The 8 Best Touring Kayaks: Fast, Slick & Long
Do you see yourself as a serious kayaker and feel ready to upgrade your kayak? Are you looking for a touring kayak to meet your pro kayaking needs? See yourself paddling on the open water on a long weekend trip across lakes, seas and oceans?
It can be overwhelming searching for the best touring kayaks on the market because, well, there are just so many options available! Luckily we are here to help you! Whether you're looking for the best performance touring kayaks, the most lightweight touring kayak, or the fastest touring kayak, we will have the answer for you in this collection of kayak reviews.
So, let's find the best kayak for touring!
What is a Touring Kayak?
The best touring kayaks are designed for paddling in open water such as lakes, oceans, and bays.
They are seen as an upgrade to the simpler recreational kayaks. This is because they are skinnier, longer, and usually come with lots of extra features to make your kayaking experience more convenient and enjoyable.
The hull shape of a touring kayak usually has quite an aggressive shape in order to easily cut through the water when paddling and move quickly. This need for speed comes at a cost though. The stability of this kayak, in comparison to a recreational kayak, is compromised so be careful when out on those waters.
What are the Benefits of Sea Touring Kayaks?
Speed
The shape of the touring kayaks' hull allows the kayak to carve the water and sacrifice stability for speed. These hulls make them the best kayaks for touring if you happen to be an experienced and confident kayaker and are not recommended for a beginner who's main priority should be stability.
Tracking
The best touring kayaks are usually pretty long, which, although significantly affects their handling, increases their tracking ability. This basically means the boat is able to keep a straight line in the water without too much persuasion for movement from currents, rough water or waves. The tracking ability can be improved using a rudder system or a skeg.
Storage
The longer the length of the boat also usually means more opportunities for extra storage space for all your kayaking gear. An ocean touring kayak with lots of space usually make the best expedition kayaks or long-distance kayaks with lots of room for overnight camping equipment in the storage hatches. These kind of kayaks can also come with extra bungee rigging storage for any dry bags or extra waterproof gear for day trips or long distances travel.
Resilience
Touring kayaks are usually made with more expensive, more durable, and more lightweight materials making them resistant to damage and discoloration. Depending on the material it is not likely these kayaks will be more impact resistant for any accidental harsh bumps.
The Difference Between Touring Kayaks and Sea Kayaks?
Touring kayaks are like an upgrade to a recreational sea kayak.
Touring kayaks are fast, slick, and long, which is not an ideal choice for a beginner paddler because of their lack in stability.
A sea kayak is a little wider than a touring kayak, and sea kayaks tend to be made from more inexpensive materials. By make the sea kayaks are wider and shorter, you are making the boat more stable and maneuverable, all while sacrificing speed and tracking capabilities.
So if you are a beginner and looking for a stable maneuverable boat, you want to consider a recreational kayak and if you're more experienced or a more advanced kayaker and used to dealing with thin boats a touring kayak would be an upgraded choice.
How to Choose the Best Touring Kayak?
But, how do you find the best kayaks for touring eh?
One of the first things to decide is what kind of kayaking you would like to do. Kayak sailing, expedition sailing, surf kayaking or sea fishing. You can look at more specific kayaks for those, that will aid in your decision making. Once that is decided, you can move on to contemplate other more physical aspects.
You have to consider a bunch of things like the size, weight, length, comfort, seats, speed, or storage to name a few!
Don't worry though, we'll keep you right on your purchasing journey and help you find the best touring kayak for you!
Size
When considering a kayak you'll want to look at the size, the depth, and the width of the kayak.
You want the cockpit to be deep enough to allow enough leg room for the paddler especially if you're of a tall persuasion and require extra leg room.
If stability is particularly important to you then you'll want to look for a wider touring kayak. The wide kayak allows more surface area to be touching the water so although effective in making a stable paddle, it drags on the water making it slower on the water.
One of the more important considerations for a kayak is that the larger the size of the kayak, the heavier it will be!
Weight
The weight of a kayak is important when it comes to transporting your boat to and from the water. You want to look for lightweight touring kayaks so you can carry your boat on your own and get it on top of your car or load onto your trailer yourself.
If your kayak is particularly heavy then it might be a good idea to invest in a kayak trolley to transport it to and from the water.
