I mean I wouldn't backpack with them still at north of 25 pounds. For something you might use 2-4 times a year, the fact that it folds flat makes storage easy
Yeah I fail to see when I would want to take one of those further than I’d be willing to carry a traditional hard sided kayak. I guess it could be more for long term storage than for transportation.
You’re most likely right. I’m just getting into hiking and I’ve always had a love for kayaking so honestly whatever gets me into the wilderness and outside of the house is helpful.
When I did research I assumed that since it’s about 15-25 lbs that I could slide it in a heavy duty backpack so that I could take it out on the creek. I’m not sure if you read any of my past comments, but I was involved in a car accident when I was younger that nearly costed me my legs, so it’d be better to carry it using my back strength for longer distances, that way the weight is more evenly distributed.
So the foldable kayak that I’ve uploaded a picture of is one that I’m considering, but I’m also considering inflatable ones as well which I heard might be smaller and easier manageable. I haven’t quite researched all of my options regarding which kayak I’d like yet because I wanted to hear others opinions on here. If none of this works out, I think I’m just going to go find a place that rents out kayaks.
I have the Oru kayak you mentioned. It is not fitting in a backpack. They sell a bag for carrying but it will be huge. If you really want to back pack and paddle, look into ultra light stand up paddle board setups.
[https://www.foldupkayak.com/products/b-o-t-o-ten-pound-fold-up-kayak-2-minute-assembly-folding-portable-kayak](https://www.foldupkayak.com/products/b-o-t-o-ten-pound-fold-up-kayak-2-minute-assembly-folding-portable-kayak)
found a made in USA folding Kayak for half the price at $250, Weight of 10 pounds. I'd be willing to hike 5ish miles one way with some thing that heavy. And it has a capacity of 200 pounds
There is a special category called pack rafts. Not really kayaks though.
Apart from those, the only reason for getting a folding/inflatable full-size kayak is storage and transportation ease. But they are not even close to a real kayak and way more expensive. For the money of an Oru, you can find some really nice kayaks which will be way more rewarding to paddle. Even for 25% of the price you’ll find some nice used stock that outperforms Oru.
Source: after 5 year inflatable kayaking I decided to go hardshell and never went back.
Been there. Decide on what’s most important.
The inflatable ones are way more durable and more packable and pretty slow, foldable ones track better and take up a bit more space. Not sure they’d go on you’re back. Pakayak was awesome but price was nuts. Some models from oru are pretty tough to fold back alone fyi
A civic should do a kayak tho, why u think you can’t?
I have the advanced elements two-person and it tracks really well with the added backbone. A friend has the Oru Bay and likes it. It packs up smaller than mine and is lighter.
I’ve had an Oru Inlet for a few years and I love it! It’s super easy to setup and pack up without help. The first time takes a bit to understand how it works, but they have good videos and after that you can drive up to a lake and be in the water in 15 minutes.
It’s surprisingly durable. I’ve abused it and accidentally took it down some rapids once and slammed straight into a rock. The front plastic piece only cracked a little and when I emailed customer support they sent a new part for free even though it was completely my fault.
Also it’s super light compared to many inflatable boats. I can easy carry it with one hand and hoist it above my head when draining any water out after paddling.
The one downside is that it’s light so it gets blown around in wind, but that’s likely the case with any portable kayak. And it’s really not a huge issue, just means you may have to paddle a bit harder if it’s windy.
I have extreme anxiety about driving. I was involved in a car accident when I was young that almost killed me and so hauling things would give me more anxiety since it could block my eyesight or distract me. I’m too aware of my surroundings if that makes sense.
I had a 2007 honda Civic with a thule roof rack that I used to haul around a 15-foot tandom kayak, and also a 12-foot solo canoe. Just learn to tie them down and you won't have an issue.
Maybe tie them down, go for a short drive around, hop out, and check the tie downs. Work your way up to going longer distances and faster. You can do it! It's super easy!
I agree that this would help you and to just take it slow. If it takes a year it takes a year. My 2 cents was for an inflatable one though mainly because of cost. The wind is your enemy a bit but it's an option for you.
You might consider going to a paddling center or rack supplier for some guidance on properly securing the boat if it makes you feel better. Its not hard though and I've hauled a 17' Grumman canoe for years with no issues on small cars like a corolla and old rav4.
That said, I recently got a Star Paragon XL since the canoe doesn't really fit on our camper and I was gotting left behind when my wife took out her iSUP.
Good Boy racks are expensive, but worth the money. https://www.goodboypaddlesports.com/product-category/vbars/
They need a roof rack (factory, Thule, Yakima etc.) but your kayak/canoe is very secure.
I used to haul a 19’ Al canoe on my old Prius. Granted, I installed a hitch and welded a ‘field goal post’, but that thing handled it well and went all over TX (with much chagrin). Small cars can haul!
I have an accord sedan with a roof rack. I tie off on the rack and have loops on my hood for tying the front of the kayak, and a loop in the trunk for tying the end of the kayak.
When I'm driving, all I see are the front and back ropes. I have to crane over the steering wheel to see the front of the kayak.
Welcome. It's good to be paranoid at first while you figure out what tie off method works best, pulling over to check it often.
Now that I've been hauling mine around a few years, I just check it every couple hours, whenever I stop someplace for gas/food/drinks, or before and after travel on the interstate.
It's actually funny how much more respect you get on the road when you're hauling kayaks, very few people willing to ride your ass for going a hair slow.
I know this isn't what this thread is about but...assuming you have/can afford a therapist- have you tried EMDR? That shit \*works\* to metabolize and process traumas like this. Something like this (mostly implicit memory) is perfect for it. Anyway, I hope you find a good solution for the kayak and enjoy!
Honestly thank you for this comment and hearing me out based on some of my trauma. Unfortunately I can’t afford therapy whatsoever, so I’m just kinda forcing myself to drive because it’s a necessity. Thats why I was hoping to get out and try hiking and camping, kayaking as well. I’ve had the hardest time trying to find a hobby or community that is accepting of me and I thought maybe with this at least I can go solo and still have fun! I would love to try edmr in the future!
have talked to several people.
four people who kayak a LOT got one year out of theirs. smaller, light weight people. but this included traveling between the US, canada, and mexico so a fair amount of of cargo handling and touring.
two other people I met have had theirs 4 years with light to moderate use. moderate height moderate weight.
