When it comes to kayaking, sometimes more traditional kayaks require a bit of work to get into the water. This can take up too much time and may require more than one person to set up everything. That is where lightweight kayaks are a good solution, as they generally take less time to assemble and get out on the water.
Why? As they are built to be lightweight, they are specially designed to be ready in as little time as possible and are therefore much easier to mount onto cars and even to carry alone. Lightweight kayaks come in a few different styles and sizes, and finding the perfect one can sometimes be a bit of a challenge.
Luckily for you, in this article, we will share the best lightweight kayaks so you can get a better idea of which one is most suited to you. Below, we take a look at three of the best lightweight kayaks that are currently on the market.
Oru Kayak Beach Folding Portable Kayak
Oru Kayak claims to make the outdoors accessible, and they certainly do with this little boat. This kayak by Oru Kayak is the original folding kayak! This is a fantastic boat which is perfect for all your kayaking needs. It is stable enough for absolute beginners yet fast and sporty enough for the more expert kayakers out there!
Pros
- 28” width
- Stable and comfortable
- Increased cockpit size
- Lightweight and sturdy
- Foldable
- Multipurpose
- Durable
Cons
- Due to having such a lightweight design, it may be difficult to steer in extremely strong winds as well as in rough waters and waves.
Summary
If you are looking for a good quality lightweight kayak, then Oru Kayak definitely has a good product for you. Their high-quality kayak performs well in lakes, rivers and calm lagoons. It is a perfect little boat for families as well as the single adventurer!
Sturdy and Lightweight
Although this boat is extremely lightweight, it is impossible to capsize thanks to its sturdy and durable design. This makes it 100% safe and secure offering peace of mind to its user. The hull of this kayak is created using custom polypropylene featuring a 10 year UV treatment! This means that it is certainly built to last a long time.
Box to Boat in seconds
This kayak is super easy to store thanks to its collapsible design. It takes just three minutes to assemble it, meaning less time getting set up and more time on the water!
Sea Eagle Inflatable Kayak boat
This kayak by Sea Eagle is entirely inflatable! It is an inflatable kayak weighing 26 pounds and featuring a 500 pound capacity. If you are looking for something lightweight, then you can’t get much more than this. Let’s take a look at its features in a little more detail.
Pros
- Puncture resistant design
- Compact
- High-frequency seams
- Inflatable spray skirts and seats
- Two oars included
- Foot pump and carry bag
- Bow and stern grab lines
Cons
- Although this boat is designed to be durable, a few customers have criticized its durability
Summary
The Sea Eagle inflatable kayak is a powerful kayak boat which is super lightweight at the same time. It features a spray skirt to keep any water out, two seats at the front and rear of the boat, and two oars. The whole boat when deflated can fit nicely into the carrier bag which comes with the set, meaning it can be transported easily to any destination!
Puncture Resistant
One of the best things about this kayak is it is completely inflatable. Many people may overlook this product in terms of a kayak boat, out of fear of it puncturing more quickly. However, you can be assured that this product is created with longevity in mind, designed with puncture-resistant, extra thick K-90 Polykrylar hull material, which is an extremely strong material, keeping you safe.
Easy Assembly
This kayak can be assembled in as little as six minutes using the reliable foot pump which is included with the purchase. This makes it so much easier to do alone, without the need to rely on a friend. You will get on the water in no time!
Dagger Zydeco 9.0 Kayak
The kayak boat by Dagger kayaks is our final lightweight contender on the list. This little dagger is perfect for flat-water cruising and moving in slower waters such as small rivers and inlets.
Pros
- Easy maneuverability
- Fast acceleration
- Lightweight
- Comfortable cockpit
- 9’ 1” length
- 36.5lbs weight
- Transport friendly
- Good quality
Cons
- Not suitable for rough waters
Summary
The Dagger is a brilliant little kayak for both beginners and expert kayakers out there. It features a comfy cockpit where you can relax while you wisp along your favorite lake or river.
Transport friendly
As the dagger is super lightweight, it is much easier to lift and carry, and also for car loading, unlike the more standard heavyweight kayaks which require a bit of work. This allows you to start your kayaking without too much preparation in advance and allowing you the pleasure to do it all by yourself.
Extra control
Due to the short boat length of 9’1”, it makes it so much easier to control in twisty environments, making it easier to ride the bends of the river.
Which is the Best Lightweight Kayak for me?
If you are looking for a lightweight kayak that is easy to transport and one that is of high quality, then the Oru Kayak lightweight kayak is a good option to consider. This is a great boat which can be enjoyed by all the family. Its durable, stable design makes it a good option for kayakers no matter their expert level, so it really is a good boat to consider.
On the other hand, if you are shopping on a budget, and looking for a more reasonably priced boat, then the Sea Eagle 330 is the second best option worthy of your attention. This boat is perfect for two people and certainly performs well.