Setup and takedown are a breeze, and the travel bag makes it a cinch to throw and stow in the truck or the garage. The kayak and inflatable seat inflate in less than 5 minutes thanks to the included hand pump, and each of the three air chambers' inflate/deflate ports are labeled with the correct air pressure for easy filling. We strapped our camera, Yeti cooler backpack, Chacos and jackets to the Zeppelin and had everything we needed, right at our fingertips. The Zeppelin 10' is the single-seater little brother to Bote's 12′6″ tandem kayak and includes all the same features: bungees, Rac receivers, MAGNEPOD and a self-draining hull that make it ideal for multi-day paddling trips or long days on the water. Here are eight high-quality collapsible kayaks worth your money.įirst-timers and seasoned paddlers alike will find something to enjoy about our favorite kayak on this list: whether it's the easy setup, comfort or performance of the little vessel.Īt 37.5 pounds, the Zeppelin certainly isn't made for long hikes, but what it lacks in ultra-lightweight, it makes up for in stability and performance. “This acts as a second layer of defense against puncturing,” Eads adds. And, bonus if the boat has an internal cell of air (called an air chamber) as well as an external shell. Look for vessels made from Hypalon (like commercial rafts) and PVC with high-pressure valves (especially C7s produced by Leafield), and ideally welded seams instead of glued, which are tougher on rough water. “To ensure you’re getting a quality boat, you need high-quality materials and construction methods,” says Eads. They’re usually lighter on your bank account, too.ĭon’t fall for the $100 boats you can get at Walmart, though. Plus, they open up a world of new paddling possibilities put one on your back and you can hike in five miles to a hidden lake, or check it underneath a plane for international travel. But, generally, inflatable, collapsible and foldable kayaks make everything else easier - from transportation to storage. Take note: inflatable kayaks offer less control since they sit on the water instead of in it, and they require perfect air pressure for optimal performance.
"While an inflatable kayak will never outperform a hard boat, they do handle well on most water thanks to advancements in materials and boat designs," says Wes Eads, Gearhead and Sales Associate at outdoor e-retailer Backcountry.
They pack down small, which means they’re easy to store and transport. (While most collapsible kayaks are inflatable, there are a few others that use frames and folds instead of air some are good, some are more cumbersome than convenient.) Inflatables simplify that process. The only problem with ‘yaks is when you’re out of the water - most are heavy, bulky and take up a ton of space in your home (if you live in an apartment, you’ll need to get creative).Įnter: Inflatable kayaks. And, on calm water, they require little-to-no technical skill. Kayaks give you unrivaled access to quiet lakes, rushing rivers and hidden inlets.
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