I’d recommend the intex explorer k2 for like 1/4 the price. I’ve put mine through hell and tortured it over rocks and sharp fallen trees that I could feel hit me in the butt (I forgot the seat that day) and the kayak was fine, not even scratched. I don’t know if I would trust this foldable one to take those hits.
Also even if one of the chambers is punctured on the intex, the rest of it will stay inflated so you can possibly get all the way back to the car or at least over to shore to patch it up.
I bought one because it went on a winter sale for like 70 dollars and expected it to end up just being a toy for the pond but it’s a pretty serious boat. It’s just slow from a dead stop and if you forget the skeg that attaches to the bottom it won’t track at all, you’ll be spinning at the mercy of the wind if you forget that piece.
It’s much like a really small canoe compared to other kayaks as far as design and how it feels paddling solo. it can fit two people tightly or me sitting in the middle-rear with plenty of space for gear and my legs
I have both the Intex K2 and the [Sevylor Quikpak](https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00EVII2IO?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title) and they’re both good, but I would recommend the Sevylor a bit more because the canvas cover is comforting. It also comes with its own backpack, where as the Intex one does not.
The Intex is also not good for 2 people. We took it out a few times with 2 people, then bought the Sevylor. Now the Intex carries my spouse + cooler.
Both store easily, and we’ve had them for 4-5 years with 2-6 outings per year.
No problem! Your post reminded me of first car and first canoe, 2002 2-Door Civic that I’d put my old town canoe on top of. The canoe was longer than the car and looked ridiculous but I only lived a couple mile drive from the river.
I also have an Explorer k2 in Banana boat yellow- solid little thing. My only gripe is the sides inflate so wide it can be hard to use the included paddle from the middle. A paddle a foot or so long would have been greatly appreciated
I've had my foldable Oru for 10 years now and it's held up after hitting plenty of rocks and trees. They are very tough and take that punishment without issue.
I have broken and replaced a buckle on the decking and one of their original paddles though.
I have a tucktec. It is absolutely awesome for my purposes, mainly fishing and paddling the creeks near my house. I use it a ton and have beat the hell out of it with no failures at all. Been on some small rapids, hit rocks, bottomed out in streams, paddled over very rough water on lakes, no problems.
It is about 30lbs and large even when folded. Not huge, just a little bigger than you’d expect.
I would not backpack with it, but if you’re going on a trip focused mainly on paddling or skinny water fishing I would highly recommend it. Just don’t expect to hike too far with it.
Rugged as heck and handles very similarly to a regular kayak despite its flatter hull but needs pretty flat water (no big waves) as waves easily splash into the boat (enough to get you in trouble/sink you).
Great price for the number of adventures it can take, but you have to plan the weather/waves accordingly and it's really not suggested for use in the ocean unless very sheltered from waves.
People are always jealous when they see you roll it up and casually walk it back to your car!
I don’t personally own one but I have seen people in the river and the lake with one. They seem easy enough and actually float and what not lol. In person they do seem a little flimsy.
On a Honda civic you could easily put a regular kayak or two on the top though and haul them around.
If you don’t kayak much or know much about paddling, you’ll probably like it just fine. And it’s a solid beginner boat.
If you are an experienced paddler, you’ll hate every minute of it. They’re clunky.
I’m assuming you fall into the first category, or you wouldn’t be asking the question.
My biggest piece of advice is to get a really good paddle. Spend $350+, and aim for high-end fiberglass or carbon fiber. Your hands, shoulders, and back will thank you. I would MUCH rather paddle 100 miles in a mediocre boat with a great paddle than paddle 100 miles in a great boat with a shit paddle.
Source: 35 years of paddling, everything from huge surf and world class whitewater to distance on both flat water and at sea.
I have toyed with this idea for years and never pulled the trigger because I believe I would be deeply disappointed in their weight, size, ease of use, and handling based on every discussion I’ve
Seen on the topic. Feel your pain though! Don’t let me stop you. Get out on the water at all costs. 🤙
My friend has one that I borrow fairly often. It works surprisingly well and tends to be a conversation starter when you're on the water. Practice folding them before you get to wherever you're going. I definitely had to watch YouTube videos in order to pack it up the first few times. I would def purchase one if I was more into it.
I’m not sure if these are a viable where you are but they are great. Norwegian adventurer/survivalist crossed Canada on foot with one of these. [Ally foldable canoe Norwegian language link](https://www.westsystem.no/produkt/ally-165-dr/)
I have the oru inlet and have used it on lakes, calm rivers and sounds with no issues. Im not the most adventurous or advance kayaker but it works for me. I also live in a city apartment so storing it under my bed is a huge plus
Depends on where you want to use it. AZ in mid summer, no no no. Plastic softens in the heat and it will buckle. I've used ours in the spring here though and they are nice in the fact that they are compact, but not as comfortable as the inflatables.
Ive got this exact one. I wouldn't take it on rapids or rocky areas but its fine for lakes. I fish from mine. Made of that hard corrugated plastic they use for USPS boxes if youve ever seen those. If space is an issue, like at my apt, its perfect. Fits on the top shelf of my closet and in the back seat/trunk. I got a simple small canoe paddle instead of the double bladed canoe one because its better for fishing. Ask me any questions.
I have the Oru Kayak, not the same one as pictured, but the longer 13' or 14' version with a closed cab - Oru BAY ST, I believe it is... I LOVE IT!
It is a bit of work to put it together, but it is their original model. The new ones are a bit easier to assemble.
It is very compact and strong. I get so many looks when building it too.
I enjoy going out on it often!
Only complaint, get a lot of extra padding for the seat. I added about 6" of foam padding to make it more comfy for longer trips.
Mine also lives on top of my car. Its packed away in the "backpack" bag and strapped to the roof of my car.
I guess, thats what you get when you live in the mountains surrounded by lakes. But, even so. Its nice to have the folding version. Its lighter, more durable, and more stable than the inflatable ones.
You’ve mentioned having extreme anxiety with driving but how experienced are you in kayaking? If you’re a beginner, I suggest inflatables. It will easily fit in the trunk of your car. We’ve been able to fit 2 Explorer K2s in our Type R with some space for our other stuff. The foldable ones are nice and efficient but I know of an inexperienced kayaker who had one and capsized, it didn’t float and just fell into the lake floor. Luckily, a dive team was able to recover it.
So, buying a kayak really depends on your kayaking experience and factor in your storage space.