A kayaks weight capacity is a different question. An average grown adult male weighs around 200 lbs so you want the capacity to be able to take that and more. If your kayak has a weight capacity of 500 lbs and takes one passenger that means you have enough capacity for 300 lbs worth of kit.
If you plan on overpacking you may want to step on the scales yourself to get an exact measurement and weigh your kit too!
Comfort
If you're looking for the best multi-day touring kayak as opposed to the best day touring kayak you'll want the kayak to feel comfortable!
Nobody wants to be stuck out on the water on a long trip without the right back support or the wrong size of footrests. This is why lots of touring kayaks come with extra features like adjustable footrests suitable for all sizes of leg or adjustable backrests to ensure the best comfort when on a multi-day adventure.
At the end of the day comfort is one of the most important features to look for in a kayak, especially one you indeed on taking on long trips or expeditions.
Seats
Speaking of comfort, the most important thing to think about when considering comfort is the seating system. Many seats have padded seating, adjustable backrest positions and for the fishing enthusiasts sometimes the seating system comes with extra storage and rod holder rests so you can enjoy a hands free experience with all your essential items conveniently to hand.
Speed
If speed is important to you, looking for a boat with a skinny hull is an advantage. A long and skinny boat makes for a fast kayak, it'll get you where you want to go in record timing!
Another thing to look for is a rudder system or skeg to encourage good tracking which will add to the speed of the kayak.
Storage
There are a couple of different types of storage space options on a touring kayak. There are watertight storage hatches built into the kayak, usually found at the front and rear of the kayak which are good places to keep non-waterproof gear (although we still recommend using a dry bag just in case of leakage), outside bungee cord storage space, and d-rings which you can use to attach straps to store more gear.
Materials
These days there are three main materials used to manufacture kayaks. These materials are polyethylene plastic, composites, and ABS plastic. Here is a handy guide to explain the benefits of each material.
Polyethylene
If a kayak is made using polyethylene plastic, it will most likely be pretty affordable. Polyethylene is an inexpensive material and does reasonably well against abrasion and scratching.
The disadvantages of polyethylene are the weight, polyethylene is usually pretty heavy and it also lacks in UV resistance which could mean eventual discoloration if stored in a place where it's exposed to sunlight.
Composites
Kayaks manufactured using composites such as carbon fiber or fiberglass are most likely going to be the most expensive kayaks. This is because the kayaks are substantially better and outperform the polyethylene and ABS competition.
ABS Plastics
ABS plastics are similar in durability to polyethylene, but tends to be lighter and better in terms of protection.
Rudders, Tracking and Skegs
What on this green earth and that blue lake is a skeg? Well, a skeg is a kind of rudder system that assists the tracking when touring. The tracking is the ability to keep the kayak going in a constant straight line through the water without venturing off-piste.
The skeg is a kind of fin that drops down at the back of the boat to propel the boat further and aid long journeys which can be very helpful when attempting to cover large amounts of distance.
Sinkage level
The sinkage level of a touring kayak refers to the amount of weight needed in order for the kayak to sit an inch lower in the water.
When you're touring on a long journey it's worth considering how the boat will ride in the water-based on the total weight of you plus your gear.
You don't want the kayak to be too low or else you might run the risk of the kayak flipping or taking on water.
Trip Length
If you're looking for the best day touring kayaks or a multi-day touring kayak you have to make sure either way if it's fit for purpose.
If you plan on a multi-day trip you’ll need extra storage space for overnight gear, camping equipment, and extra essentials.
You'll also want the trip to be comfortable so as mentioned before, a comfortable seat is essential.
Portability
When picking your dream kayak it is essential to consider the length, weight, and size of the kayak. You'd be devastated if you decide to go out touring and find that you can't load the kayak on the roof of your vehicle and it's too heavy for you to carry on your own.
Some kayaks may need kayak trolleys or trailers to help transport them but to avoid the extra expense it might be a good idea to look at lightweight kayak.
The 8 Best Touring Kayak Reviews
Knowing now what kind of touring features you're looking for, let's get you kayak touring pronto! Here are our top picks on the market.
