Blue skies, blue waters, beautiful vistas and a steady breeze — all these point to a great day to go kayaking! In fact, why not make it a three-day weekend? Pack your food, sunscreen and camera. Let us help you find the best touring kayak for your trip.
While reading our guide, you will need to consider where you’ll be kayaking and how you want your kayak to feel on the water.
Here at The Adventure Junkies, outdoor gear is our specialty. We love to break down information into bite-sized bits of knowledge that can help you grow into an adventure sports guru in no time!
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO FIND THE BEST TOURING KAYAK
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TOURING KAYAKS 101
6 THINGS TO CONSIDER TO FIND THE BEST TOURING KAYAKS
1. HULL MATERIAL
The never-ending kayaking debate asks the question, “Which is a better hull material, composite or plastic?” Truthfully, there is no correct answer as it ultimately comes down to preference. Let’s look at the facts.
Composite is sleek and rigid because it’s made of lightweight components like fiberglass, carbon fiber or aramid fibers (Kevlar). This material boasts high tensile strength and aesthetic superiority that plastic cannot compete with.
Glossy, modern and swift on the water, composite is used in racing vessels and preferred by most kayak enthusiasts. The downside of composite is that it is considerably more expensive than plastic hulls, by double or even quadruple and susceptible to impact damage.
Its rigid nature offers no flexibility,and collisions with rocks frequently result in cracks in the hull. As a result of these combined factors, plastic kayaks are the most widely offered choice and recommended for most kayakers.
In fact, all of the kayaks reviewed in this guide are plastic, made of either ABS or polyethylene. ABS plastic is the more lightweight, scratch-resistant, and expensive of the two. Polyethylene is thicker, heavier, and more durable.
All plastic kayaks are said to have less “bounce” on the water, making them easier to maneuver. If you are interested in exploring composite kayaks, Seaward offers handcrafted Kevlar and carbon vessels.
2. WEIGHT
While composite is a substance of a lighter weight than plastic, buying a composite kayak does not guarantee easy handling and transportation. The same goes for plastic.
Every kayak is different. The weight will mostly be determined by the length, with longer kayaks weighing more. If you plan to take on expeditions that require portaging, look for a lightweight kayak.
3. TRACKING SYSTEM
What is a tracking system, you ask? A tracking system is an accessory that enables a vessel to move in a straight line, existing as a rudder or skeg.
A rudder is a moveable fin deployed off the stern (tail end) of the kayak that is controlled with foot pedals in the cockpit. A skeg, also called a keel, can be a stationary or adjustable fin on the bottom of the kayak below the stern.
An adjustable skeg is able to be deployed at various depths below the vessel, depending on how much tracking is needed. Some kayaks do not have tracking systems, especially shorter kayaks, as they are already easy to maneuver.
However, even the most easily maneuverable kayaks can be difficult to control in high winds without a tracking system. We recommend you test all the options before purchasing.
4. SIZE
Kayak dimensions are definitely important in understanding stability and maneuverability, not to mention comfort and transportation.
LENGTH
Touring kayaks usually range from 12 to 17 feet long. Long kayaks are ideal for touring since they temper turbulence and move more swiftly. They typically track better, too.
With additional length comes additional difficulty in transportation and maneuvering. It’s wise to purchase a kayak cart unless you live on the water.
WIDTH
Wider cockpits offer more room for large people or people with additional storage needs. On the flip side, the wider a kayak, the less responsive it will be to the directional changes.
This can be a good thing if you are interested in diminishing the effects of waves or wind, but can hinder your ability to carve quickly and easily. Smaller people will benefit from a thinner kayak as they offer enhanced responsiveness and are easier to paddle.
5. STABILITY
Kayak stability is measured in two parts, primary and secondary stability. Primary is the ability for a kayak to stay balanced while sitting flat on the surface. Meanwhile, the secondary is the ability for it to stay balanced when the kayak rotates onto its side.
6. MANEUVERABILITY
When choosing a touring kayak, it is important to consider where you plan to use it the most and what type of movement you are most comfortable with. If you plan on taking long or overnight trips, even expeditions, a speedy and lightweight but less maneuverable kayak would serve you well.
If you will likely encounter choppy waves or wind, as one would in the mouth of a river or slight rapids, a highly maneuverable kayak will prove advantageous in your ability to stay safe on the water.
