Decathlon Archives - Hazeadventure https://Hazeadventure.com/tag/decathlon/ Opening the doors to the great outdoors and adventure travel Tue, 14 May 2024 20:26:09 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9 https://in4adventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/in4-fav.png Decathlon Archives - Hazeadventure https://Hazeadventure.com/tag/decathlon/ 32 32 Decathlon Itiwit X500 vs Sea Eagle 393 : Best Inflatable Kayak? https://Hazeadventure.com/decathlon-itiwit-x500-vs-the-sea-eagle-393-inflatable-kayak/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=decathlon-itiwit-x500-vs-the-sea-eagle-393-inflatable-kayak https://Hazeadventure.com/decathlon-itiwit-x500-vs-the-sea-eagle-393-inflatable-kayak/#respond Mon, 18 Sep 2023 07:50:00 +0000 https://Hazeadventure.com/?p=9262 Ken's at it again with his inflatable kayak comparisons. This time his match up is the Sea Eagle 393 vs Decathlon Itiwit X500. Check it out!

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Over the past 3 years, I've tested many kayaks and specifically inflatable kayaks. The Sea Eagle 393 RazorLite and the Decathlon Itiwit X500 stand out as two of the highest-performing inflatable kayaks I have seen. I often get asked which is better, the Sea Eagle 393 or the Itiwit X500. Well, let’s see, in a direct head-to-head comparison of the Sea Eagle 393 vs Decathlon Itiwit X500. 

Both the Sea Eagle 393 RazorLite and the Decathlon Itiwit X500 are inflatable touring kayaks. But what does that mean? Well, many inflatable kayaks are designed to be completely stable. However, these two kayaks both give up some stability for performance and to travel through the water more efficiently. These kayaks are intended to be fun to paddle and allow you to cover longer distances too. 

The reality is that both these inflatable kayaks are fantastic. However, there are some key differences between them. So, a better question to ask is, which kayak is better for you? 

Sea Eagle 393 vs Decathlon Itiwit X500:  the specs.
Sea Eagle 393 vs Decathlon Itiwit X500: which one is the best inflatable kayak?

Decathlon Itiwit X500 Specifications

Price: $1300
Length: 12’ 6”
Width: 25”
Weight: 35 LBS (16 kg)
Capacity: 275 LBS (125kg)

Sea Eagle 393 RazorLite Specifications

Price: $1100 (USD) (comes with a pump, bag, and paddle)
Length: 12’ 10”
Width: 28”
Weight: 35 LBS (16kg)
Capacity: 500 LBS (227kg)

Similarities: Sea Eagle 393 vs Decathlon Itiwit X500

On paper, the 393 and the X500 are similar in width, length, weight, and price. But beyond that, there are even more similarities. They both have real footpegs, raised seats, and drop-stitch construction. The inflatable tubes on a drop-stitch kayak are sewn together by thousands of threads. 

Therefore you can pump them up to a very high psi (10 psi), and they will become rigid and stiff. Drop stitch is an expensive upgrade but gives you a rigid kayak that performs similarly to a hard shell kayak. 

The Sea Eagle 393rl is an open deck vs the Itiwit which is a closed deck.
The Sea Eagle 393rl is an open deck vs the Itiwit which is a closed deck.

Differences Between the Sea Eagle 393 and the Decathlon Ititwit X500

An obvious difference between these kayaks is that the Decathlon Itiwit X500 is a sit-in kayak and has a closed deck. It even has cockpit combing that allows it to take a paddle skirt. The Sea Eagle 393, on the other hand, is wide open. It is almost like a canoe/kayak hybrid. 

The other, less obvious, difference is in the hull shape. The Sea Eagle 393 is more of a traditional inflatable kayak because it has a flat hull. It has a nicely shaped bow that helps it cut through the water. The surface of the hull is completely flat. Because of this, it needs to have a removable fin to help it track through the water. 

The Decathlon Itiwit has a V-shaped hull vs the flat hull of the Sea Eagle.
The Decathlon Itiwit has a V-shaped hull vs the flat hull of the Sea Eagle.

On the other hand, the Decathlon Itiwit X500 is a drop-stitch kayak without a flat bottom. Much like traditional hard shell kayaks, the Itiwit has a V hull. The bow and V-shaped hull allow it to cut through the water, hold its line and track well. That is why the Itiwit X500 does not come with a removable fin. It does not need one. 