1. Wilderness Systems Tempest 165
The Wilderness Systems Tempest 165 comes in at a length of 16.6 foot, a depth of 12.5 inches and a width of 21.5 foot. Weighing in at 55 pounds it's verging on difficult to transport alone without a kayak trolley and with a weight capacity of 300 lbs, depending on what the scales are telling you, you should have some extra space for gear. It should also be noted that this kayak is designed for someone with a smaller frame.
This Wilderness Systems kayak has some great features like a handy compass mount on the bow and reflective safety lines for improved visibility and safety in the water.
The bow and stern feature retractable carry handles and there are storage hatches also on the front and rear. For even more storage space there are bungee cord storage at the bow and stern as well as mid-bow and mid-stern.
In terms of comfort, this kayak features padded thigh braces for added comfort and control and "Phase 3 Airpro" seating which claims to be the most comfortable kayak seat on the market, and maybe it is! It includes a fully adjustable backrest that is vented and ergonomic. Keep your lower back cool and supported at the same time!
2. Eddyline Sitka LT
The Eddyline Sitka LT is a middle-sized boat in the Sitka series. It's 14.6 foot in length, 23.5 inches wide, and 13.5 inches deep. Weighing 49 pounds it is manageable to transport yourself and with a weight capacity of 350 lbs, there's plenty of spare weight for extra gear.
The Sitka LT features a retractable skeg system which is adjustable to fine-tune the kayaks tracking capabilities while touring, and a shallow hull so you can turn and maneuver with ease.
When you're touring you’ll need to ensure you're comfortable, this is why the Sitka has adjustable multiple backrest heights for superior back support and multiple adjustable foot braces for all leg lengths. This touring kayak also has thigh pads and hip pads for comfort and to allow rolling, edging, and bracing as well as any freestyle kayak touring moves you want to pull!
If you're looking for beginner touring kayaks for the sea this kayak may be the perfect kayak for you. At a length of 14.5 foot, and a width of 26 inches, the Perception Carolina Sea Kayak is ready the get out on the water and perfect for beginner touring kayaks offering that extra bit of width for stability.
The touring kayak weighs 49 lbs and has a weight capacity of 275 which will allow you to make use of the bow and stern storage space to keep your extra gear. There's is also an integrated foam bulk head to aid buoyancy.
The kayak is comfortable and ergonomic featuring a DLX seating system with an adjustable backrest for extra back support. It also features thigh braces to offer extra control of the boat and adjustable foot braces to accommodate paddlers of all shapes, sizes, and lengths!
A perfect kayak for touring across lakes, ponds, and seas.
If you're looking for an amazing sit on top touring kayaks the Perception Pescador 10 could be the sit on top kayak for you!
Get out on the open water in this slightly shorter 10.6 foot in length, 32 inch wide kayak and with a weight capacity of 325 pounds there plenty of extra weight available for extra gear.
Made using Rotomolded polyethylene this kayak is leakproof, UV protected, lightweight and durable.
Now even through the hull shape prevents this kayak from being the fastest boat in the pond, the kayaks tracking is actually decent and if you are an enthusiastic angler this kayak is an excellent choice for fishing.
It has two built in flush mounted rod holders as well as two gear tracks on the sides to conveniently mount fishing gear or kayaking kit. The kayak also has the ability to maintain particularly good stability so you're able to cast a line and reel in easily or if you're not into fishing its stability makes it a good beginner kayak.
For a sit on top kayak the storage space is surprisingly abundant with a bungee storage pit at the back of the boat to store any dry bags or waterproof kit and a dry storage hatch at the front of the boat to keep your overnight gear dry.
A great option for a sit on top touring kayak whether you're a beginner or a pro.
Riot Kayaks bring the Edge 14.5 LV kayak to the table measuring 14.5 foot in length, 22.5 inches in width and weighing in at 60 lbs with a weight capacity of 325 lbs.
This boats wide cockpit and flat-bottomed hull allows it to be very maneuverable and suited to flat water kayaking.
This kayak is incredibly comfortable. Make use of this boats custom fit feel using adjustable sliding foot braces no matter what height you may be, thigh braces for extra control and adjustable back rest for additional back support.
On top of all that this kayak is equipped with a retractable skeg and a hard chine which ensures the boat paddles straight and fast no matter how rough the waters get.
