Kayaking Tips – How to Select a Kayak for Camping
A kayak is a great way to enjoy an outdoor adventure on the water, but finding the best kayak for camping can be an exploration of its own.
No one wants to make a mistake and buy a kayak to only store in the garage – the choices can seem overwhelming. Kayaks have different skill levels, environments, and budgets. You can, however, find the perfect kayak without wasting your vacation or your budget.
With a little guidance and due diligence, let’s get it right the first time. Ask yourself a few questions and it’s possible to narrow the selection and buy with confidence.
We’ll go through the important points of a kayak to help you decide what you need. Then we’ll offer comparisons and reviews so, by the time we’re finished, you’ll have the information to choose the best camping kayak for your needs.
How to choose a kayak for camping
Owning your own kayak is an exciting prospect. Even a basic unit opens your camping experience to new dimensions. Whether you want to conquer white water or just have a quiet paddle, a kayak exists to assist your quest.
We’ve done the necessary research to get you in the water with the right equipment. We’ll look at some main features to consider before jumping in.
It starts with asking a question…
Where will you be paddling?
Lakes – Whether it’s a Sit in or on-top style, a recreational boat is the best camping kayak for trips exploring the gentler side of the great outdoors. These popular boats have a wide beam for stability and a substantial cockpit so you can easily get in and out, though this generally comes at the cost of cargo space. Intended for paddling lakes or quiet inlets, these economical kayaks are also great for beginners.
Rivers – You want to be stable and maneuverable when paddling on a river, which calls for a short, sturdy craft. A wider boat is usually slower, but on a river it’s okay to have more width on your kayak since the flow helps you along. Extra width allows for additional cargo space too.
Coastal – Waters along the coast can be rough and windy Longer kayaks best handle the tides and currents. As a bonus, the extra boat length makes room for more cargo. Also consider a rudder or skeg to keep you on course in challenging conditions.
Different Kayaks for camping
Today’s kayaks have specific uses, such as fishing, racing, coastal, or recreational trips. The craft can be broadly divided into “Sit-In” traditional kayaks, a “Sit-On-Top” styles or a combined Hybrid design. There isn’t a single best kayak for camping trips, because water conditions are a determining factor.
If you plan to paddle through rough water or it has strong currents, you should consider a kayak with a rudder or a skeg. A rudder is a directional control that allows you to steer, while the immobile skeg projects from the bottom keel to keep the boat moving straight. A rudder offers more control than a skeg.
Storing a camping kayak
Staying lightweight is important for most camping trips, but it’s an even bigger issue if you’re using a kayak as an overloaded craft doesn’t maneuver or perform as well. Unfortunately, many kayaks have limited storage areas, so take care to ensure your boat has sufficient space.
Kayaks have two primary methods of onboard storage: bungee cord storage areas on the outer hull, and storage hatches with covers. Most kayaks will offer a combination including a sunken tankwell that many sea fishermen use for their tackle.
Deck bungee cord storage is great for quick access on the water, but a watertight hatch is best for valuables and equipment you’ll need for the campsite. It’s better to have more hatches if you’re planning longer trips and carrying a lot of gear, because you want to balance the weight low in the kayak.
Maximum Load
A kayak’s maximum load is the weight a boat can carry before water begins to come over its hull. You should consider how much gear you intend to pack on your kayak, and check you have enough capacity.
Weight included with your kayak’s maximum load rating includes your body, the paddles, and any gear you bring along. The kayak’s weight is not incorporated.
Keep your kayak’s maximum load in mind, and give yourself some wiggle room. Excessive weight can not only affect the boat’s performance, it also puts you at risk for rolling over or even sinking.
Kayak Comfort
If you’re planning extending camping trips, comfort becomes a significant factor in choosing the best camping kayak. You’ll spend much time in your kayak without the chance to take breaks.
The seat is a main concern for comfortable kayaking, and the factory choice isn’t necessarily the best. An incredible number of seat options exist – if possible, test your prospective kayak to make sure it has the padding you need.
Take extra care if you need lumbar support for a delicate back as this can make or sink your kayaking dreams.
Take advantage of other comfort enhancing features considering your kayak’s type and load limit. Adjustable seats and foot plates can customize your comfort and offer some capacity. Let your personal preferences guide you here – just make sure you don’t sacrifice stability or needed maneuverability.
