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We tested 17 kayaks, from makers like Wilderness Systems, Old Town, Perception, Pelican, Hobie and more to help you find the very best option for your next adventure
Credit: Cheyenne Summers
By Sara James ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ Updated August 2, 2025
The serenity of slipping between reeds with just the noise of the birds around you, and the joy of splashing in cool waters on a hot day — these are the freedoms that kayaking affords anyone hopping on board.
Our kayak testing team is spearheaded by professional whitewater guides, aided by a slew of friends, children, grandparents, and dogs of all levels of on-water experience. We test their paddling prowess, but also evaluate their comfort over hours on the water, their stability for even the most nervous riders, and their durability through countless days in high UV and stored through punishing winters.
Our favorite overall kayak is the Wilderness Systems Pungo 120. It's maneuverable, swift, and stable, with a large, comfortable cockpit that's easy to get in and out of. The Wilderness Systems Tarpon 105 is the best sit-on-top kayak we've tested. It's comfortable, stable, and paddles easily, with an open top design.
The best affordable boat is the Quest Passage 100. Its sit-in design is stable, lightweight, and easy to maneuver. The Pelican Argo 100X EXO is a close second. It's equally stable and maneuverable, but with a more compact design and some extra features like drink holders and an insulated cooler bag.
The Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 is a time-tested classic that stands out for its stability, maneuverability, and tracking. With a large 20-inch-long cockpit and padded seat, it's also one of the most comfortable options we tested. Only sit-on-top models surpassed the Pungo in terms of comfort, primarily due to the additional leg space provided by the sit-on-top design. The Pungo successfully merges long length for better tracking and gliding with a width that enhances stability. It's well-designed, well-built, and with thoughtful features like dry storage, drink holders, adjustable footrests, and accessory mounts that make it an absolute joy to use.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Length
12.17'
Measured Width
29.0"
Measured Weight
49 lb
Measured Height
14.0"
Weight Capacity
325 lb
The Pungo is slightly lighter than average, and the bulky nature of this design makes it challenging to carry solo. Its storage hatch cover requires some care and attention over time and is a slight departure from the rest of the boat's incredibly durable construction. Although the Pungo is expensive, its price is more than justified for frequent paddlers seeking high performance, due to its overall quality and versatility. This multifaceted boat allows for different styles of paddling in various environments. If you want a boat you can happily and comfortably paddle for years to come, this is a worthwhile investment.
The Pungo is one of the best all-around kayaks we've tested and our top recommendation for folks looking to get out on the water frequently with a high-performing craft.
This 10-and-a-half-foot, maneuverable kayak offers excellent storage, comfort, and functionality. The exceptional stability and open design of the Wilderness Systems Tarpon 105 make hopping on and off easy. It's self-draining, so it doesn't collect pools of water in the cockpit, making it much more comfortable for extended days on the water. With exceptionally handy features like adjustable foot pegs, a large dry storage hatch, and accessory rails, this sit-on-top model is more than just the basics, and comes in two longer sizes — the Tarpon 120 and 140, which are better suited for experienced paddlers and those looking to cover long distances and /or carry more weight.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Length
10.50'
Measured Width
32.0"
Measured Weight
57 lb
Measured Height
15.3"
Weight Capacity
325 lb
Although the Tarpon is more expensive, its high-quality construction, solid all-around performance, and numerous extra features make it worth the investment for water enthusiasts seeking an excellent craft they can enjoy paddling for many years. The Tarpon's versatility makes its price point more justifiable. This well-rounded boat can perform the functions of multiple boat designs and has exceptional levels of comfort, impeccable handling, and a plethora of excellent features.
If you want to get the most for your money from a versatile kayak, then look no further than the rotomolded Ocean Kayak Malibu 11.5. This sit-on-top watercraft sports scupper holes to keep the water draining away, and a simple but reliable design that's become popular with kayak rental companies for a very good reason. Though it appears unassuming, the Malibu boasts comfort, versatility, and a high degree of ease of use. The Malibu has a wide and remarkably stable hull, making it great for choppy conditions or newer paddlers.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Length
11.42'
Measured Width
32.0"
Measured Weight
59 lb
Measured Height
12.0"
Weight Capacity
360 lb
You can quickly get in and out of the Malibu on the beach or in the water, making it a fun and safe choice for younger and older paddlers. Though it's a bit heavy, it lends itself well to a variety of usages, from surfing waves to fishing to sunbathing, all in one comfortable and durable package. It's tough to beat the value of this durable, adaptable, highly likable boat.
