Top 5 River Kayaks of 2021

#riverkayaks #bestriverkayaks

Are you looking for a new river kayak? In this video, our kayaking expert Amanda shares with you our top picks for 2021 for budget, inflatable, fishing and more.

Our picks:

👉 #1: Best Overall River Kayak: Old Town Manitou Sport

👉 #2: Best River Touring Kayak: Pelican Premium Sprint 120XR

👉 #3: Best For River Fishing: Pelican Sit-on-Top Sentinel 100X Angler

👉 #4: Best Budget Option: Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Inflatable

👉 #5: Best Inflatable River Kayak: Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Expedition Elite

For more information on how to choose your next river kayak, check out our buyers guide:

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💢💢 Top 5 River Kayaks of 2021 💢💢

👉 #1: Best Overall River Kayak: Old Town Manitou Sport

This 10 foot 11 inch kayak features a stable 26.5 inch hull that provides for a great combination of tracking and maneuverability. The Old Town Manitou includes plenty of bow and stern deck rigging and enough internal storage space for a long day or overnight trip. The adjustable ACS2 seating system and foot pedals ensure a comfortable ride on the water.

What I like most about this kayak is how spacious the cockpit is, which makes it super easy to get in and out.

What I don’t care for about this kayak is that it’s not versatile enough for tackling technical whitewater rapids or practical enough for kayak fishing.

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👉 #2: Best River Touring Kayak: Pelican Premium Sprint 120XR

The 12 foot long Pelican is designed with a deep V chine hull, which creates for extra stability in choppy conditions. It features a rear bulkhead for additional floatation in the event you capsize, plenty of bungee cords for strapping down gear, a bottle cage, drain plug, and adjustable footrests.

What I like most about this kayak is how lightweight it is for its size — on account of its construction from durable, high-molecular weight polyethylene.

What I don’t care for about the Pelican Premium Sprint is that it’s not very beginner friendly.

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👉 #3: Best For River Fishing: Pelican Sit-on-Top Sentinel 100X Angler

The Sentinel 100X Angler features a stable sit-on-top design and all the storage you’d ever want, including the new EXOPAK removable compartment that includes vertical rod holders. Other fishing-specific accessories the kayak includes are rod tie-downs, flush mount rod holders, and accessory eyelets for attaching additional gear.

What I like most about this kayak is how stable it is, even when you’re really moving around out on the water, mostly because of the Twin Arched Multi Chine Hull design.

What I don’t care for about the Sentinel Angler is its 275 pound weight capacity, which is much lower than other picks on this list and could pose issues for larger paddlers with lots of gear.

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👉 #4: Best Budget Option: Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Inflatable

This inflatable kayak includes an updated spring valve and Twistlok valves that are compatible with most pumps and make inflation a breeze. The aluminum-reinforced stern and bow provides for tracking that’s on par with most hard-shell alternatives. There is plenty of on-board storage, tie-downs, and bungee deck lacing for securing your favorite gear.

What I like most about the AdvancedFrame Inflatable are all the thoughtful accessories it comes with, including inflatable cockpit coaming that allows for easy sprayskirt attachment, a repair kit, and a heavy-duty duffel bag for easy transportation.

What I don’t care for about this kayak is that there is no scupper hole for draining excess water.

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👉 #5: Best Inflatable River Kayak: Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Expedition Elite

This inflatable kayak tracks better than most comparable alternatives and is touted to paddle like a hard-shell. Nine different air chambers ensure buoyancy, rigidity, and added peace of mind, especially when you’re out on rough waters.

What I like most about the Expedition Elite is that it’s extremely durable due to the floor’s drop stitch technology and the integration of high quality materials.

What I don’t care for about this kayak is that it doesn’t include a pump or a paddle in the purchase package.

[groovymoon]

Thanks for the great VIDEO!!! I am seriously looking at a Sprint Premium 120XR for my 1st Kayak. I am 6' 1", 210 lbs. I will be mainly paddling on rivers and lakes. Mostly day trips. I am pretty sure I want a 12 footer for the better tracking and speed. I am a novice but I have really good balance (Ski, MTB) and am reasonably athletic. You thoughts are really appreciated.

[johnwillis]

I love inflatable kayaks for rivers, makes transport so much easier