Top 5 Inflatable and Folding Kayaks | PaddleTV Award Winners

[@PaddleTV]

Check out my new KZbin channel! www.youtube.com/@KenWhitingAdventures is now the place to find all my paddling adventure videos, while PaddleTV will focus on Instruction and Gear Reviews.

[@pkc2161]

Thanks to Ken and everyone at Paddle TV for the award! Everyone here at Team Tucktec appreciates it!

[@coyoteself]

I've had my Pakayak since 2019 and love it. It literally does go together in the advertised 3 minutes and it's feels rock solid on lake and class 2 waters and possibly even class 3 with some added thigh braces and the right paddler. The biggest hit against it is that it weighs about 60 lbs, but my Dagger STRATOS 14.5 L weighs in at 57 lbs. So for me, the extra 3 lbs isn't that noticeable, plus with the Dagger's sked in the up position, both boats handle almost identically. The biggest difference is that my Pakayak fits inside my car or truck, while the Dagger either sits on top of my car, or rides in a trailer behind my truck.

[@kinggerr7093]

I got the Tucktec a month or so ago and it's absolutely amazing. I'm a student with an economy car and a tight budget but wanted something I'd feel safe in and Fish in so a hard shell felt like a must. Plus that warranty was amazing, they sent me a full replacement after I somehow got a hole in it. After a month it's been great to fish in too, highly reccommend. I'm 6'3" and 220lbs and it's so freaking stable, only problem was the seat but a $20 stadium seat fixed that quick. I've accidentally rammed it into docks and trees and anything you'd imagine and it's held up great, something I wouldn't be able to do with an inflatable at a similar price. FYI don't drag it on concrete or asphalt, it'll wear done the shell. It's meant to be folded out right next to the water. As for the one I have with a hole in it, I might fix it up with flex tape or something and just never fold it up again so I can bring a friend one day

[@PaddleTV]

Thanks for sharing your experience with it!

[@d7359]

I tried one of them but had to fight with them to return it. That was a few years ago now. I'm 6'1 200lbs and mine failed and sank due to the seat having to be placed too far back over the bottom brace rods which caused the seat to push down on the bottom plastic which in turn pulled in the sides and let in water. It formed a crease where it failed so it was no longer structurally sound. It was also an extreme heat day with temps in the high 30's Celsius. I also winder if the heat caused it to weaken and fail. Tons of similar stories on reddit with the tuktecs. I'm now considering an oru

[@kinggerr7093]

@d7359 I think you sat in it wrong. I'm 6'3 250 lbs. The original seat and my new seat have worked great. To sit that far back youd have to have the back touching or pushing into the back folds...whyd you ignore the seat braces? That's where you sit, there's more than enough room for your legs.

[@SiarlW]

Thanks for the recommendations. Great stuff as always. Bought a TUCKTEC origami foldable ($375) and a Aquaglide deschutes 130 inflatable ($680). They’re both stellar stable lightweight entry level packable kayaks. Being back on the river makes me very happy. The Aguaglide is more stable but quite sluggish and less maneuverable of the two. TUCKTEC is my favored boat of the two.

[@BaconPretzel]

Tucktec was my first kayak, Sea Eagle 385FT was second. The Eagle is an absolutely awesome piece of gear. My only complaint would be that it didn't come with foot braces, but you can simply make them using paracord and a locking carabiner, threading them through the spare D rings if used as a single. Very comfortable and gives more control and power to the boat. It is insanely fast, stable, comfortable and the ability to stand in it and use it as a high performance SUP is just a fantastic party trick.

[@PaddleTV]

I couldn't agree more. The lack of foot braces stood out to me as well.

[@It-b-Blair]

I just ordered the Pakayak 😸 and an IPIK 😅 thanks for your help with making these challenging choices!

[@Joe-xq1nt]

I had the sea Eagle 393rl. Didn’t work for me but If inflatables is your niche sea eagles upper end kayaks are hard to beat.

[@samuelcoffman8088]

Recently bought a Paddle North iSUP, very pleased, they make a drop stitch kayak as well, maybe something to review for you Ken!

