Kayaking is a wonderful experience that can give you adrenaline rush. However, getting a kayak to or from the water and storing it can be an exhausting work. Most of the people avoid kayaking because of the exhausting part of carrying and storing the heavy kayak. In order to overcome this issues, kayak makers came with a revolutionary idea of folding kayaks.
You might have seen number of folding kayaks options available in the market and choosing a best one can be a tricky part. Therefore, I am sharing a list of best folding kayaks for you.
There are lots of factors to consider before getting best portable kayak for yourself. Some of the important factors to consider before selecting a foldable kayak consists; assembly time, weight, storage and durability. I have gone through all of these factors while reviewing the best portable kayaks for you.
You might have gone through the Inflatable kayaks, but I think portable kayaks are must better. Since, you don’t need to inflate or deflate the kayak before using. It is less bulky and portable than compared to inflatables.
Table of Contents
Top Rated Portable Kayaks
| Kayaks | Brand | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| ORU KAYAK CoastXT FOLDABLE KAYAK | Oru Kayak | 36 pounds | |
| ORU KAYAK BAYST FOLDABLE KAYAK | Oru Kayak | 28 pounds | |
| ORU KAYAK BEACH LT PORTABLE KAYAK | Oru Kayak | 26 pounds | |
| FOLBOT FULL EXPEDITION PACKAGE | Folbot | 5.9 pounds | |
| ADVANCED ELEMENTS AE1007-R CONVERTIBLE KAYAK | Advanced Elements | 52 pounds | |
| ADVANCED ELEMENTS ADVANCEDFRAME SPORT KAYAK | Advanced Elements | 26 pounds |
THE Best Folding Kayaks
Oru Kayak CoastXT Foldable Kayak
The CoastXT Kayak by Oru Kayak is made for serious tough kayakers. It is designed in such a way that stays stable even in rough waters. The Oru Kayak has ensured premium stability, speed, and handling for CoastXT. It takes you less than 5 minutes to setup CoastXT kayak.
Since, you will be folding this kayak for storage; therefore, to ensure the durability it goes under extensive testing, rated at 20,000 folds. It also meets the requirement of U.S. Coast Guard recreational vessel requirements.
CoastXT foldable kayak comes with a carrying case making it easy to carry from one place to another. It comes with a 12 month warranty and 30 days money back guarantee.
Why this Folding Kayak?
-
-
- Made using custom polypropylene and rust-resistant hardware.
- You can fold to the size of large suitcase.
- It is treated with 10 years of UV protection.
- Maximum Load capacity of 400 Pounds.
-
Model & Accessory Specs:
Length: 16’
Weight: 36lbs
Material: Custom polypropylene and rust-resistant hardware
Maximum Capacity: 400 lbs
Oru Kayak BayST Foldable Kayak
The Oru Kayak BayST is one of the best sit inside folding kayaks available in the market. It is very much stable for the beginners and maneuvers smoothly in the water. It takes under 5 minutes to construct this kayak which makes this Oru kayak more practical.
This kayak goes through extensive durability testing which is rated at 20,000 folds and exceed U.S. Coast Guard recreational vessel requirements. Being a folding kayak, it is easy to transport it to or from the water.
There is also an storage space to store your extra gears. There are adjustable footrests and a padded seat to add to the comfort of your paddling experience. The company offers 12-month warranty & 30-day money back guarantee.
Why this folding Kayak?
-
-
- Easy to assemble- takes less then 5 minutes
- Storage space for the gears
- Comfortable seats
- Adjustable footrests
- Very light in weight
-
Model & Accessory Specs
Length: 12’
Weight: 28lbs
Material: Custom polypropylene and rust-resistant hardware
Maximum Capacity: 300 lbs
MYCANOE 2.5 Origami Folding Kayak
MYCANOE 2.5 Origami folding kayak takes less than 10 minutes to assemble and it can be folded again under less than 5 minutes. It is considered as the one of the highest-quality folding canoe in this price range. The quality of this canoe is up to the mark and it is hard to believe that how can it be a folded vessel.
It features two seats making it a folding tandem canoe and it is wonderful for couples to go out in the water and enjoy. This canoe is very light in weight making it easy to transport to or from the water. It is made up of custom polypropylene with a 15 year UV treatment which is rated at 20,000 folds.
