This is What a Luxury Kayak Looks Like! | P&H Volan 160 Review

The P&H Sea Kayaks Volan 160 is a 16-foot sea kayak made with carbon and kevlar. It is without out a doubt one of the most beautiful kayaks that I've ever touched. The question I want to answer is how good is the Volan and is the P&H Volan worth the hefty price.

Gear I have tested and recommend:

Paddles:

PFDs:

Dry Gear / Layers:

Shirts:

Pants:

Footwear:

Other Paddling Gear:

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[SwanQtrTom]

I purchased a P&H Kevlar kayak 20 years ago. Now that I’m 70 I really appreciate that it’s only 42 pounds when I’m putting it on the roof or carrying it to the launch by myself. I believe this is a similar volume and I regularly use it for camping.

[PappaMike-vcqv]

That hull design is virtually identical to the Pygmy Boats Murrelet that I built. This is close to the original Inuit sea kayaks that were skin on frame. For me it is the fastest, most comfortable and maneuverable boat in big water. It is interesting how that hull design and low deck keeps coming back in performance boats. The Inuit got it right.

[AndyKaylieno]

Drool.... Maybe when I'm older and the Virgos get too heavy to lug? I'm still in love with my boat that I found out about here and couldn't imagine not paddling it, so THANKS! I hope you have many many miles of enjoyment with the Volan! Also thanks for making my favorite YT paddling content.

[JohnH-op]

I've had my Volan for a little over a year and can confirm his praise of the boat. It does love a little wind and waves and is actually most fun in those conditions. Remarkably stable for a boat this narrow and maneuverable. Gulped hard at the price at the time but have never looked back with regret.

[peterkitchener]

There a long waiting list for the Volan, even in here in the UK. You wont find a better all rounder sea kayak than this one. I've used a Volan at my local club and its a middle age mans sweet dream to paddle. The Virgo is £1500 in the UK and easy to find. It weight in about 8kg more, plastic and almost as good. Easy to fix too. I'd love to see Ken compare and test both.

[deanohit]

Man that is a gorgeous kayak, thats the dream right there.
It makes my plastic 16" Perception look clunky but I do love my old kayak.😅
It was what I could afford at the time, it's got great stability when loaded and despite its small size, has seen me through a few 2 week expeditions with some smart packing.

[PHSeaKayaks]

Well, colour us flattered! Thanks for the review, Ken!

[davidloombe]

Hi Ken, I bought the Virgo following your earlier review, just love it! Since then I went for the P&H Aries 150, a little more rocker than the Volan but lighter still at 19kgs, Being a small person and over 70 years of age this just works, carrying to the car is now not a problem. The P&H quality, design, and workmanship are amazing. I always enjoy your honest and valued reviews. David UK.

[aubreyweber]

I paddle a Current Designs Sisu with a small front hatch like the Volan. I call it the snack hatch. If you do want to fit a water bottle in there, I recommend a collapsable one. Vapur or HydraPack make great ones. I usually put a water bottle in there with some sort of electrolyte drink mix so I can stop and sip that while I'm on the water :).

[intoyoursoul]

Hi Ken, I'm new to the hobby, but I just wanted to let you know that I am loving your content! Very well made, the production value is off the roof!

[nunyabidness]

For those shocked by the price, you traditionally get most, or all of the purchase price back when you sell it. Use 404 or a similar religiously, do repairs on deep gouges. Store it out of the sun, etc.

Modern composites are wonderful.

[MaineKayak]

The P&H Volan is a quiver killer! I kayak guide for a living and have tuns of boats but seem to only grab the Volan everyday.

[nehemiah]

Guernsey UK. I have a Volan 16 top of the range 20kg, red deck with white hull. It is fantastic, and when I retract the skeg it turns amazingly. It is very stable, comfortable and reasonably fast. I do stay away from rocks however, I also have a P & H Virgo 14.5 ft which is fine for going close to rocks.

[EckieOutdoor]

Great review Ken, that kayak to me looks very much worth its prize. I am struggling at the moment with inflatables where I used to love the hard shells so much. This video really inspired me to focus back on hard shells, the main reason is I hate the lack of speed in these inflatables. Portability is something I would give up in a split second for that. I love packrafts to bits, but after screwing around with so many different inflatable kayaks, I've come to the conclusion that this is my first love I will return to. Thanks and greetz from the Netherlands.

[matte-d]

Thanks for the Review! I'm considering the Volan 160 as one of my "lifetime kayaks" and am eager to try one. Sounds like it is a real blast! It is worth noting that if you custom order from P&H, in addition to picking the colours, then you can work with them to do things like a custom front bulkhead position (more gear space in front hatch!) and getting rid of the small day hatch (and maybe even the bigger rear one too?) if that is your preference. If it is going to be a lifetime kayak, choices like these are important and maybe worth spending a bit more...

[MsCurrion]

I love my Virgo but I really want either the Aries 155 or the Volan 160. My dream boats. I may have to sell something first lol. Thanks for the great review Ken!

[flatheadfletch]

I have paddled two outings now. The Volan is sweet. Very excited about this yak !

[slighwentwalking]

Love that kayak!
I have a Current Designs Squamish 15/8 with a skeg.
It is fiberglass and was 3K new....its 20 yrs old now.
I find its the perfect size. British style are my favorite.
That size is the sweet spot....I understand the price 😮‍💨

[qaannat]

Take a course, or several! I learned more in my first 2 hour class than I did in the previous 2 years of "just paddling". And learn to roll early. You don't HAVE to learn to roll, but being able to saves so much trouble when you inevitably will capsize. Rolling is not black magic or the pinnacle of kayaking skills, but a basic skill IMO. It is also a gateway to improving other skills like edging because you know you can recover if you capsize. Nice looking kayak.

[learntechwithruth]

The people commenting on your kayak- yes that’s something they would do in my neck of the woods in the K-town area. I bet that was too much fun.