Folding kayaks are an exciting way to enjoy kayaking and store it after that as it will not require a large space it. Kayaking helps you to stay in good shape and also gives you a good mood boost. Despite this, pulling a kayak from car to water and pulling it back to the store can be tiring and exhausting. For this, the best folding kayaks came into existence.
Buying a portable kayak is the best way to lift your kayaking experience anytime you want. Because they can be folded into fitting sizes for storing in a large suitcase or bag and used at any time, they are regarded as the best kayaks of all time. In this article, we are going to discuss the 8 best portable kayaks.
- Best Portable Folding Kayaks
- 1. Oru Kayak Foldup Kayak (Beach Lt) – Collapsible Kayak
- 2. Oru Kayak Foldable Kayak (inlet) – Portable Kayak
- 3. Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame – Best Convertible Inflatable Kayak
- 4. ADVANCED ELEMENTS AdvancedFrame Expedition Elite – Top Rated Folding Kayak
- 5. AQUAGLIDE Noyo 90 – Best Inflatable Kayak
- 6. Intex Challenger Kayak
- 7. Sevylor Quikpak K1 1-Person Kayak
- 8. ADVANCED ELEMENTS AdvancedFrame Sport Kayak
- Buying Guide For Best Portable Kayaks
- Wrapping Up
OUR TOP PICKS
ORU KAYAK FOLDABLE BEACH LT
- Can be carried easily
- Durable & Intact
- Plenty of room for gear
- Can be fitted in a large suitcase
- Lightweight & durable
- Enough legroom
- Comes with a pump and paddle
- Carry bag for easy transportation
- Aluminum rib frame
- Dual air chambers
- Spacious cockpit
- Very easy to handle
Best Portable Folding Kayaks
1. Oru Kayak Foldup Kayak (Beach Lt) – Collapsible Kayak
Oru believes that everyone needs to relax after a tiring day on the water surrounding nature. The Oru’s kayak has attracted the tiniest and most advanced kayak building technologies that ensure safe and more accessible kayaking than ever before. Moreover, the haven TT is a kayak for two that provided back to back the best foldable boat worldwide that takes just a few minutes to work on water.
Along with this, it is a 29” wide, stable and comfortable kayak. The Oru kayak is so lightweight that you can carry them easily with yourself. In addition to this, the oru kayak has high durability as it is made up of custom polypropylene along with a 10 year UV treatment and, most importantly, has been rated with 20,000 folds. It is so strong that if you hit a rock, it will remain fully intact.
Oru kayak has maximum stability making it the best kayak for beginners. It has plenty of room to load gear, making it ideal for long trips and short camping purposes. The Oru kayak has a warranty of 1 year. The product has dimensions of 33 x 12 x 29 inches, weighing 26lbs, and supporting 300lbs.
What We Liked
What We Didn’t Like
Final Thoughts
Oru kayak foldable kayak beach LT is one of the best portable kayaks as it is lightweight and can be carried easily from place to place to experience kayaking fun after a long hectic week. Also, it can be stored easily. Even you can push it under your table or closet as it consumes less storing space.
2. Oru Kayak Foldable Kayak (inlet) – Portable Kayak
Oru inlet foldable kayak is a light weighted, portable, and convenient to assemble kayak for everyone across the globe. Moreover, the inlet or kayak is specially designed for kayaking on flat water as it is playful and light. The oru inlet comes as a small box among all the models, making it adjustable to be stored in any space.
The inlet oru kayak measures 10 feet and weighs 20 pounds, half of any traditional kayak. It can take the shape of a compact box, making it feasible for you to place it in the car trunk or anywhere. As inlet kayak is portable, it tracks and handles more efficiently than any other kayak that you can even take with you on a plane and hike whenever you want.
Oru inlet kayaks have high durability and are made up of 5mm double layered, custom polypropylene consisting of 10-year UV treatment. It also has a puncture and abrasion-resistant feature that ensures its standability to rocks and hard obstacles. Lastly, the product has 42″ x 18″ x 10″ dimensions with a 1 year of warranty.
What We Liked
What We Didn’t Like
Final Thoughts
Oru inlet foldable kayak is among the best folding kayaks as it is sturdier and made up of double layers of polypropylene treated with UV as well. Also, the inlet kayak is lightweight and can be carried easily for any adventurous kayaking camping.
3. Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame – Best Convertible Inflatable Kayak
Advanced frame convertible kayak has advanced design with increased efficiency on the water and has very easy assembling to set up. You will just need to inflate it and attach seats to hit the kayaking adventure. Moreover, it consists of easy-to-use spring value and twist-lock valves that are compatible with most pumps. You can also switch the back-to-back touring made into a sole one through adjustable seat positioning.
In addition to this, for paddling tandem in harsh weather conditions, double-deck conversion spray kits are also available. The bow is also rigid, made up of an aluminum frame designed for reinforcement slices that move smoothly through water while kayaking. The advanced frame convertible inflatable kayak provides large space storage space without occupying the legroom, ensuring your long trips are more fun.
Along with this, the kayak has a high durability with 3 layers of polyester material and a double PVC coating that acts as perfect puncture resistance. The kayak comes with a repair kit and a bag that transport the kayak to your destination easily. The product has dimensions of 180 x 32 x 12 inches, weighing 52 pounds. The kayak supports 550 pounds of maximum weight.
What We Liked
What We Didn’t Like
Final Thoughts
Advanced frame convertible kayak is one of the best folding kayaks. It has a strong, durable building, more storage space, and adjustable seats that allow you to kayak alone and with another friend by simply folding and unfolding the seats.
Inflatable kayaks are known for their portability.
Check out: Best Inflatable Kayaks
4. ADVANCED ELEMENTS AdvancedFrame Expedition Elite – Top Rated Folding Kayak
The advanced frame expedition elite kayak is an evolutionary product among inflatable kayaks. It is a mixture of both a folding frame kayak and an inflatable kayak. It includes the specialties of both types of kayaks. Moreover, the expedition elite kayak has a bow and stern designed upon the aluminum rib frame technology.
In addition to this, the floor has a drop stitch technology to deliver a hard shell paddling performance. The expedition elite kayak measures 13 inches long, and provides maximum storage space and legroom. A repair kit is also included. For maximum safety and protection, it consists of dual air chambers also.
Despite all the expedition elite kayak being lightweight and having high durability as its skeleton is made up of a polyester fabric entrapped between layers of vinyl that create a stronger outer cover. The product dimensions are 13 x 32 inches, weighing 42lbs. The supporting weight is 450 lbs.
What We Liked
What We Didn’t Like
Final Thoughts
The advanced expedition elite kayaks is one of the best folding kayaks designed on the latest technology to upgrade your outdoor experience. It provides maximum protection with dual air chambers and is durable as it consists of a polyester fabric sandwich between vinyl layers.
Also check: Best Budget Inflatable Kayaks
5. AQUAGLIDE Noyo 90 – Best Inflatable Kayak
Aqualide noyo 90 is a sole recreational inflatable kayak designed ideally for a solo quick day trip after a long stressful day. Along with this, the aqua glide noyo 90 provides a completely dry and guarded paddle for a beginner to feel comfortable while kayaking. It has a strong and lightweight build.
Moreover, the aqua glide noyo 90 kayak is portable and manufactured to play as hard as you do. It is an ideal option for a kayak touring on a long day. It is basically made up for recreational paddling, including quick release fin, drag plug, Boston valve, zip-open dry large storage space, accessory strap, d ring, and molded handle-like features.
The product has 9 x 35 (L x H) dimensions, i.e., Length 274cm and width 89cms, weighing 21lbs. Also, the weight supports 250lbs and has seating for 1 person. The accessories included a seat and storage bag. Furthermore, it comes with a warranty of 1 year.
What We Liked
What We Didn’t Like
Final Thoughts
Aquaglide noyo 90 kayak is one of the best folding kayaks as it is lightweight and provides large legroom space. If you are taller, it is an ideal option for you. Also, it provides safe paddling, making it the best for beginners.
6. Intex Challenger Kayak
Intex challenger kayak is designed streamlined to deliver more fun and sporty look for easy paddling. The Intex challenger kayak K1 is lightweight and durable, made up of high-quality welded material loaded with attractive graphics for added safety on the lake or slow-moving water. Moreover, the kayak has large legroom that ensures your comfort in a large space.
