Tucktec Folding Kayak: Six Month Update & Review

[@hikingoutdoorfamily]

Want a Tucktec of your own? Check out Tucktec Folding Kayaks here: foldupkayaks.com/HIKINGOUTDOORFAMILY and be sure to use my code: HIKINGOUTDOORFAMILY to save 10% on your kayak. I will earn a small commission from your purchase that helps support me as a creator.

[@dannovator7798]

What a great invention! I had no clue that these existed! Your reviews are presented logically and they keep my attention!

[@hikingoutdoorfamily]

Glad we showed you something new. Have a great week!

[@illuminatedminds3059]

Six months with the Tucktec Folding Kayak! Your update and review provide valuable insights. It's great to hear about the long-term experience with this innovative kayak. Thanks for sharing your journey! 🛶🌊

[@hikingoutdoorfamily]

Glad it was helpful!

[@RYANandMICHELLEchannel]

Great insight! Thanks for sharing your experience

[@hikingoutdoorfamily]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@thatplace1]

Good information. Surprisingly big, stable and sturdy. Interesting on the mold not being an issue. Kind regards from Mike at that place. Wishing you a fantastic day coming to you👍

[@hikingoutdoorfamily]

Thanks, hope you have a good day also.

[@NorwayHikesTrails]

Nice kayak. Beautiful day. Thank you for sharing 😊

[@hikingoutdoorfamily]

It was a really nice day, pretty warm for the fall season too. Thanks

[@EventyrsorenDenmark]

I really like this Kajak. Thanks for the nice review.

[@hikingoutdoorfamily]

Thanks. Have a good week.

[@HaibatVlogs]

Amazing tucktec folding kayak sharing 👌❤

[@hikingoutdoorfamily]

Thank you so much 😊

[@masodimontagna3771]

Practical, simple and light, perfect for seeing lakes and moving around easily..congratulations 😊👍👏💪

[@hikingoutdoorfamily]

Exactly, thanks for your comment.

[@kyleandnicole]

Thanks for the update on your kayak! We are still loving our inflatable, but not the seats. I like your idea about the stadium seat.

[@hikingoutdoorfamily]

The one I've seen other people use in their video is the " GCI Outdoor SitBacker Adjustable Canoe Seat with Back Support " I think the inflatable kayak type is the best for your situation since they are so compact. Thanks for commenting.

[@ClubCrafteria]

Oh great. Nice to know about it. Great share

[@hikingoutdoorfamily]

Thanks for visiting

[@LyndonsAdventures.]

That is interesting, I've never seen one like that. Been looking at pack rafts for the purpose of getting into the back country. Will keep this one in mind.

[@hikingoutdoorfamily]

I don't think this would work good to hike in somewhere with it and then kayak. I have seen some of the pack rafts and they can be so small and portable. These folding kayaks are great for keeping in a car trunk and then using them to get out on the water. Thanks for watching.

[@TT-Travel-Photography]

Very nice video and work! Thank you for sharing! Best regards from Switzerland! New Sub !

[@hikingoutdoorfamily]

Thank you. Glad to have you as a part of the channel.

[@welltravelledlife]

We have a KZbin friend who's got more than his fair share of inflatable kayaks. Jenn went paddling with him and a group of friends for the day in Stockholm and was really impressed with the performance of his kayak. We have two traditional (16') kayaks, but it's really a pain to get them out to the water since Jenn no longer has her Jeep and we sold our trailer. We're thinking this year we're going to bite the bullet and pay to store them at the lake near our house for the months that we're home. No excuses. We want to get out on the water!

[@hikingoutdoorfamily]

They make some pretty high end inflatable kayaks. That sounds like a good solution to pay for storage and have the kayaks on site. Thanks for watching.

[@rventures1021]

Looks really convenient, glad you're getting use from it!

[@hikingoutdoorfamily]

I had it out in January on a freaky warm day, but soon I'll be kayaking on a regular basis now that spring is here.

[@chasingadeline]

Great review!!!

[@hikingoutdoorfamily]

Thanks!

