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The Lightest Boats
in the Woods
Find that Perfect Fit
In Paddle sports, many manufacturers produce products designed to be one size fits all and that size usually seems to be "men's medium". If you're a "woman's small" or "men's extra large", you are out of luck because the boat you are purchasing will never perform optimally on the water for you. When a boat is designed to fit its user, the difference is dramatic. Here at Hornbeck Boats, we offer multiple lengths and profiles along with our adjustable backrest, foot brace system, and seat to create a boat just right for you.
Our staff are trained, experienced, and patient to guide you through this process. We have an on-site pond to demo boats and related equipment, to insure that perfect fit.
OR
The perfect fit program came out of the experience our founder, Peter Hornbeck, had
while shopping for another of his hobbies.
“I came up with the perfect fit program after I purchased a bicycle at a high end bike shop.
I was impressed with the wide range of bikes available in my size and the effort taken by the staff to insure I got a bike that actually fit me. I've ridden bikes most of my life and the bike I bought that day was the first bike that actually fit me. The difference was dramatic. I was convinced the bike shop model would work in paddle sports." says Peter
Not sure where to start?
Start with our blog,
for simple, step-by-step guidance.
Profile Sizes
The depth of a canoe can make all the difference in how comfortable and efficient it feels on the water. If a boat is too deep for your body, you’re forced to hold the paddle higher than necessary, which leads to greater fatigue, especially for smaller and lighter paddlers.
A properly fitting pack boat should have no more than about 7 inches of freeboard—the distance from the waterline to the top rail of the boat. More freeboard doesn’t actually make you safer in wind or waves. Instead, it gives the wind more surface to push against and reduces the hull’s contact with the water, making the boat harder to control.
The better a boat fits, the more control, efficiency, and responsiveness you’ll have on the water.
That’s why we offer all of our Hornbeck models in multiple profiles to match your body type and paddling style
Lower Profile
Best for paddlers with shorter torsos or those looking to minimize weight. This profile delivers a snug, efficient fit and maximum control.
Higher Profile
Our most popular option. Ideal for taller or larger paddlers, or anyone who doesn’t consider themselves short-torsoed. This profile adds carrying capacity and versatility, with slightly more freeboard; perfect for activities that involve leaning, like fishing, or bringing a dog along.
The right fit doesn’t just improve comfort. It transforms how the boat performs.
Boat length
Choosing the right length boat comes down to how you plan to use it and how you want it to feel on the water. Shorter boats are lighter, easier to carry, and more maneuverable—perfect for tight waterways, frequent portages, and paddlers who value simplicity and control. Longer boats track straighter, glide more efficiently, and offer greater speed and capacity, making them a great choice for bigger lakes, longer days on the water, or carrying extra gear. Your height and weight matter, but just as important is whether you prioritize quick handling or effortless cruising. At Hornbeck, we help dial in the length that fits you, so the boat works with your body and your paddling style—not against it.
Many customers come to us assuming they need a longer boat to achieve good tracking. Pack boats work differently. Their hull shape and defined keel provide excellent tracking even at shorter lengths. Choosing a boat that’s longer than you need only adds unnecessary weight, and when a longer boat is under-weighted, it can actually be more susceptible to being pushed around in windy or choppy conditions.
With a pack boat, the goal is simple:
Choose the smallest, lightest boat that comfortably meets your needs. That’s where you get the best performance, control, and overall experience on the water.
Ron Edwards
Got a 14' new trick. Had to of been one of the most pleasant buying experiences I have ever had. Everyone was great. They spent quite a lot of time making sure I got the right fit for me.
Brian Murray
Fantastic experience! The boats are beautiful! Customer service is excellent. No pressure. They will fit a boat to you, but let you try whatever boat you're interested in.
Tom Faill
The folks at Hornbeck couldn't be more accommodating. They made trying and buying a pleasure. I got a 12' classic fishing model and I was impressed with how the oars move the boat and with its glide. I want to go back with my grandkids to get them a boat that fits them.
What is a Pack Boat?
