Top Beginner Kayaks

1. Bonafide EX123
A standout for stability and value, the Bonafide EX123 is a sit-inside recreational kayak priced at $1,100. Its frame seat and ample storage make it a user-friendly choice for new paddlers.

2. Sea Eagle 370
For just $330 (including paddle and pump), the inflatable Sea Eagle 330 is unbeatable for affordability and versatility. It fits one or two paddlers and folds down for easy transport.

3. Native Falcon 11
This $1,000 sit-on-top kayak shines for comfort and portability. The adjustable frame seat and built-in stern wheel make solo launching a breeze.

Top Touring Kayaks

1. Delta 15.5 GT
Lightweight and loaded with storage, this thermorformed touring kayak ($2,300) is perfect for long-distance paddlers seeking comfort and speed.

2. P&H Virgo
Available in multiple sizes, the Virgo ($2,100) delivers both carving turns and performance stability with its V-hull and hard chines.

3. Melker Värmdö
Made from plant-based resin and flax, this eco-conscious kayak offers stellar handling in all conditions, wrapped in an eye-catching design.

Top Inflatable Kayaks

1. Hobie iTrek 9
At $2,500, this inflatable pedal kayak is the most maneuverable of the bunch—ideal for those who want pedal power in a portable package.

2. NRS Star Raven Pro
Built for whitewater, this $1,100 kayak comes with foot braces, thigh hooks, and a 3-year warranty—durable enough to take on rapids.

3. Sea Eagle 393 RazorLite
Designed for performance, the $1,000 RazorLite cuts through water like a hard shell while still folding into a compact bag.

Top Recreational Kayaks

1. Hurricane Prima 125 Sport
Weighing just 40 lbs and priced at $1,500, the Prima 125 is fast, fun, and stable—a rare trio in recreational kayaking.

2. iSUP Isle Switch Pro
A SUP-kayak hybrid, this $1,300 rig is lightweight, versatile, and comes with all the gear you need to switch between modes.

3. Sea Eagle EZLITE 10
You get a drop-stitched inflatable with hard shell performance. It has excellent tracking thanks to its V-shaped hull. The Sea Eagle EZLITE retails for $900 USD.

Honorable Mentions: Unique Standouts

Swell Scupper 14: A rare fast, sit-on-top kayak that offers exceptional paddling performance.
Hurricane Osprey 120: Thermoformed construction provides a lightweight, sleek ride.
NRS Neutron Packraft: At just 12 lbs, this $1,200 packraft handles up to Class III whitewater.

Whether you’re after portability, performance, or the perfect first boat, there’s a kayak out there for you. Once you’ve found it, the real adventure begins on the water. If you need tips on what to wear and bring for any conditions, read Warm and Cold Water Kayaking Gear.

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Specs and Features

The Storm 17 retails for around $2,300. It’s 17 feet long, 24 inches wide, weighs 59 pounds (27 kg), and has a carrying capacity of 348 pounds (160 kg). It comes equipped with a rudder, Boreal’s Flex 4 seat system, two bulkheads, three hatches (stern, bow, and a day hatch), perimeter lines, and plenty of bungees.

Boreal has also added self-rescue safety straps behind the seat. These are a welcome feature. On paper, it’s an attractive all-around touring kayak. But how does it hold up on the water?

Portability

The Boreal Designs Storm 17 earns its “Ultralight” label because it’s thermoformed, not rotomolded. That makes it about 15–20% lighter than your average rotomolded sea kayak of the same size. At 59 pounds, it’s noticeably easier to carry solo or load onto a car rack than the typical 70-pound alternative.

While it’s not as featherlight as a composite kayak—some of which dip into the low 40-pound range—it’s far more affordable. You’re looking at a fraction of the price compared to high-end composite boats, which can easily cost twice or three times as much.

Stability and Performance

With its 24-inch width, the Storm 17 hits a sweet spot between stability and speed. I found it to be a balanced, all-conditions kayak. On windy open crossings with the boat fully loaded, with an extra 45 pounds of camera gear, it still tracked and cruised nicely, while feeling stable and confidence inspiring.

Maneuverability, however, isn’t its strong suit. This isn’t a quick-turning playboat, and that’s okay, because lightweight thermoformed kayaks aren’t designed to play hard and potentially take beatings in the surf zone or rocky shallows. On Georgian Bay’s granite shores, I found myself babying it a bit more than I would a rotomolded boat. But for general touring, it proved its durability while delivering reliable performance.

Comfort

On multi-hour days, comfort is critical. The Flex 4 seat system is solid and supportive, and I was happy with it for the first couple of hours each day. Around hour three, though, I found myself wishing for a bit more padding. That’s not unusual for sea kayaks, and it’s something most paddlers can easily remedy with aftermarket padding or small adjustments.

Where I did feel some compromise was in outfitting. The Storm 17 doesn’t come with thigh hooks or hip pads. While this doesn’t affect casual touring, it does reduce the “connected” feel you get with more performance-focused sea kayaks. In rough water, I felt more like I was sitting in the kayak rather than wearing it. Still, for most touring scenarios, the comfort and fit were more than adequate.

Storage and Features

This boat shines when it comes to storage. Between the bow, stern, and day hatch, plus extra space in front of the foot bulkhead and behind the seat, there’s ample room for multi-day expeditions. I carried more than enough gear for five days, with space to spare. The deck rigging and perimeter lines add versatility, allowing you to lash down extra items like pumps or camera gear.

The rudder system worked well throughout the trip. I’m typically more of a skeg user, but I found the toe-control rudder intuitive and effective, especially when battling crosswinds.