Speed

One of the most important factors I like to test when comparing kayaks is their speed. Does the V-shaped hull make the Itiwit X500 travel faster? The only way to tell this was to take both kayaks out for a whirl and see how quickly they go. 

I took both for a spin.  Each at both 75% effort and at 100% effort levels. Both were comparable.
I took both for a spin. Each at both 75% effort and at 100% effort levels. Both were comparable.

I tested both kayaks to see how fast I went at 75% of my top speed and 100% top speed. At 75%, my average speed in the Sea Eagle 393 was 5.2 mph (8.4kmh), and my top speed was 6.4 mph (10.3 kmh). Both of which are very respectable speeds. In the Decathlon Itiwit X500, my average speed at 75% was 5 mph (8.04 kmh), while my top speed was 6.7 mph (10.7 kmh). 

So, the Sea Eagle 393 had a slightly higher cruising speed, but the Itiwit X500 had a higher top speed. It is safe to say that these kayaks are very similar in speed. 

Both these kayaks have raised seats.  Thats good!
Both these kayaks have raised seats. Thats good!

Comfort

Comfort-wise, both these kayaks are very similar. They both have comfortable raised foam seats and fixed foot pegs. The main difference is the open deck on Sea Eagle 393. It allows you to sit in almost any position you want. You can even hang your legs over the side if you want a change of scene! So the open deck gives the Sea Eagle 393 a slight edge in comfort. 

Both give up some stability for performance.
Both give up some stability for performance.

Stability

Both kayaks are a similar width. The Sea Eagle 393 says it is 28”, but it is 25” at the water line, which is the same width as the Itiwit X500. Although neither kayak makes you feel rock solid and invincible on the water, they both feel like stable kayaks. They trade some stability to get higher performance. 

One difference is that the Itiwit X500, when held on edge, has slightly better secondary stability. It locks into the secondary position comfortably. Secondary stability only matters when you are kayaking in windy or rough conditions. But it is worth noting. 

Performance

It was immediately apparent that the Sea Eagle 393 tracks much better than the X500. This is due to the large removable fin on the back of the Sea Eagle 393. On the other hand, the X500 was much more maneuverable. It was easier to tilt and turn. It acted far more like a hard shell kayak of a similar class. 

The Razorlite excels in calm water and with its carrying capacity.
The RazorLite excels in calm water and with its carrying capacity.

Where Does the Sea Eagle 393 RazorLite Excel?

The Sea Eagle 393 is designed for calm conditions. That is where it excels due to its open design. If you paddle the Sea Eagle 393 in wavy, rough conditions, it will not sink. However, it will become easily swamped and bogged down with water. It is not designed for conditions where you need to deal with waves, rough conditions, or white water. It is a calm water boat. 

The Sea Eagle 393 is also an incredibly comfortable kayak. Sit inside kayaks can give some people a feeling of claustrophobia, but because the Sea Eagle 393 is open, it feels spacious and roomy. The only drawback of the open deck is that you cannot use it in rough water. 

The Sea Eagle 393 shines when it comes to its capacity. The capacity of the Sea Eagle 393 is 500 LBS. This is almost double the capacity of the Itiwit X500. The 393, with its large capacity, opens up the opportunity for kayak camping. You can easily load the 393 with bags and heavy equipment. You can even bring a child or a dog along too. The huge capacity of the Sea Eagle 393 makes it a more versatile kayak. 

The Itiwit can handle rough conditions and can accommodate a skirt to keep water out.
The Itiwit can handle rough conditions and can accommodate a skirt to keep water out.

Where Does the Decathlon Itiwit X500 Excel?

The Itiwit X500 excels in a variety of conditions. It can handle far rougher conditions than the Sea Eagle 393. There are a few reasons why. The biggest reason is that it is a sit-inside kayak and can take a paddle skirt. Therefore you can take it in rough water without risking any swamping. 

The other thing the Itiwit X500 allows you to do is roll the kayak. The skirt will stop water from getting in when you roll. But, on top of that, there is enough fabric that you can grip with your knees so that you can get enough purchase to roll the kayak. 

