Saranac Lake Island Camping in Sea Eagle Razorlite 393RL... Chilly, Wet & Windy!

Testing out my new Sea Eagle Razorlite 393RL on a multi-day island camping adventure on Saranac Lake NY.

[@tykematlack7588]

Way to go Bert!!! We just ordered 2 Razorlite 393RL kayaks and can’t wait to get them in the water. Thanks for this awesome video. I’m glad that we subscribed to your channel, we can learn a lot from you.

[@bertsadventures9974]

Wow! Thanks for the awesome compliment and enjoy your new boats... whenever you get them!

[@reinhard89]

Beautiful scenery Bert and really nice boat! Hopefully I can get myself one this season! Reminds me a lot of a nice little lake I go to quite often here in Ontario, Canada. Keep the videos coming!

[@bertsadventures9974]

Thanks Reinhard! I wish the weather had been a bit better, but I really enjoyed it. Algonquin Park is on my paddling bucket list!

[@reinhard89]

@@bertsadventures9974 Incredible park! Can’t wait to watch that video 😁

[@JuanMartinez-zo5zf]

This is exactly the video I've been looking for! Someone actually camping with the Razorlight in choppy waters. It would be awesome if you could show how you tied down all your gear on the kayak. Much appreciated!

[@bertsadventures9974]

Hey Juan... I simply used lashing straps to tie down and went through existing d-rings on the boat.

[@averageguy1261]

wow, that was cool!

[@toddg2299]

Great video Bert. Nice to see others drive 7.5 hours sometimes just to get to a nice adventure.

[@bertsadventures9974]

Thanks Todd! I have a few weeks off between jobs so I'm trying to make the best of my time and get to a few places that I normally wouldn't.

[@toddg2299]

The hard shell kayaks are tippy. You noted you hadn’t tried one. To me that would be the comparison, in addition to comparing ease of transport and loading into/onto vehicle. I found strapping hardshell boats on top of the jeep to be a pain. Still waiting on my Explorer!

[@bertsadventures9974]

@@toddg2299 I was tossing my Explorer on top of a 4Runner for 2 years before I got my truck. I paddle so frequently that I keep my Explorer inflated most of the year.

[@hntrains2]

That went well.

[@reallyhappenings5597]

Inspiring!

[@andybader8747]

Hi Bert, I previously enjoyed your video on paddling the Schuylkill River, which showed me the possibilities for my new Razorlite 393RL close to my West Philadelphia home. I used to own a Folbot folding kayak but I can't say enough about the Sea Eagle technology for inflatable boats--really great. This video hit my You Tube only a week after I recently returned from Saranac Lake (campsite #47). I can recommend the hand launch at South Creek on Rt. 3, which feeds into Middle Saranac Lake. The trip across Middle Saranac to the Saranac River, through the Upper Locks, and into Lower Saranac Lake is terrific (about 2 hours to the entrance of Lower Saranac.) Campsite #47 is on Loon Bay, and right on cue a loon was there to great me! I also enjoyed paddles on Little Tupper Lake and Upper Saranac. Rollins Pond has a terrific campground. Your video brought back instant memories of the beauty, quiet, and unspolied environment of Middle and Lower Saranac Lake. One of the biggest treats is the complete silence when no other boats are around. I loved the moment near the end of your trip when you stopped briefly to take in the scene and simply listen to the wind and water. Priceless. Thank you for sharing these experiences.

[@bertsadventures9974]

Thanks Andy! Saranac is definitely on the "go back to" list. What a great place. And thanks for the tips!

[@mrmott44]

Great video. Heading to Adirondacks in late July. I won’t have my razorlite but a rental in the lakes is on the agenda. I’ve really liked my razorlite so far. Only drawback it the effort needed to install/remove foot pegs.

[@bertsadventures9974]

For me, the secret is to place the footpegs before inflating. I've had no trouble getting the rod in.