The Ocean Kayak Malibu is part of the Old Town brand, and you might see the name at some retailers listed as the “Old Town Ocean Kayak Malibu 11.5.” Old Town assured us that the Malibu has had no material changes (only an updated logo) since 2018, but we retested it alongside our old version, just to be sure.
The classic Ocean Kayak Malibu has been updated with a hull profile that is designed to be more stable, making it a great option for folks less practiced in balancing on a boat.
The Quest Passage 100 is a budget-friendly sit-on-top kayak designed for recreational paddlers seeking simplicity, stability, and ease of use. With its wide, flat-bottomed hull, this boat excels in primary stability, making it a confidence-building option for beginners and a great choice for those paddling calm lakes and slow-moving rivers. As a relatively short and lightweight kayak, the Passage is light enough for solo loading and short enough to maneuver easily on the water. Molded footwells take the place of adjustable foot pegs, but work just as well. It has a useful set of features, including a paddle holder, a molded cup and phone holder, and a drain plug, earning points for convenience.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Length
9.75'
Measured Width
31.0"
Measured Weight
48 lb
Measured Height
13.5"
Weight Capacity
275 lb
That said, its short length and broad hull don't track straight as easily as longer, narrower models. The seat had a tendency to work itself loose when we were paddling hard — though casual outings caused less of an issue. It also has a lower weight capacity than average and no dry storage. Still, if you're looking for a highly stable, straightforward kayak that won't break the bank, the Passage 100 is a great pick for flatwater fun.
Striking a comforting balance between stability and maneuverability, the Pelican Argo 100X EXO lets you get out there for less. The Argo's large cockpit makes it easy to enter and exit the boat, and we appreciate the extra details, such as the drink holders, storage compartments, and insulated cool bag, that come standard on this budget kayak.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Length
10.00'
Measured Width
28.0"
Measured Weight
38 lb
Measured Height
14.0"
Weight Capacity
275 lb
The downside of the Argo's lightweight construction is that the whole thing is somewhat flimsy, quickly looking and feeling worn after a few seasons of use. With its 10-foot length and flat-bottom hull, this boat is maneuverable, sturdy, and forgiving for the beginner paddler, but it's not designed to get you anywhere fast or flash.
The Perception Hi Life 11.0 blurs the line between kayak and paddleboard, offering unmatched versatility for casual paddlers who want the option to sit or stand. This hybrid watercraft impressed us with its rock-solid stability and a unique design well-suited for water play. It's a great choice for beginners, those bringing young kid(s), or anyone nervous about tipping. The elevated seat provides a comfortable paddling position and conceals a recessed storage area that can be utilized as a small cooler or for storing gear. Deck traction pads at the bow and stern add comfort and grip for stand-up paddling or kneeling.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Length
11.00'
Measured Width
34.0"
Measured Weight
56 lb
Measured Height
12.0"
Weight Capacity
280 lb
The Hi Life's wide hull and short waterline limit its speed and tracking, making it feel sluggish over longer distances. The removable skeg helps, but it's not enough to match the efficiency of longer, narrower kayaks. Its average weight is just about manageable for one person to transport, but it is a bit bulky to easily load on top of your car solo. Still, this is a unique and fun option for recreational paddlers who value versatility, stability, and a laid-back paddling experience over technical performance.
The Eddyline Skylark stands out in part for its ABS construction, which balances the durability of a plastic kayak with the look and performance of a lightweight composite kayak. It's well below average weight, making it easy to load the Skylark onto a car solo. Featuring robust footrests and handles, two dry storage compartments, adjustable seating, and padding, this boat is highly convenient and well thought-out. If you want a high-performing vessel that won't weigh you down, this one is our favorite — if you can afford it.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Length
12.00'
Measured Width
26.5"
Measured Weight
43 lb
Measured Height
14.0"
Weight Capacity
295 lb
The Skylark is stable and one of the easiest kayaks to maneuver. Its cockpit is designed to accommodate a spray skirt, allowing advanced users to use it to keep themselves dry — and dry storage, to boot. The one feature we wish it had is drain plugs to empty water before carting this boat home. Ultimately, intermediate and advanced paddlers looking for a kayak that is stable, easy to maneuver, and well-suited to solo carry will appreciate the Eddyline Skylark.
