wrote on Feb 26^th, 2011 at 5:06pm:

My main point, It's not just the big guys who can and need to eat a lot of food.

I'll second that.

Aside from the general conditioning, I target my shoulders.  These are the first muscles to ache when portaging a 70# canoe and always seem to give out before legs, lungs, etc.  Experimenting with homemade yokes pads has helped to increase comfort level.  Another thing can be said about pack comfort.  If the pack transfers the weight of the contents properly to your torso and is comfortable, then amount of weight becomes relative.  For this purpose I've enjoyed the backpackers style packs for the heavier content.  Those having internal frames has helped them fit the canoe.  By removing the forward thwart, they easily lay in, 2 side by side lengthwise with the canoe and remain below the gunnels.

Other things being equal, good conditioning results in less time over the portages and an ambition to continue on when others are experiencing fatigue.  It is important to have that extra bit of reserve at the days end to prepare camp and offer leadership to your trip mates.  Energy level is a factor with mental toughness.

-YB