Nowadays, every notch on the minuscule to remortgaging price spectrum has been occupied, and with different styles. One of the more creative designs to crop up is the folding kayak.

But since there are so many options, the challenge becomes not so much which style of portable kayak to buy, but which specific model within that class best suits your needs and preferences. I hope that by comparing these two juggernaut sellers, you can determine if the Oru Kayak Inlet or the Tucktec Kayak is up your alley. Let's get into it!

ABOUT THE ORU KAYAK INLET

Price: $949 (USD)

Length: 9'6″

Width: 30″

Weight: 20 LBS (9 KG)

Capacity:  275 LBS (125 KG)

The Oru Kayak Inlet also comes with a 30-Day Satisfaction Guarantee and a 1-Year Warranty.  

ABOUT THE TUCKTEC KAYAK

Price: $499 USD

Length: 10′

Width: 30″

Weight: 28 LBS (13 KG)

Capacity: 300 LBS (136 KG)

The Tucktec Kayak comes with a 90-Day Satisfaction Guarantee and a 3-Year Warranty. 

Round 1: Portability

How much does the Oru Kayak Inlet weigh?

At a mere 20-pounds, the Oru Kayak Inlet is definitely the lighter of the two competitors. In fact, legitimate kayaks don't come much lighter than that. Also, when folded up, the Inlet makes a nice, tight, self-contained carry-case. It's basically a little briefcase. And finally, assembly only takes a few minutes and is easy to figure out. I have to give the Oru Kayak Inlet a 10/10 for portability. 

How much does the Tucktec Kayak weigh?

As for the Tucktec Kayak, this thing still only weighs in at 28-pounds and also folds into a similarly sized package. It's just not quite as slick as the Inlet. A problem I can anticipate is pieces falling out of the tube-structure when transporting it around. Assembling the Tucktec was also quick, but involved a pinch more figuring than the Inlet. Nonetheless, the Tucktec is still ridiculously portable and I give it a 9/10 in this department. 

Round 2: Stability

Are folding kayaks stable?

The Oru Kayak Inlet is a 30-inch-wide boat, so it's inherently stable while sitting flat and even balances on a slight edge reasonably well. I'd feel comfortable putting pretty much anyone in this. The Tucktec Kayak is the exact same width and also provides significant stability. You certainly don't have to be a pro to stay dry in either of these. 

Round 3: Performance

Are folding kayaks any good?

For the purposes of this comparison I looked at each kayak's speed, tracking (i.e. ability to hold a course), maneuverability, and ability to handle rougher waters. The Oru Kayak Inlet is a sub-10-foot boat and therefore, not designed for speed or traveling long distances. Rather, it aims to be a stable, fun, and portable vessel for general enjoyment. That being said, for what this kayak is, I was impressed by its ability to cut through the water and hold a line, even without a rudder or skeg. It also maneuvers very well. However, the Inlet is for flatwater and flatwater only. Whether modest river waves or wind waves, this kayak will easily swamp and send you swimming for the shore. 

As for the Tucktec, all the performance attributes of the Inlet essentially overlap with this kayak. The one extra standout is its drop-skeg system, which gives it that little extra trackability. It was a calm day when I tested this out, but with some wind, the Tucktec's skeg might come even more into play.

Can Oru Kayaks sink?

Both the Inlet and the Tucktec are for flatwater and flatwater only. Whether in modest river waves or wind waves, these kayaks will easily swamp and send you swimming for the shore.

Round 4: Durability

How many times can you fold an Oru Kayak?

Time and real-world conditions are always the true test, but Oru Kayak makes the bold claim that the Inlet is good-to-go for 10,000 folds! I can't imagine who would ever come close to that milestone. In terms of what I can ascertain from appearances, the Inlet looks solid for such a light boat and all the trim and little details look like they were well-thought-out. The 1-year warranty isn't the best deal around, but it still shows that Oru Kayak trusts their craftsmanship. 

Are folding kayaks durable?