Who It’s For & Value

The Storm 17 Ultralight is best suited for paddlers who want a lighter sea kayak without paying composite prices. Beginners through advanced paddlers can enjoy it, depending on the type of trips they plan. It’s not the most playful kayak, but it excels as a versatile touring boat for flatwater and multi-day adventures.

At $2,300, I think the value is excellent. You’re not paying a major premium for the lighter weight, yet you’re saving yourself a lot of strain moving the boat around off the water. The trade-off is durability—you’ll need to treat it with a bit more care than a heavier rotomolded kayak.

Boreal Designs Storm 17 Touring Kayak

After five days on Georgian Bay, the Boreal Designs Storm 17 proved itself to be a reliable, capable, and comfortable touring companion. It offered plenty of storage, handled rough and calm conditions alike, and saved me from lugging around unnecessary extra weight. For paddlers who value a lighter boat and plan to use it for touring rather than hard play, it’s an excellent option.

Is it the right kayak for you? That depends on your priorities. But if you’re looking for a versatile, lightweight touring kayak at a reasonable price point, the Storm 17 deserves serious consideration.

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Special Thanks

Destination Ontario https://www.destinationontario.com  

The Seven https://www.northeasternontario.com

Explorer's Edge http://explorersedge.ca

Ontario Creates, Boreal Design Kayaks, NRS, Aqua Bound, Killarney Outfitters, Destination Ontario

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This is the fourth model in the Volan series from P&H, built specifically with larger paddlers in mind. At 16'2″ long and 23.5″ wide, it’s roomy, sleek, and built for versatility. With a retail price starting around $5,600, the P&H Volan 162 Kayak isn't cheap. But it provides concrete proof that you often get what you pay for!

A Custom, Carbon/Kevlar, Composite Kayak

One of the unique things about P&H Composite sea kayaks is that you have the option to get a fully customized model. What does it mean to customize a kayak? It means you can choose almost everything about the kayak, including the color of its hull, deck, seam, keel, cockpit rim, perimeter lines, bungees, and even the color of the P&H logo on the deck. You get to choose the seat style, whether it has a rudder or a skeg, and perhaps most importantly you get to choose the layup of the kayak. The layup of a kayak refers to what materials are used (like Carbon and Kevlar), and how much of those materials are used. The result has an impact on the kayaks weight, durability and price.

This was the first time that I've ever customized a kayak. I have to admit that it was really fun to use P&H's online kayak customization tool to design my dream kayak. After playing around with colors for an hour or so, I finally settled on a colorway. The layup didn't take much thought, because my plan was to take this kayak on an epic, 10-day adventure on Lake Superior. I needed a kayak that could handle anything that Mother Nature threw at me. This meant the ‘Expedition' layup was right for me.

Lightweight and Durable: A Kayak Built for Real Adventures

The Expedition layup that I choose strikes a sweet balance between durability and lightweight. More specifically, the kayak weighs around 50 lbs—surprisingly light for its size and a blessing when transporting it solo. For comparison, a plastic kayak of this size will usually weigh 65–70 lbs. While the kayak is light in weight, it's not light on durability. The boat is made with kevlar/carbon, and features a reinforced kevlar keel and reinforced glass seam. The result is a boat that's built to handle serious conditions and the most challenging expeditions.

On-Water Performance: Maneuverable and Stable

What makes the Volan series of kayaks one of P&H's most popular kayaks is the fact that it's so versatile. It has the speed to cover large distances, and the playfulness to take advantage of any surf waves, current or rough conditions that you encounter along the way. While it's not the fastest sea kayak on the market, it's fast enough. More importantly though, the Volan 162 feels balanced, stable, and confidence-inspiring.

Comfort and Fit for Larger Paddlers

At 6’2”, I’ve struggled to find composite kayaks that offer a high level of comfort, and that was the idea behind the Volan 162. The largest of the 4 Volan models, the 162 was designed to offer taller and larger paddlers with ample leg room and foot room. That's exactly what it does. The cockpit is spacious without feeling loose. The outfitting—from padded hip supports to the adjustable back band—delivers both comfort and control. It’s rare to find a kayak that caters so well to taller or bigger paddlers. The P&H Volan 162 Kayak does exactly that.

Is the P&H Volan 162 Sea Kayak Worth It?

If you’re a paddler who wants a luxury, all-around kayak that can handle anything from casual day trips to challenging multi-day expeditions—the P&H Volan 162 Sea Kayak is a worthy investment. It's beautiful, it's built extremely well, it's comfortable, stable and fun to paddle. It's also customizable if you have the patience to wait a couple of month to get yours. In my opinion, the Volan 162 is definitely worth the price, but it's not going to be worth it for everyone.

Curious about how other P&H models compare? Check out my reviews of the Volan 160, the Scorpio Sea Kayak, the Virgo and the Leo.

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NRS Approach 138 Specs & Setup

The NRS Approach 138 measures 13’8” long and 6’4” wide, with a 20” tube diameter. That makes it compact enough for tight river corridors while still offering plenty of space for anglers and gear. Rigging it takes about 20 minutes, especially after the first go. And once you’ve got the frame dialled in, it’s surprisingly quick to roll out, inflate, and launch.

Here are the key specs that make this raft a standout:

• Length: 13’8”
• Width: 6’4”
• Tube Diameter: 20″
• Floor Material: Drop-stitch PVC floor rated to 10 PSI for rigid, stable standing
• Chambers: 3 main tubes + self-bailing floor
• Weight Capacity: 1,000+ lbs (varies with frame and gear setup)
• Air Valves: Leafield C7 valves for reliable inflation/deflation
• Frame Compatibility: Designed to integrate with NRS’s modular fishing frame system
• Class Rating: Suitable for Class II and III rivers
• Weight (raft only): Approximately 130 lbs

Speed

This isn’t a rocket ship, but that’s not the point. With the skeg installed, the NRS Approach 138 tracks beautifully. You’ll feel confident in your line, especially in windy conditions or when crossing slower-moving water. You’re not racing anyone—this raft’s real flex is how steady it holds your course.

