Folding kayaks are an excellent way to enjoy the water sport, particularly if you don’t have room to store or transport a standard kayak.
Because they can be folded down to a convenient size and easily stored, a folding kayak gives you the option to get out on the water whenever it suits you.
However, buying a folding kayak can be a little intimidating if you have no experience with them. We’ve created a buying guide to help you understand what you should be looking in for a good folding kayak.
Additionally, we’ve reviewed some of the best portable folding kayaks on the market at present.
Best Folding Kayaks
Folding Kayak Buying Guide
Folding kayaks generally come in one of two styles, each extremely portable:
Inflatable Kayak– Constructed from inflatable exterior thats supported by solid inner ribs.
Origami Kayak– These are made of a flexible, non-inflatable, material that folds against itself to create a rigid outer hull.
Neither design has any particular advantage over the other, but certain kayaks may have features that make them better suited to your needs. To make things clearer, we’ve listed some of the relevant traits to look for in a folding kayak.
What To Consider When Purchasing A Folding Kayak?
Folding Size – A kayaks folding size represents what dimensions it will fold into when not in use. Origami kayaks tend to fold down to a smaller size than inflatable ones as you don’t have to factor in the size of the supporting ribs.
Folding Strength – The folding strength of an origami kayak indicates the number of times it can be assembled, used, and then disassembled. After the number of folds has been exceeded, you will need to purchase a new model. Thankfully, all of the origami kayaks reviewed can be folded up to 20,000 times, allowing you plenty of use before they need to be replaced.
Inflation Time – If you choose to purchase an inflatable kayak, always check both the inflation time and method. Most kayaks cannot be inflated adequately without the use of a foot or electric pump. They typically take between 10 and 40 minutes to inflate.
Breakdown Time – While origami kayaks can be folded down and stowed reasonably quickly, inflatable kayaks will need to be deflated before folding. It’s best to factor that deflation time into your plans, especially if you’re tight on time.
Seat Position – Some folding kayaks offer multiple seating options with the ability to switch from solo to tandem and even from a closed deck to an open deck. Taller paddlers might want to check the seat-to-bow measurement to make sure they have enough leg room.
Beam Width and Assembled Length – The beam measurement is the width of the boat. Wider boats are more stable in the water but slower and less maneuverable. The assembled length is measured from bow to stern when the kayak is inflated. If you are particularly tall or want to take a lot of gear with you, then a longer kayak will provide you with the extra space you’re looking for.
Puncture Resistance – All inflatable kayaks run the risk of punctures, although this is rare unless the kayak is used outside of its recommended conditions. All of the folding kayaks reviewed here feature triple-layered outer skin for maximum puncture resistance.
Maximum Weight – All kayaks have a maximum weight limit. Exceeding that weight limit means they will start taking on water. Maximum weight limits on folding kayaks tend to be lower than hard-shell kayaks due to their flexibility.
UV Resistance – The hulls of origami kayaks are often made of polypropylene, which can degrade when exposed to UV radiation. All of the kayaks reviewed here are treated with a chemical coating to make them UV resistant for ten years.
Now let’s look at some of the best folding kayaks that you can consider.
Also Read: Tucktec vs Oru
Best Folding Kayak
1. Oru Kayak BayST
Kayak Type – Origami
Folding Size – 29 x 33 x 12 inches
Carry Weight – 28 pounds
Assembled Length – 12 feet
Maximum Weight – 300 pounds
The Oru Kayak BayST is a touring kayak that you can fold down and carry around with you. At 12 feet long and with a beam of 25 inches, the BayST is stable enough for a beginner while still being fast and maneuverable enough for more experienced kayakers. The hull is double layered for durability and extra rigidity is provided by a hard chine. A one year warranty covers any defects from the manufacturing process. The BayST is only recommended for Class II Rapid use.
PROS
- Lightweight
- Folds down to compact size
- Handles well
- Suitable for beginners and more experience kayakers
- Can be used in whitewater
- 1-year manufacturer’s warranty
CONS
- Can be difficult to fold and unfold if you are alone
- Paddles are not included
Summary – What makes the BayST stand out the from rest of the kayaks on this list is how many roles it fulfills. Its low weight and small size means just about anyone can transport it, even on foot.
This portability allows people without the storage option for a standard kayak to access the sport. It also lets you bring a kayak on holiday or keep it in your car and just go kayaking when the urge arises. It is also stable enough for beginners and maneuverable enough to appeal to those who aren’t new to the sport.
The only downside is that you have to buy your paddles separately.
2. Oru Kayak Beach LT
Kayak Type – Origami
Folding Size – 29 x 33 x 12 inches
Carry Weight – 28 pounds
Assembled Length – 12 feet
Maximum Weight – 300 pounds
The Oru Kayak Beach LT is a folding recreation kayak. With a beam of 28 inches and a wide cockpit, the Beach LT is a very stable kayak that’s ideal for beginners and families. Designed for day trips and beaches, it even has enough room to accommodate one adult and one child.