Adjustable foot pegs, adustable seat position, adjustable padded backrest and seat cushion, two large dry hatches with secure closure, multiple attachment points, carry handles
Adjustable skeg system, soft-touch carry handles at the bow and stern, built-in security bar, bow and stern bulkheads with hatches, dagger contour CFS seating system and adjustable, padded thigh braces, touring bulkhead foot-brace system, touring center safety pillar with integrated portage handle, shockcord deck rigging
Rigid handles, replaceable skid plate, Orbix hatch with sealed bulkhead, thigh pads, XL foot braces, SlideTrax and 2 mounting platforms, removable dry box, 2 cup holders, lithium battery recess (battery not included), phase 3 AirPro seating system
Phase 3 Air Pro seat with mesh streched over contoured foam perferated pad, leg lifters and adjustable seat back angles, thigh and knee pads, adjustable slide locking foot braces, rear bulkhead compartment with Orbix stern hatch, shock cord bow and stern rigging for extra storage, rugged bow and stern handles, molded dashboard with gear tray and drink holder, replaceable skid plate and retractable drop down skeg
Elevated seat with padded adjustable fold-down backrest and seat cushion, built in cooler ( under seat), swim-up deck with ull up handles, drain plug , removable fin, front and rear deck bad, bow storage with bungee, bow carrying handle, scupper holes, solo mount recesses, rear and center accessory gear track
MirageDrive 180 kick-up fins pedal system, forward and reverse propulsion, removable alloy frame seat, flat deck, rod holder, H-track accessary mounts, transducer cavity (fishfinder additonal optional extra), paddle holder, carry handles at bow and stern, dry hatch, storage compartments, tracking keel, 2 piece breakdown paddle
Adjustable padded seat, rear open storage well, self bailing scupper holes, molded in water bottle and phone grooves, paddle keeper, bow and stern bungees
Tri-form hull with an integral keel and sponsons, AirGo molded in seat and seat pad with adjustable AirComfort backrest, molded-in foot wells and calf rest, paddle holders, side/stern/bow carrying handles, molded-in oversized bow and stern tank wells with bungees, splash resistent QuickStash dry hatch, 2 molded in fishing rod holders, 3 water bottle holder, replaceable skid plate
Active Comfort System 2.0 (ACS2) seat, removable workdeck with USB, thigh pads, match ACS2 padding, support track foot brace system, quick seal hatch with bulkhead, bow and stern deck bungees, bow and stern carry handles, paddle clip, drain plug, sharp keel line
Small front storage hatch, rear well with removable ExoChill 17-liter storage compartment, bottle holders, padded backrest with seat cushion, molded footrests
Adjustable framed seat, padded seat, molded-in footrests, molded-in bow and stern well with bungees, replaceable stern skid plate, 6" central cockpit hatch with liner, 3 drink holders, side handles, front and rear toggle handles, drainage scupper holes, draing plug, skid plate
Adjustable comfort flex seat, glide track foot brace system, stern day well, molded-in cockpit tray with cup holder, molded-in paddle rest, built in carry handles, thigh pads, drain plug, skid plate
High comfort reclining seat system, additional padded stern seat, 5 molded cup holders, rigid side carry handles molded in bow and stern carry handles, bow storage well with bungee cord, behind seat storage, molded-in footrests, paddle storage bungee, flat padded deck area, scupper drainage holes
Fold down adjustable seat, multiple molded in grab handles, drainage scupper holes, stackable, large bow and stern storage area with bungee, small day hatch in the center of kayak for semi-dry storage
How We Tested
We've been testing kayaks over multiple seasons and various conditions, predominantly in Lake Tahoe and the surrounding Sierra rivers and lakes. We categorized our testing data and observations into six mutually exclusive performance metrics, attempting to quantify metrics when feasible to be as consistent and objective as possible. For example, we counted the number of strokes it took to make a 180-degree turn to test maneuverability and measured the distance traveled from full speed to a complete stop to measure glide and tracking. We also brought together a diverse group of testers of all sizes, strengths, and experience levels to help gauge more subjective metrics, such as comfort, stability, and maneuverability.