That being said, the cockpit combing is small and cannot take every skirt. Decathlon sells a specific skirt to use on the Itiwit X500, but the kayak has a narrow rand, so the skirt does not provide a strong seal. So there are limitations to your ability to use it in rough water. In rough conditions, a wave might cause the spray skirt to pop off. This would allow the water to swamp the kayak. 

The other area that the X500 excels in is its handling. It handles like a hard shell kayak due to the V-shaped hull. It turns when you put it on the edge, and it can deal with wind much better than the Sea Eagle 393. Overall, it is much easier to maneuver than the 393. 

Who Are These Kayaks For?

The Decathlon Itiwit X500 is for someone who wants a kayak where they can wear a skirt. They can see themselves taking their kayak into rough water. It is also for someone willing to pay more to get that feature. 

On the other hand, the Sea Eagle 393 RazorLite is for somebody who intends to paddle in calm conditions. It is for someone who would like increased capacity to bring a child, a dog, or plenty of camping gear. It is also for someone who wants to save money. Not only is the Sea Eagle 393 slightly cheaper than the Itiwit X500, but it also includes paddles and a pump. 

Both of these kayaks are fantastic kayaks. So you need to choose which kayak is right for you, not which kayak is better! 

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Decathlon Itiwit X500 Inflatable Kayak Review https://Hazeadventure.com/decathlon-itiwit-x500-inflatable-kayak-review/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=decathlon-itiwit-x500-inflatable-kayak-review https://Hazeadventure.com/decathlon-itiwit-x500-inflatable-kayak-review/#respond Sat, 08 Jul 2023 09:35:00 +0000 https://Hazeadventure.com/?p=8852 Ken Whiting reviews the Decathlon Intiwit X500 inflatable kayak on a trip through the Okefenokee swamp. Check it out!

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The Decathlon Itiwit X500 is an inflatable kayak that I've been looking forward to reviewing for a long time! It is the number one most requested kayak review from you guys. So here we go… here's an in-depth, non-biased review of the Decathlon Itiwit X500 inflatable kayak.

This is an inflatable touring kayak that claims to perform as well as a hardshell touring kayak. But the question is how good is the Decathlon Itiwit X500? Is it as good as a hardshell kayak? Who should consider buying the Itiwit X500? What are the drawbacks, if any, of the Decathlon Itiwit X500?

The Decathlon Itiwit X500 Inflatable Kayak Specifications

Price: $1300 (USD)
Length: 12’ 6”
Width: 25”
Weight: 35 LBS (16KG)
Capacity: 275 LBS (125 KG)
Best Use: All Conditions

For an inflatable, the Decathlon Itiwit X500 Inflatable Kayak sure has the features of it's hard shelled competition!
For an inflatable, the Decathlon Itiwit X500 Inflatable Kayak sure has the features of it's hard shelled competition!

Features of the Decathlon Itiwit X500 Inflatable Kayak

This kayak has a range of different features including:

  • A standard large cockpit with a cockpit rim that accepts a skirt
  • Ultra-durable carry handles at either end
  • Bungees on the bow deck for storing gear
  • A padded raised seat
  • Adjustable footpegs
  • A dry bag-style access port in the back deck
  • The entire boat is drop stitch construction which allows you to pump it up firmly, all the way to 10 psi.

Having pumped the kayak up I was really excited to try it out. It’s the first inflatable kayak I’ve ever seen that looks like a hard-shelled kayak when pumped up. That should translate into a really nice performance. Let's find out!

Pumping up the Decathlon Itiwit X500 Inflatable Kayak was easy, once done, it was very hard shelled. It also packs in a backpack so VERY portable.
Pumping up this kayak was easy and, once done, it was very hard shelled. It also packs in a backpack so VERY portable.

Portability

This is a portable kayak. It literally fits in a backpack!

The pack that the Itiwit X500 comes in has adjustable straps, a hip belt, and a shoulder belt, just like a backpack. This makes it very comfortable to carry. The only downside to the pack is that there is not a lot of extra room, so you do have to put the deflated kayak back into the backpack in the correct way otherwise it will not fit back in.

This kayak is around 25 LBS, which for a boat this size, is not very heavy. It is easy to carry around and it is very soft. Putting it on your shoulder to carry is much more comfortable than with a hard shell kayak.

