Ultralight, All Heart: Adirondack Pack Canoes by Hornbeck

Ultralight, All Heart: Adirondack Pack Canoes by HornbeckGuest: Josh Trombley, head of Hornbeck BoatsTopic: The Adirondack pack canoe—past, present, and why it changes how (and how often) people get on the water.Hornbeck Boats began in the 1970s with founder Pete Hornbeck, a paddler-artist who revived the Adirondack tradition of pack boats—open, canoe-shaped craft paddled with a double-blade. Pete’s minimalist ethos (light, durable, no unnecessary weight) and his embrace of Kevlar created boats that many paddlers—especially solo and older paddlers—could lift, carry, and launch on their own.Josh shares:The origin story (from fiberglass kayaks to Kevlar pack boats)What makes a Hornbeck unique (lightweight performance, “patina of use,” red stripe lore)Who buys them (a surprising number of women, Boundary Waters travelers, and—newly—duck hunters)The demo pond, pandemic pivots, and the move to Hornbeck Midwest (Minnesota)The creative legacy of Pete & Anne Hornbeck—and a “museum of failure” that led to better boatsA favorite Adirondack spot: 13th Lake in North RiverWhy it matters: a Hornbeck often means more days on the water—and the independence to go where motors don’t.Learn more: hornbeckboats.com • adktaste.co/talks043Love the show? Rate & review us—it helps other Adirondack lovers find us to discover more ADK insights.Subscribe and never miss our insider stories about the best people, places, and history of the Adirondacks.Share this episode with someone who loves history, travel, or the Adirondack Park. Let's spread the love for the Adirondacks together!Got a question about the Adirondacks you'd like us to answer on air? Please send it to [email protected] or use the form available at ADKTaste.com.ADK Talks is brought to you by ADK Taste. We provide insight on the best places to stay, shop, eat and experience in the 6-million-acre Adirondack Park in upstate New York. Visit our website, ADKtaste.com, and sign up for our weekly newsletter.Mixed & Edited by Next Day [email protected]