Are you trying to find touring kayaks among various brands on the market but aren’t sure where to begin? To assist you in finding the right one, we’ve put together a list of the 7 best to help you pick the perfect one!
We investigated and evaluated a number of the top-selling touring kayaks on the market in order to create our list of the best. Making a decision among the many options available is never simple. There are an infinite number of models available, each with a distinct price. And as you’ll find out, the best options aren’t usually the ones you imagine! This comparison is rich and relevant because of the numerous factors that were employed. You will find products featured in this ranking not only based on their pricing but also on their features and other customers reviews. To write this review, we completed 28 hours of research and did 67 touring kayaks tests. You won’t need to pick products at random any more. If you’re unsure of what to look for, browse our list and consult the buying guide!
An overview of our top picks
Table of contents
The best touring kayaks you can buy today
- The Swiss army knife of touring kayaks; the 145 model is ideal for larger paddlers
- Exceptionally fast, yet stable in all conditions
- Features the most comfortable kayak seat out there to keep you on the water longer
- Easily adjustable Slidelock XL foot rests accommodate paddlers of different sizes; adjustable padded thigh braces add comfort and allow for a good connection with the kayak
- Two mesh gear pockets on deck keep your important smaller items secure and within easy reach
- Two storage hatches and bulkheads: large oval hatch in rear and smaller round hatch in the bow; sealed bulkheads in bow and stern provides water-resistant storage in hatches and more buoyancy for added safety
- Under deck water bottle holder keeps your water bottle close and out of the way
- Boat Length: 14' 6"
- Boat Weight: 56 lbs
- Maximum Capacity: 350 lbs
- A touring kayak that excels in tight, twisting environments
- Ideal day tripper for medium to large paddlers
- Features the most comfortable kayak seat out there to keep you on the water longer; the adjustable, Phase 3 AirPro Tour Seat trims forward and back and has improved back strap routing for extra comfort
- Easily adjustable Slidelock XL foot rests accommodate paddlers of different sizes; adjustable padded thigh braces add comfort and allow for a good connection with the kayak
- Two mesh gear pockets on deck keep your important smaller items secure and within easy reach
- Two storage hatches and bulkheads: large oval hatch in rear and smaller round hatch in the bow; sealed bulkheads in bow and stern provides water-resistant storage in hatches and more buoyancy for added safety
- Under deck water bottle holder keeps your water bottle close and out of the way
- Boat Length: 12' 9"
- Boat Weight: 51 lbs
- Maximum Capacity: 300 lbs; Sport type: Boating
- Mid-sized paddlers will relish the performance of this award-winning kayak
- Winner of sea kayaker magazine Reader's choice Award For "best day and weekend touring kayak"
- Named "best beginners kayak: sea" - outside online (6/02)
- Boat length: 17'
- Boat weight: 57 lbs.
- Sport type: Boating
- 【High Strength Structure Support up to 507 LBS 】 The kayak is made of reinforced laminate PVC with mesh, which is puncture-proof, sun-proof and wear-resistance to endure long periods of wave impact. Moreover, the anti-slip floor is high strength and resistant to high pressure for a long lifespan.
- 【Safe, Flexible & Steady Rowing】 This 12.5FT inflatable kayak with premium 3 chamber construction will ensure a safe rowing. Equipped with 2 double-bladed aluminum paddles, the kayak is lightweight to operate and not easy to sink. More importantly, our kayak comes with 2 fins for simple direction control, making it easy to master for beginners.
- 【2 Comfortable & Adjustable Seats】 The 2-person kayak features 2 adjustable EVA seats, which will soothe your fatigue with high back support. And the 3-level adjustable footrest ensures a relaxed sitting position, making our kayak a perfect choice to enjoy a wonderful time with your partners on water.
- 【Easy to Setup & Portable】 You can open the valve, make the valve pin in ”up” position and connect to the air pump, then the kayak can be quickly inflated with a maximum pressure of 2.18 PSI. Note: The pressure gauge needle will move until the canoe is plump. When not in use, you can deflate the kayak and store it in the carry bag for easy transport. Besides, 4 handles enable you effortlessly move it to the beach.