[@parnold-mora8924]

I love your enthusiasm for this sport!Another fantastic video, well done. Would it be possible to list the kayaks you have tested when you give the final "Best Of" awards? Maybe not something you would want to do, but thought I'd ask.

[@Daniel-oy4gu]

I love how everyone uses a sound clip of a red tailed hawk for eagles

[@PaddleTV]

I"m pretty sure it was a red tailed eagle hawk. :)

[@lordenoch0]

It was a Narragansett turkey. Pretty sure.

[@jessicapage7921]

I took my Isle Switch to Crystal River this past weekend and had a blast!!

[@cieljek]

Once i get a little better at paddling i think I'm gonna pull the trigger on a pakayak! Cant wait.

[@PaddleTV]

A nice thing about the Pakayak is that you don't need to be a 'good' paddler to enjoy it, as long as you only use it in appropriate places.

[@BobBohner4851]

Holy cow. What a fantastic review of unique kayaks!!!!

[@PaddleTV]

Cheers Robert!

[@aaronli1488]

Have you ever heard of Nortik? They're a German brand with a lot of cool folding boats. They have a couple Oru analogues but the material is solid instead of corrugated. Most of their line is skin on frame like the Trak. I think they're cool but I literally cannot find a single review of one in English.

[@PaddleTV]

I've heard of them, but never seen one of their kayaks in person. Hope to someday soon!

[@lordenoch0]

I would love to know how the Sea Eagle Fast Track compares to the Explorer (and why you chose the latter for IK of the Year honors), as well as to the Aquaglide Chelan.

[@Kyla94934]

Thank you for this quick but thorough review!

[@matthewreynolds1096]

I am still waiting for a packraft review Ken, next year hopefully. Me and some buddies bought Kokopelli Recon's and took them down the Upper Petawawa this summer. Great boat for big rapids.

[@PaddleTV]

I'm still waiting for a packraft to review! Ha! Kokopelli and Alpackaraft both decided against sending me one to review. If you want to send them a quick note to let them know they should, that would certainly help! :) That's awesome that you took it on the Upper Pet! That would be a great place for it!

[@matthewreynolds1096]

@@PaddleTV Ok will do Ken, my buddies and I bought eight Kokopelli's between us so we'll put the pressure on them. We put up a few videos of some of the Rapids from a head mounted go-pro if you want to see any. kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6vXYmWImZKmqMk Lots of work to edit and post videos. You make it look easy.

[@patrickboyer4688]

Love your videos, perhaps you could do a video on the difference of the 2 panel FDS (full drop stitch 10PSI) like the AE airvolution vs the 3 panel (sea eagle razorlight). Lots of interest in the portables (either foldable/packable or inflatable). There's been so many updates these past 2 years. Hard to know how they compare.

[@madpogue]

Since the topic is portable/inflatable/folding craft, you should include the storage/carry dimensions of each craft in the specs at each chapter. Also, you missed a chapter break for the Pakayak.

[@kevinklasman]

Love your reviews. I don't think you've reviewed the Point 65 Mercury GTX solo or tandem, and would love to get your thoughts on this. The solo is a bit heavier than the Pakayak 142, but the ability to add the second cockpit piece to go tandem makes this kayak very tempting.

[@TouringKayakGuatape]

Hi Ken, I would like you to try the ITIWIT X500 one day. I think it is a very good inflatable kayak for the sea and for lakes. I have the 1-seater and I know they also have the 2-seater in Europe.

[@PaddleTV]

I am dying to try it! They aren't available in North America yet, but they're coming soon! I hope to have one to test early in the New Year.

[@sydgerald]

@@PaddleTV I have the Itiwit 2 seater and as You said, it's a great starter kayak, now I bought a Aqua Marina Tomahawk K440 and it's great, I live in Chile, so We don't get the Sea Eagle, but the Tomahawk is very good for my needs. I've tried the X500 and it was a bit hard to balance at least for me, but the X500 V2 is an improved version and much better to control with out giving up on speed.

