What's Up with Folding Kayaks?

When choosing a kayak, folding kayaks are often overlooked. But should they be? How well do folding kayaks perform? How durable are folding kayaks? Are folding kayaks easy to assemble? Who are folding kayaks designed for? These are some of the questions that I answer in this video, which includes a full demonstration of how a folding kayak is assembled.

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[cypvh]

I’ve paddled a skin on frame Kayak like this on the puget sound and loved how it feels on the water compared to rigid shells, flowing and flexing with the waves making it feel so stable.

[longwelsh]

Your channel has got me back into kayaking after 25 years. Thank you.

[Themanoutdoors]

That is the best folding kayak design I’ve seen. Love how you can adjust the bow up and down!

[jimmurdy]

if you are looking for used folding kayaks, feathercraft is similar (aluminum frame) but no longer produced, klepper is the german classic, folbot the use classic (no longer in production), nautiraid for french built and longhaul made in colorado. beyond that lots of oddities like pouch east german

[ianashmore]

I got a Tucktec folding kayak this year. It's not as fancy as Trak, but it's so much cheaper. It works great for calm-ish waters. Love it.

[audreymeschkuleit]

Bought My Folder Kayak in 1974, still use today and it still works perfectly. It has even spent time in a Super Cub and flown in Northern Ontario, . Got Lazy and made a Motor Mount for it, Now (its a 2 seater) its capable of LONG TRIPS up North.

[carlospandis]

I bought the Oru Beach model after I saw a girl riding the smaller model with ease and stability. I love the whole concept of modern design and perfect handling, and it fits in my Mini Cooper!

[robertkelleher]

Skin-on-frame is a different category. This is about a foldable as it is inflatable. And the price to go with it.

[helmuttdvm]

I just inherited a Klepper and a Longboat folding kayak. This does seem like a nice updated version.

[frankhorowitz]

Paddled a Folbot for years. Huge upside was I mailed the boat to our destinations. Boxes were post office legal. Downsides. Rinsing salt out of fabric and drying inside . Live in S Fl mildew is always present.

[ziptagfit]

I thought this was going to be about Oru or Tucktec. Interesting.

[cypvh]

Just picked up a used Folbot Greenland II for cheap. Can’t wait to get it out in the water.

[stubear]

What do you do with the storage/carrying pack when you go out paddling? Does it roll up enough to fit behind the seat or do you have to leave it on land?

[kristaps]

seems a high quality materials. I like tent pole type concept, frame looks nice.

[Xerophyllum]

Really enjoying your in-depth reviews. I would love to see a review of the Pakboat Puffin Saco and/or Quest 150, if you're able to get your hands on them to review. The design and set-up of the Track definitely looks better, and I'm sure it performs better, but besides being beyond my budget, I'm really looking for something lighter that's easier to portage. I'm also considering an Oru, though I have some misgivings about it for the price.

[jacktyler]

Absolutely fascinating stuff. Thanks, Ken.

[chrislatchem]

Thanks for the video. Interesting to see this boat almost in person! This boat, and others like inflatables are interesting to me also for storing. Not sure I understand how well it paddles compared to a glass, carbon or wood rigid boat? Or is this more a factor of shape? I saw you leaping waves in the video, very impressive. I assume you had the rocker dialed up, and you said for speed you flatten it out. Do you fide it reduces the drag a lot? I find my skin boat has more drag from the fabric, but it's shape is NOT too clean and it is short, so those are factors too. Previously I had notice with another 'skinned boat' this time a 17' double, the skin (heavy course canvas, needed more filler and paint) was very draggy when coasting as compared to a glass 16' ft. canoe, about the same weight aboard each. When paddling 'fast', the kayak seemed to have much less 'wave' drag. This is just my observations and assumptions. I may have it all wrong.
I noticed the Trak's skin seemed very smooth. I am assuming it is pretty slippery in the water.
If you dump it, do the dry bags keep out a lot of the water?
Thank again for the informative video!

[ernstbohm]

I ordered one quite some time ago and can't wait to get it! I hope it will be available soon.

[jimwortham]

Thanks for making video it makes me appreciate my hard sided kayak

[troismotos]

It's a skin on frame kayak. They have worked well for many centuries, no reason to think they shouldn't be a great boat. The only wrinkle is that it's collapsible. Unclear how the coming seals to the skin. Nice boat!