- 【Multiple Humanized Details】 Considering some emergencies, the kayak kit includes a repair kit (patch and wrench). And the elastic rope in the front and rear can hold some necessary belongings. Besides, there is a drain hole to avoid water in the boat. And the 89’’ 3-section detachable paddle can be easily stored on 2 sides with fixing buckles.
- Customizable Comfort: Our Zone adjustable seating system adapts to your needs, ensuring maximum comfort on long paddling adventures.
- Comprehensive Storage: Benefit from the large, sealed dry storage compartments at the front and rear. Keep your gear safe, secure, and easily accessible.
- Versatile Design: This 12-foot sit-inside touring kayak boasts excellent tracking and easy handling. Perfect for calm lakes, slow-moving rivers, and coastal explorations.
- Built to Last: This durable kayak is proudly made in the USA, ensuring long-lasting reliability and top-notch quality.
- Generous Capacity: Supports a maximum weight of 275 lbs, offering plenty of room for you and your equipment. Experience the perfect balance of stability and performance.
- Portable and Easy to Use: With a high pressure hand pump, the Beyond Marina Inflatable Kayak with Drop Stitch Bottom inflates to a full size kayak in less than 5 minutes, making it perfect for spontaneous adventures. Hull lightweight design at 25.35 lb allows for easy transport and maneuvering.
- Share Adventurer with Ease: Our Tandem Kayak comfortably fits two person with a weight capacity of 507 lb, allowing you to share your water adventures with a friend or loved one. With an exterior size of 12.5' x 36.5" x16.95" and a drop stitch bottom construction, you'll enjoy ultimate balance and stability on calm or choppy waters, giving you the peace of mind to focus on your adventure.
- Built to Last: Made with reinforced double layered PVC, the ADVENTURER Kayak is designed for durability and puncture resistance, even in challenging water conditions. Its high-pressure drop-stitch bottom and tri-chamber construction further enhance stability, making it a sturdy and reliable choice for all your kayaking needs.
- EVERYTHING INCLUDED: Our Kayak offers exceptional value for its price, including everything you need to get started. The package includes a blow up kayak, seat, quick-release fin, high-pressure pump, storage bag, and repair kit, as well as 2 x adjustable EVA padded seats, 2 x aluminum kayak paddles with ergonomic grip handles, 2 x adjustable footrests, and 2 x fins.
- SECOND TO NONE SERVICE: Tri-chamber construction serves for ultimate balance & stability while kayaking. As a brand player, we always stand behind our products. Just paddle around and enjoy the outdoors with the support of BEYOND MARINA's 24/7 commitment.
- 【Inflatable Kayak for 2 Person Adult】The inflatable raft: 118 IN * 41.3 IN, inner edge width: 17.7 IN, capacity: 600 lbs. This inflatable boat is perfect for boating or fishing as a 2-person adult, ideal for families or couples to experience the fun of boating, get close to nature and relax .
- 【High Quality Material】Our inflatable dinghy kayaks are made of 3 layers of 0.6mm thick PVC material with good tear and break resistance. There are grab rope lines all around to do safety protection, and the V-shaped air chamber design greatly reduces the resistance of water, not easy to capsize.
- 【Easy Installation】The installation of inflatable touring kayaks is quick and easy, it can be assembled or disassembled within 10 minutes. The weight of the inflatable kayak is about 31.96 lbs, and the kayak can be easily folded and carried after deflating.
- 【Motor can be installed】If you need to mount the motor, please order the outboard motor mount from our store, otherwise it is not applicable because other motors carry motor mounts that do not match our boat's.
- 【Package List】2-person inflatable raft boat* 1pc, super tough inflatable bottom* 1pc, inflation cushion* 2pc, paddles* 2pc, manual air pump(with five detachable air nozzles)* 1pc, portable carry bag* 1pc,repair kit(1 inflation port wrench, 3 repair pieces)* 1pc.
- 【Product Warranty】We check the quality of all our products before shipping, and they are all backed by the manufacturer's guarantee. If you have any problem, please feel free to contact us and we will try our best to handle it for you.
- NOTE: Please note that ship registration laws vary from state to state and consult the nearest vehicle authority for local regulations.
- TOURING AND RECREATIONAL KAYAK - The Almanor series is designed with a long waterline for speed and long glides. This folding kayak is great for distance paddling, best used on flat water and mild ocean chop.