[@6yjjk]

@@PaddleTV I absolutely love mine. The seat isn't the most comfortable, but I've really enjoyed it, not least being able to throw it on a bus, train, or plane and go off for an adventure. In fact I'm off to Riga with it tomorrow.

[@LJ-jq8og]

I had fallen in love with the concept and design of the Pakayak but a warning to all to make sure you test it before you pull the plug on this or any other kayak. I experienced the front of the cockpit area leaking. PROS: Brilliant design, fun colors CONS Heavy; understandably due to its design does not glide as "smoothly" as similar lengthed kayaks; as I said we had a leak...

[@PaddleTV]

Interesting... Have you figured out where the water is coming in from? I'm guessing a bad seal in that section?

[@LJ-jq8og]

@@PaddleTV Yes, good guess Ken, it was where the parts come together. Could not tell if it was a buckle issue or a seal issue (the rubber worm thingy)? But certainly one of those two, as there were no perforations anywhere in that segment of the kayak... I also realize the reason it cant "glide" as smoothly understandably is because of how they have to design the hull or the bottom. So its a compromise that turned me off. I still admire the genius of the design. Just not the current iteration...

[@mikepotapa5773]

Great video! Love your content. What portable kayak would you recommend for my son and I? He’s 7 years old. We currently use a sea eagle 370 and my wife uses an advanced element advanced frame kayak. We mainly paddle on inland lakes or the Great Lakes. (We only go out when it’s calm). We will also take it on rivers but we haven’t yet. Thanks again for the great channel!

[@PaddleTV]

Thanks Mike! Question... what is it about the 370 and Advanced Frame that you would like to 'upgrade'. Those are both good kayaks for the type of paddling you're doing. The next step up from the 370 is the Sea Eagle 385 Fast Track - bit.ly/3eYJ8H2. It's a very similar style of kayak, but it performs better (faster paddling) because it's stiffer and has the inflatable bow keel. It's also more durable than the 370. As for the Advanced Frame - a good next step would be either the AquaGlide Chelan 120 or the Advanced Elements Expedition Elite. Both will perform noticeably better than the Advanced Frame, and have extra speed to keep up with you and your son in the longer boat. The next step after that involves upgrading to a narrower kayak that takes performance to the next level, but at the cost of stability. If you're ready for that, then consider the Sea Eagle 393rl the Oru Kayak Bay St, or the Itiwit X500.

[@hntrains2]

Instead of the Decathlon Itiwit, why not consider, for only $40 extra, the X100+, also by Decathlon? It is only 17 cm shorter (so, it is still great for two), 5 cm narrower (meaning, faster, but just as stable?!), one kilogram heavier (that is, thicker material), and it is drop stitch (better technology); also, no material covers the tubes, meaning, no water accumulates and leads to mold formation. Last, but not least: the X100+ comes with a hard floor (i.e., your kayak will not bend - especially when you paddle alone and sit in or around the middle of the boat).

[@dvithi]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on inflatable kayaks - super helpful! I was wondering if you've tested the Kokopelli's Moki inflatable kayaks before and what your thoughts are?

[@PaddleTV]

I haven't, but I'm hoping to test one soon!

[@mikehirst6411]

Hi, i would love to know what do you know about Sea Eagle fast track, I have seen mixed reviews on its seams coming apart after a few years, has this issue been remedied, appreciate your thoughts. Cheers Mike

[@6yjjk]

No Intex Challenger? I'm shocked. Shocked, I tell you. :D

[@Yibambe.]

I love my Intex Challenger.

[@gloppy101]

The first disposable kayak...kidding aside, they are a very entry level kayak for one to try the sport, but do wear a pfd and stick close to shore. They are delicate.

[@6yjjk]

@@gloppy101 Yep, they definitely need looking after, and I bought several before upgrading (to Itiwit X500). I took mine on a few multi-day camping missions, and even commuted in it for a while! (I was insanely lucky to have a canal running from home to work.) I haven't thrown my Challengers - a K1 and a K2 - out despite buying the X500, because they're great for bringing absolute beginners along.