So all in, the Decathlon Itiwit X500 gets top marks for its portability.

I took this Decathlon Itiwit X500 Inflatable Kayak for a RIDE.  It was smooth, fast.
I took the Decathlon Itiwit X500 Inflatable Kayak for a RIDE. It was smooth, fast.

Performance of the Itiwit X500

This is the aspect of the Itiwit X500 that I was really interested in. And after using it on an 11-mile kayak trip, I can say that it really is the very first inflatable kayak that I have tried that performs as well as a hard shell kayak. That is something special.

The fact that the entire kayak is made with drop stitch construction plays a large role in its high performance level. There is no flex in this kayak, it is rigid. And that helps it cut nicely through the water.  

There are five inflatable compartments that make up the Itiwit X500; two on the side, one on the floor, and two bridges that provide structural integrity. With these compartments they have managed to create a bow shape that really cuts well through the water, making it an enjoyable boat to paddle.

I'm used to kayaks that can go on edge and give up stability for maneuverability.  Really liked the compromise here between stable and turnable.
I'm used to kayaks that can go on edge and give up stability for maneuverability. I really liked the compromise here between stable and turnable.

Stability of the Itiwit X500

This is a 25” wide kayak, which is typically considered a rec/touring kayak. You give up some stability when you drop to 25” because you want more speed and performance. And that is what you get with this kayak. It performs very well.

But how much stability do you actually give up? It’s primary stability, which refers to when just sitting in it and playing around, is not as stable as a big, flat, recreational kayak. However, it is still very stable. I had no problems with it at all.

Its secondary stability, which is when you hold a kayak on edge, left a little to be desired. It wasn’t terrible, but it does feel a little bit unstable when you hold it on an edge. There are two things that go with that. If it is very easy to get on edge, it means in rough conditions it can be very easy to manoeuver the kayak. The slight downside there is that it doesn't have rock-solid stability on the edge.

This says to me that a beginner paddler hopping into the Itiwit X500 might struggle if it gets on edge at all.

I think these are simply the best foot pegs in the inflatable business!
I think these are simply the best foot pegs in the inflatable business!

Comfort of the Itiwit X500

There are a few things to talk about here. Let's start with space. This kayak has quite a bit of foot room. Even as a tall, 6’ 2” guy, I had plenty of foot room in the Itiwit X500. The footpegs didn’t have much further to go, so anyone who is 6’ 4”/ 6’ 5” or taller, may be a little too tall for this kayak.

The footpegs are wonderful. They are easy to adjust and provide a lot of support. It is hands down, the best portable footpeg system I have ever come across.

One of the things that you expect in a portable kayak is that you will have to give up some comfort for the kayak’s portability. Is that the case for the X500? Yes. You do!

Where the seat had drainage which kept you dry, it still was a foam seat.
Where the seat had drainage which kept you dry, it still was a foam seat.

The seat, while not bad, is effectively a piece of foam rather than a suspension seat. It has some excellent features including the way it locks into place, it's high back support, and the fact that it is slightly elevated to keep you dry if there is any water in the boat. That said, it is less robust and comfortable than a typical seat found in a hard-shell kayak.  

There are no thigh hooks, but your knees fit comfortably in the cockpit. And the foam placed there makes it very comfortable.

Overall, using the Decathlon Itiwit X500 was a very comfortable experience.

Deck straps, covered storage (rare for inflatables) and more make this kayak pretty sweet.
Deck straps, covered storage (rare for inflatables) and more make this kayak pretty sweet.

Features of the Itiwit X500

The features of this kayak are pretty typical for a day-touring kayak. It has got some bungees upfront to store gear or a day pack. There is a little pouch to slide your paddle under if you need to stow your paddle for some reason.

Instead of perimeter lines, which a lot of touring kayaks have, it has perimeter straps on the bow and stern. These serve the same purpose, they are something to grab hold of and can help with rescues.

There is a dry bag-style opening to the back compartment. There is no bulkhead separating the bow and stern compartments which means any water that gets into one will flow down to the other, so anything you store in the stern compartment will not stay dry. You will need to put it in dry bags. But this is a great feature to help make the stern compartment more accessible and opens up a world of possibilities for multi-day trips.