Durability for camping
The best camping kayaks are recreational style boats made of durable polyethylene plastic. These plastics are increasingly rotationally molded i.e. rotomolded rather than laid out by hand as fiberglass hulls are.
The benefit of polyethylene construction is its resistance to impact – plus it’s less expensive than fiberglass, wood, or composites. Rotomolded kayaks are resilient and glance off rocks with minimal damage; although, if you do damage the kayak, repairs can be a problem.
One issue with polyethylene is it’s heavier than most materials. Of course, different plastics, including lighter materials, are available to choose from, be aware that lighter plastics are as a rule less durable.
Carrying weight is important not just for handling in the water, but for portage on land. You may not intend to carry your kayak across broken ground, but camping is not called an adventure for nothing.
Best Kayak for camping review 2019
For many, the very connection between nature and movement is a source of relaxation. That’s why water sports such as kayaking are becoming increasingly popular. You may be considering buying a new kayak, but the availability of dozens of brands selling similar products can make a choice difficult. In this section, we will review the top 10 kayaks chosen by our experts.
These reviews have been curated on the basis of feedback from several sources and personal reviews from customers. The aim of this section is to help you choose the best kayak from the short list of top 10 products.
1. Riot Kayaks Edge 14.5 LV Flatwater Day Touring Kayak – Best Camping Kayak in 2019
The Edge 14.5 is built for speed and great tracking performance. Manufactured by Riot, it comes with thigh braces and foot pegs that also control the rudder. This sit-in style kayak is slender in design and supports dual bulkhead sealed compartments. Riot is run by Kayak Distribution Inc, a Canadian-based manufacturer of paddling boards and kayak for camping.
This is best suited for those who are looking for speed and comfort. The seats are padded on the back and bottom to add comfort and the cockpit has enough room for your feet. However, if you have larger than average feet, consider larger kayaks.
Key features and benefits
- Type: Sit-in
- Material: High-density polyethylene
- Maximum Load: 325 lbs
- Weight: 60 lbs
- Size: Length: 14.5 ft, Width: 22.5in
Riot Edge 14.5 is a well-rounded day touring kayak with a slim bow and slim deck line to provide speed. It features a pilot rudder system and comfortable custom-fit seating system.
Pros
- High speed and comfortable
- Pilot rudder and thigh braces
- Double bulkhead storage compartments
- Excellent tracking and portability
Cons
- Not fit for big shoe sizes
This is the best camping kayak for inland waters and lakes for day touring, with large storage space and comfortable seating.
Check on Amazon2. Oru Kayak Beach LT Folding Portable Lightweight Kayak – Best Kayak for Camping Trips
This kayak will amaze you, especially if you have an interest in origami. Oru Beach LT is a lightweight collapsible boat that is highly stable, portable, and comfortable! It is designed by Oru Kayak Inc. based in CA.
You can fold it in just three minutes with a little practice. It is the best kayak for camping and fishing as it is wide (28”) enough with increased cockpit space to stash fishing gear. Beach LT is suitable for both beginners who need stability and expert kayakers who demand adventure.
Key features and benefits
- Type: Sit-in
- Material: Custom polypropylene
- Maximum Load: 300 lbs
- Weight: 26 lbs
- Size: Length: 12 ft, Width: 2in”
This kayak is built with 5mm double-layered custom-extruded polypropylene a very lightweight and sturdy material. It comes with a 10 year UV treatment and rating of 20,000 folds! Best for day beach trips or family picnics around the lake or bay.
Pros
- Comfortable with large storage
- Easy to store and transport
- Strong and durable
- Very lightweight
Cons
- No drain hole for rough waters
Oru Beach LT is the best kayak for camping trips or short excursions with family. It is perfect for paddlers of all shapes and sizes. However, it is not meant for rough waters because it lacks a drain hole.
Check on Amazon3. Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 Angler Sit-On-Top Fishing Kayak – Best Kayak for Camping in 2019
Ocean Kayak, originally established in Malibu in 1971, now has become one of the world’s largest manufacturers of sit-on-top kayaks. Prowler 13 Angler offers just the right balance of speed, maneuverability, performance, and stability.
