The 5 Best Folding Kayaks: Reviews & Buying Guide
Aren't kayaks awkward and heavy to transport on your own? Are you looking for an easy and portable way to get your paddle on? Luckily there are plenty of great transportable kayak options on the market. From inflatable to foldable, making traveling with a kayak a breeze.
In this buying guide, we have collated the best folding kayaks on the market today and some useful information to consider when purchasing the best folding kayak for you!
Benefits and Drawbacks of a Folding Kayak
When discussing foldable kayaks, we must address the pros and cons to be able to work out if the kayak will suit your requirements.
Pros
The most obvious pro is that they are extremely transportable and compact kayaks, making them very convenient for anyone who is embarking on a multi-terrain journey or just lives far away from their nearest body of water.
The foldaway nature enables city dwellers and small apartment paddlers to store their kayak without a garage for the weekend trips away from the hustle and bustle.
They are lightweight and easy to carry and easy to assemble, some taking under 10 minutes to setup and 3 minutes to take down (with practice, of course!).
Cons
The price. These kayaks tend to be more expensive than traditional kayaks, so it's best to weigh up whether convenient and transport is your priority before shelling out for a foldable kayak.
The materials (although durable in their own right) aren't as hardwearing as a hard shell yak.
Assembling the kayaks can be tiring and add time onto your kayaking trip.
They don't often have an abundance of storage space in comparison to traditional yaks.
Finally, their flat-pack nature means that it may require more maintenance to keep the kayak in good shape.
Different Types of Folding Kayaks
Folding kayaks generally come in one of two models: an inflatable style or an origami style.
Inflatable
The inflatable style has an inflatable exterior with a handy frame or ribs inside to aid the structure of the boat. Inflatable models, although can be associated with inflatable rafts or easily punctured pool toys, are actually particularly durable and robust.
Origami
These models use a hard material which creates the kayak structure by folding in on itself like origami paper. We are yet to discover a crane shaped kayak, though!
Materials
Of course, you want to consider the kayak materials. After all, you want it to be durable and last a long time. Nobody wants to find a puncture or a tear as a result of poor quality fabric and materials.
Most foldable kayaks are made from tough materials like PVC and polypropylene, which are chosen for their flexibility without breaking, and seeing as the folding portable kayaks have more moving parts to consider, the option to ease the material pressure is one to take advantage of. These materials also give the hull stability, especially on an inflatable kayak with drop-stitch construction, which enables more air into the kayak and proving a more solid hull.
The frame on a folding kayak can be made from a range of materials, but most commonly aluminum or wood frame constructed with connectors that also vary in material. The frame or ribs give the kayak a sturdy structure, especially in inflatable models.
All you need to consider is the overall durability of the materials, and you'll find top folding kayaks are designed with that in mind.
How To Choose The Best Folding Kayak
Folding Size
The folding size of the kayak refers to the dimensions when the kayak is not in use. Origami kayaks usually fold down smaller than inflatables as you don't have to take the supporting ribs into account. Therefore, the inflatables are generally larger.
Max Weight
The weight limit or weight capacity of the foldable kayak is important to consider, as exceeding the limit will ensure a sinking ship. Each boat can only take on a certain amount, so you need to think about your weight, how many people plus any extra kit.
Think of it this way; an average adult male will weigh around 200 lbs, so if your kayak can take 300 lbs, you can only take 100 lbs worth of gear with you. It might be an idea to step on the scales to get a truly accurate reading, so you know exactly how much you weigh and therefore, how much gear you can take.
Ease of Use
When purchasing a foldable kayak, one of your primary concerns will most probably be convenience. You want it to be easy to put together and deconstruct, right?
Breaking down a kayak should be quick and easy, and while origami kayaks tend to be folded and stored relatively quickly, inflatable kayaks need to be deflated before anything else. Therefore it's a good idea to factor in deflation times into your plans.
Equally, inflation time and construction time should be factored into your kayaking trip.
Most folding kayaks can be easily constructed in around 10 mins or so, once you get the hang of the process!
