Kayak Expert

Austin Beck-Doss

Kayak Expert

Austin Beck-Doss is a Salt Lake City-based writer and rock climbing instructor. In addition to writing buyers guides and gear-related content for GearJunkie, he writes reviews, features, and essays for various outdoor-minded publications.

AIRE Lynx II Inflatable Kayak Review

If you’re looking for a two-person river runner with a sleek design and a slew of high-performance features, the Aire Lynx 2 Person Inflatable kayak is a great option. Because of its elegant design, robust construction, comfy sitting, and low weight, this popular sit-on-top kayak has a strong and solid reputation. You won’t be getting the cheapest two-person kayak on the market if you select this model. It’s a high-end look. You will receive value for your money if you are prepared to invest in quality. This two-seater boat, which comes from a respectable American firm, is ideal for anyone who wishes to go out on local rivers alone or with another paddler. Dimensions Weight – 43 lbs Length – 12’ 6” Width – 39” Load capacity – 475 lbs The AIRE Lynx II inflatable kayak is 12’ 6” long, 39” wide and weighs 39 pounds. It’s well built and can take on 475 pounds of load. Construction Quality and Features Material: 1300 denier, 22oz PVC coated polyester This kayak is a top-of-the-line model with a plethora of handy features. When you choose this model, you’ll get an inflatable boat with a two-layer “Aircell system” structure. The exterior tubes for this type are made of a twenty-four ounce, 1110-denier material that is strong and durable. The outer floor is composed of vinyl with a density of 1110 and a weight of 27 ounces. Inner bladders made of 14mm urethane are used in this kayak. If you want a boat that will last for years, you’ll …

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Nirvana Spraydeck Inflatable Kayak Review

The Nirvana Spraydeck is the boat for you if you enjoy whitewater, have little extra room, and want a minimalist choice that performs admirably. The Nirvana is designed with a tight trim, forceful rocker on the bow, and a large-volume stern for good stability on Class I – III rivers. Designed for whitewater rafting, the Nirvana Spraydeck will keep you dry and safe at all times. In addition to keeping you dry and toasty while bicycling, spraydecked packrafts are great for surfing larger features without swamping and having extra reinforcement in the wear areas. They are most successful in Classes I-III. Dimensions Weight – 10 lbs Length – 7’ 6” Width – 37” Load capacity – 300 lbs The Nirvana Spraydeck inflatable kayak is 7’ 6” long, 37” wide and weighs 10 pounds. It can take on 300 pounds of load because it is well built. Construction Quality and Features Material: Thermoplastic polyurethane-coated nylon This kayak is equipped with an integrated spray deck and spray skirt system that keeps you dry while paddling. It also includes a TiZip zipper system, which allows for airtight and waterproof storage of goods inside the pontoons and fast deflation. It’s ideal for slicing into eddies and surfing your favorite hole because of its small profile and strong rocker at the bow. It can be hiked into the backcountry because it is lightweight and compact. It also contains a Kevlar-reinforced, thermoplastic urethane–coated nylon floor, as well as an inflated seat with pre-installed D-ring buckles. Furthermore it has an inflatable bag …

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AIRE Lynx I Inflatable Kayak Review

There aren’t many inflatable kayaks available that can take you down a class 4 rapid. The majority of consumer-level inflatables only go up to class 2 or class 3 in terms of safety. That’s why we were ecstatic to learn that we’d be able to try out the Aire Lynx 1 for a day on the local river. The Aire Lynx 1 is an inflatable kayak designed mainly for adventures on a whitewater river where you can enjoy the rapids. It’s a sturdy and maneuverable solo kayak with a lot of versatility. This well-built inflatable kayak will not disappoint you whether you want something for flatwater cruising or challenging class III whitewater portions. Dimensions Weight – 32 lbs Length – 10’ 3” Width – 37” Load capacity – 350 lbs The AIRE Lynx I inflatable kayak is 10’ 3” long, 37” wide and weighs 32 pounds. It’s well built and can take on 350 pounds of load. Construction Quality and Features Material: 1300 denier, 22oz PVC coated polyester For guaranteed abrasion protection and durability, airtight AIREcell urethane bladders are zipped into the strong PVC outer shell. It includes a self-bailing floor with bigger mesh-covered holes that allow water to drain more quickly and keep heavy debris out of the floor pocket. The Cheetah Chair Seat offers excellent back support, a convenient storage compartment on the back, and the ability to be strapped in exactly where you need it in the boat. Furthermore, the kayak’s 12 cargo loops, split evenly between the front and rear, provide …