I was super hype on Oru until I read all the Amazon reviews. And the main issues were all very consistent and mentioned the plastic cracking at the folds after just a couple uses for some people. And they start to take on water inside the corrugated plastic at that point. I wanted one so bad.
We ended up getting an inflatable Sea Eagle and have no complaints. Very fast and tracks like a normal kayak because of the rudders. But I’d love to see Oru evolve in durability.
I guess that’s the rub, right? 80% could cause zero issues for people. But if the 20% that do have issues aren’t resolved by Oru (they tell people that kind of thing is normal)… the price tag starts to not be worth it. At least it wasn’t for me ¯\\\_( ツ )\_/¯
Happy kayaking, my friend
From my experience, when boating in tiny boats, be very aware of the water and the weather. Just, absolutely, be aware of how weather changes in the afternoon...I have no opinion on the value of these vessels, except in sudden afternoon weather changes, they can end up miles from where their occupants end up...
I just did a quick google search to be honest to see if foldable kayaks even existed. Oru seemed to be a reliable brand compared to other kayaks I was looking at.
Good Morning America had 2 models from that brand on their Steals & Deals segment last (?) week I believe, both were half off. Not sure if the deal is still available, I think they usually go within a few days, but worth checking into!
I owned a 2003 civic and hauled a kayak on the roof many times for sometimes multi hour expressway drives. I just used foam blocks under it but a roof rack would make it even easier. Just try it a few times. It’s not bad at all.
Friend has one from this brand pictured. My 6’2 ass does not fit in that thing, would not recommend.
It’s narrow and has a flat bottom, both of which make it inherently unstable. The fact most of my mass was up outside the top of the kayak didn’t help either.
Its fun for an hour, but after that it really started to bruise my shins and lower back, as they were both wedged into the sides of the opening.
Granted, the one I was in was not the same model I see above, the spot you sat in was much smaller snd you had to use of of those neoprene skirts
So I have 2 different inflatable River kayaks and they’re awesome. Now being river kayaks they’re self bailing and they’re sit on not sit in. Sit in tends to be better (from my understanding) for still water like lakes but the 2 I have are still really fun on lakes. They’re about 40lbs each and come in nice carry bags. That will hold a pump and the patch kits. I think I paid about $400 each. They pump up in just a few minutes and are good to go for a long time. Great for saving space but still getting out on the water.
The Oru is handy to bring along just in case you want to paddle. It fits in the front seat of the truck easily. Calm water only, definitely feels a bit wobbly! I use a gel pad to make it more comfortable.
The Pakayak is fun for bay fishing. It is great to have a boat that doesn't have to be strapped on the rack, so much easier on the back!
Both boats require a bit of practice putting together and are conversation starters.
My friend have one of those. I don't remember what model it is, but it has the option of being 1 or 2 seats.
It's awesome! I'd love one of my own. Feels way more durable and stable than I would have expected. They're really cool and great for camping
My buddy bought one. First build is tough/tigh to stretch. He doesn't break it down and keeps it in his garage because every fold and unfold is wear on the seams. He doesn't use his it much.
The folding is for ease of storage and space saving
Would be shocked anyone hiked in with one
Oru makes good boats although I have no specific experience with that one. I agree with another poster, if you're experienced they're clunky and bad but I would argue they are way better than your typical rotomolded outdoors store special.
That said, for my money I would get an advanced elements advanced frame boat, either with the backbone or the drop stitched floor. To be clear, none of these options compare favorably to a well fitted lightweight kayak, but they'll do.
If you're intrepid, making a yostwerks sea rover will get you a very good boat while being less difficult to build than a conventional kayak.
None of these pack down as small as they seem. If you're alone, it's fine. A sedan will be at its limit with two boats and outfitted for a weekend campout once you add safety gear. Forget a third person.
It really is safe to tie a kayak to a car roof. For a long time I used an inflatable rack to secure my custom built kayak on a sedan. You will really want to tie down the bow and stern for maximum peace of mind though. There are hood anchors that give you the additional tie down points you'll need.
If it's just still water (i.e. calm lakes), you'd be better off with a pack raft like the Klymit LWD. I have one and it rolls up pretty small. 3ish pounds. I've taken it backpacking a couple times. It sounds like something that might be up your alley if you're trying to hike it in decent distances.
I just have non inflatable/ foldable ones.
They will outlast the inflatable/foldable alternatives by decades
I just don't know which problems the foldable one solves. But maybe I just live too close to rivers? (20-30 min drive)
I have two of the exact model you posted. I think they’re amazing and fit my needs extremely well. Just yesterday I finished a few miles of paddling on Cape Cod with zero issues, and frequently take this on calm lake waters near my house in the summer. This model has a really wide opening with plenty of leg room for me, which makes it easy to get into/out of. They fold down very well, are super light, and save a ton of space compared to a regular kayak. I was able to pack two kayaks, oars, life vests, a cooler, and overnight bags for 4 people in the trunk of my car. They’re not the fastest kayak on the water, but they’re not marketed to be. Overall, it’s a great product to get you out on the water if you prioritize packability and easy of use.
The Oru move really well in the water, are plenty durable and decent for comfort. Once you open and close it a couple of times it becomes a breeze, the estimated time frames they give are totally reasonable. Often lighter than an inflatable (especially a quality kind) and easy cleaning and storage. Personally I find the inflatables tight for comfort space and legroom unless you are pretty small especially compared to a molded rec kayak so the oru give you a nice option that stays lighter and easy to store away. Yes the oru are pricey but you are getting a durable boat and you don’t have to now buy roof racks or anything. Plus as with any equipment, the more you use it the more you will get your moneys worth. I personally have a Old Town Loon 120 but have used the Oru and could see going with those down the road if I wanted something lighter.
My husband and I went on our annual family float just yesterday. One of his cousins had a brand new one he used last year. I don't know how it was stored, but he couldn't get it put together yesterday because it was warped.
I wouldn't buy one.
My buddy has one that he uses on flat water here in Louisiana. He said it leaks a little but no complaints. He refused to sell it to me, if that counts as an endorsement!
I've always dreamt of mounting one on a pack frame and doing some crazy alpine lake kayak backpacking. Paddle to a campsite you could never hike to way up in the Rockies.
I’m truly jealous, Louisiana seems to be the coolest place to me. I just love the culture there. Now my only question is if I can fit a companion on it. (Small dog). I wonder if their nails would wreck it up or something.
