Larry Cable wrote:

Have you tried the Force or Force XL yet?

Yes, both, although not on class 4.

My feeling is that you might as well get a hardshell,
because they are less expensive, won't puncture when
dragged over rocks, and have more gear storage capacity.

Heck, my friend who paddles a Force XL even made me
carry his lunch!

The LiquidLogic Gus is one example of a hardshell kayak
with adequate capacity and performance for camping trips.
AIRE used to make the Force XL in "Expedition" format
without inflatable backrest and footrest (now discontinued),
but it's hard to see the point. It just looks like a Lynx
without bow rise.