Durability

It’s built like a tank—but a nimble one. The drop-stitch floor inflates up to 10 PSI, giving you a rock-solid deck underfoot that feels more like standing on a paddleboard than a raft. Combined with the rugged PVC construction and reinforced wear patches, the NRS Approach 138 takes scrapes and bumps like a champ.

Comfort

With adjustable seats and multiple foot bar positions, this raft accommodates different body types and fishing styles. The rowing position is centered and balanced, so you’re not fighting against weight distribution. Whether you’re seated or standing, this boat was clearly designed with all-day comfort in mind.

3 Person Raft Fishability

Let’s talk casting: the flat floor and side stability mean you can confidently stand up and make full-arm casts without feeling like you’re going to tip. There’s ample room for rod storage—specifically along the stern frame section where your tips are protected. Whether you’re streamer fishing or tossing dries, this 3 person fishing raft keeps your focus on the fish.

Rigging the Approach 138

This is where the NRS Approach 138 shines. The frame is modular and highly customizable. Whether you want a casting platform, coolers, dry boxes, or anchor systems—this raft plays nice with your gear. It’s rig-friendly and gives you the flexibility to build out your dream fishing setup.

Value of the Approach 138

The NRS Approach 138 starts around $3,995 USD for the raft alone, with fully rigged setups ranging from $6,500–$8,000 depending on your frame, oars, anchor, and seating choices.

It’s not cheap—but for serious anglers, this 3 person fishing raft delivers premium quality, durability, and versatility. Compared to similar boats in its class, the Approach 138 offers a strong mix of space, performance, and customization options—making it a solid long-term investment for those who spend real time on the water.

Is the NRS Approach 138 Your Ideal Raft for the Next Trip?

If you’re the kind of angler who wants to hit rivers that a drift boat can’t, fish solo or with friends, and need a boat that balances nimbleness with fishability, the NRS Approach 138 is for you. It’s especially ideal for folks looking for a 3 person fishing raft that’s as comfortable hauling gear as it is running clean lines through technical water.

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First Impressions

The Delta Kayaks 12AR retails for $1,400, a price point that reflects its premium build and features. It's 12′ long, 26.5″ wide, and weighs a mere 42 lbs. It features Delta's adjustable, padded comfort seat, foot pegs, bulkheads in the bow and stern for safety, and hatches in the bow and stern to provide enough storage space for kayak camping trips, or any other paddling adventure you have in mind.

Portability

The Delta Kayaks 12AR impresses with its thoughtful design. At 12 feet long and a mere 42 lbs (19 kg), it's light and easy to carry and transport, which will make a big difference for a lot of people.

It's lightweight nature is due to its thermoformed construction, which makes it stiffer than other plastic kayaks, and about 15-20% lighter.

On-Water Performance: Stability Meets Glide

On the water, the 12AR truly shines. Its innovative “fusion hull” is a game-changer. The strong bow keel effortlessly cuts through the water, while the unique catamaran-style stern provides remarkable stability. This isn't just marketing speak; during my test, the kayak felt incredibly secure, offering a confidence-inspiring ride for paddlers of all skill levels.

Despite its impressive stability, the Delta Kayaks 12AR maintains good forward speed, thanks to its narrow 26.5-inch width and the inherent glide of its thermoformed material. It strikes a truly harmonious balance between these often-conflicting attributes.

Comfort for All-Day Paddling

Comfort is paramount with the Delta Kayaks 12AR. The extra-large cockpit offers generous legroom, and the adjustable foot pegs provide excellent support. Even more impressive is Delta's Contour Seat System. Tall paddlers will rejoice at the ample space and the easily adjustable seat, which allows for perfect trim regardless of your size.

Durability & Thoughtful Features

Beyond performance and comfort, the 12AR offers practical features for flatwater adventures. While not as rugged as roto-molded boats, its durability is more than adequate with proper care. The two bulkheads, a significant safety feature, provide watertight compartments for buoyancy and offer surprising storage capacity, making it suitable for day trips, light kayak camping, kayak fishing, photography and more.

Who Is The Delta Kayaks 12AR For?

So, who is the Delta Kayaks 12AR for? It's an ideal choice for anyone looking to explore sheltered lakes, calm rivers, or bays. Whether you're a beginner seeking stability, an experienced paddler desiring comfort and efficient glide, or someone looking for a versatile platform for camping, fishing or photography, the Delta Kayaks 12AR delivers.

It's truly an “Adventure Recreational” kayak, living up to its name. While it's a premium investment, the Delta Kayaks 12AR offers exceptional value, providing a superior paddling experience that justifies its price tag. If you're interested in the quality of Delta Kayaks, but want a faster kayak, be sure to check out my review of the Delta Kayaks 15.5 GT!

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First Look: Specs and Features

The Hurricane Santee 116 Sport Kayak, priced at $1,250, is 11'6″ long, 28″ wide, and weighs a mere 39 lbs. While it doesn't have a lot of bells and whistles, the features it does have are real enhancements, like the bow and stern bulkheads for safety, a stern hatch for storage, a paddle holder for convenience, an adjustable seat, thigh pads, and foot braces for comfort, and molded grab handles to make it easy to move around. Its sleek design also hints at efficient glide through the water.

On the Water: Portability

The Hurricane Santee 116 Sport Kayak excels in portability. Weighing only 39 lbs, it's easy to transport. What makes it light is it's construction. It's a plastic kayak made by thermoforming. This manufacturing process results in a kayak that's about 20% lighter than typical plastic kayaks of a similar size, but it does make the kayak less durable, which we'll talk more about shortly.