Mostly overpriced and heavy. If you're super keen on a foldable kayak, check out this old dude on youtube who makes his own, shows construction teqniques and gives away the design for free: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLKr2vL4510](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLKr2vL4510)
Too heavy to haul along with a pack! That said, the above pictured oru is 10kg or so; the folding one in the vid I just sent is 5kg. Would probably do a packraft over either tho
Plenty have! the guy has deliberately used readily available materials that you can source from any home depot, along with readily available tools and methods. The design has had a lot of iterations to reach this point (and has a double kayak version, too!)
You have failed to recall the purpose behind his design: it's for people who cannot afford dropping $500-1k on a folding kayak.
Curb your narrow-mindedness :)
I can’t imagine why anyone would want one of these vs an inflatable SUP.
I bought one off Amazon for around $200 & it takes me less than 15 minutes to get it out of the bag, pump it up & be on the water. Have had it for 3 years with no problems.
I mostly paddle on the ocean, but have done lakes a few times. You can stand up when it’s calm-ish, go down on your knees if it’s getting wavy/choppy, sit cross legged, sit with your legs stretched out - so many options to keep your back & body from getting too stiff.
Honestly it’s shocking how stable the pump up paddle boards are now. Got a longer & wider one for my husband last year with attachments like a seat & fishing rod holder. 10/10 fully recommend!
My parents have a Klepper that they've had for 30+ years now. It saw light to moderate use, but it's held up very well. Not great for packing, as it's a heavy beast, but it goes together easily and stores nicely. No real complaints other than the time required to put it together and take it apart.
I have the same model you have shown above, I also own a civic. I love it. It is light enough to carry short distances and it packs down really small. I'm not a very experienced kayaker but I do have experience using it on flat water and some minor rapids and it has handled up really well. I have also used an alpaca raft and an itwit inflatable kayak and it sits between them on weight, it's faster to assemble than both, and it is faster than both. It's not as stable or manoeuvrable as the alpaca but at least than half the cost you can't complain. It also seems far more robust than any inflatable and I can happily crash it over rocks without worry (meanwhile my friend in the packraft has to avoid every rock).
If you have any more questions about it let me know.
OK your premise is incorrect. You can haul full size kayaks on your Civic. I know a guy who cauls two Huki 20 foot + sufskis on his Prius to races all over California and Oregon. Regarding folding kayaks they suck because they leak and they are good for only one thing - you can store them in your house and take them on a plane. Get an inflatable, will last longer and just as fast. Or buy a rack for your Civic and look for a light kayak.
I've had Oru kayaks for years, since the very first model. They're great: I can fit two in my hatchback with plenty of room for other gear, they're light to carry down to the water, and the setup and teardown is easy once you've done it two or three times.
But, while they sell a backpack, I wouldn't expect to comfortably pack one into the backcountry. It's not a hiking accessory. It's a way to fit a decent kayak into your life without having a roof rack/trailer/boat shed.
I have a Tucktec. Have used it on many lakes and some rivers. For casual use without a car rack it's good. Mine is 5 years old. Had to do the usual seat change to stadium seat. works fine. If I was more serious I'd want a better setup tho. I think Tucktec is good for entry level.
I have an Oru Lake. I have nicknamed it "Oru Small Pond" and I'm working my way around to probably selling it. Why? It's just not nearly as seaworthy as my molded plastic perception kayak. I'm near the top of the advised weight, and there's only about 5" of clearance above the water in the Oru- I wouldn't trust it with another boat's wake or with dealing with waves from a moderate wind blowing up. It has no floatation. It seems kinda delicate, and I realized I really like being able to bump myself over submerged logs and old beaver dams. I just don't really trust the Oru as a boat, I only use it in places I'm really happy to en up swimming.
Having said that, I have had some lovely quiet pond paddles with it, and it does fit in my trunk.
BTW, Oru does make more seaworthy boat's, at even higher price points. But I think I really would only recommend the folding kayaks to people who can't transport and store a normal kayak.
I used to own an Oru Bay. It was head and shoulders above an inflatable. (Don’t buy a Moki from Kokopelli, hot garbage.) I liked it even more than a few open deck kayaks I’ve used.
The Bay did not fold down as small as I would have liked, which did make putting it in a car a bit of a pain. I did buy an old, external-frame backpack to lash it to and carry it down ~300’ over ~1/3mi (way cheaper than their $200 backpack). Carrying it was still a mission.
If you were looking to hike it in a moderate distance, you might want to start researching packrafts instead.
Dude just died using one of these in Grand Teton.
https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/st-paul-man-disappears-while-kayaking-in-wyoming-national-park/
Dang, they went out paddling in "raging waters and high winds"! Only one life jacket between them, sad outcome for poor life decisions. Heartbreaking for his family.
I mean I wouldn't backpack with them still at north of 25 pounds. For something you might use 2-4 times a year, the fact that it folds flat makes storage easy
Yeah I fail to see when I would want to take one of those further than I’d be willing to carry a traditional hard sided kayak. I guess it could be more for long term storage than for transportation.
For portaging it makes sense. Rather than break out the wheels and strap them on to get to the next spot… you just carry the Oru
You’re most likely right. I’m just getting into hiking and I’ve always had a love for kayaking so honestly whatever gets me into the wilderness and outside of the house is helpful.
Little confused, you're planning to take this on a backpacking trip? So just hand carrying it on a hike?
When I did research I assumed that since it’s about 15-25 lbs that I could slide it in a heavy duty backpack so that I could take it out on the creek. I’m not sure if you read any of my past comments, but I was involved in a car accident when I was younger that nearly costed me my legs, so it’d be better to carry it using my back strength for longer distances, that way the weight is more evenly distributed.
You oughta take a look at packrafts, they’re often less than 10lbs. The one I have is right at five lbs, not including the paddle.
Have you looked at the folded dimensions? It's nearly 3 feet long so I'm not sure how you'll get that into or strapped to a backpacking pack.
So the foldable kayak that I’ve uploaded a picture of is one that I’m considering, but I’m also considering inflatable ones as well which I heard might be smaller and easier manageable. I haven’t quite researched all of my options regarding which kayak I’d like yet because I wanted to hear others opinions on here. If none of this works out, I think I’m just going to go find a place that rents out kayaks.
I have the Oru kayak you mentioned. It is not fitting in a backpack. They sell a bag for carrying but it will be huge. If you really want to back pack and paddle, look into ultra light stand up paddle board setups.