Pack boats were developed over 150 years ago as short, lightweight craft designed to be maneuverable and easy to portage in the backwoods of the Adirondacks
Simply put, a pack boat is a small open topped canoe, with a kayak style seat.
The user sits on the floor of the craft and uses a double bladed paddle.
Foot Pegs
Lots of Space for Gear
Open Hull
Space for the User to Stretch and Readjust Freely
Kayak Style Seat
Easy To Get In And Out Of
Low Center of Gravity
Increasing Stability
Paddled Solo
Easy To Load On A Car And Portage
Low Freeboard
Paddles Better In The Wind
Lighter Than Most Kayaks and Canoes
Best With
Double Bladed Paddle
Why a Pack Canoe Is the Right Choice for You
Paddling should feel easy
No heavy lifting. No cramped cockpit. No complicated routine.
A Hornbeck pack canoe removes the barriers that keep people off the water and replaces them with freedom, comfort, and performance.
When your boat is light and simple to handle, you paddle more often. It’s that straightforward.
Go Farther
Because It’s Lighter
Traditional canoes and many kayaks can be a struggle to load, carry, and manage alone.
A pack canoe is different
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Effortless car topping
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Manageable solo carries
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Simple portages between lakes
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Reach quiet, remote water others skip
Less weight = more adventure.
Stay Out Longer in Real Comfort
No tight cockpit. No trapped heat. No awkward exit.
Stretch your legs. Change position. Dip your toes in the water whenever you want. Relax in a natural, low seating position that reduces fatigue and keeps you fresh mile after mile.
Comfort isn’t a luxury — it’s what makes longer days possible.
Bring Your Gear.
Bring Your Dog.
Despite their light weight,
pack canoes carry plenty.
Camping equipment, fishing tackle, cameras
— all within reach.
There’s also room for your favorite four-legged paddling partner.
Kayak Efficiency Without Kayak Weight
Hornbeck pack canoes are designed for speed, glide, and control.
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Paddle with a double blade
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Extremely stable from the low seat position
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Turn easily in narrow channels
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Confident in open water and mixed conditions
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Smooth, efficient tracking
You get performance that surprises people the first time they take a stroke.
Easy In. Easy Out.
Easy to Love.
Whether you’re launching from a dock, shoreline, or rocky carry, a pack canoe is simple to enter, simple to exit, and easy for one person to handle.
Pick it up. Put it in. Paddle away.
Paddle More Often
That’s what it really comes down to.
When the boat is lighter, more comfortable, and easier to manage, spontaneous trips happen. Evening paddles happen. Exploring new water happens.
A pack canoe doesn’t just change how you paddle
It changes how often.
The
Difference?
A lot of thought goes into every model we offer.
When creating a design, we have a set of goals that guide us:
Light Weight
A boat that is easy to put on and off the car or carry on that long distance portage.
Minimalist
No feature will add unnecessary weight or cost
Durable
Able to hold up under challenging conditions and repeated use
Versatile
Ability to perform well in a variety of conditions with a variety of people
Explore Our Boats
Inspired by Henry Rushton's original pack boat designs of the 1880's, the Classic pack boats have beams ranging 28" to 30". It has a flattened bottom with a firm transition for very good initial stability. The bow and stern stems form a sharp 'V' underwater to improve tracking in wind. The flare of the bow and stern at the top edge of the boat deflects water for a dry ride in waves. The short length and flattened bottom makes this canoe easy to turn. The net result is a very user-friendly, stable boat that's well-suited for the average paddler and perfect for fishing, photography, and carrying gear, even in windy and wavy conditions.
The Classic
The New Trick
In the Early 2000's, Peter Hornbeck departed from his previous designs to create a quicker and more responsive boat. The New Trick pack boats have beams ranging 24" to 26". a linear hull shape allows them to cut through the water faster than the Classic designs. The narrower hull has a high final stability, but provides a more dynamic feel for speed and maneuverability. The top edge of the boat flares to deflect water for a dry ride in waves. This results in a more sporty boat with a glove-like fit.