It is not a rich-featured kayak but has almost everything you need. One thing it doesn’t have is a rudder or a skeg. But with this kayak, you don’t really need one. It already tracks well, so unless you paddle a long distance in a cross-distance, it doesn’t need one.

Nice to see a cockpit on an inflatable kayak that can handle a skirt!
Nice to see a cockpit on an inflatable kayak that can handle a skirt!

The Cockpit

The cockpit is a notable feature of this inflatable kayak because it has a cockpit rim that allows you to use a skirt. There is an option to use the Itiwit skirt that is sold specifically for this kayak and it fits the kayak very well. It does hold its place. But if you got a loaded wave in your lap it might pop out of place. It isn’t really designed to withstand heavy white water or big ocean waves. It does, however, provide a nice seal.

One thing to note is that the bungee rand on the sprayskirt is quite narrow. So other bungee skirts may not work on the Itiwit X500 unless they have a narrow rim.

This is a very good kayak for a larger group of paddlers than I had expected.
This is a very good kayak for a larger group of paddlers than I had expected.

Who is the Decathlon Itiwit X500 Infltable Kayak for?

This is a kayak that you can take in a lot of different conditions. They say it is an all-condition touring kayak, and I would agree with that. If you are wearing a skirt you can definitely be very comfortable taking this kayak into class 2 white water. I might even push it a bit and put it into some class 3. The biggest weak point would be the skirt at that point. But realistically class 2 and below.

This kayak can be used in all ocean and lake conditions except if there is a big swell that might implode your skirt.

So it very much is an all-conditions boat. But it is not a boat that is designed for beginners. It is more for a mid-level paddler, who has a bit of experience paddling and wants a kayak that is fun to paddle. They don’t want to just get out on the water, but they want to be able to use a boat that is fun to paddle, can slice through the water, and allows them to cover real distances. It is stable enough for an adventurous beginner, but definitely not for all beginners.

Think this is a great kayak, and great for the price.
Think this is a great kayak, and great for the price.

Value of the Decathlon Itiwit X500 Inflatable Kayak

This inflatable kayak retails for about $1300 (USD). In my mind that is exceptional value. A hard shell kayak of this nature costs around $1200 to $1300 (USD), so you are paying a very small premium, if at all, for the portability of the Itiwit X500.

What are you giving up for that? Well, a little bit of comfort, and that is to be expected. If you are spending eight-hour days regularly in this kayak it will make a difference, if you are only going out in it an hour or two, it probably isn’t going to make that much difference.

What it really comes down to is, is portability something you need? You can fit this kayak in a backpack, in the trunk of your car. You can store it in your closet at home. And for many people, there isn’t really an option between having a hard shell or having an inflatable kayak. So if you want an inflatable kayak of this nature, with high performance, it is exceptional value.

Overall I give the Itiwit X500 inflatable kayak two thumbs up. I really like it and it is a boat that will stay in my quiver. I look forward to using this kayak for many more years to come.

I took this kayak into the swamp on an adventure! Check out my article on Kayaking the Okefenokee Swamp.

NOTE:  These are affiliate links where I’ll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you, but it’s a great way to show your support. Thanks!

Kayak: Decathlon Itiwit X500
Paddles:  Aqua Bound Manta Ray Hybrid
PFD:   NRS Odyssey PFD (Touring and Rec)
Clothing:  NRS Short Sleeved Guide Shirt
Sunglasses: Wiley X

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Kayaking the Okefenokee Swamp https://Hazeadventure.com/kayaking-the-okefenokee-swamp/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=kayaking-the-okefenokee-swamp https://Hazeadventure.com/kayaking-the-okefenokee-swamp/#respond Mon, 05 Jun 2023 19:26:05 +0000 https://Hazeadventure.com/?p=7951 Ken Whiting heads out to Georgia for a few days kayaking the Okefenokee Swamp amongst the incredible forest and local gators!

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I’ll be honest. Kayaking the Okefenokee Swamp wasn’t on my bucket list. In fact, I knew very little about the Okefenokee Swamp before heading out on my road trip this spring aside from the fact that it’s home to a very healthy population of alligators. On the flipside, I was very excited to explore the Okefenokee, because I’ve always been fascinated with swamp environments.

