be the kevlar lay-up I thought it was all these years!  Might ask swift what it actually is... LOL.  No wonder I kept taking my tandem langford instead...  I
 

ShawnD wrote:

Video of my boat when it was new 7 yrs ago.

That's a sweet looking little boat - maybe you're right and the 14 would fit me better.  I think I still need to go for another test paddle at swift as I didn't try their shorter cruiser or their "pack" line-up.  I might be back up that way - if they don't have a 14 on hand at swift I'll have to bug ya!

One thing I didn't consider is safety of re-entry on the cruiser... seems like it would be tough to get back in in the event of a spill. 

Nonetheless all of these boats seem better than my current Osprey that blows me around like a leaf... and they're all at least 10lbs lighter somehow!

 

Planning a test paddle at swift soon, and looking for a new solo sub 30lbs boat to replace the old trusty Osprey which rests in the mid-30's lbs .  I'm usually well under 200 lbs total load with pack plus myself (145+25lb pack/fishing stuff) total.  I like the narrow profile and speed of the Osprey.  I'm a bit skeptical of the packboat style seats - I like getting a high vantage point provided by a standard canoe seat.  I do double blade exclusively. 

Wondering if you guys had some advice on which boats to consider!

Currently using a Chinook Chemun pack, and have been happily using it for several years, but it's showing signs of wear. It's the lightest of the traditional canoe packs I've found after comparing a few, aside from possibly the granite gear line packs. I really like having a front mesh pocket and emailed granite gear about it - no plans to include one in the future.

The old Chemun is about 1700 grams which is wickedly lightweight compared to most canoe/portage packs in the 100-110L range. The new Chemuns are much heavier...

One thing I do not like about the Chemun is that the material soaks up water.  

Any ideas on other packs?

Six Moons Designs has some nice packrafting packs but they weigh the same as my Chemun for less space and a more hiking pack style carry that would interfere with a seat. I guess the only benefit would be no water absorption.

HMG has the Porter 85 but again like the Six Moons Designs it's going to be taller than wide... very awkward for carrying a solo canoe overhead. Apparently they are not waterproof either, so that's not ideal given if any water gets in it would take a while to drain out.

Really stumped on this one. Seems like all portage packs are stuck using 15 year old materials and designs while the hiking industry has really taken strides. Our gear is lighter than it used to be, our packs should adapt too!

Brand new never used - missed my return window on Amazon.

breed85 wrote:

campin4life wrote:

you can shoot a helix ice fishing transducer straight through the hull of a canoe, jump the sensitivity up a couple points and youre ready to rock.

This is what I do.
I make a little donut with some ductseal putty on the floor of the canoe, fill it with water and drop the ice ducer in it.
When I'm done the trip the duct seal comes out to be used another time.

Seconded.  I also made a little battery box out of a tupperware and close the lid onto a mesh zip bag that stores the transducer and cables for portages.  Ram mounted to the thwart. Stays on the whole trip.