Ultralight, All Heart: Adirondack Pack Canoes by Hornbeck

Guest: Josh Trombley, head of Hornbeck Boats
Topic: The Adirondack pack canoe—past, present, and why it changes how (and how often) people get on the water.

Hornbeck Boats began in the 1970s with founder Pete Hornbeck, a paddler-artist who revived the Adirondack tradition of pack boats—open, canoe-shaped craft paddled with a double-blade. 

Pete’s minimalist ethos (light, durable, no unnecessary weight) and his embrace of Kevlar created boats that many paddlers—especially solo and older paddlers—could lift, carry, and launch on their own.

Josh shares:

• The origin story (from fiberglass kayaks to Kevlar pack boats)
  
  
• What makes a Hornbeck unique (lightweight performance, “patina of use,” red stripe lore)
  
  
• Who buys them (a surprising number of women, Boundary Waters travelers, and—newly—duck hunters)
  
  
• The demo pond, pandemic pivots, and the move to Hornbeck Midwest (Minnesota)
  
  
• The creative legacy of Pete & Anne Hornbeck—and a “museum of failure” that led to better boats
  
  
• A favorite Adirondack spot: 13th Lake in North River
  
  

Why it matters: a Hornbeck often means more days on the water—and the independence to go where motors don’t.

Learn more: hornbeckboats.com • adktaste.co/talks043

Love the show? 

• Rate & review us—it helps other Adirondack lovers find us to discover more ADK insights.
• Subscribe and never miss our insider stories about the best people, places, and history of the Adirondacks.
• Share this episode with someone who loves history, travel, or the Adirondack Park. Let's spread the love for the Adirondacks together!

Got a question about the Adirondacks you'd like us to answer on air? Please send it to [email protected] or use the form available at ADKTaste.com.

ADK Talks is brought to you by ADK Taste. We provide insight on the best places to stay, shop, eat and experience in the 6-million-acre Adirondack Park in upstate New York. Visit our website, ADKtaste.com, and sign up for our weekly newsletter.

Mixed & Edited by Next Day Podcast

[email protected]