Best Folding Kayak: Just as Good as Typical Kayaks

Have you ever stopped by a lake and thought, “I wish I had my kayak right now.” Unfortunately, it’s not that easy to have your kayak on hand at all times without risking someone stealing it off the top of your car or losing gas mileage. 

Portable kayaks are a great alternative that can fold up and fit inside any vehicle. Inflatable kayaks are one type of portable kayak but are more challenging to paddle than typical kayaks.

Foldable kayaks are a great portable alternative that mimics a traditional kayak as close as possible.

To find the best folding kayaks, we’ll look into their durability, weight, how easy it is to fold and unfold them, and what activities they are best for. Some folding kayaks are simple and only have the necessities, while others are jam-packed with features. 

Product

Details

Most Like a Hardshell

Pakayak Bluefin 142

• Material: Polyethylene
• Item Weight: 59 Pounds

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Most Versatile

Oru Bay ST

• Materil: Polypropylene
• Item Weight: 26 Pounds

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Best on Flat Water

Oru Beach LT

• Material: Polyethylene
• Item Weight: 25 Pounds

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Best Performance

Oru The Coast XT

• Material: Polyethylene
• Item Weight: 32 Pounds

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Lightweight and Compact

Oru Inlet

• Material: Polyethylene
• Item Weight: 20 Pounds

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Most Budget-Friendly

Tucktec Folding Kayak

• Material: Polyethylene
• Item Weight: 30 Pounds

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Premium choice

Trak 2.0 Signature

• Material: Polyethylene
• Item Weight: 44 Pounds

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7 Best Folding Kayaks on the Market

There are also different folding kayaks for various activities. You can find one resembling almost any type of standard kayak, such as touring kayaks, sea fishing kayaks, and casual recreational kayaks.

There is something for everyone when it comes to the best folding kayaks. I have included foldable kayaks for beginners, adventurers, and performance kayakers in my kayak reviews. There are also affordable options that are great for those wanting to kayak a few times a year.

1. Pakayak Bluefin 142

The Pakayak Bluefin 142 is unique for a folding kayak because it doesn’t actually fold. It comes apart and packs inside itself like a nesting doll.

At first, this made me a little skeptical because it has seams that come apart. However, it is leakproof with gaskets and multiple stainless steel clamps. 

Once your folding kayak is put together, it looks exactly the same as a regular sea kayak. It’s made of the same materials as a hardshell kayak and has all the same features. You can find dry storage, a lip for a spray skirt to keep you dry, and bungees to hold anything else. 

Since it is basically a traditional kayak, it weighs as much as one. This may seem like a massive disadvantage for something you should be able to carry around independently. Although, Pakayak makes it easy with wheels on the bag and two straps that you can carry like a backpack. 

Key Features:

• Materials: Polyethylene
• Dimensions: 14’2”L x 2’W 
• Folded Dimensions: 3’6”L x 2’W x 1’4”H
• Capacity: 300 lbs / 1 person
• Weight: 59 lbs
• Set Up Time: 10-15 minutes

Pros:

• This is a hardshell kayak, which will track and paddle like a standard kayak.
• The bag you store it in has wheels, making it easy to move.
• Clamps together instead of folding, making it easier and quicker to pack and unpack.
• Designed to cut through waves and ocean waters.
• There is a massive amount of legroom, with the seat space being 4” long.

Cons:

• It’s heavy, making it difficult to carry if you can’t roll it. However, they added an extra strap to carry it like a backpack.

Pakayak Bluefin 142

The Price of “Pakayak Bluefin 142” varies, so check the latest price at

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2. Oru Bay ST

Oru got their inspiration for their foldable kayaks from origami, which is precisely what these kayaks look like. The foldable Oru kayak starts as one sheet of double-layered plastic and folds into two sets of zippers that keep the hull together.

This design creates an enclosed kayak that can have a spray skirt attached to keep you dry.

This model was designed to handle a variety of waters and is ideal for those who have paddled at least a few times or experienced paddlers.

It is narrower and longer than some other folding kayaks, but not so much that you can easily tip over. This makes it fast and able to cut through the water easily, regardless of some mild waves.

Key Features:

• Materials: Double-layered polyethylene
• Dimensions: 12’3”L x 2’4” W
• Folded Dimensions: 2’9”L x 1’W x 2’5” H
• Capacity: 300 lbs / 1 person
• Weight: 26 lbs.
• Set Up Time: 10 minutes

Pros:

• Extremely lightweight for a recreational kayak.
• Very durable with a double-layered hull, four zippers to seal the folding kayak, UV protectant, and a 1-year warranty.
• You can add a spray skirt to the spacious cockpit.
• It’s one of the most versatile origami-style kayaks, able to handle smoother water and ocean surf.

Cons:

• It can be a little wobbly if you aren’t an experienced kayaker.