Along with this, the Intex challenger has inflatable beam floors that increase the stability of the kayak. The Intex challenger comes with inflatable seats having a backrest. It also has a cargo net for extra gear storing and grab line on both ends. It includes an 84 inches aluminum oar, a repair patch, and a high-output manual hand pump. Furthermore, it has a rugged vinyl construction.
The Intex challenger kayak has dimensions of 30 x 15 x 108 inches (W X H X D), weighing 27.2 pounds, and has a maximum weight capacity of 220 pounds. Accessories included are 1 paddle measuring 86 inches, a high output pump, and a carry bag to make it convenient for you to carry the kayak with you anywhere.
What We Liked
What We Didn’t Like
Final Thoughts
The heavy-duty puncture-resistant vinyl Intex challenger kayak is one of the best portable kayaks of all time. It is lightweight and can be carried easily from place to place to extend one’s kayaking experiences.
7. Sevylor Quikpak K1 1-Person Kayak
The Sevylor quickpak k1 is an inflatable best folding kayak designed for a single person. The Sevylor Quickpak is lightweight and portable as it has its own carry bag that can be carried as a backpack having shoulder straps for convenience. Also, the backpack can be turned into a seat after inflating the kayak.
Moreover, the Quikpak K1 is comprised of 21 gauge PVC material that increases its durability and exposure to recreational purposes. Besides this, it also provides additional safety in tarpaulin bottom from scrapping and hitting some hard rocks obstacles. It also has multiple air chambers to avoid danger such as accidents by getting punctured.
In addition to this, the Sevylor quikpak K1 consists of double lock valves that are used on two locking points during inflation or deflation. The product has 103 x 36 x 30 inches dimensions and weighs 18 pounds. The kayak can support a weight of 400 lbs.
What We Liked
What We Didn’t Like
Final Thoughts
Sevylor Quikpak is one of the best folding kayaks for beginners especially as it provides a number of features such as multiple air chambers, backpack, dry backpack sac, etc., in a budget-friendly way.
8. ADVANCED ELEMENTS AdvancedFrame Sport Kayak
The advanced frame kayak is a portable, lightweight advanced frame kayak similar to the original advanced frame kayak in shape and form. Along with this, it consists of a large compartment that ensures convenient entry and exit.
The bow and stern are designed on aluminum rib frame technology that delivers maxim paddling performance in the sporty design. It has tough shell performance and portability that will keep you ready for your next adventure anytime. In addition to this, it consists of 4 air chambers that increase your safety and protection against any obstacle.
Advanced elements sport kayak has a maximum capability of a single person. It consists of molded rubber handles and adjustable back support. The product has dimensions of 30″ X 17″ X 8″ inches with a paddler height of 6’2’’. It weighs 26lbs with a supporting weight of 250lbs.
What We Liked
What We Didn’t Like
Final Thoughts
Advanced element sport kayak is one of the best portable kayaks for a single person. It is a lightweight, portable kayak consisting of 4 air chambers and adjustable back support with a molded rubber handle.
Buying Guide For Best Portable Kayaks
A portable kayak can be the best option for many people who love to kayak most of the time as it does not need extra storage space and can be transported easily by one unless of a standard kayak. You can push your folding kayak under your bed or can place it in your cupboard easily.
Although buying the best portable kayak can sometimes be tricky, especially if you are new to it. Here in this patriot of the article, we will help you understand the do and don’ts while making a kayak’s purchase.
Also Check Best Shoes For Kayaking
Folding Size & Assembling Time
Firstly, you need to look for the folding sizes to observe how dimensions the kayak will fold into after using, as origami kayaks fold more into smaller sizes than inflatable ones.
Strength Of The Kayak
The second important thing is the strength or the number of times a kayak can be assembled and disassembled for kayaking. Because the number indicates how much time more you can use the kayak and have to purchase a new one after reaching that specific number. Maximum of the origami kayaks can be used up to 20,000 times.
Inflation Time
Next is the right way to inflate and the time required for it, as many of the kayaks being reviewed cannot be inflated properly without using a foot or an electric pump. The typical time to inflate a kayak is 10-40 minutes.
Seating
Another important factor is to look for the seating options. Some of the portable kayaks allow switching a tandem to solo and solo to tandem and from a close deck to an open deck feature. Also, the taller people should see for the seat to bow measurement to make sure they have enough space for their legs to feel comfortable.
