Please recommend an inflatable kayak or folding kayak.
Id like the lightest most portable kayak for backpacking. Living in south FL id also like something with good quality that I will be able to use frequently mostly in salt water. Ive been looking at advanced elements advancedframe II
http://www.advancedelements.com/advancedframe.html#expedition
I like it but I wish I could find something lighter since 42 lbs is alot to be carrying around.
I really appreciate any recommendations. thank you
An Atatl
http://www.atlyak.com/ and there is a Feathercraft K Light plus adverised in the pnet classifieds.
Innova Solar
weighs in at around 22 lbs, i believe. The Junior model weighs less, but is pretty small. I’m not sure about the salt resistance of the hull material - I believe it required a good rinse after use.
I have seen very positive backpacker reviews for the Alpacka Pack Raft, but I’m not sure how it would do in a salt water/ocean environment. The weight is astounding - 4-5 lbs, depending on the model. It’s designed for river floating and short crossings. Probably worth a look.
other suggestion?
Not too sure I would want to paddle the pack raft for a few miles … looks like its best designed for floating on rivers …
Any other suggestions anyone?
Homebuilt Inflatable Sea Kayak
Below is a 4 page link to an inflatable sea
kayak I recently built called the “Sonnet 18”
(18’ X 23" X 25 lbs). The size and shape
compare favorably with hardshell sea kayaks.
The weight is much less however and assembly is
consistently under 10 minutes.
http://www.yostwerks.com/SonnetPuebloE1.html
This kayak is technically an inflatable / folder
hybrid as it combines 4 sponsons with 3 aluminum
stringers to obtain it’s shape and rigidity.
A smaller 16’ X 21.5" X 20 lb version is nearly
completed. Free plans and instructions for these
boats and a double version will be available on
my site in June or July.
On the commercial side, the Grabner Discovery is
a nice inflatable sea kayak. Just be prepared
for sticker shock.
Regards,
Tom
Second the Innova Solar