Such a cool place with an amazing environment.
Such a cool place with an amazing environment.

As a kid, I would spend hours paddling a canoe in the ponds and swamps around our family cottage while searching for turtles and frogs. Those early years developed my love and appreciation of swamp environments. But the Okefenokee Swamp in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge in Southern Georgia takes swamp exploration to another level.

Man these awesome creatures are cool to paddle with.
Man these awesome creatures are cool to paddle with.

Kayaking the Okefenokee Wildlife Refuge

My first taste of the 400,000 acre refuge was to start at the eastern entrance, which is home to Okefenokee Adventures – an outfitter that works in partnership with the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge to help visitors explore the ‘Land of the Trembling Earth’. Okefenokee Adventures provides canoe, kayak and jon boat rentals for visitors, as well as guided boat tours and multi-day backcountry trips.

Kayaking the Okefenokee Swamp was a LOT easier with Dan around.
Kayaking the Okefenokee Swamp was a LOT easier with Dan around.

I hooked up with Okefenokee Adventures Executive Director, Kim Bednarek, and guide/naturalist, Dan Jones, and our mission was to paddle five miles into the swamp to the Coffee Bay Shelter, where we’d take a break and cook up some shrimp jumbo before making the five-mile paddle home.

Testing the Decathlon Itiwit

With ten miles of paddling in the plans, I decided this would be the ideal opportunity to test a new touring kayak – the Decathlon Itiwit X500 inflatable touring kayak. 

The Decathlon Itiwit X500 was awesome out here in the swamp.
The Decathlon Itiwit X500 was awesome out here in the swamp.

This is a kayak that I’ve been anxiously waiting to test for over a year as it claims to provide the touring performance of a hardshell kayak. Ten miles would definitely give me ample time to test those claims, although I was questioning my decision to paddle an inflatable kayak in a swamp filled with big and toothy American alligators! 

NOTE:  These are affiliate links where I’ll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you, but it’s a great way to show your support. Thanks!

Kayak: Decathlon Itiwit X500
Paddles:  Decathlon Itiwit Adjustable Split Paddle – X500
PFD:   NRS Odyssey PFD (Touring and Rec)
Clothing:  NRS Short Sleeved Guide Shirt
Sunglasses: Wiley X

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Decathlon Itiwit Inflatable Kayak Review – Walmart Kayak Review https://Hazeadventure.com/decathlon-itiwit-inflatable-kayak-review-walmart-kayak/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=decathlon-itiwit-inflatable-kayak-review-walmart-kayak https://Hazeadventure.com/decathlon-itiwit-inflatable-kayak-review-walmart-kayak/#comments Thu, 11 Aug 2022 13:00:00 +0000 https://Hazeadventure.com/?p=3015 It’s time for another in-depth, unbiased gear review. For this round I decided to go to my local Walmart and get the cheapest kayak set-up I could find. I ended up walking out of there with a paddle, a life jacket, a pair of booties, and the Decathlon Itiwit inflatable kayak, which is billboarded as a 2-3 person kayak, but I fared just fine on my own.

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It’s time for another in-depth, unbiased gear review. For this round I decided to go to my local Walmart and get the cheapest kayak set-up I could find for a review. I ended up walking out of there with a paddle, a life jacket, a pair of booties, and the Decathlon Itiwit inflatable kayak. This kayak review be my first Walmart Kayak review!

This Walmart kayak is billboarded as a 2-3 person kayak but I fared just fine on my own. All of this came to a grand total of just under $350 (USD). In my mind, that’s incredibly cheap for a full kayaking package from Walmart. But you may be wondering: is it cheap because Ken’s an expert bargain-shopper, or is it cheap because it’s just a cheaply made Walmart kayak?

Now, obviously some concessions are expected with a craft like this, but if it’s on the shelf at a reputable store, and it makes for a notable line on the month’s credit card bill, then it should at least hold its own out there on the water. Here’s what I can tell you from my experience with the Itiwit kayak. 