- EVA PADDED HIGH BACK SEATS - Save your rear and your back. Our seats provide a high level of cushion and support, and can be adjusted for just about any seating position. Our foldable kayaks for adults are made of premium high performance materials.
- HULL DESIGN - Hull is made with rugged 600d polyester for long-life fun and UV protection. Uses industry best 24 gauge air bladders. With durability and safety at its core the Almanor 146 was engineered to perform at peak levels
- PACKAGE INCLUDES - (2) Adjustable EVA Padded Seat with High Back Support, (2) Dual Blade Kayak Paddle, (1) Deluxe Dual Action Pump, (1) Quick-release fin, (2) Foot Rest, and (1) Travel Bag
- KAYAK SPECIFICATIONS - Exterior: 13’(L) x 39”(W) / Weight: 33 Lbs. / Capacity: 400 Lbs. 2 Adults, Gear, or a Furry Friend / Inflation Time: 9 Mins. / Inflation Pressure: 2 PSI Side Tubes & 1 PSI Floor
- The Navarro 130 inspires confidence with its stable straight-line tracking. It provides a high level of comfort ideal for year-round solo paddling in any weather conditions.
- Dimensions: 13’ (401 cm) L x 37.3” (95 cm) W x 14.5” (37 cm) H x 10.5″ tube diameter.
- Capacity: 1-person | 300 lb. (136 kg) max weight.
- Best For: recreational 1-person touring and all-around use.
- Hull Weight: 30.6 lbs / 13.9 kgs
- Embark on an adventure with the Perception Expression 11.5, your perfect first "sit inside kayak", proudly made in the USA. This sit-in kayak offers a blend of comfort and performance, making it an ideal companion for water expeditions.
- Experience unmatched comfort in this sit-in kayak with an adjustable, cushioned ergonomic seat that adjusts in all directions. The tilt-adjust seat bottom provides optimal thigh support, assuring a perfect paddling position.
- This sit inside kayak caters to all paddlers with quick-adjust footrests for personalized comfort. Plus, spacious dry storage accommodates all your gear conveniently.
- The Perception Expression 11.5, a superior sit in kayak, features an easy-entry cockpit compatible with a spray skirt for added dryness. The retractable skeg ensures versatile maneuverability and straight tracking across various water types - recreational, slow-moving rivers, calm coastal areas, open ocean, and ocean surf.
- With a length of 11' 6" (353 cm) and a weight of 44 lbs, this sit inside kayak offers optimal balance and stability for a broad range of paddlers. Embrace the outdoor lifestyle and dive into exciting water adventures with the Perception Expression 11.5.
- BRIGHT BLUE inflatable kayak is a compact and durable recreational inflatable kayak equipped with several unique features that make it perfect for fun on the water! With a multi-layer construction, multiple grab handles, bungee deck lacing, high-back seats, a pointed bow with rocker, and 3 tracking fins for enhanced performance, the inflatable kayak is ready for your next adventure.
- This inflatable kayak comes with kayak boat,Carrying Duffel backpack, Dual-Action hand pump, 2 Seats, 2 2-bladed paddles,Dry pouch,3 Removable Tracking Fins.
- Easy To Set Up: Simply unfold, inflate and attach the seats.
- Comfortable: High support, adjustable padded seats provide comfort for hours of paddling.
- Special Durable:Strong Polyester tube covers and heavy-duty PVC Tarpaulin hull material for extreme puncture resistance.
- Versatile: 3 Seat locations allow for paddling solo or tandem.
- Good Stability: High-volume side tubes provide good stability and buoyancy.
- 1 YEAR MANUFACTURERS WARRANTY - BRIGHT BLUE's inflatable Stand up paddle boards are covered from any workmanship or material defect for a period of 1 YEAR. Does not apply to accessories.
- 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞: Discover unmatched stability and endless customization for every kayaking journey, perfect for paddlers of all levels.
- 𝟐𝐱 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐆𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬: Customize your kayaking experience with two rear accessory gear tracks, providing versatility for mounting fishing gear, photography equipment, and more.
- 𝐒𝐤𝐞𝐠 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠: Navigate with precision using the built-in skeg system, ensuring stable and controlled movements for an enhanced tracking experience.
- 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬: Safely stow your small essentials in the small front deck plate hatch and your larger essentials in the two rubber-covered storage hatches, each equipped with bulkheads for added waterproof protection and structural support.