[@mrnobodieswildcampingadventure]

Great video Bert, been watching some of your videos over the last two weeks, and now Subscribed. I do a lot of wild camping but want to go back to my youth of kayaking with wild camping in the next year. Will be mainly on lakes and rivers, but on those calm flat days will be in Devon (twice a year) on the sea wild camping. So it is a toss up between the Razorlite or Explora, not sure! I will get there in the end when it comes to decision making lol. Love from U.K!

[@bertsadventures9974]

Thanks for the comment! In my opinin, if you are doing a lot of camping and packing gear, you will enjoy the Explorer much more than the Razorlite. I love the RL393 for my morning flatwater paddle, but it is not great in rouger water or with a load.

[@classicarcadeamusementpark4242]

Just bought one to add to my Sea Eagle "fleet" Bert. Can't wait to try it. I can use the exercise, and paddling this for a long distance sound appealing for a change, even if I still prefer my Paddleski 90% of the time.

[@bertsadventures9974]

I'm sure you'll love the Razorlite, but have you ssen the new Paddleski? It looks sweet!!!

[@classicarcadeamusementpark4242]

@@bertsadventures9974 I hope it's as great as the Razorlite appears, and that the one i'm buying is really brand new and not defective. I'm unsure if the skeg or foot rest (if older model of the Razorlite) are included. The seat & paddle are not included, but I have an extra tall back seat and paddle already. If the skeg is missing, I can't really try it out until I order one. If I get a chance to try it this weekend, I have to hope the inflatable deluxe seat works, because a teen at home without permission burried my "boat room" to the ceilng with junk, so it will take a bit of time to locate my pair of unused tall back seats. I've only seen the ad for the new Paddleski. I'd love to try one. I think the Razorlite will get 1/10th the use of my Paddleski, but since I found a bargin, I'd like to have a Razorlite in my collection.

[@bertsadventures9974]

@@classicarcadeamusementpark4242 I paddled the Razorlite yesterday without the skeg because I was in really skinny water and I had no issues at all. I'll probably not install the skeg when I'm on rivers and will only use it on open water lakes.

[@classicarcadeamusementpark4242]

@@bertsadventures9974 I picked it up yesterday, and it definately seems brand new. The bubble wrap was still over the handles and it was stored in what seemed like the shipping box. I inflated it and did not hear air leaking, which was a great sign. It's the newer model Razorlite 393RL. It is missing one of the two side foot pegs/metal bars and missing the skeg. I emailed Sea Eagle to buy those parts. I got a steal on this kayak. Quickly reminded as we're visiting the Onieda Lake NY area why the paddleski is my favorite kayak. Way too rough for any of Sea Eagle's other kayaks even with only a so called 5 mph wind. A stable boat and motor or full sail rig is required for this 50,000 acre lake. All 3 times visiting were these conditions. Be sure to try out the best inflatable kayak in the world, the Sea Eagle Paddleski.

[@Regs1823]

Nice!!!

[@stevehanlon7627]

thanks for taking us along on this trip in the 393RL... it really highlights the performance of the kayak. the wind and chop were pretty gnarly and you weren't getting shoved all around like the 380X does. the speed is apparent which i think comes from the great tracking which puts more of the stroke power into forward movement. i'm going to pick up a 393 in the off season, should i tell them Bert sent me? ;)

[@bertsadventures9974]

Thanks Steve! I can't hurt, can it?

[@tykematlack7588]

HI Steve, on the Sea Eagle website they’re on sale now until July 31. We just purchased 2 of them and saved $1000. I’m going to buy our kidddos that 2 of them also as a wedding present .

[@jm-bv1wh]

A year later... How do you secure your gear in the kayak? I don't see any d-rings or attachment points. I'd be concerned if I flipped. Thanks.

[@888zhang]

Life is good!!!

[@bertsadventures9974]

Any day on the water is a good day!

[@JeffScott-1978]

Moving out in that Razorlite bert. Evan loaded with gear. Solid paddling skills bro. I say if the Razorlite packs the gear bring it. It paddles better.

