Best Kayak for Camping - Prijon Yukon Expedition

[@Babo.69]

After your great review, I bought a prijon yukon expedition yesterday. The nice gentleman has always maintained it and for 250 euros very cheap offer. It makes a very stable impression at first glance, I'm looking forward to the first ride 😃 Greetings from Bavaria

[@RiverKingsKayak]

right on Roland! Now to get some trips in!

[@philoulabroche2808]

Vert nice price !

[@jermbrown4507]

I bought this boat 13 years ago, and finally rehabbed it by plastic welding area underneath grudgeon, Installing new grudgeon, new prijon rudder, sealed and riveted the rubber hull guard on the front. Your videos were really helpful. Funny that I was repairing all of the problem areas you pointed out. Anyway, I feel like I finally restored my vintage Ford Bronco lol. It’s perfect for what I like doing which is kayak camping on rivers. Mine is blue. I named it “The Ox” from paul Bunyan’s blue ox’ Babe.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

The Ox! I love it!

[@dismaldog]

Always wondered about that unusual bow-Wow lot of room behind seat,people say my dagger has too much room up to bulkhead behind the seat-but i like that as you can get a lot of daily needs in there and access while on water

[@RiverKingsKayak]

I like having a good bit of space behind the seat as it good for putting things in places just like you're talking about. I keep my solar charger battery box there and some other things I might need through the day.

[@coffinshaker]

I did a lot of research looking for the best expedition kayak and kept coming back to Prijon. I ended up with a 17' Prijon Kodiak and it's exceeded every expectation I had for it. I do longer 3-4-5 day solo camping trips here in Washington state where I need lots of storage and the comfort of a wider cockpit to fish out of. Also the Prijons are blow (thermal) molded instead of roto-mold so they are bullet proof. To your point about the rudder argument; I find it absolutely necessary with this giant boat. Where I have used it without the rudder it's pretty manageable on calm condition day paddles but fully loaded against the current it weathercocks and I'm not too proud to make it easy on myself by dropping the rudder. I like really like that they are the gas-pedal style. My opinion (and many other's) is pound-per-pound Prijons are the toughest Yaks out there with the most storage volume. They are kinda hard to find in the US but they come up for sale occasionally. Stability, comfort, durability, performance with an excellent hull shape, large hatches for larger items to store, blow molded instead of roto and a reasonable weight are defiantly the selling points. I also agree with your number one modification - name your boat. I named mine The Rita. If your a classic Universal monster movie fan you'll get it. Great video, thanks. I did an in-depth review video on a larger Prijon. You can find it on my KZbin channel.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Spot Manduex, you nailed it with the Prijons! Thanks for watching!

[@MonkeyNAround]

I remember last year on the New River watching everyone's video and seeing Randy and yourself manipulate that kayak around the river. I knew there was something about that boat. With the Tri Hull that is hands down a game changer. I need to get them River Kings on a rescue mission to see if I can salvage that camera. I like my Yukon now I need to get you working on it before the summer gets here.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Bring it on by!

[@joshinfwtx4506]

Watched again after seeing linked in current river video. Awesome boat, but since it's no longer available maybe you'll consider doing a video of 2 or 3 contenders for 2nd best boat for the rest of us.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Good call!

[@philoulabroche2808]

Hi Pete. I really appreciated your video on the support mast for GoPro but in the presentation of the Yukon Expedition, you have another mast, without a black bell at the base, mast fixed between the coaming and your solar panel. Question #1: Which device or solution do you prefer and why? Question #2: Regarding your solar panel, do you have a video of its design and assembly? I have just purchased a Prijon Enduro 450 (a little thanks to you and your in-depth test on the water) and I thank you! I would like to set up such a solar panel device for my future long itineraries, by kayak, and your help would be invaluable. See you soon from Guadeloupe, before a definitive return to mainland France. Philou.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Yes I use the RAM mount boom pole on the Yukon. I like both very much. The RAM is superior for touring while the DIY works better for my whitewater applications. Thanks!

[@TStoll-zn4pr]

Ein super Kayak für alles !Gruß aus Germany !

[@obeewanderlow-key4916]

I know you recommend the RPC3 performance tour and adventure tour paddles for use with the Yukon. Do you have any suggestions for a good alternate since the RPC3 has limited availability? Thanks!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

So yeah...it is a thing right now with the difficulty of getting carbon fiber. Im looking into it as several folks have been asking.