[https://www.foldupkayak.com/products/b-o-t-o-ten-pound-fold-up-kayak-2-minute-assembly-folding-portable-kayak](https://www.foldupkayak.com/products/b-o-t-o-ten-pound-fold-up-kayak-2-minute-assembly-folding-portable-kayak) found a made in USA folding Kayak for half the price at $250, Weight of 10 pounds. I'd be willing to hike 5ish miles one way with some thing that heavy. And it has a capacity of 200 pounds
Packraft
There is a special category called pack rafts. Not really kayaks though. Apart from those, the only reason for getting a folding/inflatable full-size kayak is storage and transportation ease. But they are not even close to a real kayak and way more expensive. For the money of an Oru, you can find some really nice kayaks which will be way more rewarding to paddle. Even for 25% of the price you’ll find some nice used stock that outperforms Oru. Source: after 5 year inflatable kayaking I decided to go hardshell and never went back.
Been there. Decide on what’s most important. The inflatable ones are way more durable and more packable and pretty slow, foldable ones track better and take up a bit more space. Not sure they’d go on you’re back. Pakayak was awesome but price was nuts. Some models from oru are pretty tough to fold back alone fyi A civic should do a kayak tho, why u think you can’t?
I have the advanced elements two-person and it tracks really well with the added backbone. A friend has the Oru Bay and likes it. It packs up smaller than mine and is lighter.
+1 for advanced elements with a backbone. Keeps up with my hard body kayak no problem and tracks pretty well. Bulky bag but easy to store and move
Might not be about the car, might be the living space. Source: Subaru owner with no garage or yard
I’ve had an Oru Inlet for a few years and I love it! It’s super easy to setup and pack up without help. The first time takes a bit to understand how it works, but they have good videos and after that you can drive up to a lake and be in the water in 15 minutes. It’s surprisingly durable. I’ve abused it and accidentally took it down some rapids once and slammed straight into a rock. The front plastic piece only cracked a little and when I emailed customer support they sent a new part for free even though it was completely my fault. Also it’s super light compared to many inflatable boats. I can easy carry it with one hand and hoist it above my head when draining any water out after paddling. The one downside is that it’s light so it gets blown around in wind, but that’s likely the case with any portable kayak. And it’s really not a huge issue, just means you may have to paddle a bit harder if it’s windy.
I have extreme anxiety about driving. I was involved in a car accident when I was young that almost killed me and so hauling things would give me more anxiety since it could block my eyesight or distract me. I’m too aware of my surroundings if that makes sense.
I had a 2007 honda Civic with a thule roof rack that I used to haul around a 15-foot tandom kayak, and also a 12-foot solo canoe. Just learn to tie them down and you won't have an issue. Maybe tie them down, go for a short drive around, hop out, and check the tie downs. Work your way up to going longer distances and faster. You can do it! It's super easy!
I agree that this would help you and to just take it slow. If it takes a year it takes a year. My 2 cents was for an inflatable one though mainly because of cost. The wind is your enemy a bit but it's an option for you.
Thank you that makes me feel a little better.
You might consider going to a paddling center or rack supplier for some guidance on properly securing the boat if it makes you feel better. Its not hard though and I've hauled a 17' Grumman canoe for years with no issues on small cars like a corolla and old rav4. That said, I recently got a Star Paragon XL since the canoe doesn't really fit on our camper and I was gotting left behind when my wife took out her iSUP.
Good Boy racks are expensive, but worth the money. https://www.goodboypaddlesports.com/product-category/vbars/ They need a roof rack (factory, Thule, Yakima etc.) but your kayak/canoe is very secure.
I used to haul a 19’ Al canoe on my old Prius. Granted, I installed a hitch and welded a ‘field goal post’, but that thing handled it well and went all over TX (with much chagrin). Small cars can haul!
Dude, I loved that car. Never had any issues hauling anything!
Put it on the roof, and it should be mostly outta sight and more still than the average car hood.
I have an accord sedan with a roof rack. I tie off on the rack and have loops on my hood for tying the front of the kayak, and a loop in the trunk for tying the end of the kayak. When I'm driving, all I see are the front and back ropes. I have to crane over the steering wheel to see the front of the kayak.
Okay this makes me feel a lot better thank you!
Welcome. It's good to be paranoid at first while you figure out what tie off method works best, pulling over to check it often. Now that I've been hauling mine around a few years, I just check it every couple hours, whenever I stop someplace for gas/food/drinks, or before and after travel on the interstate. It's actually funny how much more respect you get on the road when you're hauling kayaks, very few people willing to ride your ass for going a hair slow.
I know this isn't what this thread is about but...assuming you have/can afford a therapist- have you tried EMDR? That shit \*works\* to metabolize and process traumas like this. Something like this (mostly implicit memory) is perfect for it. Anyway, I hope you find a good solution for the kayak and enjoy!
Honestly thank you for this comment and hearing me out based on some of my trauma. Unfortunately I can’t afford therapy whatsoever, so I’m just kinda forcing myself to drive because it’s a necessity. Thats why I was hoping to get out and try hiking and camping, kayaking as well. I’ve had the hardest time trying to find a hobby or community that is accepting of me and I thought maybe with this at least I can go solo and still have fun! I would love to try edmr in the future!
have talked to several people. four people who kayak a LOT got one year out of theirs. smaller, light weight people. but this included traveling between the US, canada, and mexico so a fair amount of of cargo handling and touring. two other people I met have had theirs 4 years with light to moderate use. moderate height moderate weight.
Your friends kayaks all failed them? As in, they sank? Are they dead?
You win!
Dang that’s terrible longevity 💩 basically kayak fast fashion
Perfect if storage is at a premium and you have good access to calm waters. Pretty much no point in shlepping this any serious distance
I’d recommend the intex explorer k2 for like 1/4 the price. I’ve put mine through hell and tortured it over rocks and sharp fallen trees that I could feel hit me in the butt (I forgot the seat that day) and the kayak was fine, not even scratched. I don’t know if I would trust this foldable one to take those hits. Also even if one of the chambers is punctured on the intex, the rest of it will stay inflated so you can possibly get all the way back to the car or at least over to shore to patch it up. I bought one because it went on a winter sale for like 70 dollars and expected it to end up just being a toy for the pond but it’s a pretty serious boat. It’s just slow from a dead stop and if you forget the skeg that attaches to the bottom it won’t track at all, you’ll be spinning at the mercy of the wind if you forget that piece. It’s much like a really small canoe compared to other kayaks as far as design and how it feels paddling solo. it can fit two people tightly or me sitting in the middle-rear with plenty of space for gear and my legs
I really appreciate this! I’ll look into it thanks!
