Best Folding Kayaks for the money 2022
Image | Name | Top Choices | Latest Pricing |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1. Oru Kayak The Bay ST | Our Favorite | Amazon |
![]() | 2. Oru Kayak The Beach LT | Premium Pick | Amazon |
![]() | 3. Oru Kayak The Coast XT | Great Value | Amazon |
![]() | 4. Tucktec Folding Kayak | Amazon | |
![]() | 5. Elevens Cruise Plus Foldable and Portable Kayak | Amazon |
Pricing of these Folding Kayaks Range Between $400-$2,500
Oru Kayak The Bay ST Review
The Bay ST is the model that launched Oru Kayak to fame as it launched as their first portable kayak in 2012. Though the original version was met with much enthusiasm, it has only improved over the years in terms of portability, durability, and performance.
The Bay ST by Oru Kayak measures 12 feet long and 25 inches wide. When folded, it fits into the included carrying case and takes up only 33 x 29 inches of space. That makes it easy to store, transport, check on a plane, or even carry during a hike. That also means you won’t need a roof rack when transporting it in your car.
Oru Kayak’s The Bay ST is made of two layers of 5mm custom-extruded polypropylene. It is treated with 10 years of UV protection and rated to withstand up to 20,000 folds. It also holds surprisingly well while kayaking over rocks and other obstacles in the water.
At only 28 pounds, the Oru Kayak The Bay ST weighs much less than your typical kayak. Even so, it is able to carry a maximum of 300 pounds safely. It’s incredibly stable but also moves swiftly, so it’s a good option for beginners and experts alike.
Pros
- 12 feet x 25 inches
- Folds into 33 x 29-inch carrying case
- Easy to store, transport, and carry
- Custom-extruded polypropylene construction
- 10 years of UV protection
- Withstands up to 20,000 folds
- Lightweight 28 pounds
- 300-pound capacity
- Stable yet swift
- Suitable for both beginners and experts
Oru Kayak The Beach LT Review
The Beach LT is an even simpler version of Oru Kayak’s collapsible boats. It is perfect for those who enjoy paddling on calm waters. Just like the other folding kayaks by Oru Kayak, this one takes up very little space when packed up.
The Oru Kayak The Beach LT is 12 feet long and 28 inches wide. But when packed, it only takes up 33 x 29 inches of space. That makes it easy not only to store but transport as well since you won’t need a roof rack for it.
One of the best things about it is that, out of the box, you can set it up so you’re ready to take on the water in as little as 5 minutes. Also, if you purchase the additional Oru Pack, you can wear it as a backpack and conveniently take it with you on a hike. Although The Beach LT’s main feature is its portability, it performs just as well a traditional kayak.
It weighs only 26 pounds but can carry a load of up to 300 pounds. It’s also incredibly stable and durable. Like Oru Kayak’s other products, this one is made of two layers of thick custom-extruded polypropylene, is processed with 10-year UV treatment, and has been rated for 20,000 fold cycles.
Pros
- 12 feet x 28 inches
- Folds into 33 x 29-inch carrying case
- Easy to store, transport, and carry
- Sets up in 5 minutes
- Performs just as well a traditional kayak
- Lightweight at 26 pounds
- 300-pound capacity
- Stable and durable
- Custom-extruded polypropylene construction
- 10 years of UV protection
- Withstands up to 20,000 folds
Oru Kayak The Coast XT Review
The Coast XT is Oru Kayak’s largest folding kayak yet. It is 16 feet long and is 25 inches at its widest point. As such, it weighs more than the other models at 34 pounds. This extra weight, however, doesn’t just offer a larger size but also a more significant weight capacity of 400 pounds.
With one adult in the cockpit, that leaves plenty of room for whatever gear you may want to take with you. Additionally, even though it’s larger and heavier, it folds into the same carrying case that measures 33 x 29 inches.