It is TUV performance and quality assurance tests certified making it perfect canoe.
Why this folding Tandem Kayak?
-
-
- Origami fold
- Very light in weight
- UV Protected
-
Model & Accessory Specs
Length: 14.5’
Weight: 52lbs
Material: Custom polypropylene
Maximum Capacity: 440lbs
Oru Kayak Beach LT Portable Kayak
Oru Kayak Beach portable kayak is built to perform and offers great performance. It is perfect for calm water like rivers, lakes and bays making it excellent choice for beginners and experts. It takes less than 10 minutes to assemble this boat saving most of your time to invest in paddling.
Despite of being a folding kayak, it is very much durable and passed the extensive strength test. It is easy to transport it to or from the water. It offers great performance and stability while you maneuver in the water.
Why this folding Kayak?
-
-
- Takes less than 5 minutes to assemble
- Durable and passed the strength tests
- Light weight
- Easy to transport
-
Model & Accessory Specs
Length: 12’
Weight: 26lbs
Material: Custom polypropylene and rust-resistant hardware
Maximum Capacity: 300lbs
Elevens Cruise Plus Foldable
This a whole package of folding kayak with lots of side accessories. It includes; free paddle, life vest, comfortable seat, cup holder, camera mount, and a storage bag. All these accessories make this kayak a perfect package.
Talking about the durability, the Elevens Cruise Plus is made up of custom-extruded, doubly-ply FRPP protecting it from the sun and salt water. Having a weight of just 30 pounds make it easy to transport from one place to another. Assembling this kayak will merely take less than 5 minutes without the use of any tools.
Normally, folding kayaks are not meant for speed but this one is the fast portable kayak. The shape of this kayak and weight distribution makes it sporty and it adds to the speed of this ‘yak.
Why this Portable Kayak?
-
-
- Takes less than 10 minutes to assemble
- Durable and passed the strength tests
- Light weight
- Easy to transport
- Lots of side accessories
-
Model & Accessory Specs
Length: 12.8’
Weight: 30lbs
Material: Custom-extruded, doubly-ply FRPP
Maximum Capacity: 200lbs
Folbot Full Expedition Package
Folbot foldable kayak is another complete package with lots of side accessories. The accessory kit is easy to install. You need to place over your kayak and attach with fastener.
The foot rudder can be installed at the stern easily and it also comes with foot controls. It will help it to retract from damage in shallow water. Full deck attaches to washboard keep water out of the cockpit. There is also wilderness repair kit in case of emergency.
In order to protect the hull, there is an additional padding for the bottom of your keel. You should definitely consider this kayak if you are spending some handsome money on your folding kayak.
Why this folding Kayak?
-
-
- Easy to install
- Durable
- Light weight
- Water resistant
-
Model & Accessory Specs
Length: N/A
Weight: 7.3 lbs
Material: N/A
Maximum Capacity: N/A
Folbot Recreational Citibot Foldable Kayak
Folbot recreational Citibot foldable kayak is very lightweight designed for recreational paddling. It can be used for rivers, lakes, and bays. The frame of Citibot offers great support for tracking. It takes less than 10 minutes to assemble this amazing kayak.
The hull of this kayak is designed to absorb the little shocks and damages. The whole kayak is UV protected makes it a durable portable kayak. It is folded into a small bag and takes very little space to store.
Why this folding Kayak?
-
-
- Easy to install
- Perfect for lakes, rivers and bays
- Very light in weight
- UV protected
-
Model & Accessory Specs
Length: 10’
Weight: 7.3lbs
Maximum Capacity: 210lbs
Advanced Elements AE1007-R Convertible Kayak
Advanced Elements AE1007-R is both inflatable and convertible kayak designed for both solo and tandem paddling. There are built in aluminium ribs which define the bow and stern and define the tracking. Since, it is an inflatable kayak as well so three layers of extreme material make it puncture resistant.
It is easy to assemble as you simply need to unfold, inflate and you are good to go. There are two adjustable seats which are removable. It features patented BackBone accessory or rigid high-pressure floors that utilize Drop-stitch technology helping to enhance the stability and performance of the kayak. The floor also feature pressure release valve.
Molded handles make it easy to transport it from one place to another.
Why this Convertible Kayak?
-
-
- Convertible and inflatable kayak!
