Boat types compared

Packraft, kayak, canoe, folding boat, sectional boat, inflatable kayak and SUP: where are the differences?

13 terms in this topic

Guide

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

A folding boat consists of a flexible skin and a collapsible internal frame made of wood or aluminium. Usually it is a kayak.

A folding canoe is an open canoe with a collapsible frame and a skin. Well known are the Ally canoes from Norway, made since 1973.

A kayak is paddled with a double-bladed paddle, sitting facing forward. Hardshell kayaks are faster than packrafts, but heavy and bulky.

A canoe is an open boat paddled kneeling or sitting with a single-bladed paddle. Lots of room for luggage, ideal for touring.

An inflatable kayak is usually made of PVC or rubberised fabric. It is longer and faster than a packraft, but heavier.

Origami kayaks are folded from a single plastic sheet, much like paper. Setup takes only a few minutes.

A raft is a large, sturdy inflatable boat for several people, as known from commercial rafting.

Pool toys made of thin PVC are meant for the swimming lake, not for trips. A packraft is a proper, robust boat.

Sea kayaks are long, narrow and built for large bodies of water and coasts. With a rudder or skeg they track very straight.

A sectional boat consists of several rigid segments that are plugged together. It's set up in a few minutes.

A SUP is a board you paddle standing up with a single-bladed paddle. Inflatable SUPs are popular but less suitable for luggage and wilderness trips.

Whitewater kayaks are short, agile and have lots of volume. They are paddled with a spray skirt and rolled.