Seven reasons you should try a Pack Canoe

Pack Canoes originated in the Adirondacks around 1880.  An intrepid explorer named George Washington Sears (aka Nessmuk!) commissioned Rushton Boat Works of Canton to create a lightweight solo canoe for a trip in the area.  His accounts of his epic adventures were chronicled in Forest and Stream magazine and inspired a new way of exploring the wilderness.   The Pack Canoe was born!
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Paddling a Pack Canoe is similar to kayaking but there are some important differences.  Our customers love these wonderful boats, and for good reason.  Well, seven of them actually!

1. They are super light
Being light and easy to transport and carry is a key feature of a Pack Canoe.  Most are under 30 lbs and can easily be loaded onto a car roof or carried between waterways. 

2. They are easy to paddle
The seat is lower than a traditional canoe and this provides much better stability.  They are short enough to be maneuverable but designed to track in a straight line nicely too.  Traditionally, they are paddled with a double blade and usually have foot braces like kayaks too.  This makes Pack Canoes both accessible to newer paddlers but also enjoyable for the more experienced too  

3. They are comfortable
Many Pack Canoes have comfortable seats with backs and, along with the easy and relaxed paddling style, this makes them very comfortable.  This reduces the need for “leg stretching” breaks and makes for much more enjoyable trips. 

4. They are easy to get in and out of
As there is no deck on a Pack Canoe you don’t have to squeeze yourself in so getting in and out is much easier than a kayak.

5. There is lots of space
The other advantage of not having a deck is that Pack Canoes are very easy to load and unload as the entire volume of the boat is easily accessible. Of course, you still have to be thoughtful about overall weight and the distribution of it though.

6. They open up a whole new world of adventure
Often, half the battle of going on a paddling trip is getting to the water!  With a lightweight Pack Canoe this is much easier.  Also, crucially, it opens up new possibilities with paddling routes.  You are no longer constrained to a single lake or pond.  Now you can just carry your boat between them and this really enhances your sense of adventure.  These routes are often quieter too as not everyone has a boat that can easily be carried.  
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7. They look amazing!
Pack Canoes are some of the prettiest boats you will see and come in all sorts of finishes.  Whether it’s a beautiful wooden boat, a vibrant gel coat finish or super cool carbon fiber construction they all look amazing!  

We just love Pack Canoes and whether you are looking to buy, rent or trip with us in one we’ve got you covered.  Give us a call today! 

The Swift Cruiser 12.8.   One of our most popular Pack Canoes