I agree that the packs in the photos would put the center of gravity too high. I too, like the SeaLine packs. If not stuffed too full, they're about 32" - 34" tall when the top is rolled & sealed. They fit crosswise in the canoes I've used (MR Explorers, OT Campers), though in a solo or narrower canoe, you'd have to lay the them in line with the keel. I also use barrels for food, and they usually lay on their side, under the portage yoke, wedged in between two SeaLine packs, so they don't roll around.

See the 4th picture in the group David posted for me on this site, at the Visitor's Photo Album. It shows my son standing next to a canoe loaded with two SeaLine packs, and a smaller SeaLine day pack. The entire load is below the gunwales.

Posted by Harry Swallow on April 11, 2001 at 09:42