[@koalalamp3798]

I have a Point 65n Sweeden Mercury Modular Kayak, it has it's flaws but overall a decent boat and definitely worth trying out for 2023.

[@PaddleTV]

I would love to test the Point65N. Unfortunately, they haven't wanted to send me a boat to review. Hopefully some day soon!

[@clarkewoodfin]

Hey Ken, great video ! I'm definitely getting a Pakayak in the near future. I really enjoyed your full length review of it. You should do a 2nd one of these, to include the Advanced Elements inflatables. I know you've reviewed those before. My wife and I each have one and we love them. Some of the other suggestions from other viewers would certainly give you enough kayaks to review to do another video with 5 more. I'd also love to see a comparison video of the various NRS PFDs. I'm planning to buy one soon, but not sure which model to get. Thanks much for the great videos !

[@PaddleTV]

You're right... I tested the Advanced Elements Expedition Elite late this summer, and really liked it. I filmed this 'Best of' video before I tested that boat unfortunately, as it would have received an award or honourable mention for sure.

[@gilfolsom5980]

Where is the link to the full test of the Sea Eagle 385 Fastrack? Cannot find it. Thanks!

[@PaddleTV]

Coming soon!

[@gilfolsom5980]

Still waiting for the full review on the Sea Eagle 385 Fast Track! It has been 8 months . . . What’s up?

[@RehobothHomestead]

Looking for some more input beyond your excellent videos. Getting back into paddling after a couple of decades, and traveling/camping in a minivan. Though I have an Arlik sea kayak it is heavy. Selling the Mad River Explorer - again heavy and now a widow so paddling single. Keeping my Curtis Lady Bug, but don't know how to make it secure on the roof when I am not by the car (theft) and a canoe on the roof attracts attention when stealth camping. So looking for an inflatable. 5'4" 125 lbs I expect to do lakes in state parks, my preference is rivers but when I get into class III it will be with others and potential for tandem or rental. I did use the sea kayak on Lake Champlain, but for long hauls I really like to kneel or lean against a seat with one knee down and one leg extended (i.e. lower back wants to be straight). I am willing to give up some stability for speed to keep up with hardshells (or at least not slow them down). And I really don't want one that turns the bow with every stroke - I want the bow to turn when I ask it to turn. So I guess my major wants are tracking in a head wind, speed (not a tub - 36 inches wide - really????), and maneuverable to easily eddy out/peel out or surf a wave. And under $1000 on Prime Day. RazorLite (what do they consider whitewater that is not suitable)? FastTrac (glue carry handles to side) or just old style canoe carry)? Advanced Elements? The one that has bow and stern frame stretched not inflated? Sea Eagle e380n because all-around? Spent a week on the Nantahala back in 1982 at the center, but would borrow or rent and go with a group). I know my use will change as I find out what is available. We used to hitchhike for shuttles and that isn't an option today so don't know how many rivers I can spontaneously or solo do. Some Florida rivers seem paddle up and back so that may be an option on others too. Can you please help me narrow and choose, Thank you? I have watched many of your videos but ... I would say RazorLite but not sure it is as maneuvatable as I want. Yes, I am spoiled with the LadyBug.

[@PaddleTV]

I'll be honest... that's a lot to ask from one kayak. There's a conflict between a kayak that will keep up with hardshell on the lake and track well, and a kayak that is maneuverable and easy to eddy turn or surf a wave with. My feeling is that you're looking for a higher performance inflatable, like the Sea Eagle 393rl, or the Decathlon X500. The issue with the X500 is that you'll need a skirt to use it in any type of rough water. The 393rl is more forgiving in that way. Both have good speed, but neither would be real wave surfing machines. The Aquaglide Chelan 120 would be a better river boat, and it's considerably lighter for a single person to carry. But, it's not as fast as the 393 or the X500, and definitely not great on a lake with wind. Hmmmm... If you like the Curtis Lady Bug, and want something similar, but inflatable, I think the Sea Eagle 393rl is your best bet - especially since you're ok to give up some stability for speed. The downside is that it's not going to surf waves or deal well with strong river current. Something else to consider is just getting a lock for your kayak. I use the yakima RipCord locking straps. I don't use them to tied down the kayak, but use them to lock kayaks to the racks when I need to leave them out at night - yakima.com/products/ripcord?_ga=2.2447986.391646930.1688310095-1631732029.1614087684 Hope this is helpful!