- Easy to assemble
- Advanced Elements Spring Valve
- Integrated Pressure Relief Valve in Floor
- Molded handles
-
Model & Accessory Specs
Length: 15’
Weight: 52 lbs
Maximum Capacity: 550 lbs
Material: Puncture resistant material
Tucktec 10 ft Folding Kayak
Turktec 10ft is a 10ft kayak which can be fold down to very compact and easy to carry size. It takes around 2 minutes to set it up and make it ready for paddling. This kayak locks into shape using six heavy-duty latches.
Tucktec 10ft can be used by any level angler; whether beginner or advanced. Its wide flat bottom makes it extremely stable. There is a tracking fin given which enhances the maneuverability and ensure that it glides straight into the water.
This kayak features a folding seat with backrest. In order to add to your comfort, there are foam rails given on the side to comfortably carry it to or from the water. It meets the US Coast Guard manufacturing and safety requirements which enhances the consumer confidence.
It is available in five amazing colors. Overall, it is a perfect folding kayak that can give you amazing experience for sure.
Why this Convertible Kayak?
-
-
- Very large foldable kayak
- Takes hardly two minutes to assemble
- Tracking fin
- Folding seats
- Six heavy-duty latches
- Wide, flat bottom for stability
- Available in 5 colors
-
Model & Accessory Specs
Length: 9ft 6in
Weight: 30lbs
Maximum Capacity: 350lbs
ADVANCED ELEMENTS AdvancedFrame Sport Kayak
AdvancedFrame Sport Kayak is another one of the best yet loved portable kayaks by Advanced Elements. It is designed to perform in universal water condition. It has spacious cockpit which gives enough room to the angler.
The aluminum bow and stern ribs of this kayak helps in better paddling and complete control over the boat. It is really fast to inflate and deflate this amazing kayak.
The kayak is very lightweight but still it has great weight capacity. It can hold up to 250 lbs. It features 4 air chamber which is a safety feature in case of emergency. The experience of this inflatable foldable kayak is similar to any hardshell kayak.
Why this Convertible Kayak?
-
-
- Aluminium bow and stern ribs
- Very stable and tracks well
- Perfect for universal water condition
- 4 Air chambers
-
Model & Accessory Specs
Length: 10ft 5in
Weight: 26lbs
Maximum Capacity: 250lbs
Folding Kayak Buyer Guide
So let’s first discuss about all the basic things about buying guide about folding kayak and then to the list!
What is a Folding kayak?
Folding kayaks is built for portability and convenience. As the name suggests, you can easily fold the kayak and store it into the trunk of your car and does not require you to have a trolley or car rack. They can be folded into a small suitcase size and can be stored in your apartment.
They are much better than inflatables as you don’t have to inflate or deflate the kayak before using which saves time and energy. Folding kayak only requires you to unfold it and you are good to go – they are much like hardshells. Most of the foldable kayaks are UV protected making them durable.
How to Build a Folding kayak and Pack it!
Building a folding kayak and packing it back may be different for each kayak type and all the instruction can be found in the instruction manual.
Generally with folding kayaks, the hull of the kayak is formed by the carrying container. After removing the separate parts like seats; the other part can be folded. You can watch the small video below to learn that how to assemble an Oru kayak.
Step 1: Open the Box & Lay it out!
Firstly you need to unbox the kayak and lay out the large section that is given inside that. The large section will form the hull of folding kayak.
Step 2: Now Install the footrest
Now you need to install the footrests, but make sure that your kayak has the footrest option. You need to check the instruction manual to get the exact idea that how to install footrest for your kayak.
Step 3: Close the Bow & Stern
Now you need to close the bow by folding the corresponding section to the upward direction. Then you need tighten the straps then fold the sides over the footrest and center near the cockpit.
After closing the bow you need to close the stern. For that, tighten the straps at the end of the stern and if there is a bucklehead then you need to make sure that it is installed before doing the whole stern.
Step 4: Assemble the Cockpit
Now as the hull is done from the front and back then you need to place the floorboard into the cockpit. It will provide a floor to your kayak and will be given separately. After that you need to install the seats as per the instructions given in the manual.
Folding or Packing it back
Ones you are done with kayaking or paddling and wanted to fold it again or pack it. Then you simply need to reverse the above steps and you are done. Let me give you a quick guide on it too.
Firstly remove the seats, remove the flooring, loosen the straps on bow and stern, remove the bucklhead and footrest.
