We are providing several options for gear and food packs in this section. Our insights come primarily from Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) outfitters and guides. With approximately 150,000 visitors each year, the BWCA serves as a proven testing ground for this specialized gear.

Outfitters in the region frequently support a small group of trusted manufacturers. The following guide-informed gear choices are organized by manufacturer. Reminder that we’re an affiliate link oriented company. We do receive, at no cost to our users, a small fee from the owners of the affiliate links we use. Please do use these links so that we can continue to offer and improve our Guide and Outfitter informed collection.

Granite Gear

Superior One

This is the largest pack in the group, boasting a generous 121-liter capacity (about 7,400 cubic inches). Built for durability, it features a thick, sturdy waist belt that distributes weight for more comfortable carrying.

Many paddlers like the idea of fitting everything into a single large pack, and there are clear advantages to that approach. However, in conversations with outfitters—who have outfitted thousands of clients and logged countless trips—a strong minority recommend more moderately sized packs instead. Their reasoning is simple: smaller packs help prevent overpacking, which can quickly turn your gear into what feels like a six-ton burden on the portage trail.

Portage North—formerly known as Kondos Outdoors—is based in Ely and manufactures all of its products locally. Many BWCA outfitters maintain personal relationships with the company and consistently praise both their craftsmanship and customer service. While their packs typically come at a higher price point than Granite Gear, outfitters in Ely are quick to assure you that the extra investment is well worth it for the quality you receive.

Outfitter 120

Comparable in size to Granite Gear’s Superior One, this pack can actually expand from 120L up to 170L with its top extension sleeve. That extra capacity is especially useful for large groups or for hauling lightweight, high-volume gear like sleeping bags. Its wide design also sits neatly in the bottom of a canoe, maximizing space. Built from top-quality materials and tested extensively in the BWCA, the pack benefits from Portage North’s close ties with local outfitters, ensuring a steady stream of product feedback and refinement.

The 90 is essentially a smaller version of the 120, featuring the same wide design and comfortable padded straps, just in a more compact package. Outfitters often note a key advantage of smaller packs: with a bigger pack, you’re more likely to overpack. This size strikes a smart balance, meeting the needs of most groups without tempting you to overload.

Portage North also makes a soft-sided food bag similar to the Granite Gear Traditional Food Pack, but we heard enough positive reviews of this cooler-style food bag to include it here. It offers the same quality design and durable materials found across all Portage North products, with the added benefit of helping to keep food cool during the first stretch of a multi-day trip. The tradeoff is some extra weight compared to a standard soft-sided pack, but many find the added functionality worth it.

CCS is a premier manufacturer of high-quality canoe portage packs trusted by professional outfitters, seasoned guides, and wilderness enthusiasts across North America. Known for their exceptional durability, thoughtful design, and superior craftsmanship, these packs are consistently praised in online forums and gear reviews as the gold standard for backcountry travel and many outfitter employees attest to the fact that while all the packs they buy hold up well, it is the CCS packs that almost never need repair.

While they come at a premium price, users overwhelmingly agree the investment is well worth it. Proudly made in the USA, CCS combines rugged performance with American-made reliability—making them a top choice for those who demand the best in the field.

The CCS Hybrid pack comes in three sizes (Explorer, Pioneer and Guide) and is available in a host of colors. The packs’ shoulder straps and padded waist belt are comfortable and help to distribute weight allowing for stability during portaging. As with other portage packs featured here, the low, wide profile allows them to fill out the base of a canoe while paddling and to permit clearance overhead for a canoe yoke and body necessary to carry your pack and canoe at the same time.

Explorer: 55L or 3350 cubic inches capacity

Pioneer: 77L or 4700 cubic inches capacity

Guide: 93L or 5700 cubic inches capacity

Dry Packs

Another canoe pack option that has grown in popularity in recent years is the dry pack. Long favored by whitewater paddlers and other adventure travelers, these waterproof bags are designed to keep gear completely dry—even if fully submerged. Constructed from heavy-duty vinyl or TPU-coated materials, they feature roll-top closures that create a reliable seal against water. While dry packs typically lack the structure and carrying comfort of traditional Cordura-style portage packs, they offer invaluable protection in heavy rain, on wet portages, or when stored in a canoe. Many trippers use them in tandem with standard portage packs—reserving dry packs for moisture-sensitive items like sleeping bags, clothing, and electronics, and using the larger, more ergonomic packs for bulk gear and food.