This kayak is for those who demand adventure but without compromising on comfort, as Prowler 13 comes with a four-way-adjustable Comfort Plus seat. They designed it with an idea of providing max storage to easily store coolers, crates, bait wells, and SCUBA tanks in the rear compartment.
Key features and benefits
- Type: Sit-on-top
- Material: Polyethylene
- Maximum Load: 325 lbs
- Weight: 56 lbs
- Size: Length:13ft 4in, Width: 28in
Made with durable polyethylene material, this kayak has a stable hull frame designed to handle rough waters. It has a four-way-adjustable Comfort Plus seat (17”) and a large click seal front hatch for internal storage. It also includes two cup holders and two paddle holders.
Pros
- Comfortable, adjustable seats
- Fishing rod holders and tackle box straps
- Strong and durable construction
- Large internal and rear storage
Cons
- Scupper holes placed under the seat
The Prowler 13 comes with a lifetime warranty on the hull. It is the best kayak for camping as it supports all-day padding and is comfortable enough for any body type.
Check on Amazon4. Ocean Kayak 16-Feet Zest Two Expedition Tandem Kayak – High Quality Kayak for Camping
Another excellent product by Ocean Kayak built for two people who can experience great stability and tracking in tandem. The Zest Two is long and one of the fastest sit-on-top tandems, which is made extremely durable.
The Zest Two is suitable for day touring or a weekend adventure with a partner especially recommended for warmer paddling environments where being confined to a cockpit may not be a good idea. This kayak has abundant storage. However, it gets quite heavy when you pull it out of the water.
Key features and benefits
- Type: Sit-on-top
- Material: Polyethylene
- Maximum Load: 600 lbs
- Weight: 75 lbs
- Size: Length:16’ 4.5”, Width: 30.5”
Zest Two includes two molded-in cup holders and side-mounted paddle holders. It is very comfortable, thanks to its pair of comfort plus seats with four-way adjustability and slips prevention over molded seats. The kayak comes with a large capacity of 600 pounds, and side-mounted carrying handles making the boat handle easier.
Pros
- Comfortable, adjustable seats
- Highly durable and stable
- Side-mounted carrying handles & paddle holders
- Large storage and capacity
Cons
- Heavier
- Large size causes difficulty with moving
This Ocean Kayak is very stable and tracks well for two adults and a small pet! You get a lifetime warranty on the hull. Those who need enough space to store gear and food, the Zest Two is the right choice.
Check on Amazon5. SUNDOLPHIN Sun Dolphin Aruba SS 12-Foot Sit-in Kayak – Top Rated Kayak for Camping
Sun Dolphin is a Michigan based manufacturer (1982) of kayak for camping trips and other water sport products. The Aruba SS is a wide and stable sit-in kayak with a very stable flat bottom and a large open cockpit. It has plenty of storage space at half the expense!
This kayak is best for fishing and paddling around short distances in rivers and lakes. It is a recreational product, not built for speed and sports. However, it is lightweight, reasonably comfortable, and its width allows it to track seamlessly.
Key features and benefits
- Type: Sit-in
- Material: High-density polyethylene
- Maximum Load: 395 lbs
- Weight: 47 lbs
- Size: Length:12ft, Width: 29.6in
The Aruba 12 SS comes with dual fishing rod holders. It has a covered console right in front of the cockpit to store a smartphone or other accessories. In the rear is an 8-inch watertight compartment that is removable and offers plenty of storage.
Pros
- Very stable and durable
- Large watertight rear storage
- Very lightweight
- Inexpensive for beginners
Cons
- The cockpit is small for large feet
This is a top rated kayak for camping especially if you are a beginner, as you don’t have to spend an exorbitant amount of money for recreational kayaking.
Check on Amazon6. Wilderness Systems TSUNAMI 165 with Rudder kayaks – Top Best Kayak for Camping
The new Tsunami 165 is redesigned with features that include fully adjustable and super comfortable Phase 3® AirPro XP seats to keep you on the water for long distances. Wilderness Systems has been building kayaks and other paddling equipment since 1986.
This kayak is suitable for mid-to-large sized paddlers and is designed to cover long distance touring trips. In fact, its arced sidewalls and increased volume above the waterline make it ideal for multi-day trips.