We categorized our test data and observations into these six rating metrics:
Gliding and Tracking (30% of overall score weighting)
Stability (20% weighting))
Maneuverability (15% weighting)
Ease of Transport(15% weighting)
Comfort (10% weighting)
Construction Quality (10% weighting)
Nothing like a day out on the water, testing kayaks with your friends.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Why Trust GearLab
Expert paddler Sara James leads our diverse testing team. While studying at the University of Leeds, she was drawn into their kayak club and quickly thrown into competitions for a wide variety of kayak-based disciplines. For the next decade, Sara continued to kayak and travel in search of whitewater from the UK to Uganda, Nepal to New Zealand, and Iceland to India. She finally settled in California, USA, and has been exploring the rivers and lakes of the Sierras for over a decade. Creek boating, touring kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, ripples, or raging rapids: if it floats and involves a paddle, Sara loves it all. Sara also tests kayak paddles, life jackets, water shoes, and dry bags for GearLab.
We put every kayak through rigorous testing from numerous paddlers to see which ones are best for your paddling style.
Stay Safe
Wear Your Life Jacket — A life jacket provides buoyancy and helps you stay afloat in water, reducing the risk of drowning. Even in calm waters, strong swimmers can become incapacitated by cold water shock or easily fatigued after just a short time treading water. The US Coast Guard requires you to carry an approved personal flotation device (PFD) for each passenger, but we recommend always wearing one. Around 80% of all drowning deaths happen to people with a life jacket nearby but not worn.
Choose Appropriate Locations and Conditions — The kayak models we review here are appropriate for recreational use on lakes and flatwater rivers in calm conditions with no whitecaps and minimal current. Most do not accommodate a spray skirt (which keeps waves out but requires training to use safely) or integrate enough flotation to withstand severe conditions. Many of the sit-in models do not have separate bulkheads nor come with float bags; therefore, if they capsize, they could flood and sink.
Our paddlers of all sizes and experience levels tested each of these kayaks side-by-side in a variety of conditions and bodies of water.
Credit: Cheyenne Summer
Analysis and Test Results
Every kayak we test undergoes a rigorous process of tests, trials, and comparisons on rivers and lakes in the Lake Tahoe region. The goal was to find out which ones were worthy of an award. We determined which performed best in each metric and assigned a weighted score to each model. We then added the scores up to assign winners. Our goal is to give you an excellent resource to help you decide which kayak to buy.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
A boat's price is mainly determined by the materials, quality of its design, seating system, and other extra features included. Our favorite budget-friendly option is the Quest Passage 100. This simple watercraft is an excellent choice for new or infrequent paddlers who want to get out on the water in a reasonably decent boat that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. The Pelican Argo 100X EXO is also a popular value buy, and although it's not quite as comfortable, it is slightly easier to maneuver.
We solidly recommend the Ocean Kayak Malibu 11.5 for its higher quality and sheer ease of use. This sit-on-top kayak costs quite a bit more than the Quest or Pelican , but it is significantly more comfortable, higher-performing, self-draining, easy to transport and lock up, and easy to enjoy all day. There's a reason this is one of the most common kayaks used by rental companies and is an exceptionally approachable kayak for any body shape or ability level.
Some of our favorite budget-friendly kayaks.
Glide and Tracking
To begin, our test experts paddled each kayak repeatedly through a set course and evaluated its performance compared to others in our lineup. We evaluated each craft's ability to pick up and go, move quickly, and stay gliding after we stopped paddling. We carefully evaluated which boat and hull designs shed water most effectively, allowing the boats to move with the least resistance and greatest efficiency.
Thanks to its hull shape, length, and drop-down skeg, the Dagger Stratos 12.5 S glides exceptionally well, keeping track over long distances with minimal effort. The Delta Kayak 12.10 and Eddyline Skylark trail in a close second for this metric, with the other Hobie Mirage Compass taking 3rd thanks to its pedal-assisted skeg. The longer kayak designs, such as the Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 and Old Town Loon 120, also excel at staying on track and gliding efficiently.
Thanks to the hull design and sleek construction, the Eddyline Skylark has remarkably good glide for a kayak that isn't long.
Credit: Sara James
Models with rigid, pronounced multi-chine, V-shaped hulls, like the Eddyline Skylark, Delta Kayak 12.10, and Perception Tribe 11.5, track well and help the boat get the most out of its glide. In contrast, kayaks like the Jackson Staxx and the Wilderness Tarpon 105 lose some glide due to their wider, flatter bottoms, which push across the water's surface instead of slicing through it.
To help with tracking, the Stratos has a skeg that can be dropped into the water.
Credit: Sara James
The Stratos and Delta boast a skeg that can help with tracking. Similarly, the Perception HiLife 11.0 features a removable skeg that helps maintain tracking when installed.