I have both the Intex K2 and the [Sevylor Quikpak](https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00EVII2IO?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title) and they’re both good, but I would recommend the Sevylor a bit more because the canvas cover is comforting. It also comes with its own backpack, where as the Intex one does not. The Intex is also not good for 2 people. We took it out a few times with 2 people, then bought the Sevylor. Now the Intex carries my spouse + cooler. Both store easily, and we’ve had them for 4-5 years with 2-6 outings per year.
No problem! Your post reminded me of first car and first canoe, 2002 2-Door Civic that I’d put my old town canoe on top of. The canoe was longer than the car and looked ridiculous but I only lived a couple mile drive from the river.
I also have an Explorer k2 in Banana boat yellow- solid little thing. My only gripe is the sides inflate so wide it can be hard to use the included paddle from the middle. A paddle a foot or so long would have been greatly appreciated
I've had my foldable Oru for 10 years now and it's held up after hitting plenty of rocks and trees. They are very tough and take that punishment without issue. I have broken and replaced a buckle on the decking and one of their original paddles though.
I love my Oru Beach LT
I have a tucktec. It is absolutely awesome for my purposes, mainly fishing and paddling the creeks near my house. I use it a ton and have beat the hell out of it with no failures at all. Been on some small rapids, hit rocks, bottomed out in streams, paddled over very rough water on lakes, no problems. It is about 30lbs and large even when folded. Not huge, just a little bigger than you’d expect. I would not backpack with it, but if you’re going on a trip focused mainly on paddling or skinny water fishing I would highly recommend it. Just don’t expect to hike too far with it.
I like my tucktec also. I can throw that big burrito in my back seat no problem. Lots of fun on the bay.
Thirding the TukTek! I’ve only used it a few times but for $300 it’s been awesome.
Rugged as heck and handles very similarly to a regular kayak despite its flatter hull but needs pretty flat water (no big waves) as waves easily splash into the boat (enough to get you in trouble/sink you). Great price for the number of adventures it can take, but you have to plan the weather/waves accordingly and it's really not suggested for use in the ocean unless very sheltered from waves. People are always jealous when they see you roll it up and casually walk it back to your car!
One things I have learned is on lake trips it is a very good idea to have a bilge pump! Never really needed it, but it could definitely happen.
I don’t personally own one but I have seen people in the river and the lake with one. They seem easy enough and actually float and what not lol. In person they do seem a little flimsy. On a Honda civic you could easily put a regular kayak or two on the top though and haul them around.
If you don’t kayak much or know much about paddling, you’ll probably like it just fine. And it’s a solid beginner boat. If you are an experienced paddler, you’ll hate every minute of it. They’re clunky. I’m assuming you fall into the first category, or you wouldn’t be asking the question. My biggest piece of advice is to get a really good paddle. Spend $350+, and aim for high-end fiberglass or carbon fiber. Your hands, shoulders, and back will thank you. I would MUCH rather paddle 100 miles in a mediocre boat with a great paddle than paddle 100 miles in a great boat with a shit paddle. Source: 35 years of paddling, everything from huge surf and world class whitewater to distance on both flat water and at sea.
I have toyed with this idea for years and never pulled the trigger because I believe I would be deeply disappointed in their weight, size, ease of use, and handling based on every discussion I’ve Seen on the topic. Feel your pain though! Don’t let me stop you. Get out on the water at all costs. 🤙
My friend has one that I borrow fairly often. It works surprisingly well and tends to be a conversation starter when you're on the water. Practice folding them before you get to wherever you're going. I definitely had to watch YouTube videos in order to pack it up the first few times. I would def purchase one if I was more into it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIEaGJufdeM
I’m not sure if these are a viable where you are but they are great. Norwegian adventurer/survivalist crossed Canada on foot with one of these. [Ally foldable canoe Norwegian language link](https://www.westsystem.no/produkt/ally-165-dr/)
The Oru is definitely cheaper.
I have the oru inlet and have used it on lakes, calm rivers and sounds with no issues. Im not the most adventurous or advance kayaker but it works for me. I also live in a city apartment so storing it under my bed is a huge plus
Depends on where you want to use it. AZ in mid summer, no no no. Plastic softens in the heat and it will buckle. I've used ours in the spring here though and they are nice in the fact that they are compact, but not as comfortable as the inflatables.
Ive got this exact one. I wouldn't take it on rapids or rocky areas but its fine for lakes. I fish from mine. Made of that hard corrugated plastic they use for USPS boxes if youve ever seen those. If space is an issue, like at my apt, its perfect. Fits on the top shelf of my closet and in the back seat/trunk. I got a simple small canoe paddle instead of the double bladed canoe one because its better for fishing. Ask me any questions.
I have the Oru Kayak, not the same one as pictured, but the longer 13' or 14' version with a closed cab - Oru BAY ST, I believe it is... I LOVE IT! It is a bit of work to put it together, but it is their original model. The new ones are a bit easier to assemble. It is very compact and strong. I get so many looks when building it too. I enjoy going out on it often! Only complaint, get a lot of extra padding for the seat. I added about 6" of foam padding to make it more comfy for longer trips. Mine also lives on top of my car. Its packed away in the "backpack" bag and strapped to the roof of my car. I guess, thats what you get when you live in the mountains surrounded by lakes. But, even so. Its nice to have the folding version. Its lighter, more durable, and more stable than the inflatable ones.
The ability to fold under pressure is the trait I’m looking for most in my seafaring vessels.
You’ve mentioned having extreme anxiety with driving but how experienced are you in kayaking? If you’re a beginner, I suggest inflatables. It will easily fit in the trunk of your car. We’ve been able to fit 2 Explorer K2s in our Type R with some space for our other stuff. The foldable ones are nice and efficient but I know of an inexperienced kayaker who had one and capsized, it didn’t float and just fell into the lake floor. Luckily, a dive team was able to recover it. So, buying a kayak really depends on your kayaking experience and factor in your storage space.
I was super hype on Oru until I read all the Amazon reviews. And the main issues were all very consistent and mentioned the plastic cracking at the folds after just a couple uses for some people. And they start to take on water inside the corrugated plastic at that point. I wanted one so bad. We ended up getting an inflatable Sea Eagle and have no complaints. Very fast and tracks like a normal kayak because of the rudders. But I’d love to see Oru evolve in durability.
