I generally employ the same lightweight backpacking techniques when I canoe as well. Up here, the best canoeing IMHO is not the larger lakes, but all the smaller ones which are interconnected by portages, some marked, others are bushwhacks.. Pond hopping is an Adirondack tradition and single carrying ones boat and gear is preferred by me. In a thick/unknown bushwhack portage, I will scout the route with my pack and then leave it and go back for the canoe (Bell Bucktail). Beer and Steaks are a common first night meal for me no matter if it is a canoe or backpacking trip.
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