You can choose to paddle the HiLife with or without a fin, depending on whether you favor tracking or maneuverability.
Credit: Sara James
Stability
Having to deal with an upside-down kayak is not much fun, and ultimately, our goal is to stay upright on the water. Most of the kayaks selected are designed for the recreational touring market and are intended to be stable and easy to paddle. However, some boats excelled in this task more than others.
The wider kayaks scored higher in terms of stability, with the Perception Hangtime, Hobie Mirage Compass, and Wilderness Systems Tarpon proving the most difficult to tip over. The Ocean Kayak Malibu and Perception Hi Life 11.0 came in close behind.
The Jackson Staxx also performed very well, and although it is wider than the Tarpon 105, the slightly higher seat position can make users a bit more vulnerable to the wobbles, particularly around moving currents.
The Jackson Staxx was one of the more stable kayaks we tested thanks to its wide hull design.
Credit: Sara James
The central third of the Dagger Stratos hull is flat, enhancing its stability. However, its narrow width and V-shaped ends make it prone to feel more tippy when it's sitting on flat water (primary stability). When on edge (secondary stability), the kayak feels stable and easy to control; it could be said that, like a road bike, it is most stable at high speeds and when in motion.
The Dagger Stratos is most stable when moving.
Credit: Cheyenne Summer
Despite their smaller size, the Eddyline Skylark, Pelican Argo 100X, Quest Passage 100, and Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 are surprisingly steady, even when paddled in gentle currents. This can be attributed to the relatively large surface area of their flat hulls, which gives them excellent primary stability. However, please note that if you accidentally get either of these kayaks on edge, expect to fall in, as neither has good secondary stability. They're just not designed to operate on any sort of edge.
The Quest Passage handled gentle rapids with ease.
Credit: Sara James
If your hobby involves moving around in your kayak, say fishing or playing kayak games, or if you have a fidgety dog or child on your lap, you'll want to consider a more stable option such as the Perception Hi Life 11.0, Hobie Mirage Compass or Perception Hangtime, or better yet, a two-person tandem option.
The Perception Tribe series boats are remarkably stable thanks to their wide hulls and rounded sides. You really have to be doing something wrong to capsize this kayak. Shown here is the two-person Tribe 13.5.
Credit: Sara James
Maneuverability
We wanted to see how easily we could make a controlled series of directional changes in each boat. First, we determined the number of sweeping paddle strokes required for each kayak to complete a 360-degree turn from a standstill. We also set up a short slalom course to see how quickly each boat can zigzag through the course and execute multiple turns.
Many kayaks have a combination of hull types. The Old Town Vapor and the Dagger Stratos feature a V-shape for the front and back thirds of their hulls, with a flatter central third. This flat-ish central hull makes it easier to maneuver kayaks of this shape across currents or eddy lines if on a river. Despite its length, the Stratos excels in maneuverability in moving currents. Expert paddlers enjoyed surfing the Stratos on glassy waves and paddling across dynamic currents. For those who enjoy rock gardening, the Stratos is the perfect playful friend for an expert in this dynamic environment. Retracting the rudder can further improve the maneuverability of the Stratos, Hobie Mirage Compass, and Wilderness System Aspire 105.
The flat bottom of the Pelican Argo makes it easy to make sharp, controlled turns.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
The shorter kayaks are generally easier to move around — their small size helps the Eddyline Skylark, Pelican Argo 100X EXO, Quest Passage 100, and the Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 make sharp turns in small spaces. These kayaks also excel in this test due to their flatter hull shapes. On the other hand, the more V-shaped hulled boats like the Old Town Loon, Perception Tribe, and Jackson Staxx are noticeably more sluggish when turning around and require extra effort to make tighter turns.
Despite its 11-foot length, thanks to its flatter hull, the Perception Hi Life was relatively easy to maneuver, particularly if you remove the fin.
Standing up on the HiLife gives the paddler more reach and leverage to maneuver the craft.
Credit: Sara James
We also evaluated how easy it is to right and empty an upturned kayak. Self-rescue may be essential when out in open water and far away from land. Some sit-on-top kayaks feature self-draining holes, making this task much simpler. Others require the use of a bilge pump (and some practiced skills) in order to re-enter. A few can accommodate a spray skirt, and those who have mastered a kayaker's roll can simply re-right themselves if they were to capsize.