[@bertsadventures9974]

Thanks Jeff! The Razorlite is now my go to boat for paddling, but for pack trips I still prefer the Explorer for stability and capacity.

[@kevinklasman]

I really enjoyed this video...looks like a great location. I'll have to plan a trip there someday. Your video and audio quality are really good...have you done a behind-the-scenes video on your gear? Would love to see that.

[@bertsadventures9974]

Hey Kevin... thanks for the comment! As for my video, I'll be honest, I simply have two GoPro Hero 7 Black cameras. I mount one to the front of my boat facing me and then I have another forward facing camera that I wear either in a chest mount strap on on my helmet when in whitewater. Nothing fancy and I do all of my editing in iMovie.

[@roypvy6158]

Thanks for the video. It gives a visual example of what the kayak can go thru. Have you had or tried out the sea eagle 385fast track? Would you consider this 393rl better in stability than the 385ft?

[@bertsadventures9974]

Hey Roy! Thanks for the comment. I encourage you to check out some of my other videos. You'll see that I have two other Sea Eagle Explorers (300 & 380X) and I think they are awesome. I've never paddled the Fasttrack, but I've seen one. The bottom is a little different than the Explorer, which I believe will make it faster than the Explorer, but not as fast as the Razorlite. From a stability perspecitve, the Fastrack will be far more stable than the Razorlite in my opinion.

[@pdpdude1011]

What a neat video! Really enjoyed it……thanks for making it! How has the Sea Eagle 393 RL held up? I am considering buying it.

[@ChristopherKnN]

Your GPS was just trying to assist you with having an adventure. Sometimes they are successful at it.

[@jm-bv1wh]

Great video! What model Sea Eagle Explorer do you have - they have 3 or 4 Explorer models. Thanks.

[@bertsadventures9974]

I have both the Explorer 380X and 300X. I use the 300 pretty much just for whitewater and rivers and the 380 is my fishing and multi-day boat.

[@thunderingbuzzard]

Thank you for this. My wife and I have been pouring over kayak possibilities and the 393RL is a top contender. I'm vertically challenged - 6'6" with long legs. How tall are you and how much room is there with the footrests fully extended. I've sat in very expensive Stellars (S14S and S16S) and even they are a bit restrictive for my long legs (but amazing kayaks). With my knees high, my core tires more easily and it reduces stability. The 473rl can be operated with one person, but Sea Eagle's instructions are to use the front seat for solo operation, so I don't see any advantage with respect to legroom over the 393rl. I'd love to know your thoughts.

[@bertsadventures9974]

Thanks Danny! I'm a bit vertically challenged in the other direction and am only 5'8" with a 32" inseam. I set the foot braces on #5 but I believe it goes up to 15 or 18 so there are several add'l inches of space available. I believe that between the ability to adjust the seat and the foot pegs you should be able to find a comfortable position. The 393RL really is a great boat for flat water. It takes some getting used to, but once you are comfortable it is awesome!

[@JLars]

Curious, how well does this handle over level 1 or 2 rapids. Will rocks/etc tear up the underside?

[@bertsadventures9974]

I personally do not feel comfortable in the Razorlite in fast moving water. That's not to say some wouldn't have a problem, but for me the Razorlite is a flat water boat... and a tremendous one at that! In moving water with class II,III,IV rapids I will always lean on my Explorer 380 or 300X.

[@thanhd4611]

Thanks for sharing the video. I was interested in buying a kayak for camping and touring. I was thinking of the Razorlite but I wasn't sure if it was stable and large enough. What are your thoughts on it? Thanks!

[@bertsadventures9974]

Personally I prefer the Sea Eagle Explorer for camping. It simply carries more gear and is a much more stable boat. There is no doubt that the Razorlite tracks better, but I don't think the performance gap is large enough to choose the RL over the Explorer.

[@susanray7181]

I've been looking forward to this review. The Razorlite seems a lot like I thought it would be...fast and maybe a little tippy. I'll keep it on my list of possibilities for my next boat. I'm learning that you can't have just one boat. Can I ask what length paddle you're using? Is it the same one you use for your 380x?