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AIRE Outfitter II Inflatable Kayak Review

The Outfitter II is a massive water-bashing machine. Because of its wide tubes and low seat position, it is the most stable and forgiving tandem kayak available from AIRE. The Outfitter II is an excellent choice for both rookie kayakers who are just getting started in the sport and experienced big water kayakers who want a robust boat. The Outfitter II has accommodation for two people, but it can also be paddled solo and laden down with supplies for longer journeys. Dimensions Weight – 46 lbs Length – 12’ 2” Width – 41” Load capacity – 525 lbs The AIRE Outfitter II inflatable kayak is 12’ 2” long, 41” wide and weighs 46 pounds. It’s well built and can take on 525 pounds of load. Construction Quality and Features Material: 1100 denier PVC and Urethane AIRE cells The Outfitter II can accommodate two paddlers and a small amount of kit, or it may be used alone for lengthy overnight journeys. It contains airtight AIREcell urethane bladders that are zipped into the strong PVC outer fabric for abrasion resistance and durability. In addition, the self-bailing floor now features bigger mesh-covered holes that allow water to drain quicker and keep heavy debris out of the floor pocket. It also comes with Cheetah Chair Seats, which offer excellent back support, have convenient storage pockets on the back, and can be strapped in precisely where you need them in the boat. The Outfitter II has a smooth ride that novices will appreciate, and it’s a terrific solo boat for …

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AIRE Outfitter I Inflatable Kayak Review

If you’re new to whitewater kayaking and want an inflatable kayak that you can take with you everywhere you go while still providing maximum stability in the rapids, the Outfitter is the kayak for you. It will last a long time and may even be resaleable if you wish to switch to a much more advanced whitewater inflatable kayak later. This inflatable kayak swells rapidly and takes very little time to set up. Even in moderate waves, you may expect to be wet, but there are “lifelines” around the edges of the bras to ensure that any water that gets in rapidly drains. Dimensions Weight – 36 lbs Length – 9’ 11” Width – 40” Load capacity – 400 lbs The AIRE Outfitter I inflatable kayak is 9’ 11” long, 40” wide and weighs 36 pounds. It’s well built and can take on 400 pounds of load. Construction Quality and Features Material: 1100 denier PVC and Urethane AIRE cells For guaranteed abrasion protection and durability, this inflatable kayak has airtight AIRE cell urethane bladders zipped into a durable PVC outer shell. With 12.5″ side tubes, the load capacity is increased while beginner paddlers benefit from the extra stability. In addition, the kayak’s wide tube diameters and low center of gravity make it an excellent choice for both new and seasoned paddlers. For added comfort, there’s a big cargo pouch on the back of the chair seat, which can hold drinks, food, or additional layers of clothing. To keep the floor pocket safe from big debris, …

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Sevylor Big Basin 3 Person Inflatable Kayak Review

Few inflatable kayaks have the room or strength to comfortably accommodate three people, but the Sevylor Big Basin 3-Person Kayak does. With a spacious 12 foot length for luxury in the cockpit, this huge inflatable kayak can accommodate up to 490 pounds of weight. Despite this, it deflates to a 2 × 3 foot bundle that fits comfortably into the supplied carry bag. It’s ideal for small families or those with larger dogs that might not fit inside a regular inflatable. The sturdy Sevylor Big Basin 3-Person Kayak is very handy, cheap, and durable. Dimensions Weight – 41 lbs Length – 12’ 3” Width – 35” Load capacity – 490 lbs The Recon Self-Bailing inflatable kayak is 7’ 6” long, 37” wide and weighs 18 pounds. It’s well built and can take on 490 pounds of load. Construction Quality and Features Material: Heavy-duty PVC bottom, tough nylon top Heavy-duty PVC construction is used to create the Sevylor Big Basin 3 Person inflatable kayak. This is something that has been built to withstand the rigors of lake use. Furthermore, there are a number of air chambers that will keep the kayak inflated even if one or more of them is ruptured. This is something that is pretty useful, and it is something that should be seriously considered since it encourages durability and dependability. There is a unique Airtight System that is guaranteed to prevent any type of leakage. Spray coverings, which are designed to stop water splashes and keep you absolutely dry, are also included as …

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Recon Self-Bailing Inflatable kayak Review