[@sonplusone7059]

Thanks so much for the info. This spring Chris and I will probably get one thanks to your review and a few others. 🤗

[@hikingoutdoorfamily]

That's great. We bought two refurbished models because they were a little less and they were in excellent condition. I heard they have new models out where they improved the seat.

[@yasminshikingmission]

This looks a pretty good idea 😊 it does look like it folds up really easy looks nice and convenient to me. Lots of pros there which is great.

[@hikingoutdoorfamily]

Yes, it has some limitations - but works very well for our needs. Thanks for watching.

[@mikef2571]

Great information. Thanks for demonstrating!

[@hikingoutdoorfamily]

Glad you liked the setup and demonstration. Thanks

[@tinta_grade]

Wow that's awesome, great experience my friend, thanks for sharing 😊😊👍👍

[@hikingoutdoorfamily]

Yes, they've worked well for us. Thanks for watching.

[@BackroadExploits]

Nice to see it is a durable and reliable product. Good to know it is something you recommend in case it comes up during conversation with others. I personally would need something with a seat as I have a bad back, so probably a no go for me. One of these days we'll get out kayaking. Thanks for sharing your review.

[@hikingoutdoorfamily]

I think if you have a bad back, you are right - this seat would not be supportive enough. I'm going to try the stadium seat modification - so I'll post an update on how that works. Thanks for your thoughtful comments.

[@ervinslens]

This was such a nice review, brilliant presentation.

[@hikingoutdoorfamily]

Thank you kindly!

[@lifesahobby]

I didn't get to comment on this yesterday but I watched it all. It's an amazing piece of kit . Super fun on the water .. taking the dog orca passenger is always a bit of fun too

[@hikingoutdoorfamily]

Thanks for watching and commenting. Our kayaking is probably almost over for the year since it's getting cold, but come spring we will get back out there.

[@lifesahobby]

@@hikingoutdoorfamily I hope you carry a whistle and a connecting rope between you and your paddle

[@hikingoutdoorfamily]

@@lifesahobby We have the whistles attached to our life vests that we where, but we do not have a tether on the paddles. Thanks for jogging my memory, it's something we need to get.

[@lifesahobby]

@@hikingoutdoorfamily it's difficult to hold onto both the boat and the paddle in that moment .. The moment you hope to never happen . I will think about your seat problem .

[@nationalparksprincess3216]

This was a nice review. The kayak looks good 👍

[@hikingoutdoorfamily]

We have really enjoyed owning kayaks. Made for a really fun summer being able to get out on the water. Thanks for watching.

[@donnazukowski]

Just subscribed to your channel! I live one state over so May try your places. I was debating to get a tucktek or an inflatable but am going with the Tucktek. I do nature photography and bird watching so mainly am on small streams, brooks and lakes. A lot if branches in the water or shallow areas with pebbles. I hear the Coleman stadium seat works well. Also May get a pump for bigger bodies of water.

[@hikingoutdoorfamily]

I think you'll enjoy the Tucktek for your nature photography and birdwatching adventures! If you are buying a newer model of the Tucktec the seat has been much improved. I have a red 2025 model and I don't even use the stadium seat on it anymore. Hope you enjoy birding and observing nature from the kayak!

[@naturelovesasmr]

thanks for the review, these sound great

[@andrewwitty6116]

Absolutely agree with you about the seat

[@hikingoutdoorfamily]

Have you seen the stadium seat that people suggest? I got one as a holiday gift but it's winter where I am so I haven't tried it yet. Apparently it is easy to Velcro in with the existing straps.

[@PATG1]

Great video very informative . I have been thinking about buying some type of kayak, and then have to figure out how to haul it around. This is definitely a possibility .

[@hikingoutdoorfamily]

I'm glad you found this helpful. I have a recent video where I made a seat improvement to the kayak which really helps give more back support, although I believe they may have fixed the seat on newer models: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4ayZnmLmtegq9k I was really intrigued by the Oru folding kayaks, but just out of my price range. Our refurbished Tucktecs were $249 each so just a bit more budget friendly.

