Find the Right Canoe
Model Selection Tools
Choosing a canoe can be straightforward once you know what to look for. These tools can help you narrow the field, compare models, and see how different designs fit different paddlers and water types.
Find the Right Canoe
Help Me Choose
Our model selection quiz is a great place to start. It asks a few quick questions about paddler size, water type, and how you plan to use the canoe. If you already know the models you’re interested in, you can skip the quiz and jump straight to the comparison chart.
Recommended Models
Recommended Models
Based on how you’ll paddle and the conditions you described, these models are the best fit. You can still compare specs below.
A full sized, quick, efficient solo tripper
A mid-sized, quick, efficient solo tripper
Classic tandem- full capacity yet still nimble
Stable and versatile- can be tandem, solo or both
“Solo River Tripper” that’s also at home on big lakes
Quick and nimble compact day tripper
Lightweight, compact pack canoe that paddles like a kayak
An Adirondack pack canoe w/ greater gear capacity
A quick, snappy performance pack canoe
Find the Right Canoe
Compare Models
Explore and compare models directly below.
model
best for
solo/tandem
load range
water type
length
width (WL/GW)
rocker
Peregrine
Efficient, full sized solo tripper
Solo
Full
Lakes / easy rivers
15’9″
26.5″ / 26.5″
1.75″ / 1.25″
Kestrel
Efficient, mid-sized solo tripper
Solo
Medium
Lakes / easy rivers
14’9″
25.5″ / 25.5″
1.75″ / 1.25″
SRT
Solo River Tripper
Solo
Full
Rivers / open lakes
15′
26″ / 26.5″
2.5″ / 1.5″
Mayfly
Quick, nimble, compact day tripper
Solo
Light – mid
Lakes / easy rivers
12’5″
25.5″ / 24.5″
1″ / 0.75″
Eaglet
Stable and versatile— can be tandem, solo or both
Combi
Full
All over
15’7″
30.5″ / 30.5″
1.5″ / 1.5″
Eagle
Classic tandem- full capacity yet still nimble
Tandem
Full
All over
16’5″
32.25″ / 32″
1.75″ / 1.75″
Nessmuk
Lightweight, compact pack canoe that paddles like a kayak
Solo – pack
Light
Lakes / easy rivers
10’6″
25″ / 27″
1.75″ / 1.75″
Nessmuk XL
An Adirondack pack canoe w/ greater gear capacity
Solo – pack
mid-full
Lakes / easy rivers
11’10”
26″ / 28″
1.75″ / 1.75″
Mayfly Pack
Quick, snappy performance pack canoe
Solo – pack
Light – mid
Lakes / easy rivers
12’5″
25.5″ / 24.5″
1″ / .75″
Shaman
Innovative whitewater playboat
Solo
Medium
Whitewater
13’2″
26″ / 26.5″
5″ / 5.75″
How the Models Fit Together
The Lineup
Each Hemlock canoe is designed around a specific type of paddling. The lineup below shows how the models group together across common categories—hover over a model name to reveal a short description and learn more about that canoe.
Solo Touring & Sport
Tandem & Combi
Pack canoes
Finding the Right Size Canoe
Paddler Fit
Canoes perform best when they’re matched to the paddler and the intended load. This chart shows how the different models align with common paddler sizes and typical gear loads
Continue Designing Your Canoe
Next Steps
If you’re still narrowing things down, the canoe buying guide walks through the full decision process step by step. You can also explore construction options or reach out directly if you’d like help choosing a model.
Construction Options
Learn how different layups balance weight, durability, and cost so you can choose the build that fits your paddling.
Visit the Shop
See the canoes in person, talk through options, or schedule a test paddle to see how different models feel on the water.
Talk to a Builder
Have questions about models, fit, or construction? We’re always happy to talk through options and help you choose the right canoe.