Portage in style

Let us face it, canoe trips can be hard work! Anyone who has ever carried over the Horse Portage or the Four Mile will attest that a long portage can be the most difficult (and most dreaded!) part of a canoe trip. Portaging is not wildly vigorous activity but it requires constant exertion all the time from the entire body. On a backwoods canoe adventure, hours of paddling and miles of portaging are part of the adventure. Paddling is an art of its own but it is not complicated. Portaging, on the other hand, is more than just slinging a heavy pack on your shoulders, a canoe on top, and then walking as far as humanly possible. Like most physical activities, technique is more important than raw strength. With a few tips, anyone can become an effective portager. When carrying a heavy pack check two things before beginning your hike. The straps of the pack need adjustment to fit your body size so that the pack rides comfortably on your back and does not sag down on your butt. Second, find a way to keep the shoulder straps toward the middle of your body. Some packs come with a chest strap that holds the shoulder straps together. Also, consider carrying a pack on your front to balance the weight of the backpack and double your carrying efficiency. Most canoe country packs are not the most comfortable to carry but try to find a position that allows as much weight as possible to ride on your hips. Carrying a canoe is very easy but takes some practice. The key is balance. First, make sure that the portage pads fit your shoulders. Once the canoe is on your shoulders shift it back and forth until you feel that “sweet spot” where the canoe balances itself. When you are carrying the canoe and your shoulders begin to feel tired try changing the angle of the canoe or shift the weight from shoulder to shoulder to let the other one rest briefly. Portages can be great experiences and a welcome break from paddling. The trick is to keep at it and if you get tired stop to take a break. Happy trails! Chris Kleist is a local fly fishing guide and can be reached at 218-365-3368 or ckleist@elyfishing.com.