OK, so if feels like the doldrums have settled in on QJ for the holiday season, giving me an opportunity to fill the void with yet another one of my ignorant questions.

I have been reading a recently published canoeing book where the author mentioned placing his large pack in front of him at his feet, and placing his small daypack behind him at arms reach.

This seems to be backward to me?

Other books and photos show the large pack snug against the rear of the seat and the daypack in front of the paddler’s feet.

At this point, I have little enough time traveling solo to form a knowledgeable opinion of my own.

Anyone care to weigh in?

Regards,

MossBack

I think PJ is dead-on with his comments.

Since I solo a tandem, how I load is different from a true solo in where I place my packs but the desired effect is still the same.

I want to slightly bow heavy 99% of the time unless I'm running with a strong wind at my back. Then I want to be stern heavy about the same degree as bow heavy.
Some solo paddlers because of their chosen canoe don't really have a choice where the big pack will go.

I think that's why many like the sliding seat option.
A little bit of direction with weight can make a lot of difference in how your canoe handles

Quote:


Off topic, but you know what really fills the doldrums/void?

Some TRIP REPORTS!   

I suppose what I should be doing is reading less and paddling more.  I am making several assumptions. Many solo travelers I have taken note of, have one large pack carried alone and another smaller pack carried with the canoe.  I assume most solo seats are near the center balance point, so the larger pack being close to that center would have a smaller effect, and a lighter pack to trim with as far forward as needed.
Some of what I have read suggests having minimal weight in the bow so it will rise over the waves in a headwind, taking on less water?    

With the solo canoe I have, the best spot for a large pack is just aft of the seat, because it is the widest spot available.  Everything forward of the foot brace is considerable narrower, making it more difficult to trim on the water.  Pushing with a paddle and pulling with a rope has been suggested and does seem to work.  All somewhat puzzling.

MB

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From Paddling .com and Kevin Callan, who seems to be generally in favor of a light bow.

Mostly adding to my confusion.

MB