Kayak Performance

The Santee 116 Sport is a recreational kayak, which means it's designed to be a stable boat for paddlers of any skill level to enjoy on flatwater. But the Santee also claims to offer great speed and glide. Did they succeed in creating a boat that's stable and fun to paddle? The answer is Yes!

The kayak is stable enough for anyone to feel confident in, but it's shape allows it to cut through the water smoothly and glide extremely well for a recreational kayak. The thermoformed plastic is also nice and smooth and stiff, which only enhances the kayaks's performance.

Comfort: Paddle All Day

The comfort of a kayak is critical to most recreational paddlers. If comfort is important to you, then you'll be happy to hear that the Santee 116 Sport is quite a comfortable kayak. It features a roomy cockpit, adjustable foot pegs, and Hurricane's supportive and adustable Strong Side Seat. Its design accommodates taller paddlers (up to 6'5″) and allows for a comfortable, efficient paddling posture.

Durability of the Santee 116 Sport

Thermoformed kayaks are lighter than other plastic kayaks, but their lightweight nature comes at the cost of durability. That being said, I wouldn't call the Santee 116 Sport fragile; It's simply a kayak that can't be abused. It's not a kayak to drag on the ground or bang hard into rocks. It's the kind of kayak that deserves padded roof rack bars when you transport it.

Value: A Smart Investment

At $1,250, the Hurricane Santee 116 Sport Kayak is a good value if it's the type of kayak you're looking for. Yes, you do pay a small premium for the kayak being thermoformed, but you get a lighter kayak, that glides through the water extremely well.

Who is the Santee 116 Sport For?

This kayak is ideal for flatwater paddling. It's not suited for rough conditions. It appeals to those seeking a comfortable, lightweight, and efficient sit-inside kayak for calm waters. It's a good choice for paddlers who prioritize having a lightweight kayak with good performance and are willing to take care of their gear.

If the Hurricane Santee 116 Sport Kayak isn't precisely what you're looking for, but you do like the idea of a lighter, thermoformed kayak, Hurricane has a number of other kayaks to consider. Check out my other Hurricane Kayak reviews, Prima 125, Osprey 120 and Tampico 130 to see which one is right for you

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There are so many types of paddlecraft out there, so why has this new type of paddlecraft gained so much popularity so quickly?

Packrafts were initially designed to provide ultra-lightweight and highly portable paddle craft. The aim was to allow people to access more remote waterways in the backcountry. That is why packrafts are so small and light.

Paddling the Noire River while testing the NRS Neutron on my first overnight packrafting trip. Watch the full video.

The smallest packrafts available start at 5 pounds and are primarily for use on flat water. You can also find slightly heavier and more robust models designed for running whitewater rivers. Ultimately, the real benefits of using a packraft over other inflatable kayaks are that they are highly portable, ultralight, and let you access waterways in the backcountry.

The downside, when compared to other inflatable paddlecraft, is that they are slow and tend not to be as durable.

What are Packrafts?

Before we get further in, let's talk about what packrafts are. To simplify things, there are three main types of packraft:

• The bucket boat. Bucket boats are the most basic type of packraft. What makes them unique, is that any water that enters the boat, is going to stay there until you manually remove it. For this reason, bucket boats aren't ideally suited for rough water.
• The self-bailing packraft. Self-bailing packrafts have an inflatable floor and holes in the bottom, so that when water comes in, the inflatable floor floats to the surface, and the water then drains out of the holes in a secondary floor found below. These types of packrafts are designed for all-around use, from flatwater to class III whitewater.
• Decked packrafts. Decked packrafts are made to keep water out, and like a whitewater kayak, they're designed to be used with a skirt. This allows them to perform great in rough conditions, because they won't swamp. For that reason, decked packrafts can be used in the most challenging whitewater.

A decked packraft can be used with a skirt so that no water gets inside the cockpit area.

What are Packrafts Made From?

Packrafts are made from two primary materials: PVC and TPU-coated nylon.

PVC has been around for ages, and a lot of whitewater rafts are still made with it. PVC is one of the most economical materials because it is cheap and durable. The downside of PVC is that it is heavier, bulkier, and less compact than TPU-coated nylon. Given that the primary benefit of using a packraft is portability, bulkier PVC kayaks fall more into the realm of inflatable kayaks.

Packrafts are increasingly made from TPU-coated nylon because it is much thinner, lighter, and more compact than PVC. It is also more environmentally friendly. The downside of TPU-coated nylon is that it is a little less durable and more expensive than PVC.

But what is TPU-coated nylon? TPU stands for thermoplastic polyurethane. It is a membrane that is bonded to nylon. It provides a waterproof and highly durable protective layer on the nylon. Different boats have the TPU coating in different places. For example, some boats have a single layer of TPU on the outside where the main wear and tear will happen. Others have coatings of TPU on both the interior and exterior of the fabric, which makes for a more durable packraft, but adds some weight.

The other thing to note about TPU-coated nylon is that the nylon comes in different levels of thickness, from 210 denier up to 840 denier. The larger the number, the thicker and more durable the nylon fabric is, however, the heavier the packraft will be.

The Impact of Weight and Materials

To show the impact that the material has on weight, here are two packrafts I tested this year: the Alpacka Expedition and the NRS Neutron.

The Alpacka Expedition uses 210 denier nylon with TPU coating on one side. The floor is made from a heavier-duty 840 denier nylon with a dual coat of TPU.

In comparison, the NRS Neutron has the same floor (840 denier, dual-coated nylon), but the main body of this packraft is twice as ‘thick' as that of the Alpacka for added durability. It is made from 420 denier, dual TPU-coated nylon.