[@malin5468]

I just received my Tucktec kayak. I have spent two hours trying to get the bow and stern latches to cleat, but the four central ones defeated me. The plastic is exceedingly still, so one needs considerable arm and upper body strength in order to cleat the latches. I will give it another try tomorrow and post an update.

[@hikingoutdoorfamily]

Are you trying to fold in cold weather? We bought the refurbished models so it was a bit easier to fold. It really does get easier with time and will eventually get super worn in.

[@hikingoutdoorfamily]

Also wanted to add one more thing to help. Watch this other video for help with side latches- try the pull and push method he suggests. kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4KnfoGama6EZ7ssi=bxnskpXacG9IixMz

[@malin5468]

@@hikingoutdoorfamilyNo, I am trying to assemble it in my living room. Full disclosure: I am 71 years old and not in great shape, but by no means incapacitated.

[@hikingoutdoorfamily]

@@malin5468 When we first got ours I felt like I wouldn't be able to do it, but with time it will get so much easier. If you can, watch the video I linked to in my other comment. In that video it shows the push and pull method for the sides that should help until the folds get creased more.

[@malin5468]

@@hikingoutdoorfamily . Thanks for the suggestion. I will try using a fan heater to soften the foods.

[@tahoe829]

Used mine a 2023 model today at a local lake and had no issue assembling it. Its folding it back up that was a little tricky, until i removed the seat and it folded right up fast. I just attach the seat to the outside and wrap it up with the velcro strap like u do ;) It is much easier. The kayak Tracked well it can move pretty nicely and very stable. I do have two snap on stabilizers as iam 99kg and 181cm tall. The one question i have is for the metal tube that you place ur feet on. Whats its real use as its attached by a small bungie to a rivet in the kayak? Thank you for ur videos its a really nice kayak and i feel So much better being able to fish any place i want now OFF and away from the bank😂

[@hikingoutdoorfamily]

That's awesome you were able to assemble it and get out on the water! Yes, attaching the seat to the outside works really well for me. I just got the stabilizers and the anchor because I hope to try kayaking fishing from it this summer! Going to make a video of that when I do. I'm thinking of using a kayaking tether to hold my fishing rod or maybe some type of clamp? Yes the metal tube by your feet attached by the cord is just to brace your feet against as I foot rest. I find I have to set mine in there just right for it to stay in place. It can be a little touchy if you don't fit it into place so it can't move.

[@justramblinaround]

Wow this was very interesting to see we never even knew about this style. We were thinking of getting an inflatable but this gave us another idea. So it sounded like you had an inflatable before and went to this so are you suggesting this route vs the inflatable? Thx great video!

[@hikingoutdoorfamily]

We had issues with our inflatable. It didn't have a tracking fin, so it would be hard to control and paddle in a straight line. We also had issues with water remaining in the seams of the floor and getting moldy. I know lots of people who RV tend to use inflatables because they take up less room. For us using these out of our car trunk, we are super happy with them.

[@rralstondvm]

Thanks for the great video and review!! Can you tell me what year, length, and model your TuckTecs are? Thanks

[@hikingoutdoorfamily]

Hi, we have the 2022 model for our two Tucktecs. This was before they were making them in different length sizes. I went back to pull my receipt, but it doesn't have any model number on it. It just says " TUCKTEC FOLDING KAYAK: Certified Refurbished × 2" We chose to buy the refurbished ones because of the lower price point, and they have worked our great. I've asked for a few kayak accessories for Christmas - so I'm hoping to do a video in the new year about those. I'm going to be trying a folding canoe seat to improve the seating situation and then a paddle tether.

[@rralstondvm]

Thanks for the info! Merry Christmas to you and your family. Hopefully you receive your kayak accessories!@@hikingoutdoorfamily

[@cupcakescorner7684]

Thats a quick folding kayak. Less space occupied

[@hikingoutdoorfamily]

Yes, it fits nicely into the trunk of our small car. Thanks

[@agesadventures]

Have you ever been tipped out in the middle of the water? If so, how hard or easy was it to get back in or did you need to get back to shore to do that?

