Packraft, kayak, canoe or folding boat?

Also: boat types compared, packraft or kayak

Which boat for which purpose? Packraft, hardshell kayak, canoe, folding boat, sectional boat, inflatable kayak and SUP compared.

We've paddled almost everything: packrafts since 2017, folding canoes in Sweden, kayaks on holiday. Every boat has its strengths. Here's the honest comparison.

Six boat types

1Packraft
2Hardshell kayak
3Canoe
4Folding boat
5Sectional boat
6Inflatable kayak

Packraft

Unbeatably light and small, fits in a backpack, forgives mistakes, gets over shallow spots and is stable. Ideal for hike & float, bikerafting, travel by train and plane, and for whitewater. Downsides: slow, sensitive to wind, little tracking.

Hardshell kayak

Fast, tracks well and built for long distances on lakes and coasts (sea kayak) or short and agile for whitewater. Needs a car or boat trolley and storage space.

Canoe

Open, roomy, ideal for families, luggage and touring. Hardshell canoes are heavy; folding canoes like the Ally can be taken apart and transported in a car boot.

Folding boat and folding canoe

Skin on a collapsible frame: paddles almost like a hardshell, fits into bags, but needs considerably more setup time (classically about 15 minutes) and weighs many times more than a packraft.

Sectional boat and origami kayak

Sectional boats consist of segments and are set up in minutes; origami kayaks are folded from a single sheet. Both are more compact than hardshells, but not backpack-friendly.

Inflatable kayak and SUP

Inflatable kayaks are longer and faster than packrafts, but heavier. Inflatable SUPs are popular for outings but catch a lot of wind standing up and offer little room for luggage.

Our verdict

Travelling on foot, by bike or by public transport: packraft.
Paddling long open-water distances: sea kayak.
Touring with family and lots of luggage: canoe or folding canoe.
Want a bit of everything: a large packraft like the Anfibio Omega, which can also be paddled canoe-style.