Durability
The folding strength of a folding kayak represents the number of times the kayak can be assembled and disassembled. Exceeding that number will mean you're probably due to purchasing a fresh new model.
Luckily the folding times usually surpass tens of thousands so you won't have to replace immediately.
An inflatable folding kayak will probably have a frame to structure the boat and improve its sturdiness and durability. The inflatable part has to be durable to withstand any sharp obstacles and avoid puncture. A lot of inflatable kayaks have reinforced hulls for that very reason.
Assembled Length and Beam Width
The assembled length refers to the measurement from bow to stern when at full inflation. The beam measurement indicates the width of the boat.
If you plan on taking a lot of gear or happened to be unusually tall, then you might want to search for a longer boat if you are a beginner or just looking for a more stable kayak you want to look for a wider beam. A wider beam does come with a downside, speed. If you are searching for a kayak that is quick and speedy, better to look for a skinny design and make sure you're experienced enough to control the boat.
Comfort
If you're planning a long kayaking trip, you're going to want it to be comfortable. Most kayaks will have extensive legroom for all lengths of leg. Lots of kayaks offer adjustable seating to further ensure enough legroom as well as adjustable back support so that you can choose your angle to minimize effort and maximize comfort.
Storage
Storage is probably the best quality in a portable kayak. You can store it in the trunk of your car, in your small apartment or a cupboard in the campervan. Packing the kayak up is essential when considering convenience. Most kayaks can be deflated or folded down within 10 minutes.
The best folding kayak will surely provide us with enough storage when out on the water, right? Well, even the best folding kayak can be limited by a streamlined design for speed, but most folding kayaks have some space in the cockpit to make room for any extra gear, and some include bungee cords to store on the outside.
Extra Features
Extra features can be everything from fishing rod holders to adjustable footrests.
If you're a keen angler, you may find yourself looking for a kayak with rod holders to enjoy a hands-free fishing experience, lots of extra storage for all your extra fishing gear, or the capacity to mount a fish finder GPS device so you can find the perfect fishing spot in the river to guarantee a good catch.
Our Best Folding Kayak Reviews
Foldable kayaks have come a long way with innovative designs, ergonomic features, and sleek aesthetic appearances. Now that we all know what we are looking for, let's find us the best folding kayak!
1. Oru Kayak Beach LT
First up on the list, a reliable company when entering the world of folding kayak innovation. Oru kayaks pride themselves on the slogan "box to boat in minutes," and they do just that. These kayaks are easy to transport, set up and take down and ready to take anywhere your heart desires.
When fully constructed, the Beach LT beam is 28 inches, which makes for a stable kayak, which is ideal for beginners or families using it for beach trips or day trips.
The large beam width and cockpit make sure of plenty storage space for extra gear should you fancy using it for fishing too! There's even enough space in the cockpit for a second child passenger if that floats your boat (forgive the pun).
The Kayak Beach LT is made from high-quality 5mm dual-layer polypropylene to make sure it's sturdy and durable, and as promised in all Oru kayaks, it can be constructed and unfolded up to 20,000 folds!
This is a perfect kayak for the traveler and beginner paddler who wants to be ready for a quick paddle in an instant.
Length 12 feet
Weight 26 lbs
Weight Capacity 300 lbs
The Advanced Elements Advanced Frame Folding Kayak is unique in comparison with its competitors in the folding and inflatable realms as it has an unusual aluminum rib frame. The frame creates rigidity, stability, and durability when faced with any water conditions, giving the paddler confidence on the water.
The set up is quick and straightforward. It's multiple air chambers allow it to be inflated and ready in no time to get out on the water immediately. There is no need for concern for punctures or tears as it uses a high quality durable triple-layer polyester shell, which offers sufficient protection.
This kayak can pack down to a super small 30x17x10 inches, so without sounding obvious is exceptionally portable and convenient for those kayaking on the go. However, don't be fooled by the size of the boat when deflated and packed away, because when it is set up and at full inflation, it is comfortable with plenty of space for you and your kit in the cockpit. At 10 feet and 5 inches long, it provides sufficient legroom, and the adjustable seating will ensure a comfortable ride.
