Tripping/Expedition Canoes

Recent Tripping/Expedition Canoe Reviews

Old Town Penobscot 16

Good on flat lakes and easy to paddle, but will swamp easily due to the shallow rocker in large standing waves. We rented the canoe and were very happy until we hit some rapids with very large standing waves. The canoe quickly swamped and we were swimming. Friends in a Nova Craft had no problems.   Full review

Nova Craft Prospector 16

Rigid construction and classic design make this the SUV of the wilderness. It makes friends on every trip. Taken my 16' Novacraft Prospector canoe down rivers and on week-long lake trips. Loaded it up and still had 6" freeboard. You will bulk out before you weight out—and we take cast iron dutch ovens, charcoal, fuel cans, watercubes etc; we camp heavy. Paddles well with two, although the Clippers pass us on flat water.  We pass them ashore on rough water because they are taking water in over… Full review

Nova Craft Prospector 16

Love the wall height, rocker 2" great, all around great canoe!!!!! Handles wonderful on running rivers, great on smooth water. The Tuff Stuff material I love because of its light weight and durability. Expect to last till I'm gone. Full review

Old Town Tripper 172

Most durable and long lasting canoe I have ever experienced or heard of. The Old Town Tripper after 40+ years of hard use and still going. Durability I grew up in this canoe. My dad purchased it before I was born. It is over 40 years old and has only been kept outside in the elements on the shores of Lake Superior. Harsh conditions to say the least (plenty of sun and sub zero temps). It has been run up on the cobblestone and bed rock basalt coasts all its life and yes the outer layer on one of the… Full review

Hemlock Eagle

If you are looking for a quality tandem canoe with moderate rocker and light weight, the Eagle might just be for you. One advantage is the narrow gunnel width at the bow paddling station which is good for smaller paddlers. Background Dave Curtis has been building canoes for almost four decades. His first design was a solo boat. He wanted a solo tripping canoe that could stay with tandems on remote river and lake trips. His first designs were drawn by legendary paddler Harold Deal. They pioneered… Full review

Old Town Penebscot 17 RX

I use it mainly for fishing with my kids and we have a blast. I love being on the water with this canoe. One of my favorite possessions of all time. This is a great family canoe and also expedition canoe. My kids love it. It is very durable, attractive and also light enough to carry and load solo. With two paddlers it is a rocket. It will fit a lot of gear as well. I get lots of positive comments at the local reservoir. Full review

Old Town Penobscot 16

Great for beginning as well as experienced paddlers. Does well on lakes and rivers. Large enough to hold plenty of gear. We got this canoe mainly for lake usage and it is great. Very stable for me and my kids, never feels like it might tip over, even if someone goes for a swim then climbs back in the boat. We've also used it on rivers (Androscoggin) with much success. Old Town boats are very tough. This has been over many rocks and it still looks great. This boat can easily be portaged by one person. Full review

Old Town Penobscot 16

This canoe is a wonderful choice for canoe camping on rivers and small lakes. It's light, rugged, handles well, stable and capable of carrying all your gear. I have used the canoe for multiple camping trips. After using a tripper for 25 years, this Old Town was a step up in handling and responsiveness. It is a great canoe by a great company that will give you decades of enjoyment with minimal care. Full review

Old Town Penobscot 16

Old Town's Penobscot 16' canoe is a pleasure to paddle. The canoe is a solid performer on all types of water. With its ability to carry 1,100 lbs., the Penobscot is perfectly suited for long canoe trips. Even though it is 16' and made of Royalex, it is surprisingly light. This canoe is perfect for those weekend and longer canoe camping trips and for fishing. I highly recommend this canoe to anyone looking for a stable, well-made, versatile boat. Old Town's Penobscot 16' canoe is a pleasure to paddle. Full review