Solo versus Tandem Portage

There are two ways to carry a canoe, 1 person, over their head, balancing the canoe on their shoulders with the Yoke or 2 people can also carry one canoe by the front and back handles. At first the 2 person methods sounds better, but in practice can be a pain. Additionally, you have to carry a backpack with gear, so you are throwing your balance off. In actuality, the 1 person method is easier, provided that the person carrying the canoe, only carries the canoe and not a back pack. The canoes I used in the past were Ultra light Kevlar that average about 37-40 pounds. So if a backpack consisting of the gear of 2 people weighs 40 pounds, the loads are evenly split. One person carries the canoe and one person caries the backpack and they can alternate for comfort. Some people may not want to share a pack (they like to keep it neat or they like their privacy), I say get over it. The object of the trip is to go into remote locations as painlessly as possible and enjoy nature. This seems to me to be the sweet spot. Let me mention that this method does require an even (not odd) amount of travelers. In addition to the weight management benefits, if this is your first camping trip (with an experienced group hopefully), there are economic benefits as well. For instance, not ever person on the trip needs a backpack, just one large pack per two people. The same goes with the tent, only one 2 person tent is required for two people. So, two new campers can split the cost, one buys a tent and one buys a backpack (expect to pay about $100 to $150 for each). In an additional section on equipment, I will go into the specifications you should look for when buying equipment. As far as base camp equipment goes, like stoves and lanterns, I own all of that so you don’t need to purchase your own. You will need a sleeping bag and sleeping pad each, and good hiking boots and Teva river sandals (not aqua shoes).