The Advanced Elements Packlite Inflatable Kayak is a surprisingly light and portable kayak that is an easy pick for remote and difficult-to-reach waterways. It weighs little over 4 pounds in its bag and can easily be put into a bag and taken on your next wilderness overnight excursion. While it isn’t our first option for flawless tracking and effective paddling, the mobility of this type is unbeatable for traveling to isolated places. Although it’s not the most durable inflatable kayak it has a high-quality repair kit that can rescue you in a bad situation. If you love being able to paddle where no other boat could even come near since this boat is simple to put up, simple to use, and surprisingly sturdy for its size, this is a great option for you.
Dimensions
- Weight – 4 lbs
- Length – 7’ 10”
- Width – 35”
- Load capacity – 250 lbs
The Advanced Elements Packlite is 7’ 10” long, 35” wide and weighs 4 pounds. It’s well built and can take on 250 pounds of load.
Construction Quality and Features
- Material: Polyurethane-coated ripstop polyester
There is a protective polyurethane laminate on the kayak, which protects the lightweight, high-density polyester ripstop fabric. The ripstop adds to the kayak’s resiliency in the case of a puncture and the four “extra layers” of polyurethane coating around the hull and interior well offer abrasion resistance. While it’s easy to balance the PackLite on your pinkie, it might fly away in a strong wind. There are three inflating chambers: one twistlok for the floor and two military valves for the two major chambers. Because of the inner/outer architecture of the major chambers, if one deflates, you are still surrounded by another chamber. Attaching gear is simple with the six front d-rings – two on either side of the handle – and four more 18 to 24 inches apart and 15 inches deep. These start 6 inches from the stern and end 6 inches behind the paddler, and are 26 inches apart tapering to 12 inches spaced and 12 inches deep. A “sculpted” i-beam hull and electronically-welded seams may be seen on the underside. While there is no tracking fin, this shape, along with the 8 i-beam ribs, produces a tracking element that improves performance.
Ease of Transportation and Storage
- Packed size: 11” x 11” x 5”
One of the main selling points of inflatable kayaks is their ease of transportation and storage. Considering the packed size of the Advanced Elements Packlite, it is extremely easy to take it with you wherever you go and even easier to store it when the season is over. It also only weighs 4 pounds so it won’t be a huge burden to carry with you. It’s very easy to set up and deflate because of the Twistlok valves and high flow military style valves which means it can be on the water very fast as well as back in it’s bag very quickly.
Accessories
With this inflatable kayak you also get a mesh carry bag that perfectly fits the kayak when it’s deflated and packed. Another important accessory that comes with the Packlite inflatable kayak is the repair kit that can get you out of a bad situation if you run into some rocks. The pump isn’t included in the package and you have to buy one separately but that can be a good thing because you can get a pump that works best for you.
Aesthetics
The kayak is available in one color combination only. The available color combination is red with white decorations which looks quite great. The combination of colors and decorations is one of the better looking ones on the inflatable kayak market. The red color is easy to spot on the water which means it offers safety from incidental collision with another boat.
Type
- Usage: Flatwater kayaking, calm waters, slow-moving rivers
This kayak is best used for flatwater kayaking on calm waters such as slow-moving rivers or calm lakes. It’s a beginner’s inflatable kayak for people who like to travel and have it with them for a great day on the water.
Price
- Price: $319
The Advanced Elements Packlite inflatable kayak costs $319. It’s a great entrance level kayak if you want something extremely easy to take with you. Considering how light it is and how easy it is to just take it with you anywhere it’s definitely worth the price. Keep in mind that you will have to get a pump and a paddle too so the final price might vary when you add this as well.
Summary
The Advanced Elements PackLite inflatable kayak is a lightweight, PVC-free, 7′ 10″ kayak that weighs only 4 pounds. The polyester ripstop material folds up to 11 x 11 x 5 inches and fits neatly into the carrying pouch supplied.
With a five-minute set-up time, it’s ultra-lightweight, surprisingly robust, and small. When you’re out on the lake, the PackLite inflatable kayak carrying case doubles as a deck bag with a mesh pocket.
It’s ideal for hikers seeking secluded lakes, elders looking for basic paddling choices, people with little room, or those on the go. The compact carrying case makes this a perfect choice for camping or holidays.