If you have learned how to execute a kayak roll, the Dagger Stratos is an easy kayak to re-right if you fall off balance.
Credit: Sara James
Most commonly, we paddled close enough to land to haul any kayak to the shore, and empty it there. Still, unless you pre-plan and add flotation bags to your kayak, 300+ liters of water is heavy to move around and will take some time to empty. Some basic techniques and a well-positioned drain plug will make this task quicker and less tiresome.
Mastering some skills in advance can help you feel more confident and better equipped to handle unplanned scenarios. Here we keep our skills sharp while skirted into the Dagger Stratos.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The sit-on-top models are the easiest to re-right, particularly the Ocean Kayak Malibu, Wilderness Systems Tarpon, and Quest Passage 100, due to the sensible handle positioning. The sit-in kayaks are more difficult, as they take on water quickly and can swiftly become a sinking hazard if you don't attend to them.
Despite its large size, with a few gentle sweep strokes it is easy to make the Tarpon 105 turn on a dime.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Ease of Transport
Ease of transport is one of those things that you only think about once it's time to load your boat on or off your vehicle roof, carry it to and from water access points, or portage it. However, since you have to carry your boat every time you use it, it's an important aspect to consider. You may not want a kayak that is way too cumbersome to lift and carry by yourself without the assistance of a cart or friend. To test this, we looked at each boat's weight, width, and length, as well as the location and design of its carrying handles.
The weights of the boats we tested range from the lightweight Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 and Pelican Argo 100X EXO, at just at or shy of 40 pounds, to the beastly, 83-pound Hobie Mirage Compass and the 60+ pound Perception Hangtime and Jackson Staxx.
Width and length also play a big part in how easy or difficult it is to carry your boat, how well it will fit onto or into your vehicle, and if it will fit in your storage space. While considering how much weight you want to haul around, also measure the length and width of the boat you're considering to ensure it'll fit where you want it to.
We weigh every kayak before putting it in the water for the first time. The small, thin-hulled Sun Dolphin Aruba is one of the lightest in our lineup.
Credit: Sara James
Almost all of the boats we tested have both bow and stern handles. However, the quality and comfort of these varied greatly. Although lightweight, the Sun Dolphin's basic string handles are not comfortable to use, which limits the portability of this kayak. Despite being 10 pounds heavier, the Quest Passage is a much more pleasant kayak to transport thanks to the plastic coverings on the front and rear handles, as well as the presence of padded side handles. The Jackson Staxx and the Wilderness Systems Tarpon and Pungo offer the most robust carrying experience, featuring full-padded handles designed to compensate for their extra weight.
It is possible to carry the Pungo on your own, but the handles on either end of the boat make it much easier to split the load with a friend.
Credit: Sara James
The Staxx, Tarpon, and Perception Tribe 11.5 all feature robust side handles on both sides, which is particularly helpful when hauling these kayaks around. Although the Hobie Compass has handles positioned on the sides, the shallow depth of these handles renders them of little functional use when transporting the boat.
Having a friend and robust carrying handles makes loading and unloading large kayaks much easier.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
The Wilderness System Tarpon and Pungo, the Perception Tribe 11.5, and the Ocean Kayak Malibu 11.5 all come with replaceable stern skid plates. These take the brunt of knicks and scratches if you have to resort to dragging your boat behind you on the ground.
A replaceable stern skid plate can come in handy to extend the life of your kayak if you ever have to drag it.
Credit: Sara James
Comfort
Comfort is key when you're sitting in a kayak for hours. Various types of seats, cushions, backrests, footrests, and knee or thigh braces provide stability and control while offering a smooth and comfortable ride. We evaluated the materials and shapes of each boat and how they played a part in comfort during our long paddling adventures.
We analyzed the posture, user-friendliness, and comfort of the foot and thigh bracing systems and seats in each of these boats. The Jackson Staxx stands apart from the rest with its raised seat, which helps keep your bottom dry, and the open style ensures optimal comfort. The Wilderness Systems Tarpon 105 also sets itself apart with ergonomic seating and leg lifters that contour under the thighs.
Comfort is key if you are looking for a relaxing day on the water.
Credit: Sara James
The Old Town Loon, Pungo 120, Perception Hangtime, and Aspire 105 are options with excellent seating and bracing systems, wide-open cockpits for ease of access, and adjustable features for personalized comfort.
You can raise or lower the front of the seat on the Loon, personalizing its feel below your thighs for your specific comfort and paddling style.
