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

MB.

I believe you're overthinking it.
Before your next trip fill your packs with some ballast to approximate gear weight and get out on a local lake.
I think it will become readily apparent how you want to load your canoe and the easiest way to FINE trim it.

Funny story about trimming.  On my maiden solo voyage with my tandem I ended up kneeling in the bow with my wife's kayak paddle (which I had along as a spare) struggling to paddle into a 30 mph wind on a river.  When I would come to a bend in the river the wind would actually blow me around and back upstream on occasion because the stern was so high up!  THAT moment is when I realized that I didn't know squat about trimming a canoe.  To add to the fun was a 60 lb. golden retriever bouncing around in the boat.   Luckily the trip ended well except for a few lumps on the dog's head from my paddle.  I'm guessing that my guardian angel must be a paddler and the dog eventually forgave me.

PB....you're right.  Sometimes we just have do more doing than reading.  Experience is the best teacher.....IF you survive.

Stay safe and warm........Mike

ST,  You are correct as usual.  Over-thinking and under-performing are two of the things I still do well.

I grew up in a house where all answers were black and white.  My Father had no concept of gray areas.  I continue to foolishly expect that in my adult life, so when I receive seemingly conflicting information from the printed page or wherever, I look to others as tie breakers.  Or at least to help me understand it.

Mike, I would not have the nerve to challenge a 30mph wind.  My rule is never be out in weather faster than the VNE Speed of my own guardian angel.

Thanks to everyone for offering your thoughts.

Regards,

Mossback

I have it down pretty good after quite a few years.  I very seldom tandem anymore.  I have a center seat yoke from Spring Creek and one of their composite double bladed paddles.  I did a two week solo in WCPP in 2017 and nineteen day with brother last year.  I still used the two blades as it's easier for the bow guy to fish while I paddle.  Works great.....for ME like you say.  Thanks for the inputs!
Later.......Mike