Premium, ultralight pack canoes

handcrafted with passion in Lake Placid, NY

Call Us : (518) 524-2949

Explore Our Pack Canoes

Watch Our Boats in Action

Placid Boatworks pack canoes are built to paddle farther, faster, and easier — with less weight and zero compromise.

From solo portages to open-water glides, our pack canoes free you from heavy boats and open the door to deeper exploration.

This isn’t just paddling. It’s a way of life.

What is a pack canoe?

The Perfect Blend of Canoe & Kayak

Pack canoes live in the sweet spot — combining the efficiency of a kayak with the freedom of a canoe.

Paddle with a double or single-bladed paddle
Open cockpit for easy entry/exit with all-day comfort & movement
Stable, agile, & incredibly efficient
Plenty of room for camping gear, cameras, & four-legged friends

Whether you’re gliding across glassy water at sunrise or weaving through tight streams, a pack canoe moves the way you think — fast, fluid, and intuitive.

Freedom Through Light Weight

Leave The Heavy Boats Behind

At just 18–27 pounds, Placid Boatworks solo pack canoes redefine what’s possible.

Effortless solo cartop loading & unloading

Easy carries on portages between waters

Access remote lakes others never reach

When your boat stops holding you back, adventure expands. This is freedom you can feel on your shoulder — and on the water.

Woman Carrying Placid Boatworks Pack Canoe Through Woods

Built For Those Who Know The Difference

Custom Crafted, Not Mass-Produced

Placid Boatworks pack canoes are handcrafted with passion in Lake Placid, NY.

Placid Boatworks RapidFire lightweight pack canoe top and side view

Premium details — from carbon seats to mycarta decks

Carbon fiber and Kevlar® construction

Designs by legendary paddlecraft designer David Yost

Integral Infused Gunwale Technology

Proprietary Vacuum Infusion Technology

Carbon fiber and Kevlar® construction Designs by legendary paddlecraft designer David Yost Integral Infused Gunwale Technology Proprietary Vacuum Infusion Technology Premium details — from carbon seats to mycarta decks

No two paddlers are the same.
Your canoe shouldn’t be either.

Fast When It Matters. Effortless Always.

Performance That Leads the Pack

Our pack canoes are proven performers — with multiple race wins and top finishes — including the prestigious Adirondack Canoe Classic 90-Miler.

But performance isn’t just about racing. It’s about:

Exceptional glide and efficiency
Confident handling in rough and open water
Tight maneuverability in winding streams
Predictable response to every stroke

In races, you’ll often see Placid canoes crossing the finish line ahead of the pack. On everyday paddles, you’ll feel the performance in every mile.

Men Holding Adirondack Canoe Classic 90-Miler Plaques

A Canoe You’ll Always Want To Paddle

An Investment In Yourself

Heavy boats get forgotten in the rafters. Ultralight Placid Boatworks pack canoes do the opposite. Loading and unloading from your vehicle has never been easier.

Our pack canoes invite you out — again and again — because they feel effortless, responsive, and alive beneath you.

You don’t just sit in a Placid Boatworks pack canoe. You wear it.

It becomes your partner on the water — ready to move when you move, read your intent, and dance across the surface.