[@bertsadventures9974]

Great observation Susan! The paddle is my long 280cm paddle that I use with the Explorer and I think it is too long for the Razorlite. I'm expecting a new paddle at my door today that will be shorter and I'll use it for the Razorlite as well as whitewater in the Explorer.

[@michaeldurkin8659]

I grew up there, man I could tell you some stories...

[@harlybattiest]

New subscriber Amazing review and wonderful scenery as well as commentary 👌 what tent are you using i want to get a new tent this year. Thank you

[@bertsadventures9974]

Thanks for the comment and subscribing. this was my first trip in my new tent. It is a Marmot Limelight 2P. I got rid of my old 4P

[@ROBM1093]

This one reminds me of the pack boats they use in the Adirondacks. I wonder if I could fish out of it

[@bertsadventures9974]

I do not fish out of the Razorlite as it is not super stable if you were landing a fish. Just my feeling.

[@dennisconlon5810]

Hello Burt I am a new subscriber to your channel and love it. I own an electric boat called a Twin Troller x10 from Freedom Electric. I enjoy my boat minus it takes some work to get it to the water. I was looking for a boat that was more old heavy guy friendly and found the Sea Eagle canoe. Have you tried that boat yet? I like the fact that its compact, light weight, and stable. Within the last two years I have had rotator cuff surgery done on both shoulders and I’m searching for a better solution to get on the water. Any help would be great. Dennis

[@bertsadventures9974]

Hey Dennis! Thanks for the comment! I'm very familiar with the Twin Troller and almost bought one myself as well a couple of years ago. I don't know much about the Sea Eagle Canoe, but if you're looking for something that you can have a motor on I would check out the Sea Eagle Explorer or Paddle Ski. Check out my channel and I have a ton of info about the Explorer.

[@oldhammi22]

Super cool video - I liked the part where you paddle in the wind!

[@bertsadventures9974]

Thanks Mireille... I appreciate you watching my videos!

[@oldhammi22]

@@bertsadventures9974 do you still love the kayak? Have you encountered more waves situation? Also how is the skeg for you?

[@bertsadventures9974]

@@oldhammi22 it really is a great little boat. I've used it on lake and rivers since I got it and it is pretty awesome. Not sure how it would handle anything bigger than class 1, but for mellow rivers it is great!

[@oldhammi22]

@@bertsadventures9974 Thanks Bert! I don

[@pwkulp]

I am trying to decide between 300x, 385ft, and 393rl. I’m 6’1 250 and wonder if you have any thoughts on which would be best? I would use the kayak mostly on flat lakes and rivers. Thanks for the videos!

[@bertsadventures9974]

Hey Philip, I think you could be happy with any of them. My guess is that the 385ft will paddle slightly better than the 380X and the 393rl will be the best of the group and behave most like a hard shell kayak. So, you sacrifice a bit of stability with the Razorlite, but also lose some of the flexibility which is why I love the Explorer.

[@reallyhappenings5597]

465FT You are not a small dude and will appreciate the extra lateral stability and payload and length of that one. I love mine.

[@jeffscott2010]

Agree with Bert. I am 6'3" and 220 and he 393RL works just fine for me. It feels more tippy but it's actually very stable...as in, it tips to a point and then stops. It tracks really well and moves along at a good pace. Good luck with your decision.

[@hipcatticus]

I too, am torn between the 300x, the 385ft, and the 393rl. I ordered the 385ft a couple of days ago (won't be shipped until early November), but I think I want the other two, eventually, as well.

[@allonsy9808]

Hello Bert! I just got my 393RL on Friday. This is one of the videos that convinced me to go with the 393. Haven’t had a chance to take it out yet, but I did inflate it to inspect it. Couple of questions: what magic spell is required to insert the foot rests? And do I have to sacrifice a body part to remove them? Lol. They are BEASTS! I didn’t think anything could be more difficult than inserting them. As it happens, I was wrong. Extracting them is much worse. Lol Is there a way to fold and store the kayak while keeping the footrests in place? Thanks!!

