Hauling a standard kayak takes a lot of strength and muscle power that a good number of Americans lack. This is the reason why a number of Americans, both young and adult, are opting for Folding kayak as it lets them enjoy kayaking sans all the storage problems. People who simply don’t have any more space left in their garage to accommodate another standard size kayak can opt for folding kayaks. This is a viable option for both frequent flyers and for those people who live in the midst of the urban jungle.
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Best 8 Folding Kayaks
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1. Oru Beach LT Folding Kayak
Oru FT Beach Kayak Foldable Kayak is designed for beginners who like to put their skills to the test. You can take this Oru FT Beach Kayak Foldable Kayak on rivers, lakes and even on ocean and it will not disappoint you. The maximum load capacity of this folding kayak is around 300 lbs which is more than enough. Made from high density double-layered custom polypropylene, Oru FT Beach Kayak Foldable Kayak can easily absorb impacts and that means, you will not have to worry about underwater objects. Oru FT Beach Kayak Foldable Kayak is highly resistant to the harmful UV rays of the Sun. Its color will not fade that easily. Overall it is great kayak to begin your kayaking journey.
2. Oru Bay ST Folding Kayak
Oru Bay ST Kayak lets you experience the thrill of kayaking without spending a ton of money on it. Designed for solo kayakers, Oru Bay ST Kayak is a pinnacle of perfection. It is the outcome of innovative engineering and this folding kayak promises to offer superior performance on irrespective of the weather conditions. The maximum weight capacity of this kayak is around 300 lbs and it weighs just around 28 lbs and that means, you can easily carry it around without putting too much pressure on its back. It can be folded and unfolded 20,000 times without showing any visible sign of wear and tear. It can easily be fitted inside a large suitcase.
3. Oru Coast XT Folding Kayak
Oru Coast XT Kayak is designed for all the professional paddlers out there. The maximum weight capacity of this folding kayak is around 400 lbs which is super impressive however, it weighs a little more – 36 lbs. It has got a sleek new design and has got an ultra-light construction. Throw this Oru Coast XT Kayak on your shoulder and you will not feel a thing. You will get 10 years of UV protection on it.
1. Advanced Elements AirFusion Elite Kayak
ADVANCED ELEMENTS AirFusion Elite Kayak is one of the most popular foldable kayaks that have got narrow beam and slim design. It can pick up speed really fast and can also stay stable on choppy water. It offers decent performance and has got an Aluminium frame that helps it cut down on its weight. At this price point, ADVANCED ELEMENTS AirFusion Elite Kayak is a pure bargain that a seasoned kayaker should not give a miss. The seat is extremely comfortable and can be adjusted if you wish so.
However, setting this kayak up takes a bit of doing. First-timers might have to spend around 30 minutes to get the whole thing assembled correctly. But once you get the hang on it, it will hardly take more than 15 minutes. It has got a neat, slim, and streamlined design and tracks straight on the water. 28″ wide beam makes it incredibly stable on the water and has got enough room to keep all gears in one place. ADVANCED ELEMENTS AirFusion Elite Kayak is nimble and quick on the water. So, what are you waiting for? Just get your hands on this
2. Driftsun Almanor Inflatable Recreational Touring Kayak
Driftsun Almanor Inflatable Recreational Touring Kayak is the best folding kayak that you can get your hands on at this price point. Driftsun Almanor Inflatable Recreational Touring Kayak is extremely lightweight and therefore, it would take hours for you to get to the water. The inflation process is very simple and there is no steep learning curve involved.
Driftsun Almanor Foldable Recreational Touring Kayak is ideal for flatwater. The seat has got an ample amount of cushion and it can be adjusted to suit any sitting position of your likings. 600d polyester is being used in the making of its hull and it is well protected from the harmful rays of the Sun. Driftsun Almanor Foldable Recreational Touring Kayak has got 24-gauge air bladders that will keep it afloat in a turbulent time.
The maximum weight capacity of this foldable kayak is around 300lbs which is more than enough for most American paddlers.
Aquaglide Navarro 130 Convertible Inflatable Kayak offers superior performance irrespective of the weather. You can take on rapids as well and it will not disappoint you at all. Inflation time has been cut short by its innovative drop stitched floor construction. Its floor is strong, durable, and rigid and thus making it ideal for those who are looking for a lightweight foldable kayak without spending a ton of money on it.