Key features and benefits
- Type: Sit-in
- Material: Polyethylene
- Maximum Load: 350 lbs
- Weight: 66 lbs
- Size: Length:16ft 6in, Width: 23.75in
The Tsunami 165 is featured with a course control rudder to help steer in wind or currents. It is highly comfortable – comes with large padded footrests, an easily adjustable locking lever for varying heights and brace support for thighs and knees. It includes dual bulkheads and 3 hatches for storage.
Pros
- Strong, durable and highly stable
- Very comfortable style and seats
- 3 hatches for more storage
- Rudder control for steering
Cons
- Higher price range
- No paddle/fishing rod holders
The Tsunami 165 is the best kayak for camping while covering long distances. It can easily contain paddlers of different heights. Moreover, this new kayak has a longer waterline that adds more speed, efficiency, and stability.
Check on Amazon7. Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 Angler Kayak good kayak fishing camping
Ocean Kayak presents the Prowler 13 Angler that is cheaper than average but offers excellence in performance and maneuverability. It has plenty of storage, thanks to its large bow hatch and an oversized storage tank. Just pack your fishing gear and paddle.
The Prowler 13 Angler is particularly suitable for fishing. It is wide to add more stability while you cast your fishing line. You can also add an additional rudder kit for improved tracking. With a max capacity of 450 lbs, this sit-on-top style kayak is fit for large people.
Key features and benefits
- Type: Sit-on-top
- Material: Polyethylene
- Maximum Load: 450 lbs
- Weight: 56 lbs
- Size: Length:13ft 4in, Width: 28in
This kayak features a Comfort Plus molded seat well. There are two flush mount rod holders and a cup holder. For storage, there is a 6″ cam lock hatch with a storage bucket and a large click seal bow hatch compartment for interior storage. The side carrying handles help moving the boat. There is a screw-in drain plug to drain the water.
Pros
- Durable and stable
- Comfortable seat
- Large click seal bow hatch compartment
- Two rod holder mounts
Cons
- Scupper holes placed under the seat
The Prowler 13 Angler is built for kayak fishing and camping for any avid fisherman.
Check on Amazon8. Perception Kayak Pescador Pro Sit-On-Top for Fishing – Good Kayak for Camping
Perception is a South Carolina based manufacturer of kayaks with 40+ years of experience in the market. The Pescador Pro has a wider body that allows it to track well and its easy-to-adjust comfortable seat is comfortable for long journeys. Also, there is abundant storage including a stylish bow tank well.
The Pescador Pro is perfect for anglers looking for a sit on top kayak camping for fishing. It is designed with a comfortable stadium-style seat with 2 seating positions – upright for fishing and reclined for paddling.
Key features and benefits
- Type: Sit-on-top
- Material: Polyethylene
- Maximum Load: 325 lbs
- Weight: 57 lbs
- Size: Length:10ft 6in, Width: 32in
The Pescador Pro features a mesh bow cover and stern 5 deck plate. Storage includes a rear tank well with bungee cords tackle box storage in front of the seat, molded-in cup holders, bow tank well, recessed tackle box storage, and a center console. And yes, it comes with 2 molded rod holders as well.
Pros
- Durable and excellent tracking
- Comfortable 2-way adjustable seat
- Abundant storage space
- Molded rod holders
Cons
- Lower stability due to the short length
This kayak tracks very well for fishing. However, it has a shorter length, and the upright seat position further decreases its stability.
Check on Amazon9. Vibe Kayaks Skipjack 12 Foot Tandem Kayak Good Kayak for Camping for Money
Although Vibe is young in the field, still it is a fast-growing fortune 500 company from Georgia. The Skipjack 12 foot is excellent for tandem kayak camping. It is a sit-on-top style kayak with comfortable deluxe seats and a large maximum load of 500 pounds.
The Skipjack is perfect for beginner anglers who are new to fishing with kayaks. It comes with a variety of storage options including 2 sealed hatches and a rear cargo area. It is supported with 4 carrying handles to transport it easily out of the water
Key features and benefits
- Type: Sit-on-top
- Material: High-density polyethylene
- Maximum Load: 500 lbs
- Weight: 72 lbs
- Size: Length:12ft 2in, Width: 33in
The Vibe Skipjack 12 is built with many features. To provide comfort, it comes with 2 deluxe seats. You have 2 flush mount rod holders with caps and 4 mounting points for other rod holder mounts. You can store smaller items in the two sealed hatches with built-in cup holders and larger equipment in the rear bungee compartment.