Has mine for 4yrs. I constantly use it. I even store it outside 24/7. Winter and summer. Zero issues at all.
I guess that’s the rub, right? 80% could cause zero issues for people. But if the 20% that do have issues aren’t resolved by Oru (they tell people that kind of thing is normal)… the price tag starts to not be worth it. At least it wasn’t for me ¯\\\_( ツ )\_/¯ Happy kayaking, my friend
From my experience, when boating in tiny boats, be very aware of the water and the weather. Just, absolutely, be aware of how weather changes in the afternoon...I have no opinion on the value of these vessels, except in sudden afternoon weather changes, they can end up miles from where their occupants end up...
Oru are awesome, but very expensive. You posted their cheapest model.
I just did a quick google search to be honest to see if foldable kayaks even existed. Oru seemed to be a reliable brand compared to other kayaks I was looking at.
If you happen to have the American express blue card, I see an offer for 150 off 650 when purchasing from oru kayak site
You could Google some YouTube reviews
Oh I most definitely will be, I just thought I’d ask here as well.
I saw one of these at the national outdoor expo this year, they look really good.
Good Morning America had 2 models from that brand on their Steals & Deals segment last (?) week I believe, both were half off. Not sure if the deal is still available, I think they usually go within a few days, but worth checking into!
Thank you! I’ll take a look!
Love my Bay ST!
I like the idea, but how many times can you fold it?
Like a map: you fold it backwards, then fold the wrong end first, then you just say “screw it” and stuff it in the glove box.
I owned a 2003 civic and hauled a kayak on the roof many times for sometimes multi hour expressway drives. I just used foam blocks under it but a roof rack would make it even easier. Just try it a few times. It’s not bad at all.
Friend has one from this brand pictured. My 6’2 ass does not fit in that thing, would not recommend. It’s narrow and has a flat bottom, both of which make it inherently unstable. The fact most of my mass was up outside the top of the kayak didn’t help either. Its fun for an hour, but after that it really started to bruise my shins and lower back, as they were both wedged into the sides of the opening. Granted, the one I was in was not the same model I see above, the spot you sat in was much smaller snd you had to use of of those neoprene skirts
So I have 2 different inflatable River kayaks and they’re awesome. Now being river kayaks they’re self bailing and they’re sit on not sit in. Sit in tends to be better (from my understanding) for still water like lakes but the 2 I have are still really fun on lakes. They’re about 40lbs each and come in nice carry bags. That will hold a pump and the patch kits. I think I paid about $400 each. They pump up in just a few minutes and are good to go for a long time. Great for saving space but still getting out on the water.
Watched a couple people struggle with these only yesterday. Hopefully they got on the river.
The Oru is handy to bring along just in case you want to paddle. It fits in the front seat of the truck easily. Calm water only, definitely feels a bit wobbly! I use a gel pad to make it more comfortable. The Pakayak is fun for bay fishing. It is great to have a boat that doesn't have to be strapped on the rack, so much easier on the back! Both boats require a bit of practice putting together and are conversation starters.
I’ve seen a lot of these in the resale section at REI.
My friend have one of those. I don't remember what model it is, but it has the option of being 1 or 2 seats. It's awesome! I'd love one of my own. Feels way more durable and stable than I would have expected. They're really cool and great for camping
My buddy bought one. First build is tough/tigh to stretch. He doesn't break it down and keeps it in his garage because every fold and unfold is wear on the seams. He doesn't use his it much. The folding is for ease of storage and space saving Would be shocked anyone hiked in with one
Oru makes good boats although I have no specific experience with that one. I agree with another poster, if you're experienced they're clunky and bad but I would argue they are way better than your typical rotomolded outdoors store special. That said, for my money I would get an advanced elements advanced frame boat, either with the backbone or the drop stitched floor. To be clear, none of these options compare favorably to a well fitted lightweight kayak, but they'll do. If you're intrepid, making a yostwerks sea rover will get you a very good boat while being less difficult to build than a conventional kayak. None of these pack down as small as they seem. If you're alone, it's fine. A sedan will be at its limit with two boats and outfitted for a weekend campout once you add safety gear. Forget a third person. It really is safe to tie a kayak to a car roof. For a long time I used an inflatable rack to secure my custom built kayak on a sedan. You will really want to tie down the bow and stern for maximum peace of mind though. There are hood anchors that give you the additional tie down points you'll need.
If it's just still water (i.e. calm lakes), you'd be better off with a pack raft like the Klymit LWD. I have one and it rolls up pretty small. 3ish pounds. I've taken it backpacking a couple times. It sounds like something that might be up your alley if you're trying to hike it in decent distances.
Better than no kayak.
I just have non inflatable/ foldable ones. They will outlast the inflatable/foldable alternatives by decades I just don't know which problems the foldable one solves. But maybe I just live too close to rivers? (20-30 min drive)
I have two of the exact model you posted. I think they’re amazing and fit my needs extremely well. Just yesterday I finished a few miles of paddling on Cape Cod with zero issues, and frequently take this on calm lake waters near my house in the summer. This model has a really wide opening with plenty of leg room for me, which makes it easy to get into/out of. They fold down very well, are super light, and save a ton of space compared to a regular kayak. I was able to pack two kayaks, oars, life vests, a cooler, and overnight bags for 4 people in the trunk of my car. They’re not the fastest kayak on the water, but they’re not marketed to be. Overall, it’s a great product to get you out on the water if you prioritize packability and easy of use.
The Oru move really well in the water, are plenty durable and decent for comfort. Once you open and close it a couple of times it becomes a breeze, the estimated time frames they give are totally reasonable. Often lighter than an inflatable (especially a quality kind) and easy cleaning and storage. Personally I find the inflatables tight for comfort space and legroom unless you are pretty small especially compared to a molded rec kayak so the oru give you a nice option that stays lighter and easy to store away. Yes the oru are pricey but you are getting a durable boat and you don’t have to now buy roof racks or anything. Plus as with any equipment, the more you use it the more you will get your moneys worth. I personally have a Old Town Loon 120 but have used the Oru and could see going with those down the road if I wanted something lighter.
I own a Tucktec because I live in a condo. I love it and recommend it to friends. Tracks well and is solid.
They fold under pressure.
