ADK Talks
ADK Talks brings you the stories behind the people, places, and things to do in the Adirondack Park of New York State. With 6 million acres, the Adirondacks are the ultimate playground.
We take you beyond the guidebooks and into the heart of one of America's most breathtaking regions. Just like we do on our website, adktaste.com, our podcast uncovers the hidden gems of the Adirondacks, offering hand-picked recommendations for the best places to stay, eat, shop and do in the Adirondack Park.
But this isn't just about places. It's about the people who make the Adirondacks so special and unique. In each episode, we talk to people from all walks of life—restauranteurs, farmers, innkeepers, historians, artists, local leaders, writers, hikers, and more. Hear real stories about what they do, their passions, and how they found their way here.
And they'll share their insider tips on the best things to see and do in the Adirondacks – insights you won't find anywhere else.
So subscribe now to ADK Talks to get real stories from real people, sharing the real Adirondacks.
You can also visit us online at adktaste.com.
ADK Talks
Ultralight, All Heart: Adirondack Pack Canoes by Hornbeck
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
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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.