[@backinthewoods2022]

I have been looking at Prijon kayaks is the Enduro 450 or 380 close to the Yukon ? I’m looking to camp with it and do up to class 3 whitewater? Thank you in advance

[@RiverKingsKayak]

I have no personal experience with them, but they are supposed to be the Prijon offering in that category. The 450 would definitely be closer to the right size...

[@rubberduckproducktions532]

When I heard the music for this video, I thought you were going to have an introduction from Barry White ( although he is no longer with us)!! I like the idea of having this boat, and the seat mod would be imperative for me. Awesome video, again.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Tracy!

[@mountainsnmoore256]

Nice rig, man! Well planned out and built boat.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks!

[@adventureswithacherokee8378]

Great vid as always. I have the general observations. My prijon Rudder is slightly different design from yours, maybe a later model.

[@adventureswithacherokee8378]

Asian my seat has a different mold to it. Yours pretends to have a cup holder, mine doesn't even go that far. My rudder has a bungee band that hope it down. The one downside to the bungee is don't forget to unhook your rudder before getting on your way.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Yes, on the four I own, there are three different rudders. I guess they were tweaking things year to year.

[@davidg.6011]

Hey Pete, Looks like you got yourself a great boat for your river trips! I noticed you don’t have your compass on the deck anymore. But I guess it’s really not needed on a river. Lol Hope you keep producing the awesome videos! Can’t wait for your next adventure!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Actually, it is still there. I just had it unhooked for the review. If you watch when I flip the boat to show the hull, it is dangling there. It does come in handy from time to time! Thanks!

[@myadventureoutdoors]

That yak is one sexy beast, especially with all those cool mods. I've never paddled that style of kayak yet. That Adventure Outdoor sticker from whoever that guy is might keep the boat from sinking but it will probably attract Sasquatch on kayak camping trips. Be careful.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Let's do a trip...you can borrow one of mine. I have had that sasquatch feeling since the sticker went on!

[@myadventureoutdoors]

@@RiverKingsKayak I really do hope we can take a trip together this year.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

@@myadventureoutdoors lets do it for sure.

[@brettkovak6344]

So I was curious about what boat you guys are paddling, and 10 minutes later I found this video! My first Whitewater boat that I ever purchased was a prion fly. The plastic is definitely tougher! I’m gonna start looking for one of these. When you show the whole I like the way the Stern tapers up towards the rudder Mount. Not so much of a keel. Much more maneuverable with the Rudder up!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Yes sir! I love that boat!

[@coffinshaker]

Wish mine had that under-deck net. Might have to make one. One tip to share; I did the same thing using a cut-to-shape yoga mat for a heel pad but over time it wore out from the friction of sliding into the boat. My fix for that was to go to a Goodwill and purchase an ancient 5mm wet suit for $7.00 and cut the front out of it to fit the floor. The neoprene doesn't wear or rip and it's really comfy. Yakker hacks, had to share.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on! Might have to try this on the next go round.

[@graysonmckinney]

@@RiverKingsKayak Hey! Did you install the under deck net yourself?? I'm looking to add one to my kayak and was wondering where I should buy it and how I should install it...

[@RiverKingsKayak]

@@graysonmckinney it came that way from the factory. You can probably find that though the options are few. Check ACK and Tom's Top Kayaker websites to start.

[@rusty2490]

Hey Pete! I just picked up a used Yuke a few days ago that I'm getting started on restoring and outfitting. Upgrading from a Perception Pescador 12 for some faster moving water and longer trips. Quick question for you, though. What kind of spray skirt do you use when paddling this boat?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Seal sneak 1.7

[@mountainsnmoore256]

Alright, so my question is this...if you had a blank slate...would you do anything differently? Getting ready to start working on mine. I hardly got to get it in the water last year...that has to change this year. HAS to...

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Great question! I dont think I would! I spent a lot of time getting that outfitted just right and there really isn't anything I want/need to change.

[@mountainsnmoore256]

@@RiverKingsKayak I have to get going on mine...it is just a really good blank slate at this point. I just need to get it out and get more seat time with it,

[@backinthewoods2022]

What is the closest boat to this one if they stopped selling it? Any help would be greatly appreciated thank you👍

[@RiverKingsKayak]

There is nothing. on one side of the spectrum you could get a dagger stratos, faster but a little less maneuverable than the Yukon. On the other side of the spectrum you could get a P&H hammer, slower but more maneuverable than a Yukon.