Length 10 feet 5 inches
Weight 36 lbs
Weight Capacity 300 lbs
Oru is making it to the list again with this origami kayak boasting its balance between convenience and performance. This kayak is so lightweight at 28 pounds to carry and doesn't sacrifice the quality of kayaking experience.
The Oru kayak make is made with the same high-quality polypropylene, so you needn't worry about any lack of durability, and on top of that, like the beach model, it can be folded and unfolded up to 20,000 folds before replacement.
The Oru kayak cockpit is reinforced, making it easy to get in and out of a comfortable padded seat, which has an adjustable backrest should you need to recline a little for comfort.
Storage-wise this Oru kayak gives the option of the spacious cockpit to store your kit, or it is conveniently equipped with bungee cords on top of the bow and stern of the kayak. Another excellent feature for this kayak is it's compatibility with most spray skirt should you intend on kayaking in colder weather or rougher waters.
Length 12 feet
Weight 28 lbs
Weight Capacity 300 lbs
This make of kayak will enable you to unfold your kayak with a helpful companion for you both to have some quality kayaking time. The Intex Excursion Pro foldable kayak is a tandem folding kayak that can take on glassy lakes, fast rivers, and choppy seas.
Surprisingly for a tandem folding kayak, this boat packs down to a suitably compact size making it convenient when bringing a fellow paddler along for the trip. Not only that, but should you be of the fishing persuasion, there are handy built-in rod holders so you and your best mate can wait away the hours on the water competing to lure the best catch.
It's super resistant to damage using a 30 gauge vinyl shell to ward off any threatening sharp rocks or obstacles underwater while providing a stable inflatable kayak. Not only has it got excellent stability, and you can also improve its tracking with two removable skegs.
The inflatable kayak seats are incredibly comfortable coming with webbing straps providing the opportunity to adjust for extra back support. The bow and stern have splash guard covers to keep everything dry.
Length 12 feet 7 inches
Weight 39 lbs
Weight Capacity 400 lbs
This foldable kayak is best for someone looking for a sturdy and somewhat more conventional kayak. Excellent for day paddling or weekend trips easy to transport and lightweight at 30 lbs. It can be folded and refolded up to 10,000 times and is built from a double-ply FRPP frame.
The FRPP kayak frame is resistant to UV rays and proves fierce competition against abrasion and corrosion from saltwater, plus it's easy to set up and should only take under 10 minutes.
These folding kayaks are small but fast, its thin design and solid hull allows the kayak to skim through the water no bother. One thing to watch out for when purchasing this kayak is the weight volume. At only 200 lbs, the kayak can only take the weight of an average male, so take a step onto the scales with your gear to make sure it can take it.
As a small bonus, these folding kayaks come with a life vest, a storage bag, a paddle, a cellphone mount, and a cup holder, all of which are useful additions to this kayak.
Length 12.8 feet
Weight 30 lbs
Weight Capacity 200 lbs
So, Which One Is The Best Portable Kayak?
After reading all the reviews on the best folding kayaks, we have to choose one top pick from the compact. So without rambling on, let's get down to it!
The Oru Kayak Bay ST Folding Kayak! This kayak is truly the best when it comes to convenience. Easily transportable, foldable, and extremely durable. It will last a long time and fulfills all of our dreams of adventuring into the sunset with no limitations of kayak transport. Just get to the other side of the water, pack up the yak, and hike onwards.
It's perfect for any casual trip on glassy lakes, and flat waters, the innovation from Oru is impressive with its award-winning intricate and straightforward folding system, adding very little set up time onto any excursion.
On top of that, these kayaks undergo extensive and extreme durability and strength tests guaranteeing up to 20,000 folds. That's a lot of folds!
Although the price tag might be a little more than a regular kayak, think about the money you'll save on roof racks for your car, and if you're within walking distance of your local lake or beach, gas money!
Truly an all-round excellent and innovative design.