What Actually Matters In A Backcountry Canoe Pack

Send us Fan Mail A canoe pack can be “waterproof” on paper and still be miserable to live with at a landing. We’re reviewing the Recreational Barrel Works bag we’ve been testing as a replacement for our old North 49 dry bag, and we get specific about what matters when you’re loading a canoe, hauling to the car, and grinding through a portage.\n\nWe talk through the build and layout first: fabric on the outside that feels sturdy and easier to grab, grab handles on every side, and a web of straps and buckles that let you cinch the whole load down tight. We also dig into the small features that end up being big quality-of-life upgrades, like the top zippered pocket for maps, hats, and other quick-access essentials that don’t need to be fully waterproof.\n\nThen we get into carry and safety. We share how the padded, ventilated shoulder straps feel over time, why the chest strap flexibility helps when you’re breathing hard uphill, and how the hip straps stabilize a heavy load. Side pockets are handy but a little shallow, so we explain our approach for tying off gear like bear spray so it stays accessible without becoming a yard sale if the bag tips.\n\nFinally, we break down the standout feature: the waterproof liner. We explain how to roll and seal it properly, why filling it inside the pack makes life easier, and how the extra space up top can fit additional small dry bags for more protected storage. If you’re dialling in your canoe camping gear, hit subscribe, share the episode with a paddling buddy, and leave a review with your go-to packing tip. Support the show CONNECT WITH US AT SUPER GOOD CAMPING: Support the podcast & buy super cool SWAG: https://store.skgroupinc.com/super_good_camping/shop/home EMAIL: hi@supergoodcamping.com WEBSITE: www.supergoodcamping.com YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqFDJbFJyJ5Y-NHhFseENsQ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/super_good_camping/ TWITTER: https://twitter.com/SuperGoodCampin FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SuperGoodCamping/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@supergoodcamping Support the show