[@onemondaynight]

Just came upon this. Have you paddled the Dagger Stratos 14.5? If so, how do they compare?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Faster, no rudder, a bit less optimal in technical rapids.

[@deangousse2113]

I've been watching the market for one of these for a few years now. They are hard to come by! I've seen Touryaks from time to time and I may end up with one of those. That being said, what is everyone else using for their camping adventures? I'm using a WS Alto. It's from the same era as the Yukon Expedition, it has a bit of a keel but not as pronounced as the newer kayaks. It's great but could use a bit more internal volume.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

A lot of folks are into the Dagger Stratos 14.5. It has a ton of rocker which delivers some pretty high maneuverability. They are good boats!

[@alexsickler4991]

I was wondering what is the compass you usually have on the front hatch lid and how do you attach it? I really like that hull design seems like it would perform nicely in I variety of different river conditions.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

It is a Seattle sports sea rover. It just clips onto my deck rigging.

[@TheAxman56]

Nice job with the vid. What is the make and model of your deck bag? Did you ever have any issues with your compartments leaking? Thanks and good job.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Overboard. No leaks ever except in the top zippered pouch. That gets damp on occasion.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

www.amazon.com/Overboard-Gear-Waterproof-Kayak-Deck/dp/B01DKX6E12

[@richardjeffries7893]

Hey Pete, what type of foam did you make the seat back out of? I'm sure it's closed cell and is firm if not ridged. My Wilderness systems seat doesn't adjust forward enough to give the lumbar support I need. A source for the foam would be great but the type is most important because that seems very durable.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

minicell foam. 3" x 12" makes one seat back. NRS had it for sale a few weeks ago. ACK and Toms Top Kayaker are also websites that I use...

[@richardjeffries7893]

@@RiverKingsKayak thanks Pete.

[@Mywheel]

Very informative, well done 👍👍👍

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Michi!

[@KentuckyWoodsman]

Good review! Looks like an excellent kayak too. I have been looking for a Yukon on the used market for a while now. Best I can tell it would be easier to find a gold plated kayak than a used Yukon. Speaking of Alpha Stickers......How does one go about getting a River Kings sticker? Thanks Pete!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Send me an address and one will be headed your way!

[@KentuckyWoodsman]

@@RiverKingsKayak Awesome! Do you have an email that you use for YT that I can send it to you?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

@@KentuckyWoodsman send me a message on the River Kings Facebook page.

[@KentuckyWoodsman]

@@RiverKingsKayak WIll do!

[@dead2me82]

Hey Pete, been watching your videos and getting inspired. As it seems nearly impossible to find the Prijon Yukon these days, would you have any other recommendation for camping? I’m considering the Dagger Stratos or WS Tsunami, but trying to get some other ideas.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Indeed Michael! I have been suggesting the Dagger Stratos 14.5. Folks really like Them and they are well built.

[@dead2me82]

@@RiverKingsKayak if I wanted to camp, but also have a craft capable of class 2 or some lower class 3 rapids, do you think the Stratos 145 could handle that, or would I need to go down to the 125 or even shift to something like the Katana 10.4 even though it has less cargo capacity?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

@@dead2me82 totally depends on what type of water you wish to paddle. The Katana is a great boat. It would Excell in the rapids but will suffer in the flats. The yukon is pretty darn good at both. The Stratos is good, but slightly less capable than the yukon in rapids but is faster in the flats.

[@Adventurekm]

Back again lol! The part for the gopro pole at the back what is it called? Ram ball? Does it come with everything ball, pole etc? Where did you get it? Your channel should have 100K sub by now. Maybe reach out to your favorite equipment sellers and get a kick back or sponsors. That way you can make more videos cheers.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks a ton KMA! RAM is the company that makes the components. I used the 1.5" ball mount, a 24" pole, a 1" ball at the top with a camera receiver. 1.5" ball - www.rammount.com/part/RAM-347U 24" pole - www.rammount.com/part/RAP-CB-201-24U camera mount - www.rammount.com/part/RAP-B-202U-GOP1

[@Adventurekm]

@@RiverKingsKayak awesome I keep sharing your videos. Your videos are great. Thanks again.

[@ChrisBenoit-angermng.counselor]

What did you use to secure your heel pad down and anything that you would do different. Besides putting a Alpha sticker below your left heel. Thanks

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Now why didn't I think of that! I used 3M spray. It holds up just fine if you make good contact with it. I would not put the paddle holder if I did it all over again. Everything else has been perfect.