Check out our list of Best Tandem Inflatable Kayaks
Width
Measure the width of the kayak. The wider the boat is, the more it is stable in the water. Also, look for the assembled length from bow to stern. For that, you have to inflate the kayak and take note of the measurement. For a taller person, it is recommended to go for a long kayak as it will provide more space for your legs.
Safety
Safety should be an utmost priority while buying a kayak. Although all of the folding kayaks are designed to have triple layers of outer skin for puncture resistance and safety, they still confirm its conditions and layers before making a purchase. A kayak can run the risk of pictures if not used in its recommended conditions.
Weight Limit
Before riding the kayak, look for the maximum weight limit. Do not exceed the required weight otherwise, water will start filling it in. The maximum weight limit of folding kayaks has to be lower than hard-shell kayaks because of their flexible nature.
UV Protection
Lastly, the skeleton of the origami kayaks is made up of polypropylene treated with UV to avoid the degradation of the kayaks when exposed to sunlight. All of the kayaks are almost treated with UV for ten years.
Quick Tips
Quick tips for finding the right kayaks are,
- Price
- Deal
- Quality
- Material
- Brand
- size
Types of Portable kayaks
Portable kayaks come in two forms
1. Inflatable
An inflatable kayak has inflatable exterior construction that is supported by solid inner ribs. The inflatable kayaks are strong, durable, stable, lightweight, and portable, making them more convenient to carry from place to place than a hardshell kayak.
2. Origami kayak
Origami kayak is made up of flexible, non-inflatable material that folds itself to form a rigid frame. An origami kayak has more strength and can be used up to 20,000 times. It can be assembled and disassembled in less time.
Usage of portable kayaks
There are many essential uses of portable kayaks such as,
- Recreation
- Fishing
- Touring
- racing
FAQs
What does kayak mean?
Kayak means a small, narrow, elongated structure that is propelled by using a double-bladed paddle. The word originated from the Greenlandic word ”qajaq”. A traditional kayak consists of a deck, one or more than one cockpits, and each seating has one paddler.
Are both origami and inflatable kayaks portable?
Yes, both origami and inflatable kayaks are portable. They are lightweight and have an easy setup. They can be carried easily anywhere by one to exceed their adventurous kayaking experiences.
What is Oru Kayak made of?
An oru kayak is made up of a single sheet of corrugated plastic. They are launched on Kickstarter and later on funded. The bay is the first product to be manufactured by this company. The Oru bay kayaks can be transformed into a 12-foot boat from a large backpack.
What is a modular kayak?
A modular kayak is the one that is known as a snap kayak. They can be pieced together or transformed into parts. They provide stability and durability like a rigid kayak and mobility and flexibility like a folding inflatable kayak.
Should I get a foldable kayak?
If you are a destination freak (love to travel by air) and have a very limited storage space, then you must get your hands on a foldable kayak.
How long do foldable kayaks last?
Foldable kayaks have a folding life. Oru kayaks we have discussed in our article can be folded up to 20,000 times. They can be used for years and are made to last.
Wrapping Up
This article has included the best folding kayaks and what to consider while making the purchase. Among the product we have reviewed, here are our top picks that consist of all the features and specialties a best folding kayaks needs to have,
- Oru Kayak Foldable Kayak (beach Lt) is one of the best folding kayaks and amazon’s top-rated products. Easy to put together, lightweight, has plenty of room for loading gear, portable, and requires very little storage space.
- Oru Kayak Foldable Kayak (inlet) is one of amazon’s best products because it is Lightweight, Portable, Resistant to abrasions, and quick and easy to assemble.
- Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Convertible Inflatable Kayak is a top choice amazon product as it has a rigid bow and stern, aluminum frame, easy setup, and adjustable seats.
We really hope that this article has made your purchase easy. Please share your feedback with us and keep visiting us for more content.
Happy shopping!
Hi, I’m Randy R. Lios and the owner of Floating Kayaks. I’ve always been adventuresome at heart. From the time, I got my first kayak at age 18 until now when I have multiple kayaks with accessories and spend 5-6 hours researching all the new related stuff in the market. I have always been fond of fishing since my childhood and kayaking is part of my weekend routine.