Thanks, for all the responses. This is just what I was looking for, we are already anticapating having to limit some of our luxary items. The change in group size will definitely force some changes in philosphy. Even though we have had our an outfitter comment that we where pack relatively light.

**Side Story**
A few years we exited through Mudro and came up a a friendly group from Tennessee. We portage carry our gear piled up our gear accross from the parking lot from their gear. To say their pile was more substantial than ours would be putting it kind. As we spoke they asked how long we where in and when responded that it had been 7 nights, their eyes widened as they had done a simple 4 day trip.
**End Side Story**

We routinely tie/wedge our paddles in the canoes so this should not be a problem. For those who tied poles into a canoe. Any tips or strategies? I have seen groups use 3 pvc tube that they tied, into the canoe.

Being relatively young still and thus stupid. We will probably attempt to begin our trip travelling as we always have. Our groups routinely double packed anyway, and canoe carries always had a pack. Granted we carried more personal packs and this year will be lugging all Duluth packs.  I normally carry a canoe and an internal frame accross a portage. This has never been a problem and I have never needed a break unless I got stuck and or the mud became a problem. (Yum Yum comes to mind)

Just have to love winter discussions about next summers trip.