Aquaglide Navarro 130 Convertible Inflatable Kayak can handle all the challenges that are thrown at it. This foldable kayak is built to last long and it takes easily take a lot of abuse. It just weighs around 35lbs and the maximum weight capacity of this kayak is around 300lbs. It comes with a 1-year limited warranty.
Easy to maneuver, this Aquaglide Navarro 130 Convertible Inflatable Kayak makes kayaking a comfortable journey. It has got additional space to carry all your gear.
4. Advanced Elements FireFly Inflatable Kayak
Advanced Elements FireFly Inflatable Kayak features a stunning design and has got all the features that you usually expect from a foldable kayak. Ultra-durable and lightweight, Advanced Elements FireFly Inflatable Kayak is a family-friendly kayak. The inflation process is very simple. All you have to do is to use the Spring valves and Twistlok to get it inflated. It offers superior performance that you will rarely get from a foldable kayak.
Advanced Elements FireFly Inflatable Kayak has got a compact design. It can cut through the waves like a hot knife through butter. It has also got these –
- Mesh Accessory Pocket
- Bungee Deck Lacing
- Molded Rubber-Grip Handles
Use foot pumps to inflate the kayak and it will hardly take a minute.
5. Sevylor Quikpak K1 1-Person Kayak
Sevylor Quikpak K1 1-Person Kayak makes kayaking an exciting activity again. If you are sick and tired of loading and unloading heavy kayak that makes your back hurt badly at the end of the day, maybe you should opt for this foldable kayak. Worried about the punctures? Well, Sevylor has got you covered. It has got multiple air chambers in place that will keep your kayak afloat in case of an eventuality. You will be able to rush back to the shore in case your kayak hit a snag.
Sevylor Quikpak K1 1-Person Kayak has got a spacious bungee storage area to keep all your accessories in one place. It works just like any other traditional sit-on-top kayak sans all the weight. When not in use, you can easily fold it up and tuck it inside your car. Made from 21-gauge PVC, it has got a rugged design. To prevent leakage, the Airtight System is in place. The maximum weight capacity of this Sevylor Quikpak K1 1-Person Kayak is around 400lbs.
Folding Kayak Buying Guide
Folding Strength
As you have already guessed, a folding kayak can’t be folded and unfolded for eternity without getting the kayak damaged in the process. Just like any other object, folding kayaks will start degrading over the years and this is the reason why you need to check the folding strength of the kayak. This will give you an idea of how many times the folding kayak can be folded and unfolded without worrying about the usual wear and tear. Most folding kayaks can be folded up to 10,000 times.
Breakdown Time
Unlike inflatable kayaks that need to be deflated before getting them folded down properly, folding kayaks easy to fold. This is the reason why a folding kayak is a good option for those who are a little tight on time.
Folding Size
Folding size refers to the dimension of the kayak when folded down. When not in use, you are most likely to get it folded down so that it does not eat up too much space. As folding kayaks don’t need any supporting ribs, they can be folded down to smaller sizes.
Seat Position
A folding kayak is known for its versatility. It can be transformed from a solo kayak into a tandem kayak or from an open deck to a closed deck in a matter of few minutes. It also has got multiple seating options which is a big plus. Folding kayaks also have got enough legroom for tall and lanky paddlers which is a big advantage.
Puncture Resistance
All folding kayaks run the risk of developing punctures when they come in contact with sharp objects. This is the reason why it makes sense to have triple-layered outer skin so that impacts from sharp objects can be absorbed easily and effortlessly. A tough outer layer will keep the folding kayak projected from punctures.
Wide and Assembled Length
Once deployed, the width of the folding kayak should be taken into consideration when selecting the right folding kayak for your next kayaking expedition. As you are aware of the fact that wide kayaks are more stable on water than their slimmer counterparts. Wide folding kayaks are hard to maneuver but they have got more space to accommodate all your fancy gears.
UV Resistance
The hull of the folding kayak should be treated with a chemical coating to make them resistant to the harmful UV rays of the sun. Polypropylene hull tends to degrade after a year or two and this is the reason why you need to make sure that chemical coating is applied on it. Once applied, this chemical coating will keep the hull protected for at least 10 years.
Maximum Weight Capacity
Make sure that you have checked the maximum weight limit of the folding kayak before making the final call. You need to check your weight first and then make sure that the maximum weight capacity of the folding kayak in question is at least 20% more than that.