The Tucktec Kayak is one big piece of plastic, which suggests surprising durability, again, relatively speaking for such a light boat. The weak point would of course be on the fold lines, but Tucktec has the more vulnerable ones reinforced with some extra plastic pieces. If I had to caution users about anything, it would be the little things like the tiny straps, ropes, footpegs and the foam sponsons, which seem like they would get pummeled by continued sun exposure. Nonetheless, Tucktec says that it's good for thousands of folds, and the 3-year warranty backs up that claim.

Round 5: Comfort

What are the disadvantages of folding kayaks?

Comfort is not really the Oru Kayak Inlet's strength. The back support is fine, but even though it adjusts up and down, I found that it was quite high overall. This caused it to regularly push my lifejacket up. I'd recommend you get a rec-lifejacket that has the flotation high in the back in order to compensate. Moving along, the seat pad is on the narrow side and it's quite thin. It didn't take long for my butt to start barkin'. So the whole seat is definitely an area for improvement. Otherwise, in terms of sizing, I'm 6-foot-2 with about a 34-inch inseam and I'm right at the limit for this boat. My feet were pressed against the bulkheads rather than the footpegs. I was still comfortable, lengthwise, but I wouldn't recommend that anyone taller try to paddle this thing. 

As for the Tucktec Kayak, the seat is quite cushy, but it's simply too narrow. I think if they widened it a bit then they would really have something. A clear tick in the pro column  is that the seat is slightly raised, which means your butt doesn't get wet as easily, like in the Inlet. I also appreciated the sponsons. They acted like a couple Lazy Boy arm rests and protected from the harsher edges on the boat.

I paddled around for over an hour and never found myself clipping any awkward folds or notches throughout the cockpit. So that's always encouraging! In the end, I'd say both kayaks offer similar, passable comfort, with maybe the slight edge going to the Tucktec. 

Round 6: Overall Value

Are folding kayaks worth it?

The Oru Kayak Inlet retails for $949 (USD), though it can regularly be found online for $899. That's no small chunk of change, but for a well-built, recreational kayak, that is a reasonable sum. The featherlight, highly-portable frame comes at a premium, but these attributes open the door to so many people who may not otherwise be able to own/store/transport a kayak.

I wouldn't say that the Inlet is an exceptional value, but it looks great, paddles well, and is therefore a worthwhile purchase for a sizable demographic of kayakers. 

The Tucktec Kayak is advertised at $499 (USD) but can often be found for $350. That's pretty remarkable, especially because it does its job. Saving some money isn't worth much if the kayak can't, well…kayak. Like the Inlet, the Tucktec is light, portable, and well put-together. It's not as pretty or refined as the Inlet, but obviously some concessions have to be made to get this kind of a bargain. Overall, I think it's clear that the Tucktec Kayak is a valuable package for the customers in question. 

Judges Decision: Oru Kayak Inlet vs Tucktec Kayak

Well, given that both the Oru Kayak Inlet and the Tucktec Kayak have similar attributes, only edging each other out across different metrics, the final decision really comes down to your budget, aesthetic preference, and subtle gut-feeling.

It would be hard to ignore the significantly lower price tag of the Tucktec, but it would also be hard to resist the unique design of the Oru Kayak Inlet. In either case, I hope this comparison helped you comb through some of the finer details and arrive at a confident decision. 

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Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links in which Ken Whiting earns a small commission at no additional cost to you, but it is a great way to show your support. Thanks!

The post Oru Kayak Inlet vs Tucktec: Battle of the Folding Kayaks appeared first on Hazeadventure.

ABOUT THE PAKAYAK BLUEFIN 142 KAYAK

Retail Price: $1,995 USD

Length: 14′ 2″

Width: 24″           

Weight: 59 LBS (27 KG)

Max Capacity: 300 LBS (136 KG)

Best Use: TOURING

The Bluefin 142 uses a tongue-and-groove connection, with stainless steel sealing latches and silicone gaskets for waterproofing. It comes with a zippered carry bag that has wheels and backpack straps. Like most touring kayaks, the Pakayak comes with deck bungees and perimeter lines. There are two hatches that access separate waterproof compartments. In the cockpit, you've got a back band, a contoured foam seat, and adjustable foot pegs. One last note, the kayak comes ready for a rudder to be installed, if that's what you decide is best for you. 