Now you need to fold the bow and then the stern section with the help of your knee. Now fold both bow and stern together so that they are side by side. Then it will take a box like shape and then use the straps to secure it and it is done!
Video: Oru Beach LT Assembly
How To Choose A Folding Kayak
Earlier portable kayaks used to be very expensive and very amount of people used to have them as they did not have space to store a normal kayak and or racks or sections to transport it. Choosing a folding kayak also require few factors to consider which I have discussed below for you;
Purpose & Reason for Buying!
Before buying any kayak, you ask yourself a question that why this type of kayak and the same thing happened with this folding ‘yak. If you want to use kayak for recreational paddling and speed and length is not on your priority list then kayak is good to go.
However, if you also want to have want to load up gears for fishing and all then you need to look for folding kayak with enough weight capacity.
How often do you Kayak?
It is one of the most important thing to consider before buying a folding kayak. If you are frequent paddler and would be folding and unfolding your kayak more often then it may create problem.
As most of the folding kayaks last for certain number of folds and may became inefficient after reaching that number. However, still there are some of the foldable ‘yaks that are going to last for longer and are quiet durable but not as much as a hardshell ordinary kayak. Because folding causes the creases and it weaken the entire structure of the kayak.
Comfort and Ease of Use
Another factor to consider before getting yourself a folding ‘yak is considering the comfort level and ease of use. Comfort level is very important to consider as you will be sitting for few hours of the day in your kayak and there are variety of options available for you to choose from.
I have listed some of the best portable kayaks for below which offer utmost comfort level.
Ease of use is another factor to consider, you need to see how easy it is to assemble a kayak and take it for paddling. You need to make sure while buying a collapsible kayak that it does not take more than 20 minutes to assemble it. It can be judged by seeing the number of sections that are required to assembled.
Your Budget!
The last factor that every one of us consider while making any type of purchase and that is about the budget. You need to see a best collapsible kayak for budget that does not cost you much and carries all the features. You should definitely opt for cheap folding kayak, if you are new to kayaking and just starting.
Pros And Cons Portable Kayaks
Pros
- They are easy to store and transport to or from the water.
- Kayaking become accessible to people who do not have garages or stores as they can easily fit into apartments.
- Folding ‘yaks are light in weight. Does not require any additional tools to assemble folding kayak.
- Very easy to assemble and takes less time as compared to inflatable kayaks.
Cons
- They are bit expensive as compared to traditional kayaks.
- Not as much durable as normal hardshell kayak.
- Assembling can be a tiring work and require practice to do it faster.
- These are not good for speeding.
- Does not require much storage space.
- May require more maintenance.
Folding Kayak vs Inflatable Kayak?
There is a bit confusion between people about Folding kayak and an inflatable kayak. Usually, these both are considered as same; however, there are few fundamental differences which makes them unique.
One most common different is that; folding ‘yaks are folded whereas inflated kayaks are inflated. As far storage is concerned then these both kayaks are easy to store. However, both have their pros and cons.
It takes little lesser time to setup a folding vessel as compared to the inflated one. Usually, an inflatable kayak takes around 15 to 20 minutes to get ready for the paddling whereas a foldable kayak takes hardly 2 minutes for setup.
Another point is about drying. You need to dry an inflatable kayak before storing it. You need to spend sometime on it for drying. Whereas, folding kayaks are dried pretty easily – put them on sun and use a towel to dry it out.
Mostly, inflatable kayaks are heavier than foldables; therefore, it is pretty hard to transport it from one place to another. So it is proven that kayaks which can be folded are pretty easy to transport as compared to inflatable.
As far the performance is concerned, foldable vessels are designed for high performance and better efficiency whereas inflatables are usually designed to spend a day out that’s it. However, inflatable kayaks are much stable in windy weather due to their heavy weight.
Overall, both of the kayaks have their pros and cons and it solely depends on your preferences and choices.
Conclusion – Should I buy Folding Kayak?
Folding Kayaks are perfect for you if yo are beginner and does not care much about speed. They are definitely a best choice for the paddlers who do have any specific storage space as these can be fit into a small space. I have list some of the best folding kayaks above for you along with their all features based on which rational decision can be taken.
I am sure you are going to find the best portable kayak in my list and get one for yourself. Don’t forget to share it with others!
