Best Touring Kayaks of 2025
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Touring kayaks are designed for those who want to take their kayaking to the next level. These kayaks are built for long distance paddling, and are typically longer and narrower than recreational kayaks. They are also equipped with features such as adjustable footrests, padded seats, and storage compartments, making them ideal for multi-day trips. Touring kayaks are made from durable materials such as fiberglass or polyethylene, ensuring they can withstand the rigors of rough waters. Whether you are an experienced kayaker or just starting out, a touring kayak is a great investment for those who want to explore the beauty of the great outdoors.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Touring Kayaks
Wilderness Systems Tsunami 145 Kayak
The Wilderness Systems Tsunami 145 is a versatile touring kayak designed for larger paddlers. Its speed and stability make it perfect for all water conditions, ensuring you can navigate with confidence. The kayak features an incredibly comfortable seat, allowing you to spend more time on the water without discomfort. With adjustable Slidelock XL foot rests, you can easily modify the fit for your size, while padded thigh braces enhance your connection to the kayak, improving your control. Additionally, the two mesh gear pockets keep your essentials secure and easily accessible, making your kayaking experience more enjoyable.
Wilderness Systems Tsunami 125 Kayak
The Wilderness Tsunami 125 is a versatile touring kayak designed for medium to large paddlers. Its exceptional seat provides maximum comfort, allowing you to enjoy longer outings on the water. The adjustable footrests and padded thigh braces ensure a snug fit, enhancing your connection with the kayak for better control. Additionally, it features two mesh pockets for easy access to your essentials, keeping them secure while you paddle. With two storage hatches and sealed bulkheads, you can store your gear safely and enjoy added buoyancy for peace of mind.
BKC SK287 Touring Kayak
The BKC Touring Kayak is designed for those who love long-distance paddling. With a sturdy single-piece construction, it provides excellent stability on various water bodies, ensuring a safe experience for up to 330 lbs. You’ll appreciate the fully loaded accessories, including an adjustable paddle and dual waterproof hatches for keeping your belongings dry. The built-in rod holders allow you to fish hands-free, making your trips more enjoyable. Plus, the foot pedal-operated rudder gives you precise control, helping you navigate through waves and around obstacles effortlessly.
Wilderness Systems Tsunami 175 Touring Kayak with Rudder
The Wilderness Systems Tsunami 175 is a touring kayak designed for mid-to-large sized paddlers and multi-day trips. It features the most comfortable kayak seat, adjustable foot rests, padded thigh braces, and ergonomic soft touch handles. The kayak also includes three storage hatches and bulkheads, and a course control rudder for steering in winds or currents. With a length of 17' 6" and a weight of 68 lbs, it has a max capacity of 400 lbs.
Intex Explorer K2 Kayak
The Intex Explorer K2 Kayak is a two-person inflatable kayak set with aluminum oars and a high output air pump. It is designed for comfort and space, with an adjustable inflatable seat and backrest, and a removable skeg for directional stability. The bright yellow color helps visibility in case of emergency, and it is made for smaller bodies of water such as lakes and mild rivers. Customers are pleased with the convenience and price of the kayak, but some find the seat to be lacking in back support.
AQUAGLIDE Navarro 130 Inflatable Kayak
The AQUAGLIDE Navarro 130 is designed for solo paddlers looking for a reliable and comfortable experience on the water. Its stable tracking ensures that you can navigate smoothly, making it perfect for year-round adventures in various weather conditions. With a generous weight capacity of 300 lbs, you can bring along your gear without worry. The kayak’s lightweight design, at just 30.6 lbs, makes it easy to transport and handle, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your paddling excursions.
FOXCUP AdvancedFrame Sport Kayak
The FOXCUP Sport Inflatable Kayak is designed for easy and enjoyable flat-water paddling. Its built-in aluminum ribs enhance tracking and provide the kayak with added stiffness and strength, ensuring a smooth ride. You’ll appreciate the durable construction, featuring three layers of material that resist punctures and a neoprene paddle guard to protect against wear. Setting up is a breeze; just unfold, inflate, and attach the seat, making it perfect for spontaneous adventures. Plus, its compact design allows you to store it in your car trunk or take it on flights, giving you the freedom to explore remote locations.
TIGERXBANG Inflatable Kayak
The TIGERXBANG Inflatable Kayak is designed for convenience and stability. Its portable design features straps for securing your gear and a paddle holder, making it easy to transport your essentials. With its wide 35-inch frame, you’ll enjoy excellent stability while moving around. The kayak also includes a removable center fin, allowing for better directional control and added stability on the water. Additionally, the detachable seat enhances your comfort, letting you relax and soak in the beauty of your surroundings during your kayaking adventures.
ADVANCED ELEMENTS AirVolution 2 Kayak
The ADVANCED ELEMENTS AirVolution 2 is designed for performance and convenience. With high-pressure drop-stitch air chambers, you’ll experience a hull speed that rivals traditional hard-shell kayaks, making your time on the water more efficient. The kayak features a two-chamber design with pressure relief valves, allowing for quick and easy setup, so you can spend less time preparing and more time enjoying your adventure. Its heavy-duty PVC tarpaulin material ensures durability while providing a smooth surface for better maneuverability. Plus, the open deck design offers easy entry, making it accessible for everyone.