Where is Pakayak made? 

The Pakayak Bluefin 142 is designed, molded, and assembled in the United States. 

How portable is the Pakayak Bluefin 142? 

For what you get with the Bluefin 142, the fact that it packs down into an equipment bag is pretty awesome. Being able to fit a 14-foot hard-shelled kayak into something that you can wheel around makes portability relatively easy when compared to a standard kayak. Just be aware, it is much heavier than other portable/inflatable kayaks out there.  

How heavy is the Bluefin 142 kayak?

The Pakayak Bluefin 142 is 59-pounds, and probably more like 65-pounds with the pack. So it's not a light kit to move around, especially compared to other portable models. Again, for what's included, and the quality of the kayak you're getting, any kind of enhanced portability is impressive. You just won't want to carry this long distances. 

Is the Bluefin 142 kayak easy to assemble? 

Absolutely. I was blown-away by how easily this thing came together. Pakayak claims an assembly time of under 3-minutes, and that's about exactly how long it took on my first try. Not only did it assemble quickly and easily, but the way it went together inspired confidence for how it would hold up on the water. 

Is the Pakayak Bluefin comfortable? 

Typically, portable kayaks sacrifice a bit of comfort compared to their standard rivals. Does that hold true for the Payakak Bluefin 142? You betcha. But that's not to say it's an uncomfortable kayak. It simply pales in comparison to a classic hard-shell of the same class. However, the contour foam seat did its job. After 2 hours on the water my butt wasn't sore at all. The back band was passable, but I did start to notice the straps towards the end. I think that's more so because I was playing around with the edges so much. Since this kayak doesn't have hip pads, I was leaning soley into the straps to catch my shifting weight. If you were just casually paddling, then you might not experience the same result. They did provide great support though!

In terms of space, I'm 6-feet, 2-inches tall, with fairly long legs. I was comfortable, lengthwise, but I am also probably the max height for this kayak. I didn't even use the footpegs, as my feet were pressed right up against the bulkhead. That being said, there is lots of room around the cockpit, which I appreciated. 

How stable is the Bluefin 142 kayak?

At 24-inches wide, the Bluefin 142 is designed with performance in mind. But even so, I felt it had solid primary stability (i.e. how the kayak feels when you're just sitting flat). There were no unexpected wobbles or anything during my paddle test. The secondary stability (how it feels when putting the kayak on edge) is decent, but not exceptional. What that tells me is that the Bluefin 142 was designed primarily for speed, rather than aggressive edging or other high-paddling performance in rough conditions. It's not that it can't do that, it's just not the focus. Every kayak has to pick a lane, and this one aims for portability and paddling efficiency. 

Is the Pakayak Bluefin 142 a touring kayak?

It certainly is! If I didn't assemble the Pakayak Bluefin 142 myself and just plopped in for a spin, I would have thought I was in a normal sea kayak. It doesn't feel like a standard, portable/recreation design. However, it is inescapable that portability and performance naturally detract from each other. Relative to other portable kayaks, the Pakayak is surprisingly efficient. However, it's not quite as fast or maneuverable as classic touring kayaks in the same price range. And that's just because of basic physics. I could tell that certain aspects of its design had to be that way in order to facilitate assembly. But overall, it strikes a great balance. It's a perfectly portable kayak (albeit a heavier one) and it's well-suited for flat-water touring. Even without a skeg, it tracks wonderfully, it accelerates nicely, and it maintains a commendable pace. That combined with its stowage capabilities and you've got yourself a great boat for getting from A to B, across a moderate range of conditions.

Who is the Bluefin 142 kayak for?