About the Decathlon Itiwit Inflatable Kayak

Price: $260 USD (at Walmart)

Length: 12’ 6”

Width: 43”

Weight: 37 LBS (17 KG)

Capacity: 507 LBS (230 KG)

Best Use: Flat, Protected Water 

Decathlon Itiwit Inflatable Kayak Review Walmart Kayak Review
Decathlon Itiwit Inflatable Kayak available at Walmart

The Itiwit kayak package comes with a backpack, a pump, and a repair kit, but it doesn’t include a paddle. Underneath there are 3 fins for tracking. On top it has stern bungees for a bit of storage, and carry handles on both ends. The three compartments only pump up to 1.5 PSI. This is the lowest air pressure I’ve ever heard of for an inflatable kayak. So right out of the gates, expect a soft boat. 

Before we get into the full-blown kayak review, let’s take a second to go through the other bits of gear that I picked up for this excursion. 

Are Walmart water shoes worth it?

The ones I got at Walmart were a mere $10 (CAD), or around $8 (USD). They are totally worth it! The tread kept me stable on the slippery rocks (this is why flip-flops are a big no-no). The Walmart water shoes were comfortable and you can’t beat that price. Now, I don’t know if these will last as long as the higher-end options, but even if they just make it through the season, that’s pretty darn good in my book! 

Inflatable Kayak Review 
Decathlon Itiwit Walmart Kayak Review
Walmart Kayak Decathlon Itiwit Kayak

Walmart life jacket vs NRS Chinook PFD

The best kind is a paddling-specific PFD. For instance, my go-to is the NRS Chinook. It’s technically designed for kayak fishing, but I find it perfect for all kinds of recreational paddling. The foam is high in the back, so it doesn’t get in the way off the seat. There are three side adjustment straps, which dial in the fit so that I can paddle without feeling hindered.

My $20 Walmart life jacket, on the other hand, had a generic fit/design, and only one adjustment point. In order to keep the vest from slipping off in the water, it has to compensate by adding a crotch strap. For this to actually work, it has to be fairly snug… Not a fan! If you’re on a tight budget, go with anything that does the trick (which the cheap ones still do). 

Walmart kayak paddle good quality?

My experience with the $50 Walmart kayak paddle once again reinforced the fact that cheap paddles will make you pay a different kind of price. This one has a groove down the middle that was supposed to add some structural integrity. All it really seemed to do was act as a catch for the water.

This made me inadvertently spray myself and soak the kayak everytime I lifted one of the blades above the surface. Even with that groove built in, the paddle was so flexible that it zapped the power out of each stroke.

The one thing I did like was the foam hand pads. But still, there are much better paddles on the market, and there are even better $50 paddles out there. If you’re pinching pennies or just trying to get everything in one place then I can see how this makes sense. It will get you going, but will also leave you wanting more. 

Kayak safety note before the kayak review

Time for another quick reminder about the free, online paddling safety course brought to you by the American Canoe Association (ACA) and the U.S. Coast Guard. You can do it on you own time and your future self might just thank you for doing so. Paddling is generally safe and super fun, but every once in a while, things can go wrong really quickly. Make sure you learn from the best what to do in unexpected situations. 

Walmart Kayak Review Decathlon Itiwit Inflatable Kayak
Walmart Kayak, the Decathlon Itiwit Inflatable Kayak

Is the Walmart Itiwit kayak easy to inflate?

The plus side of the Decathlon Itiwit kayak only inflating to 1.5 PSI is that it doesn’t require much pumping. Now, I’m always a fan of an electric pump if I’m repeatedly using any inflatable kayak, but you could totally get away with the manual approach for this one. I even just used my mouth to inflate the seats, which come pre-attached so that only inflation is required during the set up. 

Also, at 37-pounds, the Itiwit kayak gets high marks for portability in terms of the norm for tandem kayaks. The only downside is that the carry-bag doesn’t come with padded straps. I mean, they have to save costs in some areas so this isn’t the end of the world, just be aware of this if you’re planning a decent-length hike before launching. 

Does the Itiwit kayak have good stability?

With width comes stability. And at 43-inches-wide, the Decathon Itiwit has bomber stability! Paddling it as a single, there was nothing I could do to tip this boat over. With each additional person, this will change slightly, but I could still tell that the Itiwit would feel secure whether there’s 1, 2, or 3 people inside. 

Is the Decathlon Itiwit a fast kayak?