[@RehobothHomestead]

@@PaddleTV Thank you, and I was wondering about good locking systems. Thinking I won't be keeping up with others very often so will lean more toward Class II and accidental lower III. If it is windy I just won't go out while travel/camping. I am liking the Sea Eagle also. I have to remember I am now 74 years old and haven't been on the water in over a decade.

[@gibmanmtl]

Hello Ken, how would you compare the sea eagle 385 vs the Itiwit x500?

[@sergelemire6820]

Thank you it's very interesting, how TAHE KAYAK AIR BREEZE FULL HP1 compare?

[@gloppy101]

Another excellent video. That said, I found the SE 385 to be a slug on the water. That "needle nose" bulge pushes too much water slowing down the kayak. A simple fin design would have been much better. Tucktec? No thanks as I read too many people returning or selling them. And there is no room for a dog or kid. Finally the Isle paddle board. It's light weight gives it too much flex for me at 225lbs. I went with the POP El Capitan 11'6" board and it's built like a tank and that thicker pvc means better durability. It weighs 29lbs, zero flex, 36" wide, uses the industry standard US Fin, and uses metal D-rings vs the cloth D-rings on the Isle. I often use a stadium seat on mine which is much better than any cloth seat that sags. I don't know what Isle was thinking as the water/sun will eat up cloth quickly, especially if used on salt water. Your two runner up kayaks are good picks. I enjoyed the video. Do contact POP as their boards deserve a review, especially the El Capitan. I'm not affiliated with POP, but love the board:popboardco.com/products/inflatable-paddle-board-el-capitan-green-orange

[@challyho2u244]

I hope they sell a pakayak 2 person I’m sold why wouldn’t you buy a hard kayak that packs into a bag

[@ginafrench7546]

Any thoughts on Neris smart pro tandem?

[@Dusxproductions]

No idea why the Itiwit x500 does get included in these best of listings. I love mine. Best choice I could have made.

[@marcvalade94]

My first ride on the Tucktec was ok. My second was pretty bad. The boat was bending in wrong places destroying it's tracking completely. It is a good idea, but I think it shpuld be kept for kids.

[@geodude6244]

If your obese bmi the tucktec isn't for you unless your ok with sitting low in the water because your fat. Works great for me so far. Just need to be mindful to not cause unnecessary wear.

[@glrendon81]

Not true - I’m obese and my two tucktecs work great for me and my friends 😆. They have a weight capacity of 300 pounds, which is why I got it instead of the Oru. I am to 210. I can even ride in it and have tent/camping equipment and it rides just fine.

[@gloppy101]

@@glrendon81 I'm 6-2/225lbs and I had boat wake coming over the side. Two outings and I was done with it. Seat broke within 20 minutes.

[@glrendon81]

@@gloppy101 that sucks, hope you were able to sell it/claim that 3 year warranty. The passenger capacity is 250 but I’ve had a friend that’s at least 270 come in the extra one I bought without issue, but they are not that tall. I imagine the length of the boat is probably pushing it for a 6 foot person.

[@stephenstarling2578]

I had the opportunity to buy oru kayak I bought for 190.00 it great

[@Frozty]

lol people's comments really seem to not understand the point of making a "Top 5 of 2022" video... if the kayak you were hoping to see and justify your purchase isn't on the list, well then it either isn't as good as the ones that did make the list (in Ken's opinion of course.. which is likely as good of an opinion as we could hope to get tbh), or it IS good but is in a video from previous years.

[@maze400]

What happened to Trak kayak?

[@PaddleTV]

Nothing... they still rock. I gave the TRAK 2.0 an award last year.