The Bluefin 142 is an excellent choice for anyone who wants a solid touring kayak but also needs it to be portable (whether because of lack of storage, suitable means of transportation, or simply because they want something that can pack and drag/carry). This boat will be great for longer distance adventures, especially ones that don't involve exceptionally rough conditions. I would feel comfortable taking the Bluefin 142 into Class 1 or Class 2 rapids, but I wouldn't push it further unless I was committed to getting wet. The main reason for that is that there aren't any thigh hooks to keep you locked in. And if you did flip, it would be harder to roll without that grip. The back deck is also relatively high in this kayak, and so it would require more of a modified roll. Not impossible, just not ideal. On that note, prospective Pakayak owners should make sure they have a high back, recreational lifejacket, as my standard sea kayaking vest kept getting pushed up by the deck, which meant a lot of readjusting. 

Is the Pakayak Bluefin 142 worth it?

$1,995 (USD) is not a cheap kayak by any stretch of the imagination. However, folks familiar with the range of high performing touring kayaks will know that the price tags can shoot well north of this. Plus, portability always comes with an added cost, especially when the performance quality is so well preserved in the process. If portability and performance/touring capabilities are important to you then yes, the Pakayak Bluefin 142 is well worth it. Dare I say, it's one of the best!

Pakayak vs Oru Comparison

The Pakayak Bluefin 142 and the Oru Kayak Inlet are both portable designs, but otherwise showcase different strengths. The Oru utilizes a slick, origami-inspired assembly. This makes for a much lighter and, therefore, more transportable kayak. However, it's not as fast as the Pakayak, nor does it have the stowage/touring capabilities. On the other hand, Pakayak does excel in terms of paddling efficiency, and it has two waterproof compartments for multi-day trips, but this stems from a beefier package that isn't as easy to lug around. For more information about the Oru Kayak Inlet, check out my full review. 

I'm so glad all my supporters encouraged me to try the Bluefin 142. I hope you enjoyed this article as much as I enjoyed investigating it. For more information, check out my gear reviews, tips, and adventures on PaddleTV.

The post Pakayak Bluefin 142 Review: Best Portable Kayak? appeared first on Hazeadventure.

The portable kayak market has been on fire lately. This is for two main reasons. First, it solves the problem of storage for anyone lacking the space for a full-size kayak. And second, transporting these types of kayaks is much easier than traditional hard-shell models.

For a long time there were two options for portable designs: inflatable kayaks and skin-on-frame kayaks – both of which have their pros and cons. Oru Kayak has recently shaken up the game by introducing folding recreational kayaks that assemble like origami. I got a chance to test out the Oru Kayak Inlet and will be breaking down my findings throughout this review. How does it perform compared to other kayaks? Does it come with some trade-offs of its own? And is it a worthwhile purchase for its intended audience?

ABOUT THE ORU KAYAK INLET KAYAK

Retail Price: $899 USD

Length: 9′ 8″

Width: 31″          

Weight: 20 LBS (9 KG)

Max Capacity: 275 LBS (125 KG)

Best Use: Calm Water 

Is the Oru Kayak Inlet portable and easy to assemble?

Inside the Oru Kayak Inlet is a scannable QR code that links to a helpful assembly video. Some of the best kayaking spots don't have the strongest cell service so just make sure to give it a watch before setting out for your excursion.

Assembly time for the Oru Kayak Inlet

My first attempt at assembly only took 5 to 6 minutes. Oru Kayak claims a 3 to 5 minute assembly time, which is probably accurate once you get familiar with the combination of buckles, ropes, velco, and bulkheads on each side. 

Portability of folding kayaks and weight

In terms of portability, it doesn't get any better than this! The Inlet folds into a glorified suitcase that weighs a mere 20 LBS.  This might be the first kayak I’ve ever carried where your paddle is more awkward to carry than the boat! 

Is the Oru Kayak Inlet stable?

The Inlet is the kind of kayak that anyone can settle into and feel stable and confident from the outset. This isn’t overly surprising, because 31” is quite wide for a sit-inside kayak. This indicates that it’s designed for stability more than performance. 

