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Pick any two picks from this list and see specs, current price, pros, cons and reader ratings side by side.
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#7 on this list
Discovery 158
Old Town
Three-layer polyethylene that survives anything. The workhorse for outfitters and truck racks.
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- How we assessed it
- Specification researched
#8 on this list
New Trick 12
Hornbeck Boats
Adirondack pack canoe at 16 pounds. The lightest real boat here.
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- How we assessed it
- Specification researched
Specs side by side
| Spec | Discovery 158 | New Trick 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Maker | Old Town | Hornbeck Boats |
| Model | Discovery 158 | New Trick 12 |
| Material | Three-layer Polyethylene | — |
| Length | 15' 8" | 12 feet |
| Capacity | Up to 3 people | — |
| Primary Use | Recreational, Outfitting | — |
| Type | — | Adirondack Pack Canoe |
| Weight | — | 16 pounds |
| Paddler Type | — | Solo |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Discovery 158
- Extremely durable and impact-resistant three-layer polyethylene hull
- Exceptional stability, great for fishing and families
- High carrying capacity for gear and multiple passengers
- Excellent value for long-term performance and reliability
- Predictable and forgiving handling for all skill levels
- Heavy, making solo portaging difficult
- Slower than more specialized or lightweight canoes
- Basic aesthetics, less refined than composite boats
New Trick 12
- Unmatched ultralight weight, making portages effortless
- Excellent for solo paddling and accessing remote waters
- Surprisingly good tracking and maneuverability for its class
- High-quality composite construction for durability
- Exceptional ease of transport and car-topping
- Higher cost due to specialized materials and craftsmanship
- Limited capacity for gear compared to heavier canoes
- Less stable in rough water or high winds than wider boats
- Not designed for tandem use or heavy loads
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