The result is that the Alpacka Expedition weighs 8.4 pounds, while the NRS Neutron is 12.2 pounds. This clearly shows that you need to make a decision about what's more important – durability, or weight savings.

Which Paddles Should I Use with a Packraft?

When it comes to paddles, the general rule is that the wider the boat and the higher you are sitting, the longer the paddles need to be. For example, you need very long paddles when using sit-on-top kayaks, which are wide and place the paddler high above the water. On the other hand, whitewater paddles and sea kayak paddles are much shorter because the kayaks are narrower and the paddler sits on the floor, below water level.

Packrafts are very wide and stable. However, you sit fairly low in the water. To give you a ballpark length, you should look at using paddles between 215 and 225 cm long. If you are using a whitewater packraft, you will want to be at the lower end of this spectrum. If you are doing flatwater paddling, then you will want slightly longer paddles.

Packrafting Safety

First and foremost, when it comes to any sort of activity on the water, be it kayaking, canoeing, or packrafting, you need to wear a PFD. PFD stands for “personal flotation device”, or, as a friend recently said to me, “pretty freaking dumb” not to be wearing one!

A safety issue to consider that is unique to packrafts, is that unlike other inflatable kayaks, packrafts typically only have one air chamber. Other inflatable kayaks usually have three air chambers. With three air chambers, if one gets punctured while you're on the water, you will still have two air chambers keeping the boat afloat. Because the packraft relies on only one air chamber, if you get a puncture, your boat will lose all its flotation. This is why you should always bring a repair kit with you.

One way that packrafts can break, usually irreparably, is by over-inflating and exploding them. Packrafts are not designed to be inflated as rigidly as other inflatable kayaks. In fact, TPU-coated nylon packrafts are supposed to be inflated to around 1 or 1.5 PSI.

How to Stop Your Packraft Overinflating

When you are out in the sun all day, the air pressure in your packraft can change. The heat from the sun will increase the air pressure, while cold water or a dropping temperature can reduce the air pressure in your packraft. This is why you need to monitor the pressure levels of your packraft throughout the day, and why you should bring the inflation bag with you.

The biggest concern, is having the air pressure increase so much that the boat ‘pops' like a balloon. This is unlikely to happen when you're on the water, because the water helps keep the packraft cool. However, if you take a break on shore, and leave your packraft under a hot sun, it could burst. To avoid this, leave the boat in the shade, or tie the boat up and leave it floating on the water. You can also shield your boat from the sun by laying your PFD and gear over it, or you can cool it down periodically by splashing the boat with water. If necessary, you may even want to let a little air out to reduce the pressure.

Storage in a Packraft

One of the coolest things about packrafts is that they offer the opportunity to use the inside of the boat as gear storage, which is amazing for multi-day trips.

Take Care of Your Tie Zip Closure

A lot of packrafts have tie zip closures. These are big zippers that can be used to fully open the boat up and let you put gear inside.

There are a couple of things that you need to know about tie zip closures if you intend to use them. Firstly, they are the most sensitive parts of the boat. You must, therefore, treat them very well. Things like sand and dirt are killers for the zipper system. The sun can also pose problems by drying the zippers out. To stop the zipper from drying out and make it much easier to use, you should put a regular treatment on it.

All in all, treat the zipper like it is your best friend because it is. It can be a major problem if the zipper fails when you are out and about. If the zipper fails, the boat is completely compromised.

Store Gear Sensibly

When using the inside of a boat to store gear, you should always assume that it will get wet, even if theoretically it shouldn't. With this in mind, you should always put stuff in dry bags.

Most packrafts designed for multi-day trips will have attachment points inside for you to clip your gear onto. This is so that when you are paddling through rough water, your gear will not be sliding all over the place.

When putting gear in the boat, it is important to consider how you want to distribute the weight. Ideally, you would like to distribute the weight evenly through the packraft.

However, if you are going to have more weight on one side, it is best to keep it at the back of the boat. If you have more weight in the back of the boat, the front will be slightly higher. This means that you will be plowing less water when moving forward. When paddling in flat or whitewater, the distribution of weight can make a big difference. It is important to note that if you have too much weight in the back, you will be dragging the back down. You want it to be as balanced a load as possible.

One last little tip that I would give when it comes to storage is that if you are putting anything hard inside the boat, think about wrapping it in something soft like clothes. This means that if you hit a rock, the material of the packraft will be a little padded.

Paddling a Packraft in Current

In general, it is a bad idea to try paddling in any whitewater beyond class one (which is just moving water) without having received some sort of instruction beforehand. When paddling in whitewater, things can go wrong and become serious very quickly.  Understanding what is going on with the water allows you to make smart decisions and avoid getting in trouble.

Packraft Outfitting

Some really useful accessories can help you out when using a packraft in whitewater. For example, it can help to have a high-performance backband. A backband that provides good support for your back and is not just an inflatable support designed for lounging.

You don't need high-performance thigh hooks. But if you have something that your knees can slip under, it will give you more control over the boat. Using thigh hooks is comparable to wearing a pair of Trail Runners. When you do not have thigh hooks, it's more like you are wearing flip-flops. You aren’t as attached to the boat, so will have less control when it bucks around. Thigh hooks help make you feel like one with the boat and give you a lot more control.

Rolling a Packraft

You can roll a packraft, however, it's not too easy. The wider a boat is, the more difficult it is to roll. Given that packrafts are very wide, you need to have good technique to roll one. If you try to roll it with more muscle and less technique, you can risk hurting yourself. That is why when I was testing the Alpacka Expedition in rough conditions. I decided right at the beginning that I would not roll the kayak if I flipped. I've been dealing with a shoulder issue. The last thing I wanted to do was risk doing more damage by rolling a big, wide boat.