[@freeze1305]

Insane prices. Ain't nobody got $2,000 to drop on a once a month hobby. Maybe worth it if you live on a lake or river. Otherwise, nuts.

[@yavuzyigitoglu1287]

is nrs pike bad since not in the list if so why?

[@Obliticus]

I think you meant "Top 5 Inflatable and Folding Touring Kayaks..." No whitewater kayaks?

[@PaddleTV]

I didn't test any inflatable whitewater kayaks this year. Stay tuned for a whitewater kayak that wins a 'Kayak of the Year' award though!

[@andrewwebster6221]

Any thoughts on the bote zeppelin?

[@marcvalade94]

Tuck-tek was not a good experience for me. After one use, the second suffered déformations and changed the shape of the boat an made terrible to stear. It lead me to buy a more conventional boat, that I now think is not what I really need either having gone the extreme opposite.

[@brianintexas1108]

No Longhaul's, no Klepper's, no Nautiraid's. WTH?

[@antonimocil7449]

How much

[@theprestigiousbespoketailo4447]

Is there a reason why the ORUs aint mentioned?

[@Frozty]

Because they're worse than the others that are mentioned.

[@PaddleTV]

I gave the Oru Kayak an award last year.

[@gloppy101]

@@Frozty which shows you have not owned or paddled one. The Oru Bay is sea/big lake worthy. Yes, I owned it as well as 4 others in my fleet.

[@mery1390]

Decathlon x500?????? Where is it?

[@TouringKayakGuatape]

For me, the ITIWIT X500 is incredible. I have rowed it in the sea and on lakes and it is very good. other times I have written Ken to show it.

[@mery1390]

@@TouringKayakGuatape im thinking about buying one but it is a Little Bit expensive. Thanks for Your answer

[@PaddleTV]

The X500 isn't available in North America yet, but it's coming soon!

[@mery1390]

@@PaddleTV can't wait to see Your review, You are the Best!

[@Gullyrats]

ORU has several models, you picked the cheapest & most placid. How bout consider a vid of other ORU’s.

[@MrBlazinerday]

Is it just me or does every single thing related to paddle craft is over priced. Kayaks can be made of balloons,cardboard or plastic and people will charge $1000 for it.

[@Yo-Yo_Maya]

Fr, my Oru is amazing but it was like 700 dollars and feels like it’s definitely not worth that much

[@MrBlazinerday]

@@Yo-Yo_Maya the corrugated plastic. Is it like those plastic baskets you see at the post office?

[@raychelwentz7593]

⁠@@MrBlazinerday yes. It’s exactly the same. And I agree with her comment, I love my Oru, but worth the $800 I paid for it? Absolutely not.

[@antonpressing]

I do agree - 1990 my father and I walked out with a coleman adult & colem. child + paddles -> 1700 $

[@nxadventures9510]

Pakayak is 3000 USD out of USA, that is way overpriced.

[@beauwalls1726]

Aren't all kayaks portable?

[@PaddleTV]

Portable refers to the ability to easily lift and store the kayak.

[@Mark-yy2py]

No ORU? Hmm....😮

[@psilocylence]

Tucktec beats ORU in every way except the weight.

[@jts1968]

Please please don't buy a TuckTec kayak. I went through five all with warranty issues (three from splits in the seems and two with buckling issues). I will admit they were great up until the fifth failure than they went totally dark in their communications with me, blocked me on all their social media sites and ignored all emails etc. I've since purchased the Pelican Mission 100 from Costco at a lower price than the TuckTec and yes it's not as portable but it's safe. I'm quite sure at some point in the near future TuckTec will be sued for some pretty significant person injury situation. Don't the person who drowns because of this company's failures.

[@austinmarshall443]

Where is the water so dirty? Gee

[@undertheradarvan]

None of these look portable at all. The dimensions of it them in "portable" mode are ridiculously large.

[@BrianthatiscalledBrian]

Thanks for that, Ken. Any chance you can do canoes? 🙂👍🛶