[@FeWolf]

I have a GoPro 3 resting on the bottom of a river or 2. Question were to get some good bungee cord?! Is that SF Crest on top?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Oh man! I use some 1.5 mm cordage as tethers. I also use 3/16 bungee for the deck bungee. I can fling most on Amazon or ACK's website.

[@FeWolf]

@@RiverKingsKayak Thx, I was looking to see if you use a certain brand, I seem to get about a year out of my bungee cords.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

@@FeWolf not sure the brand on the bungee...I've never paid attention. And btw pineland is nice this time of year!😉

[@putniklik9203]

@@RiverKingsKayak did you order this pole with "mouth/adapters" for the camera and kayak or you did it on your own custome made pole?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

@@putniklik9203 it is a RAM mount 1.5" ball and RAM 24" pole

[@netgraphx]

What do you think about sit on top kayaks for the rivers you do? I love the easy in/easy out of the sit on. I have the WS Tarpon 140 & 160 kayaks with rudder, and a Jackson Cuda 12 (no rudder). I have thought about getting a sit in for certain trips but still just love the easy entry/exit of a good sit on top. I end up thinking that sit inside is really good for whitewater and sea kayaking. I fall in the middle, but end up doing a touch of both, so I go for a faster sit on.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

There so many different kinds of kayaks out there. Really it all comes down to personal choice. For me the sit on tops are too heavy and too slow. Also they're not going to be good in the rolling Department. But basically there's no sit on top kayak that will perform like the Yukon in heavy current either. But there are definitely advantages to each kind of design. The easy in-and-out is definitely a plus.

[@scromp]

Let me tell you all about this awesome boat [ time passes ] .. oh and by the way they don't make them anymore. :-D :-D Glad I knew that going in!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

LOL ! I should have made a disclaimer up front . I own four of them. And I've helped about five or six friends buy one on the used Market. They're out there to be gotten you just have to keep your eyes open.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

@Air 4000 there is no direct replacements. 😥

[@tibbit26]

@@RiverKingsKayak Hi, I wrote to Prijon, but did not get an answer jet. The Enduro 450 would be something like a replacement. But it isn't the same... Greetings from Switzerland, proud Yukon-owner Tibbit :-) www.prijon.com/enduro-450.html

[@PracticalOutdoorist]

Funny, "I don't know why the y left heel pad is wore out .... clearly you were drifting Right ! LOL !

[@RiverKingsKayak]

It was messing with me a bit! Ha ha

[@crazygrandma2972]

Curious what years the Yukon was made?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

I think they stopped around 05ish or so...not sure when they began.

[@GeorgiaPaddler]

What did you mount your gps to Nana with?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Garmin makes a mount...here is a link... amzn.to/3HRRzBN

[@GeorgiaPaddler]

@@RiverKingsKayak Thank you 🙏 👍

[@peterdavidwood]

Curious, What voltaic system are you using?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

The 17 watt rigid panel solar laptop charger with the nanuk box

[@peterdavidwood]

@@RiverKingsKayak Groovy, Thanks mate! Was just on the French Broad the other day. Saw your trip video just before paddling part of it. SO MANY TOOBERS, LOL

[@RiverKingsKayak]

@@peterdavidwood right on!

[@mountainsnmoore256]

Yep...watching this one, too. LOL!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

love it!!!

[@charliestrickland8193]

Uummm. I’m not sure but I can’t help but think that Greg just got threw under the bus. And for anyone looking for a Yukon their ain’t many out there and they are proud of them when they are, as they should be.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

🤣

[@adventureswithacherokee8378]

Here are the mods I have done on mine. kzbin.info/www/bejne/e2TPZKKHabRkea8 The one big change I want to make from my mod is to change the back seat rest band. Maybe to prijons newer higher back rest.

[@wadepatton2433]

Greg?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

My buddy tore his boat up a little while on a trip...

[@thewonderingelectrician]

Myth number 2 😂😂😂😕...I see what you did there.....

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Oh yeah!

[@rusty2490]

​@RiverKingsKayak Thanks, dude. That's what I was eyeballing. Waiting on a bunch of replacement parts, but I can't wait to get this thing out on the water!

[@TaylorGoetz]

Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Is my review of the Yukon that bad?

[@TaylorGoetz]

@@RiverKingsKayak has nothing to do with the review. Was watching your awesome review and remembered that people are on their way to hell and Jesus is the only way. God bless you sir. You're attitude right there was pretty bad though. To react negatively to the very words the Lord told us to preach is a lot of things that are bad.