The kayaks construction and materials are the same as the BayST and come with the same guarantees. Because of its broader beam and slightly larger storage space, the Beach LT makes an excellent fishing kayak, especially when combined with Oru’s fishing kit.
PROS
- Stable and easy to paddle
- Ideal for fishing
- Can accommodate an adult and child
- Wide cockpit make for easy access
CONS
- Paddles are not included
- Designed for recreational use and aimed towards beginners
Summary – The Oru Kayak Beach LT makes a great addition to a family outing or a trip to the beach. It’s easy to get into, stable, and can accommodate a child. Oru claims it can be assembled in just three minutes. However, experienced kayakers may be disappointed in its lack of speed and maneuverability.
3. Advanced Elements AE1007-R
Kayak Type – Inflatable
Folding Size – 35 x 21 x 12 inches
Carry Weight – 52 pounds
Assembled Length – 15 feet
Maximum Weight – 550 pounds
The Advanced Elements AE1007-R is both inflatable and convertible, meaning it can be constructed as a solo or tandem kayak with either an open or closed deck.
Compared to the Oru kayak models, it is larger, and more cumbersome, when folded. It is, however, probably the most multi-purpose kayak on our list.
The AE1007-R has three layers of durable rip-stop fabric to prevent any punctures. This material is stretched over an inner rib, a U-shaped piece of aluminum, which is attached at the bow and stern.
The rib gives the AE1007-R greater rigidity and better tracking performance through the water.
Inflation is achieved through six inflation chambers. A pump is not supplied, but a universal pump adaptor is provided.
When inflated, velcro straps allow you to reposition the seat for tandem or solo kayaking. There is also a zipper running around the perimeter of the cockpit that enables an additional section to be attached, creating a closed deck.
For greater rigidity (therefore better tracking and maneuvering), the AE1007-R includes a rigid high-pressure floor that utilize Drop-stitch technology.
The Drop-stitch flooring also allows you to bring your canine companion with you without risking a claw puncturing the floor of the kayak.
PROS
- Can be assembled as solo or tandem
- Can be constructed as closed or open deck
- Easy to inflate
- Can be made more rigid to improve performance
CONS
- Heavier and larger than origami style kayaks
- Pump not provided
Summary – The AE1007-R can be assembled to suit nearly any situation. With the addition of the Drop-stitch high-pressure floors, this kayak can be made rigid enough to handle Class II rapids.
4. Advanced Elements AE1012-G
Kayak Type – Inflatable
Folding Size – 30 x 17 x 10 inches
Weight – 36 pounds
Assembled Length – 10.5 feet
Maximum Weight  – 300 pounds
The AE1012-G is a shorter and more maneuverable version of the AE1007-R. The built-in aluminum ribs in the bow and stern let the AE1012-G to cut through the water more efficiently, with the rear rib acting as a skeg.
While it is zippier than the AE1007-R, it still features a wide beam for extra stability and a front zip that allows for easier access to the cockpit.
The outer skin is the same three layers of durable rip-stop fabric as the AE1007-R. Additionally, the AE1012-G is also compatible with the Drop-stitch high-pressure floors. An inflatable coaming allows you to attach a spray skirt.
Lastly, an integrated pressure relief valve ensures the chamber isn’t over-inflated.
PROS
- Shorter and more maneuverable than the AE1007-R
- Light and portable
- Attachable spray skirt
- Integrated pressure relief valve
CONS
- The smaller size could make it uncomfortable for paddler with larger framer
- Lacks an HRM and sports funtions
Summary – The AE1012-G is lighter, more portable, and more maneuverable than the AE1007-R. However at just 10.5 feet in length, it leaves you with less space to store gear and might feel cramped if you have a larger frame.
5. Advanced Elements Sport
Kayak Type – Inflatable
Folding Size – 15 x 15 x 20 inches
Weight – 27 pounds
Assembled Length – 10.5 feet
Maximum Weight – 250 pounds
Despite being labeled as the “Sport,” this foldable kayak is purely recreational. It’s not a sports kayak in the way that playboats or surfskis are. That being said, its small size and light weight makes it easy to maneuver in the water, with similar tracking and turning performance to a hardshell.
It’s also easier to inflate than other Advanced Elements models because it has only four inflation chambers rather than six. While the lack of chambers might make a larger craft sag slightly, the Sport’s smaller length and internal aluminum rib prevent this.
The Sport is the smallest and lightest of the folding kayaks on our list, making it easily portable and allowing it to fit in all but the smallest of cars.
