I had a (2008) Gumotex Sunny, a 3.9 m (13 ft), 12.5 kg (28 lbs) inflatable kayak. But most important, very dog friendly and very portable: it packed with pump, paddle and everything easily in a 40 l () backpack. I’m looking for something similar.
Weight is less of a problem than volume. So drop-stitch kayaks are not really an option.
I’ve only found the Gumotex Twist 2/1 which has less features and packs larger. Although, in my experience, pack sizes given by manufactures are often quite inaccurate.
Anyway, does anyone know of any portable alternatives?
I’m curious why are you excluding drop stitch kayaks? That really limits your choices and I don’t see why you think that has a negative effect on volume. Drop stitched floors definitely improve performance because of the added rigidity. And drop stitch sides improve volume significantly as in the Sea Eagle Razorlite and AirCanoe Cruiser models
There are plenty of makers – besides Sea Eagle have you looked at Advanced Elements, AquaMarina, AirCanoe and Itiwit models?
Aquaglide makes a line of ultralight TPU boats with drop stitch floors called the Cirrus. They come in a compressible dry sack for carrying.
The Cirrus 110 is 11’0", 15 lbs. and 19x19x 8 inches folded.
The Cirrus 150 is 14’9", 20 lbs. and 23x16x16 inches folded.
I can’t think of any IK that will fit in a 40L backpack by itself, let alone with pump and paddle. Not even an Intex K1. That’s what packrafts are for. Are you sure you mean 40L?
have you considered an inflatable standup paddleboard as an option? I see a lot more people paddling those with dogs lately and many models are coming out with seats and straps to hold cargo.
I took one of the kayaks to the sprawling dam empoundment of lake Arthur last week and ended up paddling for about an hour beside an older guy who lives near the park and uses an inflatable SUP for daily fitness outings. He had great technique (learned he was originally from Ukraine and had been involved in competitive kayak racing in his younger days). He kept a good pace, standing the whole time – I certainly did not have to slow my own to match him and we had some good conversation during our circuit around the islands at the west end of the lake. I rarely see people locally actually making any progress on SUPs – mostly just diddling around near shore, lily dipping or flailing and falling off. I confess that was the first time I was impressed enough to think using an SUP could be fun.
My daughter wanted to try paddleboarding a few years ago so I rented one. It was a hit and I ended up adding one to the collection. Now, she almost always chooses it over a kayak except when the wind kicks up. Granddaughter is now going down the same road so I added a second one this year. I’ve tried it a few times (without falling in!), and must admit there is some appeal. Still, I’m partial to my canoe and kayaks, and don’t see that changing anytime soon.