The 7.5-foot Recon Self-bailing PackRaft from Kokopelli is an excellent alternative for paddlers looking for long-lasting river-running solutions. The Recon, which weighs 18 pounds, is based on the Nirvana Self-Bailer. The Recon is built with 30% extra capacity in the stern. This increases buoyancy and lowers the waterline, minimizing water pooling concerns, while a new bottom hull structure makes the packrafts more robust. The paddler sits a little higher and doesn’t droop down in the boat because the hull bottom is repositioned where it joins to the side chambers. Dimensions Weight – 18 lbs Length – 7’ 6” Width – 37” Load capacity – 300 lbs The Recon Self-Bailing inflatable kayak is 7’ 6” long, 37” wide and weighs 18 pounds. It’s well built and can take on 300 pounds of load. Construction Quality and Features Material: 1000d reinforced PVC Quick entry/exit, no need to go to the bank to empty water, and a higher paddling position for deep, effective paddle strokes are all advantages of a self-bailer over a spraydeck. It has a tight bow trim and strong rocker, giving it excellent whitewater handling abilities. This inflatable kayak is made of reinforced PVC and has a full-length 210 diamond-ripstop nylon inflated floor. Water may also drain through the floor system as it enters the packraft thanks to self-bailing drain holes in the floor system.The seams are welded, the pontoon-to-floor attachment point is bonded to the sidewall, and the whole inside of the packraft is strengthened with v-seam tape. The high-pressure design increases water performance, …

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Advanced Elements Attack Pro Whitewater Inflatable kayak Review

Taking on whitewater in a kayak is a lot of fun. However, you would never want to experiment with an unsuitable kayak in potentially hazardous water. Any experienced whitewater kayaker will tell you that you need a whitewater kayak that can withstand the punishment that rapids inflict on your boat, and what better way to do it than with one of the finest inflatable whitewater kayaks, the Advanced Elements Attack Pro. Dimensions Weight – 25.5 lbs Length – 9’ 9” Width – 35” Load capacity – 225 lbs The Advanced Elements Attack Pro Whitewater kayak is 9’ 9” long, 35” wide and weighs 25.5 pounds. It’s well built and can take on 225 pounds of load. Construction Quality and Features Material: 3-chamber construction of PVC-tarpaulin The Advanced Elements Attack Pro Whitewater Inflatable kayak has been fully redesigned with drop-stitch technology to resist the worst whitewater conditions. This amazing kayak is steady, responsive, and specifically built for white water, with a 12-inch pendulum, a wide position, and a 9.5-inch tube diameter. Adjustable legs, thigh straps, a high-backed support chair, and body abrasion bars are included in the 3-chamber design, which is made of sturdy PVC tarpaulin. It also includes molded rubber carry handles for easy carrying and a full-time self-bailing system that is sturdy and responsive in whitewater. It also includes D-ring tie downs and a storage pocket, making it simple to transport goods. The self-draining rear-loading compartment is one of the inflatable kayak’s distinguishing characteristics. Because it is covered, you may store a few dry …

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Advanced Elements Packlite Inflatable Kayak Review

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 …

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Advanced Elements Lagoon 1 Inflatable Kayak Review

The Lagoon 1 Inflatable Kayak from Advanced Elements is another great model from this company. This single-seater kayak is ideal for solitary excursions on lakes, rivers, and even bays. Because it’s such a little inflatable kayak, Lagoon 1 doesn’t appear to be very remarkable at first glance. However, there are a number of characteristics that combine to make Lagoon 1 a highly capable and respectable kayak worthy of your consideration. The nicest part about Lagoon 1 is that it barely weighs 23 pounds. If you’re traveling, it can accompany you everywhere you go. Place it in your bag and carry it on the aircraft or in the trunk of your car. It’s easy to take it with you wherever you go because it is so simple to inflate and use. Dimensions Weight – 23 lbs Length – 8’ 4” Width – 34” Load capacity – 250 lbs The Advanced Elements Lagoon 1 is 8’ 4” long, 34” wide and weighs 23 pounds. It’s well built and can take on 250 pounds of load. Construction Quality and Features Material: Polyester/PVC tarpaulin The Advanced Elements Lagoon 1 inflatable kayak is made of tough materials that can withstand punctures. The kayak’s top side is constructed of a high-denier polyester and PVC laminate, while the hull is built of a PVC tarpaulin that can withstand a battering without puncturing. The inner cover protects the inflating tube while also improving the rigidity of the kayak’s hull. Sets up quickly and is small enough to carry with you on almost any …

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