I've used a bit of variety for bags. I have a good handful of small pvc bags. I generally use them as organizing bags and put them in my big pack. I've occasionally carried them loose but I don't like stuff in my hands so I try not to do that too much. I also have camped many times with WR who is a die hard duluth pack user. I love the look of them in the store and in the campsite but (sorry Andy :) ) they're not my favorite on a portage. Even the really nice ones with padded straps and hip belts don't feel right to me. What I've always liked best is a mid line internal frame pack I got out of campmour when I was 16. It's held up well even though I'm tough on stuff. It also is the very best thing I can find on a portage. I carry way too much and I can lug whatever gets put in it however far I need to carry it. When it stands tall it also sits perfect inside my canoe and balances everything just perfect. It doesn't catch wind either because it fit really well laying on the floor of the canoe below the yoke. My wife has a similar pack that fits between the front seat and the yoke laying on the floor. Together they give a really low center of gravity. I have been thinking of getting a blue barrel with a harness for food but I'm not sure yet. That would be the only addition/ change I would make.