Bringing the right toys camping is all part of the fun. If you are thinking about what kind of kayak you might want to take along for your adventures, you’ll want to know the pros and cons of the various types on the market. On top, inside, inflatable, hard side? What you choose depends on the type of water where you will be kayaking, how much weight you want to add to your gear, and what kind of space you have for your toys.
Origami/Folding
Pros: Lightweight; easy to transport; compact; track well in the water and come in a variety of sizes
Cons: Learning curve on how to assemble and dis-assemble; not meant for fast moving water; can be pricey; may not take a hard impact on the water well; seats tend to be uncomfortable; could be a challenge getting back into if dumped out on the water
Inflatable
Pros: Lightweight; easy to transport; compact; buoyant and likely won’t sink; come in a wide range of prices; wide range of types depending on the type of water you want to paddle on (flat water, fast-moving water, ocean)
Cons: Because they tend to be flat bottoms, don’t track well (consider adding a keel); less expensive ones can be less durable; takes effort to inflate; seat can be uncomfortable; tend to get wet more
Hard Side, Sit In
Pros: Durable; usually have onboard storage; track well in the water; can remain fairly dry with an added skirt; versatile as to types of water they can be used on; come in a variety of prices ranges; stable
Cons: Heavier weight; challenging to transport; can be difficult for some to get into them
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Hard Side, Sit On Top
Pros: Easier for some to get into; some are designed to fish from; easier to self-rescue if you fall out
Cons: Easier to fall out; likely will get wet; sun exposure to your legs; heavier weight, challenging to transport; typically, are flat bottom, so may not track well; not meant for fast water.
Inflatables of Interest
When space is at a premium and weight may be an issue, inflatables are the way to go for Girl Campers. Here are few we have tested and like. Some come with oars and a pump, while others don’t. Don’t forget to get a personal flotation device!
Oru Kayak
Lightweight (25 pounds) and easy to assemble, its unique origami design makes it a breeze to transport in the backseat of most cars. It’s stable in the water and has room enough to take your dog along for the ride. $1,200. orukayak.com
Aquaglide Deschutes 110
This one-person kayak features a low rocker profile for increased stability and sleek, narrow tubes for better gliding and speed. It weighs just 18.1 pounds and includes the seat, footrest, quick-release fin, storage bag, valve adaptor and repair kit. $680. Deschutes.com
TAHE Beach LP1 Inflatable Kayak
Another lightweight (24 pounds) one-person kayak, which features bungee storage, carry handles, an inflatable raised seat for comfort, a four-piece kayak paddle, inflation pump, carry-all backpack, removable fins and a repair kit. The package is a bargain at $500. tahesport.com.
TAHE 11’0 Breeze Wing Inflatable Paddleboard
If you’d rather stand up and paddle, this 23-pound inflatable is great for flat-water cruising and comes with everything you need to get going, with a high-pressure, two-way inflation pump, adjustable paddle, ankle/calf leash, removable fin, repair kit and backpack. $560. tahesport.com.
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