Selecting the right inflatable canoe for a back country trip is the key to whether you are still smiling when you return. Look for a boat light enough to pack over wilderness terrain, but with sufficient cargo capacity for paddlers and gear.
Choosing a Canoe
Expect to spend between $500 and $1,000. A top-quality inflatable capable of carrying more than 500 lbs comes in a backpack and weighs about 50 lbs when packed.
Dimensions
A 12-foot boat length is a minimum for two people and gear in the back country. A wide boat is more stable but paddles like a barge. Maximum width should not exceed 41 inches, but the narrower 36-inch wide canoes are excellent for back country river running. Fully loaded, there should be a minimum of 4 inches of gunwale above the water.
Flotation Units
A well-designed inflatable will have five or more air chambers.
Comfort
Sufficient leg room is required; adjustable seats can provide additional comfort. Your knees should be able to bend comfortably. If you paddle kneeling and whitewater is expected, thigh straps and perhaps foot brace lugs are needed.
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