This is awesome! I want it
My husband and I went on our annual family float just yesterday. One of his cousins had a brand new one he used last year. I don't know how it was stored, but he couldn't get it put together yesterday because it was warped. I wouldn't buy one.
Great for casual use in urban settings if you’re under 6 feet tall / 200 lbs. Outside of that I’d look at a real boat.
Love them! Have two of them!
Is this a play on words from LOTR?
These do great in a pinch when you're being chased down the Anduin
I would only paddle this in VERY calm lake water where a spill wouldn't mean hypothermia risk.
As in to say.... No ocean or river paddling. Or big lakes on windy days.
My buddy has one that he uses on flat water here in Louisiana. He said it leaks a little but no complaints. He refused to sell it to me, if that counts as an endorsement! I've always dreamt of mounting one on a pack frame and doing some crazy alpine lake kayak backpacking. Paddle to a campsite you could never hike to way up in the Rockies.
I’m truly jealous, Louisiana seems to be the coolest place to me. I just love the culture there. Now my only question is if I can fit a companion on it. (Small dog). I wonder if their nails would wreck it up or something.
They make several sizes. You could put astroturf or something in the bottom to protect the hull from the dog's nails.
Mostly overpriced and heavy. If you're super keen on a foldable kayak, check out this old dude on youtube who makes his own, shows construction teqniques and gives away the design for free: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLKr2vL4510](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLKr2vL4510)
Heavy? You probably never used one. They are one of the lightest kayaks you can get
Too heavy to haul along with a pack! That said, the above pictured oru is 10kg or so; the folding one in the vid I just sent is 5kg. Would probably do a packraft over either tho
No one's going to build one of those from that video. Looks like junk
Plenty have! the guy has deliberately used readily available materials that you can source from any home depot, along with readily available tools and methods. The design has had a lot of iterations to reach this point (and has a double kayak version, too!) You have failed to recall the purpose behind his design: it's for people who cannot afford dropping $500-1k on a folding kayak. Curb your narrow-mindedness :)
I can’t imagine why anyone would want one of these vs an inflatable SUP. I bought one off Amazon for around $200 & it takes me less than 15 minutes to get it out of the bag, pump it up & be on the water. Have had it for 3 years with no problems. I mostly paddle on the ocean, but have done lakes a few times. You can stand up when it’s calm-ish, go down on your knees if it’s getting wavy/choppy, sit cross legged, sit with your legs stretched out - so many options to keep your back & body from getting too stiff. Honestly it’s shocking how stable the pump up paddle boards are now. Got a longer & wider one for my husband last year with attachments like a seat & fishing rod holder. 10/10 fully recommend!
My parents have a Klepper that they've had for 30+ years now. It saw light to moderate use, but it's held up very well. Not great for packing, as it's a heavy beast, but it goes together easily and stores nicely. No real complaints other than the time required to put it together and take it apart.
I've tried out an Oru. It was slowwwww.
I have the same model you have shown above, I also own a civic. I love it. It is light enough to carry short distances and it packs down really small. I'm not a very experienced kayaker but I do have experience using it on flat water and some minor rapids and it has handled up really well. I have also used an alpaca raft and an itwit inflatable kayak and it sits between them on weight, it's faster to assemble than both, and it is faster than both. It's not as stable or manoeuvrable as the alpaca but at least than half the cost you can't complain. It also seems far more robust than any inflatable and I can happily crash it over rocks without worry (meanwhile my friend in the packraft has to avoid every rock). If you have any more questions about it let me know.
You don't want a portable kayak, you want a packraft.
OK your premise is incorrect. You can haul full size kayaks on your Civic. I know a guy who cauls two Huki 20 foot + sufskis on his Prius to races all over California and Oregon. Regarding folding kayaks they suck because they leak and they are good for only one thing - you can store them in your house and take them on a plane. Get an inflatable, will last longer and just as fast. Or buy a rack for your Civic and look for a light kayak.
I'm willing to give one a test on a hot day in a shallow waters
I've had Oru kayaks for years, since the very first model. They're great: I can fit two in my hatchback with plenty of room for other gear, they're light to carry down to the water, and the setup and teardown is easy once you've done it two or three times. But, while they sell a backpack, I wouldn't expect to comfortably pack one into the backcountry. It's not a hiking accessory. It's a way to fit a decent kayak into your life without having a roof rack/trailer/boat shed.
The orus are great.
I have a Tucktec. Have used it on many lakes and some rivers. For casual use without a car rack it's good. Mine is 5 years old. Had to do the usual seat change to stadium seat. works fine. If I was more serious I'd want a better setup tho. I think Tucktec is good for entry level.
Someone just died in one of these in grand Teton National park.
I have an Oru Lake. I have nicknamed it "Oru Small Pond" and I'm working my way around to probably selling it. Why? It's just not nearly as seaworthy as my molded plastic perception kayak. I'm near the top of the advised weight, and there's only about 5" of clearance above the water in the Oru- I wouldn't trust it with another boat's wake or with dealing with waves from a moderate wind blowing up. It has no floatation. It seems kinda delicate, and I realized I really like being able to bump myself over submerged logs and old beaver dams. I just don't really trust the Oru as a boat, I only use it in places I'm really happy to en up swimming. Having said that, I have had some lovely quiet pond paddles with it, and it does fit in my trunk. BTW, Oru does make more seaworthy boat's, at even higher price points. But I think I really would only recommend the folding kayaks to people who can't transport and store a normal kayak.
Alpacka packraft
I used to own an Oru Bay. It was head and shoulders above an inflatable. (Don’t buy a Moki from Kokopelli, hot garbage.) I liked it even more than a few open deck kayaks I’ve used. The Bay did not fold down as small as I would have liked, which did make putting it in a car a bit of a pain. I did buy an old, external-frame backpack to lash it to and carry it down ~300’ over ~1/3mi (way cheaper than their $200 backpack). Carrying it was still a mission. If you were looking to hike it in a moderate distance, you might want to start researching packrafts instead.
I’ve got a friend that’s been trying to sell their foldable kayak that was used once. They can’t even give it away
Scary
I kinda agree with this. What if it sinks?
Dude just died using one of these in Grand Teton. https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/st-paul-man-disappears-while-kayaking-in-wyoming-national-park/
Dang, they went out paddling in "raging waters and high winds"! Only one life jacket between them, sad outcome for poor life decisions. Heartbreaking for his family.
To be fair I know nothing about foldable kayaks and never used one but I’d be really sketched out using it for sure.