The Oru Kayak The Coast XT takes as little as 5 minutes to set up. But apart from portability, it boasts incredible performance. Although it wasn’t the first, Oru Kayak considers this as their flagship model. It offers great stability, making it a good option for beginners. But, it is also swift and easy to maneuver, so it’s an excellent choice even for pro-level paddlers.
Like Oru Kaya’s other products, The Coast XT is rated to live through 20,000 fold cycles. It’s made of two layers of 5mm-thick custom-extruded polypropylene and has been treated for 10-year UV protection. With this construction, it’s tough enough to handle long adventures in the water, even when bumping into and sliding over rocks.
Pros
- 16 feet x 25 inches
- 400-pound weight capacity
- Folds into 33 x 29-inch carrying case
- Sets up in 5 minutes
- Incredible performance
- Great stability
- Swift and easy to maneuver
- Withstands up to 20,000 folds
- Custom-extruded polypropylene construction
- 10 years of UV protection
Cons
- Relatively heavy at 34 pounds
Tucktec Folding Kayak Review
The Tucktec Folding Kayak is 10 feet long, 31 inches wide and 14 inches deep. But when folded, it takes up only 48 x 15 x 8 inches of space. That makes it incredibly portable since you can lug it around with you on hikes and you won’t even need a roof rack if you want to take it along with you on your adventure.
In total, it weighs only 30 pounds but can carry a load of up to 350 pounds. That gives an adult plenty of room for gear or even a small child or dog. The folding kayak by Tucktec gives you all the benefits of an inflatable kayak but without the fear of puncturing it, not to mention the inconvenience of having to inflate it.
It is actually made of a hard shell — solid HDPE that’s 1/8-inch thick. So, it performs just as well as a traditional kayak. It’s perfectly stable, easy to maneuver, and glides across the water smoothly.
Plus, it takes only about 2 minutes to set up, and you won’t even need any special tools. All it takes is securing six heavy-duty latches, and you’re ready to go. Feel free you use this as a portable fishing kayak that will allow you to get to those really hard to reach fishing holes.
Pros
- 10 ft. x 31 in. x 14 in.
- Folds into 48 x 15 x 8 inches
- Weighs only 30 pounds
- 350-pound capacity
- Hard shell
- Solid 1/8-inch thick HDPE construction
- Performs just as well a traditional kayak
- Perfectly stable
- Easy to maneuver
- Glides smoothly
- Sets up in 2 minutes
Elevens Cruise Plus Foldable and Portable Kayak Review
The Elevens Cruise Plus Foldable and Portable Kayak is 12.8 feet long. At its widest point, it measures 23.6 inches and is approximately 14 inches deep. When folded, it measures only 34 x 30 x 14 inches, making it easy to transport in your car without the need for roof racks. Plus, it weighs 30 pounds and has a maximum capacity of 200 pounds.
Apart from portability, the Elevens Cruise Plus Foldable and Portable Kayak boasts remarkable convenience. Unlike inflatable kayaks, this one takes less than 10 minutes to assemble, and you won’t even need any additional tools or equipment. Even with its portable nature, however, it was designed to be swift and easy to maneuver. No need for a kayak trailer with this kayak, just roll it up and toss it in your car. You’re ready for anything!
The Elevens Cruise Plus Foldable and Portable Kayak is made of two layers of custom-extruded flame-retardant polypropylene (FRPP). The manufacturer has rated it to withstand up to 10,000 folds and live through long periods of sun exposure and even rocky waters. This kayak comes in a set that includes a paddle, a life vest, a cockpit seat, a cup holder, a cellphone mount, and a carrying case.
Pros
- 12.8 ft. x 23.6 in. x 14 in.
- Folds into 34 x 30 x 14 inches
- Weighs only 30 pounds
- Assembles in less than 10 minutes
- Swift and easy to maneuver
- Double-layer FRPP construction
- Withstands up to 10,000 folds
- Comes in set with paddle, life vest, etc.
Cons
- Relatively small 200-pound capacity