[@hikingoutdoorfamily]

Good question. Thankfully this hasn't happened, but I don't think you'd be able to get back into the kayak. It's so flexible that I can't see being able to get the leverage to get back in. No matter the conditions we always wear our life jackets. I also try to understand the folding kayaks limitations. For example, I was just kayaking in a lake with lots of motorboats with big wake - just kept my distance and stayed closer to the shore.

[@agesadventures]

@@hikingoutdoorfamily it looks like a good kayak and easier to get into than a regular kayak.

[@timothynaylor107]

What is the foot support you are using?

[@hikingoutdoorfamily]

I'm just using what came with the kayak. With my 2022 refurbished model, it has a foam foot support piece attached with cord. Once you get it in the right spot, I find it does the job and gives you foot support to paddle.

[@emersynkayle7548]

You mentioned your child riding with you, how big is your child? My daughter is 4 and wont be ready for her own boat for a few years still. She is 35lbs now and I am 5'2, 150lbs. After an inflatable kayak fail, I am looking at this but I haven't found much info about kids riding with. Is this good for a quick 5min test or will she have ample space to hang out for 30min-1hr for the next couple summers?

[@hikingoutdoorfamily]

Hi, my two kids have shared a kayak before - they are 13 and 16. My daughter paddled and my son sat in the back with a stadium seat type cushion. I think you could definitely fit a small child in with an adult in one of these kayaks but you'd need some type of cushion or stadium seat or else there would be nothing for the child to lean back against and the sides of the plastic can be a bit rough to the touch.

[@cutecatscatlovers]

Hi frand 😍😍😍

[@wc4572]

can you use these to portage?

[@hikingoutdoorfamily]

It depends on how far you have to go. They weigh about 28 pounds. I have no trouble lifting mine fully assembled to carry down to the water. If you had to carry it a long distance it wouldn't be comfortable even with it folded up.

[@GC-Hiker]

I have never seen anything like that!

[@hikingoutdoorfamily]

It's pretty amazing. Has its limitations, but perfect for my kids and I to go kayaking when we own a small car.

[@GC-Hiker]

@@hikingoutdoorfamily Looks like fun, but maybe a little brittle?

[@hikingoutdoorfamily]

@@GC-Hiker It's made of a marine grade plastic that is really tough. I'll continue to post updates on it. After a year of use it's still like new.

[@GC-Hiker]

@@hikingoutdoorfamily 🚣‍♂

[@davethompson5515]

mine split along the seams in less than a year

[@hikingoutdoorfamily]

Oh wow. Were you able to get them to send you a replacement? It should still be under warranty.

[@davethompson5515]

@@hikingoutdoorfamily Just happened yesterday. I will try contacting them on Monday. I'm just worried it will happen again.

[@hikingoutdoorfamily]

@@davethompson5515 That sounds so frustrating. I found their customer service to be really helpful when I had questions after I first bought mine. Maybe you somehow got a defective one? They are supposed to last for years and lots of folding.

[@davethompson5515]

@@hikingoutdoorfamily it may be the colder climate in Northern Canada that affects the plastic. My second Tucktec is also showing signs that it could split at any time.

[@davethompson5515]

@@hikingoutdoorfamily they are sending me a new one at no charge. They are using a new plastic compound that should perform better in the cold

[@thomasaulisio8127]

These kayaks suck, I brought mine to the dump. Customer service is non-existant. Don't buy one

[@hikingoutdoorfamily]

Sorry to hear you had a bad experience. What happened with yours? Like I mentioned in the video we have two refurbished ones that we use a lot and haven't had any issues.

[@TravelHungryForLife]

So awesome I've never seen one before thanks Happy Weekend

[@hikingoutdoorfamily]

Glad I showed you something new. Have a good weekend.

[@fishingcampborneo]

come to support, thank you for sharing interesting videos, I like your content, keep up the good work, always success for all of us

[@hikingoutdoorfamily]

Thanks for visiting