Because the Itiwit is so soft and stable, it naturally gives up speed – especially by touring kayak standards (but that’s not who this is for). For recreational kayakers who just want to get out on the water with some friends, in something that’s fun and comfortable, this thing will be plenty fast for you. Yes, the speed tops out quickly, and no, it’s never going to win awards for its performance, but when calibrated for the cost, I was pleased with how the Itiwit moved. And keep in mind, I was paddling by myself. With another person paddling in unison, you could probably cover some decent distance. 

Another thing that caught my attention was how maneuverable the Itiwit was. For a 12-foot, 6-inch kayak, this thing turned remarkably quick. 

Walmart Inflatable Kayak Review for the Decathlon Itiwit Inflatable Kayak
Decathlon Itiwit Inflatable Kayak, is it comfortable? Heck yeah.

Is the Itiwit a comfortable kayak?

Inflatable kayaks are often quite comfortable, and the Decathlon Itiwit is no exception. It’s soft, spacious (especially with just one person in there), and the built-in seats are nice and thick. Being that you inflate them manually, you can actually tailor each seat’s level of cushioning/support to your liking.

Whatever the case, the base of the seat keeps your butt off the floor, which means you stay dry while paddling (for the most part). Another accidental asset of this boat’s design is that if you’re paddling solo, you can leave the unused front seat in there to act as a foot brace. This extra purchase really boosts the overall comfort. 

Maximum weight for the Intiwit kayak sold by Walmart

The Itiwit has a max capacity of 507 pounds (functionally-speaking you probably want to cap it closer to 400 pounds), which means that this is a great option for large paddlers.

If you’re on the heavier side and are just looking for something comfortable and stable to kayak in, this would be a perfect choice. And if you’re planning to paddle the kayak tandem, with that capacity and the 12-foot, 6-inch length, those are still very generous parameters to work within.

If you’re gunning for the full 3-person allowance, then realistically that’s going to entail an adult and two children, or two small adults and a child. That will be a bit more cramped, but totally doable for a shorter excursion. 

How good is the Walmart Itiwit kayak?

At $260 USD (from Walmart), the Decathlon Itiwit is definitely a good-value purchase. It’s stable and comfortable. This Walmart kayak paddles in a surprisingly well. It appears to have much more integrity than the less expensive INTEX Challenger. Remember, less expensive doesn’t always mean a better value, you have to find that sweet spot. The only thing I would caution prospective owners about is that the outer layer absorbs water somewhat readily. Make sure to dry it out thoroughly before packing it away. This will help prevent the build-up of mildew. 

Decathlon Itiwit Inflatable Kayak Review for Best Walmart Kayak Review
Walmart offers a good inflatable kayak

Side note on my approach to reviews:

I’ve come to realize over the past few years is that most kayaks have something valuable to offer to certain types of paddlers. I’ll be honest, in the past I used to look at models like this and think, “What a piece of crap!”. But that’s because I was looking at it from a different lens.

Nowadays, after testing so many kayaks across vast spectrums of price and style. I’ve come to realize that there are pros and cons to everything. That’s why you’ll never – no, rarely ever, will you hear me completely trash a kayak in a review. If it’s truly a piece of garbage then I’ll let you know. But otherwise, I like to focus on the positives that apply to different niches. 

Who is the Itiwit kayak for?

This budget-friendly kayak is for anyone looking for a portable boat that can be used as a single, tandem, or even a three person (likely family) craft. Those with a need for speed or wanting something for long-distances should probably look elsewhere. But the Itiwit will certainly get the job done for a day on the water while letting everyone feel stable and relaxed.

This is a true recreational kayak, and one that is best kept to flat water, or maybe some Class 1 sections. I would call this a “gateway kayak,” which is to say, a great first kayak for anyone trying to get a feel for the sport. As your passion and your skills progress, you can begin to explore other options. 

And thus concludes my Walmart kayaking experiment. If price has been a barrier-to-entry, then I hope this inspires you to give kayaking another look. Some give-and-take is to be expected with this approach, but the bottom line is that I found myself a totally viable, full kayak package, on the cheap, and it provided me with a fun day at the lake. What more could you ask for?


For more gear-reviews, helpful how-tos, and seeing it all put into action for my Paddle Tales adventures, subscribe to get paddling news in your inbox or check out PaddleTV.

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