Mad_Mat wrote on Jul 13^th, 2009 at 12:09pm:

   I guess it shows there's more than one way to skin a cat  

Quote:


 I do just the opposite  I lay the packs, strap/waist belt down figuring that they'll stay above the bilge water and that will lessen the chance for water to penetrate? The waist belt/shoulder straps are close-cell foam, so they don't really absorb any water. I can see how wet straps might bother some, so I guess once again a simple thing has different approaches.
AS always, the only thing that really matters is what works for you and what you feel comfortable with. I read ideas here all the time and try them out when practical. Some are an improvement, others not.
 It's great too have a resource, so you can learn from other's success' and mistakes!

I always have a box of 45 gallon contractor trash bags in my garage.  When it comes to canoe trips, I use one of those bags inside my pack.  They're heavy duty and never have torn.

As for the top, I simply twist the top as if I were going to put a rubber band or zip tie around it, curl it over and close the pack.  Pressure keeps it shut.  Everything stays nice and dry.

The rubber band, or even a Bungee Dealee Bob, would be better, though.

 AP,
 You'll be just fine! As backpackers you have the physical skills, the paddling part will come with practice. Navigation is a little different, so make sure each canoe has a set of maps, and the night before or morning of, let EVERYONE see the route your taking, not just the guy's doing the navigating. 4 sets of eyes are better than 2. IF you unsure of your navigating with islands/ points of land, shoot a compass heading for each portage or campsite destination. If you get "confused" go with the compass heading. Make sure you "know" where you are while paddling. In new water, I find marking on the plastic cover of map case with a grease pencil when I hit a prominent landmark, helps keep me orientated.
Sometimes, especially when your excited and caught up in the scenery/fishing, you can get turned around if your not careful?
 Of course if you have/use a GPS, then it's not such a big deal.
Use the same common sense you would backpacking, and you'll have a fantastic trip and hopefully a good trip report with pics

Another alternative I use is that I put my clean clothes in 2 gallon zip lock (store brand)  freezer style bags.  My spouse found a bunch of them as good as the name brand but at 60% of the cost.  I squeeze the air out of the clothes, for this takes up a lot less space.  Then, the foregoing is packed in a heavy mill plastic trash bag.  The trash compactor bags are a good idea, likely thicker, but I always thought they were limited size.

While at Cabela's, I noticed a huge ziplock bag, 3 feet long or so, and wondered if this would be a good purchase.  I may get one to try it out on my Sept. trip.

Another alternative which I use along with the double bag liner, are those space saver bags you see advertised on info-mercials. Most outdoor places carry them.
There the kind you seal the end and roll up, where a one way valve purges the air out. Waterproof, bug proof, and really compresses your load. I put one outfit, shirt/pants/socks in a medium bag, and use other medium bags for extra socks/t-shirts and fleece outerwear.
I stack them in a mesh duffel type bag which I take in tent at night.
I use them for dirty laundry as well.
Much better than zip-lock bags and easier to keep track of your items, and get all the air out of.
Coleman makes them, I'm sure there are other brands on the market.
Last set I got was at Bass Pro Shop.
Between liner bags and these, your stuff will stay dry and easy to find!