[@bertsadventures9974]

Ha! Great questions. But first... congrats on your new boat! I'm sure you'll love it. I honestly haven't had the trouble that I hear so many other people mention with the foot rests but I guess my one tip is to do it when the boat is not inflated. I tend to keep my boats inflated for most of the season and only deflate and pack up if I'm making a long trip and have to load up the truck.

[@JLars]

They Must be inserted when fully deflated of course. But some people have mentioned that one of their rods were longer than they were supposed to be and they cut them shorter or had Sea Eagle send you new ones. Installation instructions say they should be 250mm long, check to make sure they are.

[@allonsy9808]

@@JLars Hi! Thanks. I was inserting while the 393 was deflated, but the rods were just too long. SE sent new ones, and it's fine now.

[@caroltaxman1343]

That lake looks great to fish in. Weren't you nervous because the water had to be very cold. My biggest fear is hypothermia if I fall in and can't get out in time. Think about a dry suit.

[@bertsadventures9974]

Hi Carol! The water has already warmed up pretty considerably and the lake isn't as deep as I would have expected.

[@reallyhappenings5597]

In cold water you can always upgrade to a type 2 PFD. Drysuit if you insist.

[@okazerk]

nice sharp burp at 25:28

[@tylermohn9542]

Hey bert quick question whats the name of the paddle you use wanna buy myself one since i just brought myself a kayak from dicks sporting goods n they didnt have any good ones besides the pelican paddles n i like the look of yours

[@bertsadventures9974]

I use a Kerco 260cm paddle that I picked up on Amazon. It is carbon fiber and a lot lighter. It is pretty long, but I need that when paddling the Explorer. I just ordered a 230cm that I'll be using for the Razorlite and when I'm in whitewater in the Explorer.

[@tganz1928]

Hey Bert. Great job on all your uploads. Very informative and entertaining! One question. My girlfriend would like to purchase one She will be doing easy rivers 1 and II along with lakes. About 50/50. Which sea eagle kayak would you recommend?

[@bertsadventures9974]

I think she could go with the Razorlite or FastTrack and be really happy. The explorer if you see kayak camping in your future, but for day use either of the others. I'm not a fan of some of the lower end models and you get so much more quality and versatility as you go up the model list.

[@tganz1928]

@@bertsadventures9974 Thank you Bert. And here's to many great adventures to come with safe returns!

[@flynn6325]

With the skeg seems to work better..

[@reallyhappenings5597]

Does this lake freeze in winter? Could be a very serene off-season snowjob for hardy souls.

[@bertsadventures9974]

Good question, but I would assume so!

[@yornoc318]

It is in one of the coldest and snowy places in New York. It freezes fast and deep, but you can then ski or snowshoe to the campsites. They also have a winter carnival each winter as well.

[@bertsadventures9974]

@@yornoc318 that would be freakin' AWESOME!!! Ski out with a sled full of gear and a cold weather tent!

[@raullibunao3367]

what kind of gopro mount are you using?

[@bertsadventures9974]

Hey Raul! On this trip I was still using my homemade mount, but now I have purchased a Scotty GoPro Extension Arm

[@raullibunao3367]

@@bertsadventures9974 Thank You for the fast reply...how do you mount it to the sea eagle explorer 380x ?

[@bertsadventures9974]

@@raullibunao3367 on the Sea Eagle website they now sell a full line of Scotty Mounts and accessories that you can glue to your kayak. Mine work great!

[@flynn6325]

Have you ever taken it out in 20 degree weather?

[@bertsadventures9974]

I've had it out in the 20's and was wearing a dry suit and pfd. I don't think I would take the razorlite on moving water in that cold, only on flat lake water.