Oru Bay ST

The Price of “Oru Bay ST” varies, so check the latest price at

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3. Oru Beach LT

This is a very similar folding kayak to the Oru Bay ST, except it is made more for people who only kayak casually or for beginners and is slightly easier to assemble.

It is one sheet of durable material that folds up and wraps around itself until it forms the shape of a kayak. You then simply buckle it into shape. 

Since this folding kayak is one thin sheet of plastic, it is exceptionally lightweight. The total weight of this folding kayak is about half the weight of a standard kayak.

This may make you think it must be flimsy, but on the contrary, it’s very stable and cuts through flat water, similar to a hard shell.

Key Features:

• Materials: Double-layered polyethylene
• Dimensions: 12’L x 2′ 4″ W
• Folded Dimensions: 2’9”L x 1’W x 2’5” H
• Capacity: 300 lbs / 1 person
• Weight: 25 lbs.
• Set Up Time: 10 minutes

Pros:

• This kayak folds down and turns into its own carrying case.
• How it is designed makes it extremely lightweight and easy to carry, assembled or unassembled.
• It tracks well and can speed up nicely on smooth water.
• Customer support is super helpful if you have any questions about this folding kayak.

Cons:

• It will take some practice to disassemble the kayak in a timely manner.

Oru Beach LT

The Price of “Oru Beach LT” varies, so check the latest price at

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4. Oru The Coast XT

If you loved the idea of the last two origami kayaks, but are looking for something specifically for a more extreme kayaker, look no further.

The Coast XT is made for adventurers who want something fast that can go the distance. This kayak’s longer and thinner style makes it cut through waters like no other.

This kayak has many storage options for when you plan to do a multi-day paddle. There are removable bulkheads to access your things quickly and bungees on both ends of the kayak.

The Coast XT was also built to hold more weight, so you don’t have to worry about your camping gear warping your kayak.

Key Features:

• Materials: Double-layered polyethylene
• Dimensions: 16’2”L x 2’1”W
• Folded Dimensions: 2’9”L x 1’W x 2’5” H
• Capacity: 400 lbs / 1 person
• Weight: 32 lbs.
• Set Up Time: 10 minutes

Pros:

• Half the weight of other folding kayaks this size.
• Made durable and long to handle the fastest and furthest adventures.
• It folds into itself and can be carried on your back, making it ideal for hikes.
• It has a higher capacity than other single kayaks, so you can hold more gear.

Cons:

• This is not the kayak you want to go with if you are a beginner.

Oru The Coast XT

The Price of “Oru The Coast XT” varies, so check the latest price at

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5. Oru Inlet

The Inlet is Oru’s most straightforward and smallest foldable kayak. It only takes four pieces to assemble and can be done in under five minutes once you get the hang of it.

It will then fold down to the size of a king-size pillow, making it super easy to pack anywhere.

This is not the most technical kayak you will find. However, it is excellent for beginners because the hull is wider than most other folding kayaks, making it highly stable.

Due to it being wider, you may need to find out how to size a kayak paddle. It tracks reasonably well for a wide kayak and does great on smooth waters like lakes and calm rivers. 

Key Features:

• Materials: Double-layered polyethylene
• Dimensions: 9’8”L x 2’7”W
• Folded Dimensions: 3’6”L x 10”W x 1’6” H
• Capacity: 275 lbs / 1 person
• Weight: 20 lbs.
• Set Up Time: Under 5 minutes

Pros:

• Easier to set up and has fewer components than the other Oru kayaks.
• I’ve never seen a kayak lighter weight than this one. 
• A wide kayak, making it great for beginners.
• It packs up smaller than any other folding kayak.

Cons:

• The adjustable backrest is a little flimsy and difficult to adjust correctly.

Oru Inlet

The Price of “Oru Inlet” varies, so check the latest price at

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6. Tucktec Folding Kayak

Portable kayaks can get expensive. The Tucktec folding kayak is much more affordable than most others you will find on the market at over half the price.

There aren’t many pieces to it, making it extremely easy to put together and lightweight. 

The kayak is made of a flexible material that sits relatively wide, making it easier for newer paddlers, but it can affect its technicality a bit.

Tucktec has added a tracking fin to help with this. The fin can be moved up or down with the pull of a string, so it doesn’t drag in shallow areas.

Key Features:

• Materials: Polyethylene
• Dimensions: 12’L x 2′ 4″ W
• Folded Dimensions: 2’9”L x 1’W x 2’5” H
• Capacity: 350 lbs / 1 person
• Weight: 30 lbs.

Pros:

• Over half the price of the average folding kayak.
• It can be used as a comfortable tandem kayak and hold two people.
• Marine-grade foam covers the side walls, so it’s impossible to sink the kayak.
• There’s a retractable tracking fin to help keep the kayak straight.
• It comes with a 3-year warranty.