Pros
- Durability and stability
- Comfortable deluxe seat
- High maximum capacity
- Multiple mounting points
Cons
- Heavier for a 12ft kayak
This is a perfect sit on top kayak for beginners for fishing or simply family recreational purposes with a partner.
Check on Amazon10. Riot Kayaks Escape 12 Angler Sit-On-Top Flatwater Fishing Kayak – best sit on top kayak camping
Here is another Riot kayak with an excellent load capacity of 500 pounds! The Escape 12 Angler comes with a Pilot rudder system made from glass-reinforced plastic, which adds more stability to the performance of the kayak.
For those who are looking for the best camping kayak, this may be a good choice. However, considering its uncomfortable seats, it may not be ideal for long hours of fishing.
Key features and benefits
- Type: Sit-on-top
- Material: High-density polyethylene
- Maximum Load: 500 lbs
- Weight: 72 lbs
- Size: Length:12ft, Width: 30in
This kayak is equipped with five-rod holders – one 360° adjustable rod holder, 2 flush mount rod holders in the front and 2 in the rear. For storage, you have a rear deck and a front hatch with a cover. Also, it has twin 4-inch deck plates, two paddle hooks, a drain plug and scupper plugs. Not to mention, it has a lightweight low-vibration pilot rudder and anchor trolley system.
Pros
- 5-rod holders
- Pilot rudder system
- High maximum capacity
- Anchor trolley system
Cons
- Uncomfortable seats and arrangement
- Low stability without a rudder
Although this kayak has a rudder system, it is not recommended for fishing. However, it is a good kayak for recreational activities.
Check on AmazonFrequently asked questions about camping kayaks
Buying a camping kayak is different than buying t-shirts online. For one, it costs a lot of money, and two, its delivery, exchange or return, handling and assembly takes both time and effort.
It is highly critical to find the right answers to your questions regarding the purchase of your kayak. This section is exactly made to help you out with your FAQ about camping kayaks.
1. Should I get a sit-in or sit on a kayak?
A sit-in kayak is a good choice for anglers or kayakers paddling in cold water. It also protects your lower body from cold wind. However, it restricts your freedom of movement as you are enclosed in a cockpit. A sit on top kayak is very user-friendly making it easy to get in and out quickly. It is a good choice in warm water, especially for beginners who may feel nervous about paddling in a confined cockpit.
2. Do you need a life jacket to kayak?
Life jackets are designed primarily for rescue. If you are on the water in a kayak, you should wear a life jacket. Its foremost purpose is to save you from drowning. In case of your kayak hitting a boulder and the paddler falling unconscious, a life jacket will keep the body afloat with the head above the water.
The only cons of using life jackets are that they restrict your paddling movement, and it can get very warm on a hot day.
What is the best kayak for camping?
To conclude this review, let our experts help you choose the best product. We have reviewed the top 10 best kayaks for camping on the basis of their design, comfort, storage, durability, accessibility, weight, and size, etc. All the products our experts chose for this review score well in durability.
Longer kayaks are usually stable and faster, while wider ones are good for fishing as they track well.
Best product: Riot Kayaks Edge 14.5 LV Flatwater Day Touring Kayak
Our experts recommend Riot Kayak’s Edge 14.5 LV as it is fast and stable due to its slim design and its pilot rudder helps with excellent tracking. It features custom-fit comfortable seats and double bulkhead storage compartments, so you can enjoy your day touring to the maximum.
Other recommendations:
Riot Edge 14.5 LV, Riot Escape 12 Angler, Wilderness Tsunami 165 – best with the pilot rudder system
Vibe Skipjack, Ocean Kayak Zest Two– best tandem kayaks for camping
SF Oru Beach LT – best foldable kayak
Vibe Skipjack, Wilderness Tsunami 165 – most comfortable seats
Perception Pescador – best for fishing
SUNDOLPHIN Sun Dolphin Aruba – inexpensive for beginners
Ocean Prowler 13 Angler – perfect for anglers
Ocean Zest Two – with the highest capacity