From Fish to Hunt: Our Top 3 Boats

Hey everyone, it’s Andy here from AQ Outdoors in Edmonton. Have you ever wondered what the right watercraft is for you when it comes to hunting and fishing? Let’s figure it out together.

Now, I know I’m going to catch a bit of heat for not talking about fishing kayaks, but today we’re focusing on something a little more versatile. We’re talking about crafts that perform double duty for both hunting and fishing. The three we’re diving into are the Slipstream Fishing Raft Package, the Prospecteur Canoe Line, and the Orion Packraft.

The Slipstream 106 Raft Package

The Slipstream 106 Raft Package is designed straight out of the box with the hardcore angler in mind. It’s built to tackle just about anything you can throw at it. This raft can handle drift boat-style situations and makes Class II and III rapids approachable for newer paddlers.

With its huge load capacity, it’s ideal for most hunting expeditions. You can bring all your gear, your hunting rewards, or even a few friends along for the ride. The Slipstream is a true workhorse of the water world. It’s sturdy, dependable, and ready for serious use—but you’ll need to plan how to load and transport it since it’s not the lightest option on the list.

The Prospector 15 Canoe

Next up, let’s talk about the Prospector 15 Canoe. This one’s a classic. It’s versatile, capable, and a favorite among paddlers for good reason. Whether you’re heading out for a weekend trip with a partner or disappearing into the woods for a month-long solo expedition, the Prospector 15 can handle it.

It’s got plenty of room for multi-day trip gear and your hunting haul. Thanks to its gentle rocker hull, it performs beautifully on both flat and moving water. Think of it as the perfect companion for a trip down the Churchill River. The Prospector 15 strikes a great balance between stability, maneuverability, and storage capacity, which makes it an excellent all-around choice for both fishing and hunting adventures.

The Orion Pack Raft

Finally, let’s talk about the Orion Pack Raft. If you’re into backcountry missions, this one’s a game changer. The key feature here is that it’s packable. That’s what makes a pack raft a pack raft—you can bring it anywhere, no trailer or roof rack required.

The Orion’s dual-chamber design adds an extra layer of safety if you happen to get a puncture on the water. Its T-zip and large internal storage area give you space for all your gear, from tents to safety equipment. Plus, its self-bailing floor helps keep things manageable if you take on some water mid-adventure. Whether you’re bike rafting, hiking, or paddling into remote places, the Orion is built to get you there and back safely.

Choosing the Right Craft for You

Now that we’ve gone through the lineup, let’s summarize. The raft is your heavy duty option. It’s durable, can carry a ton of gear, and works great for longer, supported trips. The trade off is the extra effort required for transport and setup.

On the opposite end, the pack raft is light, portable, and perfect for spontaneous adventures. It can fit in your trunk or even in a dresser drawer if you wanted to, but it’s not quite as durable as a larger raft or canoe.

Right in the middle is the canoe. It’s the sweet spot between durability, ease of use, and portability. You can bring it with almost any vehicle, though storage might take some creative thinking at home. The canoe’s versatility and simplicity make it a go-to for many paddlers who want a bit of everything.

Final Thoughts

So, what’s the right craft for you? If you’re planning to drift rivers and haul big loads, the Slipstream raft might be the one. If you’re aiming for backcountry mountain adventures on foot or by bike, the Orion pack raft is probably your best bet. And if you want something balanced for weekend trips, expeditions, or paddling with friends, the Prospector canoe is hard to beat.

There’s a lot to consider, but finding the right fit is part of the fun. We’re here to help you narrow it down and get you on the water with the right setup for your adventures.