Cons:

• The kayak is flexible, so it can be difficult to get in and out.

Tucktec Folding Kayak

The Price of “Tucktec Folding Kayak” varies, so check the latest price at

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7. Trak 2.0 Signature

If you are looking for the best of the best, the Trak 2.0 Signature is the folding kayak for you. It comes with a premium price tag, but with good reason. This thing will last you forever with a carbon fiber frame and polyurethane skin. Both of these materials are the toughest on the Market.

The price includes everything you need with your kayak purchase, like a spray skirt and floating gear bags. You’ll be ready for whatever adventure from day one. 

You can also take this kayak on any water because of the adjustable rocker. With the pull of a lever, you can pull the rocker up, making it better for rougher water or obstacles.

If you prefer speed or to paddle long distances, you can move the hull into a flatter rocker for tracking.

Key Features:

• Materials: Three-ply polyurethane and carbon fiber
• Dimensions: 16’L x 1’10” W
• Folded Dimensions: 3’5”L x 1’7”W x 9”H
• Capacity: 350 lbs / 1 person
• Weight: 53 lbs.
• Set Up Time: 10-20 minutes

Pros:

• It has everything you need, like a paddle, spray skirt, sea socks, and floating gear bags.
• There is a five-year warranty on the kayak and included materials.
• The carry bag has wheels so you can roll it instead of carrying it.
• You can adjust the rocker to better suit the water you are paddling.
• This kayak is one of the most durable on the market.

Cons:

• It has a lot of components, so it may take some practice assembling and disassembling.

Trak 2.0 Signature

The Price of “Trak 2.0 Signature” varies, so check the latest price at

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How to Find the Best Folding Kayaks 

You may have many questions about choosing the right folding kayak for you. So let’s get into the different types of folding kayaks and what features you should consider.

Types of Kayaks

There are three major types of kayaks that you can choose from. They vary in length, width, rocker, and build. The following are the kayaks you can choose from:

Recreational:

Usually used for fun and smooth waters, these kayaks are shorter and broader. These are the most popular and versatile types and are mostly inflatable kayaks.

Sea/Touring Kayak:

These are longer, typically over 12 feet, and thinner than other kayaks. Touring kayaks have a lower rocker, and sea kayaks have a higher rocker. 

White Water Kayak:

You won’t find portable folding kayaks for white water rafting. They are generally rotomolded and made to go fast over fast water and rocks. 

Durability:

You can build a folding kayak from many different materials, such as polyethylene, polyurethane, carbon fiber, and aluminum. Polyurethane and carbon fiber are stronger and more efficient for a foldable kayak.

You should also consider the kayak’s design, such as how many seams, folds, and attachments there are.

Capacity:

When considering the capacity of your folding kayak, you should think about more than your own weight. You should also look into the weight you will pack on your kayak. A kayak cooler, tackle box, camping gear, or anything else you would like to bring with you on the water can add up quickly.

Folding size:

No two portable kayaks fold up to the same size. Some will fold small enough to fit into the back of a Prius, while others will not. Make sure the portable kayak you buy will fit into any storage space you want. You may also need to learn how to transport a kayak properly.

Setup Time:

Some foldable kayaks are much more complex than others. The folding kayaks with lots of parts are usually more stable and durable but take a lot more time to set up. Think about how long you want to spend putting your kayak together and tearing it down. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Are Folding Kayaks Durable?

Folding kayaks may not seem as durable as hardshell kayaks, but they are. Today, folding kayaks are made out of the same type of materials that they made standard kayaks out of. Any seams are reinforced or have some material to make them watertight. 

How Much Is a Folding Kayak?

Folding kayaks tend to cost anywhere from $300 to $4,000. This depends on the materials it’s made of, how it is built, what comes with the folding kayak, and the included features. The cheapest kayaks will be simple and for smoother waters or casual paddling. 

Usually, an inflatable kayak is cheaper than other options.

How to Store a Folding Kayak?

If you are storing your folding kayak for a longer period, you should rinse and wipe down the entire exterior. Leave it unfolded and spread out until it has completely dried, so mold does not grow during storage.

Fold your kayak as you usually would and store it in its carrying case away from direct sunlight and moisture.

So Which Is the Best Folding Kayak

If money is not a factor, the Trak 2.0 Signature is one of the most durable kayaks out there. It will last you decades with a durable build and unique design. It is one of the most versatile folding kayaks with its adjustable rocker, so you can comfortably explore whatever waters you want. 

If you think about it, you may save money in the long run because you’ll never have to buy another foldable kayak again. The only reason I would not purchase the Trak 2.0 is if I was only going to be kayaking every once in a while. The Oru Inlet is a great value for those looking for something more casual.

With the perfect portable folding kayak, you’ll be able to enjoy the water anywhere, anytime. I guarantee that you’ll find your perfect folding kayak here.