If you want to learn to roll your packraft you need good technique. I would suggest learning it first with a whitewater kayak.

What Grade of Whitewater Can You Use a Packraft in?

Packrafts that have decks and are designed to be used with a skirt can handle some really challenging whitewater. They can be used in up to class 4 whitewater if you have the skills. That said, it is important to realize that packrafts are not as high-performance as a real whitewater kayak. They don't give you the same level of edge control that you have in a whitewater kayak. Packrafts do, however, provide both incredible stability and incredible maneuverability, which makes them a very forgiving boat.

The furthest you can safely take a self-bailing packraft is class three whitewater which is not overly technical. This is because if you hit a big wave and the water swamps you, it will not drain quickly enough to continue down the rapids. Until it drains, you will have extra weight in the boat making the packraft far less maneuverable. You will not be able to set up for the next move that you need to make in the rapids. Self-bailing boats are not great for technically challenging whitewater, but they are great for fun class one, two, and even some class three whitewater.

Bucket boats do not have any way to drain water. They are not protected from swamping. So they are only good for flat water and class one moving water.

While I've been paddling for 35 years, I've only been packrafting for a year. I am still learning a lot about packrafts. That said, after having an absolute blast doing my first multi-day trip in one this summer, I am looking forward to doing more pack rafting trips in the future.

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However, it is very important to choose the right paddling spot because turning up somewhere new without the right equipment or skills can be very dangerous. So here are some of the most important things to consider when looking for a great paddling spot.

Choose an Appropriate Place to Paddle

Choosing an appropriate place to paddle involves knowing your paddling limits and respecting the limitations of your gear.

Know Your Paddling Limits

It’s important to choose an outing that matches your skills and knowledge. The biggest challenges you'll face on the water are wind, waves and current. If you have limited experience, don't have the fitness to paddle hard for extended periods, and/or don't feel that you have great control over your kayak, then you should be looking for places to paddle on small bodies of water (rivers, ponds, small lakes). These areas offer good protection from wind and waves, and have very little, or no current to contend with.

If you do have reasonably good fitness, and have developed adequate technique to effectively control your kayak, you can consider paddling in larger bodies of water. Areas that don't always provide shelter form wind and waves.

That being said, until you learn to re-enter your kayak from the water (in the event of a capsize), you need to stay close enough to swim to shore. If you have learned and practiced re-entering your kayak from the water, to the point where you're confident in your ability to do so in rough conditions, you can then consider paddling further out from shore – if you are using appropriate equipment to do so.

Respect the Limitations of Your Kayak

The kayak you're using will dictate what appropriate place to paddle looks like, regardless of your skill level. In some cases using the wrong kayak will result in having a tiring or frustrating experience. But, in many cases using the wrong kayak can be a serious safety issue.

A recreational sit-inside kayak has a large cockpit that doesn't enclose the paddler.

Sit-inside recreational kayaks are one of the most limiting styles of kayaks, and one of the most popular styles as well. They're designed to be very stable. They're not intimidating because they have big, open cockpits, and they're not designed to be used with a skirt. While these features make them very accessible, they can be swamped very easily in rough conditions. These type of kayaks must stay on small bodies of water that are sheltered from wind and waves.

Your options expand greatly if you're using a sit-on-top kayak, which can't be swamped because it's designed to self-bail. Similarly, your options are much greater if you're using a touring kayak or sea kayak. These sit-inside kayaks are designed to be used with a skirt (to keep water out) and they'll have at least one bulkhead.

A bulkhead is a fixed wall inside the kayak that separates the boat into different compartments. Bulkheads are found immediately behind the seat and in front of the feet. The benefit of bulkheads is that only part of the kayak will get swamped in the even of a capsize. This makes the kayak much easier to deal with on the water.

A sea kayak used with a skirt allows paddlers to explore large, exposed bodies of water.

How To Find A Place To Paddle

Use Local Knowledge and Resources

Now that you have a good idea of what kind of paddling location you're looking for, finding an appropriate place to paddle can be easier than you think! Local paddling clubs, outdoor shops, and guide books are fantastic resources. They often have firsthand knowledge of the best spots to go, and the latest water conditions. Another great source of information is the internet, and there are a few good ways to use modern technology to find a great place to paddle.

Use Modern Technology to Find a Paddling Location

Thanks to modern technology, it's easier than ever to plan a river trip. I’ve spent countless hours exploring new areas with Google Maps. This has resulted in a large number of exploratory paddling adventures. You can also use sites like Paddling.com or Paddlingmag.com to get ideas. Ask other paddlers, or you can search YouTube to discover reviews and suggestions for local paddling spots.

The PaddleWays App

Another digital tool that has become a game-changer for paddlers in the United States is to find a great place to kayak, is the PaddleWays app. PaddleWays provides a simple, comprehensive way to plan your paddling adventure. Whether you're searching for a serene lake, an exciting river, or the best access points. The PaddleWays app offers several features, including the following:

• A detailed map of access points along the river. Including up-to-date information on helpful details such as parking availability, difficulty of access, and nearby facilities.
• Customized search options to match your preferred type of water. You can filter by difficulty, water type, and proximity, making it easy to find exactly what you’re looking for.
• Uses community-drive reviews and data to find lesser-known, hidden paddling spots. Users frequently share their favorite paddling locations with photos, descriptions, and tips.
• Offers real-time data on water levels and conditions and suggests the ideal flow levels for your trip.
• Allows you to plot routes for multi-day paddling trips, including services and camping options along the way.
• Helps you gauge the difficulty of different locations through user reviews of spots. This lets you plan for unseen difficulties and find a paddling location suitable for your abilities.