At 10.5 feet, the Sport is undoubtedly compact, but might make it too cramped for taller paddlers. Its smaller size also restricts the amount of gear you can bring with you.
The latest version of the Sport comes with a higher, more supportive seat that keeps you comfortable for longer.
The Sport is listed as being “designed to perform in universal water conditions,” but the lack of a spray deck reduces its usefulness in whitewater conditions.
PROS
- Very light and portable
- Small pack-down size
- Very maneurable
- Supportive seat
- Easy to inflate
CONS
- No spray skirt option
- May be too short for taller paddler
- Limited gear space
- Not suitable for whitewater
Summary – The Sport is very portable and, out of all the kayaks on the lists, is probably the easiest to carry around and inflate. Its size and portability, however, are also its main drawbacks. It’s not suitable for long trips because of the lack of gear storage space and the short length will only be comfortable for shorter paddlers.
6. Pakayak Bluefin 142
The Pakayak Bluefin 142 is a premium kayak that you can easily pack. It is made of plastic resin specifically produced for the kayak market.
Pakayak Bluefin series belongs to the second generation. It is designed to pack down to just 42 inches in the rolling bag which comes along. The kayak has an adjustable seat back and footpegs, along with bow and stern carry handles, and a cockpit that measures 18” x 35.5” / 46 x 90 cm.
The legroom from the seatback to the bulkhead is 48.5” / 123 cm. The kayak has a maximum capacity of 300 lbs / 136 kg. The assembled dimensions of the kayak are 170”L x 24”W x 16”H / 432 x 61 x 41 cm, while the nested dimensions are 42”L x 24”W x 16”H / 107 x 61 x 41 cm.
The weight of the kayak is 59 lbs / 28 kg, and the bag dimensions are 44.5”L x 24”W x 16”H / 113 x 61 x 41 cm. It is 142 is 14 feet long, 24 inches wide, and 16 inches deep.
It has a maximum capacity of 300 lbs and weighs 66 lbs.
7. TRAK 2.0
The TRAK 2.0 s a folding touring kayak that offers great portability and performance. The kayak has a folding body that makes it simple to transport and store.
The outer shell is tough and durable, covering a light and sturdy frame. The TRAK 2.0 has a length of 16 feet (490 cm) and a width of 22.5 inches (57 cm).
The kayak weighs 42 lbs (19 kg) and a maximum payload capacity of 350 lbs (159 kg). Whereas, the cockpit of the kayak measures 16.5 x 30.5 inches (42 x 77 cm).
Not only is it designed for solo paddling, it is also ideal for small to medium adults, and children. You will find a comfortable seat with adjustable backrest and footrests. Trak 2.0 is known for its excellent tracking and maneuverability, thanks to its rudder system.
Anyone who is looking for a high-performance touring kayak with a lightweight design, and durable make, must go for TRAK 2.0.
8. Puffin Saco
If you are looking for a light and portable skin-on-frame folding kayak for recreational use, Puffin Saco is the one to go with. The kayak is simple to assemble and disassemble which makes transporting and storing easy.
The kayak has a length of 12.5 feet (381 cm) and a width of 25 inches (64 cm). It weighs only 20 lbs (9 kg), making it one of the lightest kayaks available in the market.
Made for solo paddling, Puffin Saco is ideal for children and small to medium adults. It has a comfortable seat with adjustable backrest and footrests. The kayak tracks well and easily keeps pace with other kayaks of similar size.
The flooring of the kayak is reinforced and has a keel strip for added durability. It is available in a range of colors including red, blue, and yellow. You also get 1-year limited manufacturer warranty with it.
In a nutshell, Puffin Saco is an excellent choice for novice and experienced paddlers alike.
9. Tucktec kayak
The Tucktec kayak is perhaps the most popular of all foldable kayaks. The kayak is made from a solid sheet of high-density polyethylene thermoplastic with side rails of marine-grade, high-density closed-cell foam.
Tucktec has a length of 10 feet (305 cm) and a width of 30 inches (76 cm). It weighs 25 lbs (11 kg), making it one of the lightest kayaks available. The kayak has a tracking fin that can be raised out of the water for added movement.
The Tucktec kayak can easily be folded for storage and transport. You also get 3-year warranty with 90-day satisfaction guarantee.Â
Our Pick: The Oru Kayak BayST
The BayST combines the convenience and storage capacity of a foldable kayak with the functionality of a touring model. The double-layered hull, rigid bow, stern points, and hard chine give the BayST the tracking and maneuvering performance close to that of a hardshell. It also comes with all the legroom and storage space you’d expect on a standard touring craft.
When you add to these features to the impressive pack-down size and extremely light weight, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular.
For those who can’t store a 12-foot kayak or don’t have a car that can accommodate a roof rack, the fact that you can fold the BayST flat and carry it around with you makes it the ideal choice.
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