[@flynn6325]

Taking out on flat water till I get a dry suit

[@hipcatticus]

Hey Bert! Love your videos. How tippy would you say the 393rl is, in general? I don't have the best sense of balance. More precisely, I have the balance of a drunken three-legged dog with epilepsy! However, I have seen a video of a couple who deliberately flipped the 393 upside down and managed to right it and get back inside the boat in less than 10 seconds, so that was more than a bit reassuring. I'm not that worried about tipping it when I'm actually in it and paddling, only in my ability to get in and out of it without dunking myself in the drink. I'm 55 years old, almost 200 pounds, and have had three knee surgeries... so I'm a bit ungainly all by myself. :D What do you think?

[@bertsadventures9974]

I too am 55, nearly 200 lbs, have had knee & shoulder surgeries! I'll be honest, the tippieness of the 393RL isn't really a big deal, but I have come to the conclusion that I simply prefer my Explorer to the RL. It is not that much slower and is just more comfortable, in my opinion.

[@jm-bv1wh]

I saw the couple with the flipped RL. They were not in deep water - they were standing on the bottom! The Sea Eagle produced video does the same thing. The guy hops back in the boat, but he's pushing off from the bottom. Completely misleading - and dangerous to mislead people like that.

[@bertsadventures9974]

@@jm-bv1wh I agree with that!

[@MrJuniormikey]

Try the fast track by sea eagle

[@bertsadventures9974]

If you've seen my other videos I have several Sea Eagel boats. Although I don't own a FastTrack I have paddled them and I still believe the Explorer is their best boat.

[@hardrockminer-50]

Razorlight seems to be pretty fast. What do you think was your comfortable paddling speed?

[@bertsadventures9974]

Hey Clyde! I have maxed at 5.9mph on gps with an empty boat. I think 3 mph is comfortable, but I'm a guy that paddles the entire time. I don't generally just float.

[@hipcatticus]

Holy Toledo Kingfish!!!! 39 degrees????? This was filmed in JUNE!!!! Did Mother Nature not get the memo about summer???

[@redtobertshateshandles]

Great, except for the pooch reference. I'd prefer some good old fashioned swearing. 😂 Google, Adam Britton NT Australia.

[@joekelly9369]

probably not the best for uk waters .. we get waves on lochs when its windy ,10 strokes on the left to one on the right weathercock so bad you have to camp at the nearest land .. ( this is usual standard inflatable behavior ) not drop stitch canoe behavior i hope

[@bertsadventures9974]

Agreed. I wouldn't want to be on any water with unpredictable conditions in this boat. Great for flat water on nice days, but I'll take my Explorer if things look iffy.

[@slickwilly4613]

Add some cool shoes you got any chance you remember the brand name?

[@bertsadventures9974]

They are Merrell Hydro Mocs and I love them! Great all around shoes.

[@slickwilly4613]

@@bertsadventures9974 thanks!

[@zhrob1]

Looks like you are cutting through the water at some fine speeds...

[@bertsadventures9974]

Yea, the Razorlite is a really nice paddle!

[@waynebrucemanbat5787]

Yeah I'm curious how much faster it feels than the 380x. I'll admit my 380x with the low profile seats from the pro package don't feel great on flat water. I'm too low in the boat and it makes my back hurt a bit if I have to work hard. Bert, do you prefer the inflatable seats for flat water over the pro seats? I'm thinking the extra 5 inches of raised height would make paddling a little easier

[@bertsadventures9974]

@@waynebrucemanbat5787 I used the inflatable seats for my first two seasons in the 380X and I had zero complaints. But I purchased the Pro Seat when I got into more whitewater and it is comfortable. What I did was purchase the square inflatable pad from Sea Eagle (4" I think) and I place that under the Pro Seat when I'm on flat water and it is perfect! on Whitewater I don't use the cushion so that my center of gravity is lower.

[@nickd7332]

@@bertsadventures9974 thanks! I didn't know they made that. I'm gonna purchase two based on your advice!! Thanks!!

[@bertsadventures9974]

@@nickd7332 that's awesome! I hope you enjoy them!