Credit: Sara James
The premium outfitting in the Dagger Stratos makes it more comfortable than your average touring kayak. However, the relatively smaller cockpit size makes entry and exit more awkward for those who are less agile or have longer legs. Larger sizes are available, but ultimately, if you're looking for lounging times, the Stratos is not the right choice. The Hobie Mirage Compass caters to the comforts of paddlers, particularly as the option to pedal rather than paddle can relieve stress from tired arms.
The pedal assist feature of the Hobie Mirage adds another level of comfort for those not looking to exert their arms too much but are still looking to cover come distance.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Almost all the kayaks we tested had some sort of footrest system incorporated, helping you to prop up your body and providing additional boat control. We prefer designs that have adjustable footrests so you can adjust and personalize the fit to just the right length needed. We found the Tarpon had some of the easiest to adjust, partially due to the open design, but also thanks to its simple but effective system.
Despite a closed cockpit design, we found it fairly easy to adjust the Old Town Vapor footrests thanks to a handy pull tab.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Although the Perception HiLife doesn't have foot rests of any sort, the open deck and opportunity to sit or stand and stretch your legs helped this score as one of our most comfortable crafts. The flat nature of the deck pad also made it one of the most comfortable for any additional companions, be they a small dog or child.
Extra passengers found the Perception HiLife's open deck and rear splash pad particularly comfortable.
Credit: Sara James
We also found that although many designs have storage capabilities, some were easier to access and use than others. This was another feature that the Tarpon excelled in, as we could reach the dry hatch from the seat and close it securely with a simple twist. But comfort doesn't come without a cost, and the most comfortable boats both cost more and weigh more.
The lightweight Aruba features an adjustable backband but lacks a seat cushion, while the Vapor's cushioning is basic and offers limited adjustability in the seat. This is fine for an hour or less of paddling, but if you love spending time on the water, you'll want to add cushions or spring for a more supportive — and expensive — boat.
The outfitting and features in the Old Town Vapor 10 are more basic than some, yet are comfortable enough for shorter paddles and casual outings.
Credit: Sara James
Construction Quality
The materials and methods used in construction can make a massive difference to a kayak's ability to last through years of paddling. Though you should always try to avoid dragging or bashing your kayak on rocks, the most durable models can withstand a fair bit of abuse and UV exposure. Boats can be manufactured with a number of materials, but the primary two used in recreational versions are high-density roto-molded linear polyethylene or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS).
Most of the crafts we tested use similar polyethylene plastics, but at different densities. The exceptions are the Eddyline Skylark and Delta 12.10, which are constructed of layered materials. We compared the sturdiness of all these vessels, including their outrigging and other features, to determine how well they should hold up to rugged use. Seats, handles, foot braces, deck storage bungee cords, dry storage hatch covers, and locking levers were some of the features we examined during our testing.
Seat pads, storage hatch's and carrying handles can all deteriorate quickly if not make from quality materials or taken care of over time.
Credit: Sara James
The Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 and Pelican Argo 100X EXO use a lot less plastic than the other boats, making for a much thinner hull and deck. These are more flexible and seem much less durable than the sturdier plastic used in the construction of all of the Wilderness Systems, Dagger Stratos, Perception, and Old Town kayaks. This was especially evident when we tied the kayaks to roof racks and noticed the thinner plastic quickly buckling under pressure.
The construction of the heavier Wilderness Systems Tarpon is superior to most the lighter kayaks we tested, helping it to survive the test of time.
Credit: Sara James
The Dagger Stratos, on the other hand, is constructed from premium materials with premium outfitting and is ready to be pushed to the max. With a central pillar to ensure that this will not crumple under pressure, it is ready to be pushed harder, further, and for longer than any of the other models tested. The Eddyline Skylark and Delta Kayak 12.10 are unique in that they offer lighter materials without sacrificing performance or durability. These kayaks also excel in the quality of their outfitting, featuring adjustable seat rests and padded seats designed to last more than one season.
Whatever the feature, we tested it and inspected every aspect, over and over. Here we use every little nook and cranny of the Tarpon 105.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Conclusion
It was a blast playing around out on the water, testing and comparing all these fine kayaks. We hope that our efforts have given you a better understanding of the wide world of kayaking and helped you determine which boat is best suited to your needs. After all, the best kayak for you is the one you feel the most comfortable in and enjoy paddling the most.
All lined up and ready to go. Which will you choose?
