I have always traveled in tandem in the BW.  We always single portage.  All fishing gear, paddles, pfd's have their place in the canoe and the canoe goes first.  We then have two bags that the other paddler carries across to the other side. 

We usually, paddle for a week at a time and have learned that extra stuff, becomes just that, so we leave it at home.

This gives us more time on the water and in camp, which to me is always the best part of the trip.