Unless you're looking to do more than a week's worth of camping, I wouldn't look for anything too large. I built a Pygmy Arctic Tern and it has more than enough room. As most of us builders seem to do, I built a wider (23" beam) boat for a beginner, and now after only a few months of paddling, am ready to build another boat that's a little narrower and maybe a little longer. I've also realized that most of my paddleing is on day trips, and the camping excursions aren't as frequent as I'd originally planned. Just avoid any boat that's advertised as 'low volume' and you'll be fine. Many make due just fine with a low-volume boat, too, just as long as they don't bring the kitchen sink. Even a low-volume boat will have more room in it than a backpack will. Dean