Consider the Scenery and Wildlife

For many paddlers, the surroundings are as important as the water itself. National parks, nature reserves, and coastal wilderness areas offer incredible opportunities to paddle amidst stunning landscapes. Look for places that boast beautiful scenery and wildlife. Mangroves, rocky shorelines, or forests offer the kind of immersion in nature that makes paddling truly special.

Places with abundant wildlife—whether it’s spotting birds in wetland areas or dolphins along the coast—can elevate the experience.

Check Water Levels and Weather Conditions

Once you've picked a place to paddle, before heading out, it’s essential to check water levels and weather forecasts. Water conditions can dramatically affect your paddle—high or low water levels can make paddling more challenging or even dangerous. Websites such as Windy.com, USGS Water Data, and NOAA Weather are a few examples of places to check river gauges, tides, wind, and weather forecasts. Knowing the conditions at your paddling location before you set off makes it easy to choose the right location on the day for your skill level.

When coastal paddling, pay attention to tides and wind conditions, which can greatly impact your trip. Wind direction and strength can create challenging paddling conditions, so understanding how weather factors affect your chosen location will make for a safer and more enjoyable experience.

Consider Accessibility

Not all paddling spots are easy to access, and some of the most remote places may require you to carry your gear over a distance or navigate rough terrain. Before heading out, assess how easy it is to get your boat in and out of the water. Boat ramps, public docks, or roadside access points on paddle-friendly shorelines are great features to look for when planning a trip. Knowing where to safely launch or take out your kayak or canoe is essential for a smooth trip.

Plan Your Entire River, Lake or Coastal Route

When planning a multi-day paddling trip, you will often need to plan your entire trip in advance. You need to know where there are safe launch and take-out spots, camping spots, and other services like rentals and outfitters.

Before embarking on a multi-day trip, especially into areas with no phone signal, it is important to let someone outside of the paddlers know your plans. That way, if you come into trouble and have no way to communicate, someone knows where to look. Planning in advance and researching the water conditions will ensure you are well-prepared for your journey.

Finding the perfect paddling location can be as much fun as the trip itself. By considering your preferences, tapping into local knowledge, checking water and weather conditions, and knowing your skill level, you can ensure your next paddling adventure will be one to remember. Whether you’re after calm lakes, thrilling rapids, or scenic coastlines, there’s a perfect spot waiting for you!

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Isle Switch Pro: The Specs

Here's a quick rundown of the Isle Switch Pro's specs:

• Length: 11'6″
• Width: 35.5″
• Thickness: 6″
• Weight: 23 lbs
• Capacity: 475 lbs
• Price: $1,200

Isle Switch Pro: The Features

Just like the original Switch, the Switch Pro features a high-backed inflatable seat, an inflatable foot brace, the ISLE Link Connect System for easy accessory mounting, a single large click-in fin, and four carry handles. The package also comes with a dual-purpose bag (backpack and roller), a breakdown carbon paddle that can be used as either a kayak paddle or a standup paddle, a leash, a hand pump, and a repair kit.

So, what makes the Switch Pro different from the original?

Isle has integrated their Airtech Pro technology into the board, making it about 300% more rigid than before. This improvement brings the inflatable board closer to the stiffness of a hard-shell paddleboard, enhancing its performance without sacrificing the benefits of an inflatable.

The Switch Pro also now includes a mounting kit to accommodate a Bixpy motor or a Torqeedo motor, which allows people to turn the hybrid SUP/Kayak into an eSUP/eKayak. While reviewing the craft, I tested it with the Bixby K1 Outboard Motor.

Bixpy K1 Outboard Motor: The Details

The Bixpy K1 Outboard Kit retails for $1,300 and weighs about 10 lbs (motor and battery combined). It outputs 33 lbs of thrust, powered by a 25V battery with 380 watt-hours. The motor has 12 forward speeds and three reverse speeds. At top speed, the battery lasts around 80 minutes, but at lower speeds, it can go up to 12 hours. On a recent two-day paddling and fishing trip, I still had half the battery left after using it regularly, so these claims hold up well.

The motor is operated with a wireless remote that can be strapped to your wrist, paddle, or anywhere on the boat. This feature provides incredible convenience, especially for long trips or when you need a little extra power.

Fishing and Camping with the Isle Switch Pro and Bixpy

To test the Isle Switch Pro and Bixpy K1 Outboard Motor, I took the combo on an overnight fishing trip, loaded with camping gear, food, clothes, and fishing equipment. Despite the substantial load, the Switch Pro’s 475 lb capacity handled it effortlessly, with no noticeable impact on performance.

For fishing, the wide platform allows for easy standing and comfortable seating, providing a stable and snag-free experience. The only caveat is that, unlike kayaks with raised edges, gear can potentially slid off the flat surface of the board and into the water. However, the wide and stable platform minimizes this risk.

For camping, the bungees on the front and back of the board, combined with the Link Connect system, lets you easily tie down large dry bags with your gear.

The Motor Experience: Accessibility and Safety

One of the standout features of the Bixpy K1 motor is its role in accessibility. Due to a shoulder injury, I would not have been able to enjoy this trip without the motor's assistance. Motors can be a game-changer for those who need extra help on the water—whether due to injury, age, or just wanting to keep up with stronger paddlers in a group.

Moreover, the motor adds a layer of safety, especially during solo adventures. If something goes wrong—like an injury or sudden weather change—the motor can help you get back to safety quickly.

Are the Isle Switch Pro and Bixpy K1 Worth It?

The Isle Switch Pro retails for $1,200, and while you can find cheaper inflatable SUPs, the Switch Pro offers a lot for the price. The added rigidity, the ability to convert into a quality inflatable kayak, and features like the ISLE Link Connect System and motor mounting kit make it a standout product.

