flpaddler wrote on Mar 10^th, 2007 at 1:50pm:

Bill, Not to be a horses patoote but what is the purpose of the handles

I'm the horse's patoote around here.

You're right, harness straps will offer a handle on the rig. Although not the best grip. Some harnesses (like Headstrong's) have additional grab loops at the sides, and also at the top and bottom (real usefull when laying it in and taking it out of the canoe). But, almost always, if there are the fold-flat sturdy plastic handles, people just go for them because you get such a good grip. Although not necessary, they certainly are a bonus to have. Nice to have them around camp too... the barrel does have to be moved around. So, we use handles when not actually carrying it on our back.