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If the trip you're packing for is below your skill level (a pleasure cruise camping trip) or the run is generally non-technical in nature, don't worry so much about where you place your load. On the other-hand, the more you want your kayak to handle like it does empty....... or if the run is nearing your limits of comfort, the run is technical or you're the type of paddler who likes to zip around from eddy to eddy, the placement of your load should be given more consideration. These are also the times when you'll want to pay more attention to your load (ie, weight). Obviously, this is especially true if you have to hike your boat to the put-in and/or there are lots of portages. Plan, pack and load in context.
Packing gear in the bow has been popular largely due to necessity. Many people like to take a lot of crapola (&/or have bulky gear) and they simply run out of room in their stern. So off to the bow it goes. The extra moment of inertia they notice depends on their paddling style, perception, persnicketiness....their particular boat, the run, etc.
As mentioned on the site, when loading the stern only, your seat can be moved forward to help keep the weight as close to the kayaks axis as possible........IF it doesn't drastically cut into your egress. |
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Design and pack your load in context. New 
BoaterTalk 