There's storage hatch space in the hull and bungee storage at the bow and stern for any extra waterproof gear.
A perfect yak for a paddle that's comfortable, stable and fast.
Looking for a light touring kayak specifically designed for women and kayakers with smaller frames? Well, you're in luck! The Perception Tribute 12.0 Kayak is 12 foot in length, 24.5 inches in width ad weigh in at 42 lbs with a weight capacity of 240 lbs.
It's shorter in length with a narrow hull which allows excellent control without having to sacrifice speed or tracking, so you can paddle in a straight line until your heart is content.
The kayak comes with standard storage hatch space with added bungee storage space, perfect for taking waterproof and non-waterproof kit on your paddle out on the water.
The kayak is lightweight and durable made from polyethylene providing excellent UV protection as well as protection against impact and abrasion and if you don't believe the durability of this kayak Perception are so confident they have added a 3-year warranty.
Do you feel lonely when you are out on the water? Are you looking for a touring kayak that you can enjoy with a friend? Well luckily the Zest Two Expedition by Ocean Kayak allows you to hit the water with a fellow paddler.
This kayak comes at a length of 16 foot 4.5 inches and a width of 30.5 inches. The boat weighs 75 pounds so may be a difficult one to transport and carry without a kayak trolley but with a partner to help you out, it's manageable.
This tandem kayak is equipped with large molded-in comfortable seats and similarly molded-in foot braces to ensure a comfortable trip however long you and your paddle partner decide to paddle.
Storage is good with an oversized tank well at the stern and bungee storage at the bow and stern to keep your non waterproof items.
There are convenient bow and stern carry handles so you can transport to and from the water easily and molded in cup holders for your flask of hot cocoa and mounted paddle rests to drink that hot cocoa without worry of your paddles getting in the way.
On top of that there are optional add-on touring features such as two oval push on Gaspachi hatches to use as in-hull storage, optional rudder system and up to three 6 inch round threaded storage hatches with catch bag for convenient day use so you can keep items handy and nearby.
This Eddyline Fathom Touring Kayak is perfect for a kayaker intending on overnight excursions or adventures and intending to cover a lot of distance quickly with minimum effort.
The hull design allows the boat to be fast and efficient. It allows you to accelerate with ease and maintain an overall consistent speed. It's also stable and very maneuverable in any water conditions.
If conditions get imageable, this kayak includes a deployable skeg which can drop into the water at the back of the boat to help you track straight and effectively tackling windy seas and inconsiderate currents.
At 16.5 feet in length, the boat glides through whatever water conditions sent its way and with a width of 22 inches it is stable enough for any experienced kayaker to handle. It weighs 50 lbs which is pretty light considering its length, and with a weight capacity of 340 pounds there is plenty of extra room for overnight camping equipment for any multi day adventures.
In terms of storage there is an easy to use day hatch located just behind the cockpit which is perfect for storing your essential items. There are also two large hatches at the bow and stern of the boat. These hatches are waterproof and excellent for keeping your kit dry. For any additional dry bags there is extra bungee rigging on the outside of the boat.
The cockpit features a fully adjustable seat which you can slide backwards and forward to customise to fit different leg lengths. The backrest is also adjustable to ensure the best back support for you. The front deck also has increased volume which is great for kayakers with longer legs to provide better comfort and greater support.
Our Top Pick!
After carefully considering a list of the best touring kayaks taking into consideration the size, materials, ability and performance we have finally decided upon one overall best kayak to get you out on the water and paddling off into the distant setting sun.
Therefore without further postponement, the best kayak on the market is the Eddyline Fathom Kayak!
Eddyline Kayaks have been manufacturing premier touring kayaks and paddles since 1971! This means they have years of kayaking, paddling and engineering experience. They focus on making quality products whilst always looking for ways to improve their designs.
The Eddyline Fathom Kayak has an excellent design providing premium performance and superior tracking and speed. the boat is comfortable, durable and surprisingly lightweight. With excellent storage and convenient storage day hatch. It's the perfect boat to take on a multi day adventure or overnight expedition.
So, grab your paddles and pack your dry bags, because you're about to experience a kayak that beats all kayaks.
Happy paddling!