Photo by http://ift.tt/2ueq95T
TOURING KAYAK REVIEWS
BEST OVERALL TOURING KAYAKS
DELTA KAYAKS 12.10
BEST FOR: Short overnights
HULL MATERIAL: ABS plastic
WEIGHT: 43.0 lbs (19.5 kg)
TRACKING SYSTEM: None
SIZE: Length: 12.8 ft (3.9 m), Width: 25.0 in (63.8 cm)
STABILITY: High stability
MANEUVERABILITY: High maneuverability
PROS: Adjustable, multi-position seat, 2 dry storage areas, bungee deck rigging at bow/stern, perimeter aid lines for self-rescue, 300 lb (136.0 kg) weight capacity
CONS: Not enough storage for longer expeditions
WILDERNESS SYSTEMS TSUNAMI 145 WITH RUDDER
BEST FOR: All around kayaking
HULL MATERIAL: Polyethylene
WEIGHT: 56.0 lbs (25.4 kg)
TRACKING SYSTEM: Rudder
SIZE: Length: 14.5 ft (4.4 m) Width: 24.5 in (62.2 cm)
STABILITY: Moderate stability
MANEUVERABILITY: Moderate maneuverability
PROS: Phase 3 AirPro seating system, foot pedal-controlled rudder system, domed bow and stern hatch, Paddle Park to secure paddle, 350 lb (158.8 kg) weight capacity
CONS: Stability and maneuverability sacrificed for speed
DAGGER STRATOS 14.5L
BEST FOR: Fun, variable paddling
HULL MATERIAL: Polyethylene
WEIGHT: 52.5 lbs (23.8 kg)
TRACKING SYSTEM: Skeg
SIZE: Length: 14.5 ft (4.4 m) Width: 23 in (58.4 cm)
STABILITY: High stability
MANEUVERABILITY: Moderate maneuverability
PROS: Rockered bow shape to aggressively punch through waves, adjustable drop skeg, supports multi-day tours, ConTour CFS seating system, 315 lb (143.0 kg) weight capacity
CONS: Length, price
BEST DAY TOURING KAYAKS
EDDYLINE SKYLARK
BEST FOR: River cruising
HULL MATERIAL: ABS plastic
WEIGHT: 41.0 lbs (18.6 kg)
TRACKING SYSTEM: None
SIZE: 12.0 ft (3.7 m) Width: 26.0 in (66.0 cm)
STABILITY: High stability
MANEUVERABILITY: High maneuverability
PROS: Lightweight design, extended thigh supports reduce back and hip fatigue, duo foam backrest with forward lean and height adjustment, fused Carbonlite front/rear bulkheads, bow/stern bungee deck rigging
CONS: Moderate weight capacity at 295 lbs (133.8 kg), no tracking system
WILDERNESS SYSTEMS PUNGO 120
BEST FOR: Comfort for larger kayakers
HULL MATERIAL: Polyethylene
WEIGHT: 49.0 lbs (22.2 kg)
TRACKING SYSTEM: None
SIZE: Length: 12.0 ft (3.6 m) Width: 29.0 in (73.7 cm)
STABILITY: High stability
MANEUVERABILITY: High maneuverability
PROS: Large, open cockpit, removable Kayak Konsole storage, Phase 3 AirPro seating system, full-size, watertight stern hatch with bulkhead, 325 lb (147.4 kg) weight capacity
CONS: No tracking system, roomy construction not snug enough for smaller kayakers
EDDYLINE RIO
BEST FOR: Speed and efficiency for smaller kayakers
HULL MATERIAL: ABS plastic
WEIGHT: 35.0 lbs (15.9 kg)
TRACKING SYSTEM: None
SIZE: Length: 11.9 ft (3.6 m) Width: 24.0 in (70.0 cm)
STABILITY: Moderate stability
MANEUVERABILITY: High maneuverability
PROS: Lightweight construction, hard chines for responsive turning, bow/stern bulkheads with hatches, compact size for easy transportation
CONS: Not suited for larger people, low weight capacity at 270 lbs (122.5 kg)
BEST TOURING KAYAKS FOR EXPEDITIONS
POINT 65 WHISKY 16
BEST FOR: Rough water
HULL MATERIAL: Polyethylene
WEIGHT: 55 lbs (24.9 kg)
TRACKING SYSTEM: Skeg
SIZE: Length: 16 ft (4.9 m) Width: 22 in (55.9 cm)
STABILITY: High stability
MANEUVERABILITY: High maneuverability
PROS: Designed for excellent handling and maneuverability by Nigel Foster, inflatable backrest, 2 large oval hatches at bow/stern, spring-loaded retractable symmetry skeg system, 342 lb (155.1 kg) weight capacity
CONS: Long length makes transport more difficult, weight
DELTA KAYAKS 14
BEST FOR: Sea Kayaking Expeditions
HULL MATERIAL: ABS plastic
WEIGHT: 45.0 lbs (20.4 kg)
TRACKING SYSTEM: Rudder
SIZE: Length: 14.0 ft. (4.3 m) Width: 24.0 in (61.0 cm)
STABILITY: High stability
MANEUVERABILITY: Moderate maneuverability
PROS: V-shaped hull for speed and stability, channel-mounted and individually tubed rudder lines, 2 large, dry storage hatches, bungee deck rigging at bow/stern, 340 lb (154.2 kg) weight capacity
CONS: Slightly too long for great maneuverability
BEST BUDGET TOURING KAYAKS
PERCEPTION TRIBUTE 12.0
BEST FOR: Budget touring for small kayakers
HULL MATERIAL: Polyethylene
WEIGHT: 42.0 lbs (19.1 kg)
TRACKING SYSTEM: None
SIZE: Length: 12.0 ft (3.7 m) Width: 24.5 in (62.2 cm)
STABILITY: Moderate stability
MANEUVERABILITY: High maneuverability
PROS: Zone multi-adjust outfitting system with padded seat, adjustable back band, watertight stern hatch with bulkhead wall, perimeter deck lines, bungee deck rigging
CONS: No tracking system, low weight capacity at 240 lbs (108.9 kg)
RIOT QUEST 10HV
BEST FOR: Rough water on a budget
HULL MATERIAL: Polyethylene
WEIGHT: 64.0 lbs (29.0 kg)
TRACKING SYSTEM: None
SIZE: Length: 10.0 ft (3.0 m) Width: 14.0 in (35.6 cm)
STABILITY: High stability
MANEUVERABILITY: High maneuverability
PROS: Wide, maneuverable day kayak, custom-fit seating system, features two rod holders and two cup holders, short length for easy car loading
CONS: Weight, lack of storage, no tracking system, 250.0 lb (113.4 kg) weight capacity
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