When you combine the Isle Switch Pro with the Bixpy K1 motor, the total package costs $2,500. This might seem steep to some, but it's actually a great value for an eSUP or eKayak. If you're someone who values versatility, performance, and the option to motorize, it's a worthwhile investment. This setup is perfect for those who can't decide between a standup paddleboard, an inflatable kayak, or want the option to add a motor.

The Bottom Line

The Isle Switch Pro and Bixpy K1 Motor combo is an excellent choice for paddlers looking for versatility, performance, and accessibility. It’s not for everyone, but for those who need or want the added benefits of a motorized paddlecraft, it’s a great investment.

I’d love to hear from those of you who have tried the Isle Switch or the Bixpy motor—what do you like, what don’t you like, and who do you think it’s for? Share your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to check out my full paddling, camping, and fishing adventure with this setup!

Stay tuned for more gear reviews, paddling tips, and adventures. Happy paddling!

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The Alpacka Expedition: Built for Serious Whitewater

The Alpacka Expedition is the go-to for paddlers looking for a performance driven all around boat that can handle challenging conditions. At just 8.4 lbs, it’s lightweight and highly portable. But, what makes the Expedition unique is the deck system. You can get the boat with either a fixed or removable deck. Either way, it's designed to be used with a spray skirt (which comes with the boat), to prevent any water from getting inside the cockpit. This is one of the key features that makes the Alpacka Expedition packraft ideal for paddling in more technical, challenging whitewater environments—up to Class IV rapids.

Comfort and Control with the Alpacka Expedition

One of the strengths of the Alpacka Expedition is its outfitting. The boat features a high-performance back band for support, high-peformance adjustable thigh hooks, and an inflatable foot brace. These features give you a snug fit and great control, making it a boat that any whitewater enthusiast should consider.

Durability of the Alpacka Expedition

The Alpacka Expedition is what I would consider to be a moderately durable packraft. The floor is constructed with a highly durable 840 denier nylon that is TPU coated on both sides. The main body of the Expedition is constructed with a much lighter, 210 denier nylon, which is only TPU coated on the outside. The benefit of this material is a significant weight savings, and so this boat is designed for paddlers who are willing to sacrifice some durability for weight savings and performance.

The NRS Neutron: Durability Meets Versatility

The NRS Neutron is another fantastic all-rounder that stands out for its durability. Weighing in at 12.2 lbs, it's about 50% heavier than the Alpacka. The additional weight is a result of the Neutron using a heavier duty material for the main body. More specifically, the main body of the Neutron is made from 420 denier nylon, which is TPU coated on both sides. This makes the Neutron extremely tough and resistant to wear and tear, but this durability is also what makes the boat 4lbs heavier than the Alpacka Expedition.

A Self-Bailing Packraft

One of the big differences between the Neutron and the Expedition is that the Neutron doesn't have a deck that can be used with a skirt to keep water out of the cockpit. The Neutron is a self-bailing packraft, which has an inflatable floor with holes beneath it, so water that enters the boat will drain out automatically. While this still allows the Neutron to tackle whitewater, it can only reasonably be used in whitewater up to Class III, whereas the Alpacka Expedition can be used in whitewater up to Class IV because of its decked design.

Is the NRS Neutron Comfortable?

The Neutron’s outfitting is solid. It features a high-performance backband and basic thigh hooks that can easily be upgraded. Unlike the Alpacka Expedition, it lacks a foot brace, which results in a slightly looser fit.

Comparing Materials, Weight, and Durability

One of the key differences between these two packrafts is the material. The Alpacka’s lighter 210 denier nylon hull means it’s about 4 lbs lighter than the Neutron, but that weight saving comes at the expense of durability. The NRS Neutron’s 420 denier nylon hull has dual TPU coating, giving it superior resistance to wear and tear.

Features for Multi-Day Trips

Both boats share some useful features for adventurers who plan on multi-day paddling trips. They each have a stern TIZIP zipper. The zipper allows you to store gear inside the boat, along with internal tie-down points to keep that gear secure. However, one thing I’d love to see improved on both models is the addition of more external tie-down points. Tie down points particularly in the stern would be helpful. This would make it easier to secure gear that you don’t want to store inside the boat during the day.

Packraft Pricing: A Key Consideration

One of the biggest differences between the Alpacka Expedition and the NRS Neutron is the price. The Alpacka Expedition retails for $1,725 to $1,825, depending on whether you choose the removable or fixed deck. In comparison, the NRS Neutron is much more affordable, ranging from $1,150 to $1,200. That’s a $500 to $600 difference.

For that extra money, the Alpacka gives you a high-performance deck system (with basic skirt), thigh hooks, a foot brace, and a lighter weight. On the other hand, the Neutron offers better durability.

Who Should Choose the Alpacka Expedition?

The Alpacka Expedition is designed for paddlers who want a high-performance all-around packraft that can tackle tough, technical whitewater up to Class IV. If you’re planning long backcountry expeditions where weight is a critical factor, or if you need a boat that will perform in challenging conditions, the Expedition is the right choice for you. It’s also for those who are willing to invest more in a lightweight, feature-rich packraft.

Who Should Choose the NRS Neutron?

The NRS Neutron is an ideal all-around packraft for paddlers who value durability and versatility. If you’re looking for a tough, reliable boat that can handle flatwater and rapids up to Class III, the Neutron is an excellent choice, and significantly cheaper.

In the end, both of these boats are high quality boats. The choice comes down to what you prioritize—weight savings and whitewater performance, or durability and price.

If you want to dive deeper, check out the full reviews and adventures I’ve taken with both of these boats on PaddleTV, and be sure to subscribe for more gear reviews and paddling tips!

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