DentonDoc wrote on Mar 1^st, 2011 at 7:55am:

Just keep in mind that, just like downhill skiing, canoeing also involves technique.  The better your technique, the less effort it takes. dd

 
So true DD, a lot of planning goes into an efficient canoe trip. A sound plan for the portage encounter can help ensure pleasant memories of a canoe trip. Fighting to pull an oversize pack with its tight grip to your canoe wastes a lot of energy. You are breathing heavy and not a step has been taken. Now you get it up onto your thighs and waddle a few steps and plop it down, still no progress across the portage. This process is repeated until everything is on dry land. Now things are hoisted again and deposited at the other end of the portage. One more lifting of the pack and you are cramming things back in their place. :(

An easier way if conditions allow, tie the canoe  and lift out a pack that fits loosely in the canoe and put it on your back. Grab the other items the plan requires to transport on the first carry. On the other end of the portage set it close to where you will be setting the canoe in the water. Even if your body type isn't perfect and you don't run marathons this will help you to be  :)in the afternoons.