Are the Oru Kayaks durable?

Even though the Inlet assembles from one sheet of material into a lightweight frame, it doesn't feel flimsy at all. In terms of durability, Oru Kayak claims the frame will last for 20,000 folds. I do believe this to be true, as long as this kayak is used on flat water. I'm just not sure how well it will hold up to some good hits on rocks. Your best bet is to avoid answering that question altogether by sticking to on-label use. 

What is the performance of the Oru Kayak Inlet?

I was pleased to find that the Oru Kayak Inlet met my expectations. Especially for how a sub-10-foot, recreational kayak should perform. It's not a speed demon, but it’s not a slug either.  It also tracks (goes straight) pretty well for a kayak that has neither a rudder or a skeg. Furthermore, the Inlet is a responsive kayak – able to turn quickly and without issue. 

I had some minor blips in the beginning as I adapted to the unique frame design. My thumbs got banged up a couple of times while paddling but was soon able to adjust my stroke to the angles of the mid-section of the boat.

I did also accumulate a little water in the kayak. Water was not from leakage. The deck design is so open that the water drips from my paddle eventually built up. Not a huge deal, but if this sounds like a nuisance to you, Oru Kayak offers other models that aren’t quite as open in design, which therefore accommodates more aggressive paddling. 

Is the Oru Kayak comfortable?

A benefit of the kayak’s open design is that it enhances its comfort. It's certainly nice to be able to sit cross-legged in a kayak!

As with many portable models, the seat is a weakness in the Oru Kayak Inlet. Unfortunately, the base pad isn't contoured or form-fitted for your butt. The back band provides some solid support but it's simply not as robust as something that would come with a fixed, or hard-shelled kayak. 

At 6′ 2″, I'm certainly at the long end of compatibility for this boat. If you're any taller than that then you'll need to find another option. Because of my height, I didn't end up using the foot brace as a shorter person would. That being said, I was still able to tell that the foot brace system is well-designed and gives reasonable purchase/leverage while paddling.

Oru Kayak Inlet features

As would be expected from a 20 LB folding kayak, the Inlet doesn't really have any features to expound on. There aren't any gear tracks or other accessory add-ons. The Inlet simply delivers the basics in order to make kayaking accessible to anyone. 

Who is the Oru Kayak Inlet for?

The Oru Kayak Inlet is a great option for anyone short on storage space or has limited options for transportation, and/or for anyone that wants an ultralight kayak. The truth of the matter is that most portable kayaks are still in the 40-50 pound range, and so at 20 pounds, the Inlet is one of the lightest kayaks available on the market.

I can see it working particularly well for people in urban environments who need something they can easily stash in their apartment, and maybe even rock an Uber to the lake with. 

Aside from its portability, the Inlet is for recreational paddlers who simply want to get on the water and paddle around.  It’s not the type of kayak you get to cover significant water, or to deal with windy or wavy conditions.  It’s the equivalent of a cruiser bike, designed for casual tours on warm summer days.

Is the Oru Kayak Inlet worth the price?

The Oru Kayak Inlet performs as well as I expected a short, lightweight, portable kayak to perform.  In my opinion, it compares to a hard-shell kayak in the $500 – $600 class. The additional cost for the Inlet goes into the portability and storage advantages. If that is a priority for you, or if you find yourself in circumstances where those features are essential for even owning a kayak, then this is a worthwhile investment.

Furthermore, the 20 pound weight of this kayak is incredible. Kayaks just don’t come lighter than this!  Some expected concessions are to be made in terms of comfort, but overall, the Inlet is a wonderfully made kayak that is easy to manage. I was impressed with the unique, Origami-style assembly and pleased to see how much integrity can come from such simplicity. 

I hope you enjoyed this article. For more information, check out my gear reviews, tips, and adventures on PaddlingTV. 

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links in which Ken Whiting earns a small commission at no additional cost to you, but it is a great way to show your support. Thanks!

The post Oru Kayak Inlet Review appeared first on Hazeadventure.