Pelican Maxim 100X Kayak
The Pelican Maxim Kayak is designed for recreational paddlers seeking comfort and stability. With its extra storage options, including a front hatch and rear tank well, you can easily keep your personal items secure while on the water. The kayak's unique hull shape enhances maneuverability and tracking, giving you confidence in your paddling experience. Safety is prioritized with floating blocks and a flatter hull design, ensuring peace of mind during your adventure. Comfort is also key, thanks to the adjustable padded backrest and seat cushion, allowing you to paddle for longer periods without discomfort.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the difference between touring and recreational kayaks?
Recreational kayaks are suitable for beginners and leisurely exploration of lakes and rivers. Touring kayaks, on the other hand, are designed for more athletic and challenging kayaking experiences, including navigating stronger currents and longer distances.
2. What is a performance touring kayak?
A performance touring kayak is a type of kayak that is designed for efficient movement through water. It can be used in calm conditions for regular touring, but it also allows for more advanced activities such as rough water paddling, learning to roll, and surfing in the ocean.
3. Can touring kayaks go in the ocean?
Yes, touring kayaks are suitable for ocean kayaking. They are designed to handle various water conditions, including open ocean paddling. They offer stability, maneuverability, and efficiency over longer distances, making them a great choice for ocean exploration and long-distance trips.
4. What are the 3 golden rules of recreational kayaking?
The three golden rules of recreational kayaking are: 1) Use torso rotation for all your strokes to paddle efficiently, 2) Choose an appropriate paddling location, and 3) Have a plan in case of capsizing. Following these rules will help ensure a safe and enjoyable kayaking experience.
5. What type of kayak is most stable?
In terms of stability, sit-inside (open-cockpit) kayaks are generally more stable than sit-on-top kayaks. The lower seating position in a sit-inside kayak lowers the center of gravity, providing greater stability. However, stability can also depend on other factors such as kayak dimensions and design.
6. Can you kayak 30 miles in a day?
The distance you can kayak in a day depends on various factors such as your fitness level, paddling speed, weather conditions, and the kayak itself. On average, paddling at a speed of 3.1 mph, you can cover about 15 miles in 5 hours. Therefore, it would take around 10 hours to kayak 30 miles. However, actual distances covered may vary.
7. Are touring kayaks faster?
Yes, touring kayaks are generally faster than recreational or fishing kayaks. Their long and sleek design allows them to glide more efficiently through the water, resulting in greater speed. However, it's important to note that individual paddling technique and other factors can also affect the speed of a kayak.
8. How long should a touring kayak be?
A typical touring kayak is around 14 feet or longer. Longer and narrower kayaks tend to be more efficient and offer greater capacity. However, there is a trade-off, as longer kayaks sacrifice maneuverability, and narrower kayaks can be less stable and have limited space.
9. What type of kayak is best for the ocean?
For ocean kayaking, touring kayaks (sit-in sea kayaks) are often the best choice. These kayaks are designed for efficient long-distance travel and feature features like tracking aids (rudders or skegs) to handle wind and currents. They offer ample storage space but tend to be more expensive.
10. What size kayak do I need for the ocean?
When choosing a kayak for the ocean, stability and maneuverability are crucial. Look for kayaks that are stable and maneuverable, similar to river kayaks. While there are specific sea kayaks available, touring kayaks also work well in the ocean. A kayak that is at least 12 feet long is generally recommended for ocean kayaking.
During our touring kayak research, we found 24 touring kayak products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 121,924 customer reviews through our big data system to write the touring kayaks list. We found that most customers choose touring kayaks with an average price of $941.90.
The touring kayaks are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of touring kayaks, including Wilderness Systems, BKC, Intex, AQUAGLIDE, FOXCUP. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
Jason Kiser is an editor who lives in California, he previously worked in a travel agency for ten years, which enabled him to travel a number of interesting countries and experience several different cultures along the way. His range of job and travel experiences grant him expertise in hiking, camping, outdoors and fitness.
Touring Kayaks Comparison Table
#TOP1 | #TOP2 | #TOP3 | #TOP4 | #TOP5 | #TOP6 | #TOP7 | #TOP8 | #TOP9 | #TOP10 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Brand | Wilderness Systems | Wilderness Systems | BKC | Wilderness Systems | Intex | AQUAGLIDE | FOXCUP | TIGERXBANG | ADVANCED ELEMENTS | Pelican |
Item Weight | 56 Pounds | 51 Pounds | 55 Pounds | 68 Pounds | 35.02 Pounds | 40.24 Pounds | 26 Pounds | 11.25 Kilograms | 60 Pounds | 36 Pounds |
Material | Polyethylene (PE) | Polyethylene (PE) | Polyethylene (PE) | Polyethylene (PE) | Vinyl | Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) | PVC with Tarpaulin | Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) | Synthetic | High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) |
Color | Desert Eclipse | Eclipse | Yellow | Mango | Yellow | Green, Black | Orange/Gold Blue | Black | Blue | Yellow |
Style | Modern | Modern | Classic | Classic | 2-person | Navarro 130 | Inflatable Touring Kayak | Classic | Classic | New version |
FTB Score | ||||||||||
Where to Buy |