- 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐃𝐫𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐡 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲: Experience a dry interior thanks to advanced materials and design features that keep water out.
- 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: Experience top-notch comfort with the Flex 4 padded seat featuring an adjustable contoured backrest, ensuring a cozy and ergonomic seating position during your kayaking adventures.
- The Swiss army knife of touring kayaks; the 145 model is ideal for larger paddlers
- Exceptionally fast, yet stable in all conditions
- Features the most comfortable kayak seat out there to keep you on the water longer
- Easily adjustable Keepers XL foot rests accommodate paddlers of different sizes; adjustable padded thigh braces add comfort and allow for a good connection with the kayak
- Two mesh gear pockets on deck keep your important smaller items secure and within easy reach; under deck water bottle holder keeps your water bottle close and out of the way
- Two storage hatches and bulkheads: large oval hatch in rear and smaller round hatch in the bow; sealed bulkheads in bow and stern provides water-resistant storage in hatches and more buoyancy for added safety
- For additional control and tracking this kayak is outfitted with a rudder
- Boat Length: 14' 6"
- Boat weight: 59 lbs
- Maximum Capacity: 350 lbs
- Upgraded Features: Additional storage in this kayak includes a front hatch with bungee cord and a rear tank well with mesh deck cover to give you plenty of space to store your personal items. Features also include a cockpit table with compartments and a bottle holder as well as molded footrests for your comfort.
- Stable: The shallow V-chine hull offers better manoeuverability and tracking while giving you increased secondary stability. This kayak is made for the recreational paddler looking for better performance.
- Safe: Added floating blocks on each side of the kayak along with a flatter hull type ensures you safety and peace of mind during your ride. Holds a maximum capacity of 275 lb.
- Comfortable: Paddle in comfort with an adjustable ERGOFORM padded backrest with ERGOBASE seat cushion.
- Lightweight: Our kayaks being made with exceptionally durable high molecular density polyethylene, less material is needed to produce each boat. At 10 ft and weighing only 36 lb, it makes the perfect kayak for those looking for easy storage and transportation.
- 【2 Person Heavy Duty Kayak】GYMAX tandem kayak is made of water-resistant & puncture-proof reinforced laminated PVC, which is leak-free and could hold up to 507lbs. Measuring 12.5ft, this inflatable kayak could accommodate 2 adults comfortably.
- 【Cozy Fishing & Touring on Water】Coming with 2 padded EVA seat with backrest and 3-position footrest, GYMAX kayak would enable you have great time on water. The seats are adjustable and removable for flexible space use.
- 【Easy Setup】A hand pump will come with the kayak, helping to inflate the fishing kayak. Meanwhile, 3 independent air chambers make inflation and deflation and easier and faster.
- 【Portable Design】Featuring a carry handle, this 39lbs kayak is easy to move around. The aluminum paddles are also detachable, which could be separated into 3 sections. When deflated, the whole set could be stored in the included carry bag for transport.
- 【Complete Set & Storage Bag】GYMAX kayak set includes a 2-person kayak, 2 aluminum paddles, 2 seats with backrests, 2 fins, 1 carrying bag and 1 repair kit. And the zipper bag behind seats and bungee cords at front part of the boat offers convenient storage space.
- Embark on an adventure with the Perception Expression 11.5, your perfect first "sit inside kayak", proudly made in the USA. This sit-in kayak offers a blend of comfort and performance, making it an ideal companion for water expeditions.
- Experience unmatched comfort in this sit-in kayak with an adjustable, cushioned ergonomic seat that adjusts in all directions. The tilt-adjust seat bottom provides optimal thigh support, assuring a perfect paddling position.
- This sit inside kayak caters to all paddlers with quick-adjust footrests for personalized comfort. Plus, spacious dry storage accommodates all your gear conveniently.
- The Perception Expression 11.5, a superior sit in kayak, features an easy-entry cockpit compatible with a spray skirt for added dryness. The retractable skeg ensures versatile maneuverability and straight tracking across various water types - recreational, slow-moving rivers, calm coastal areas, open ocean, and ocean surf.
- With a length of 11' 6" (353 cm) and a weight of 44 lbs, this sit inside kayak offers optimal balance and stability for a broad range of paddlers. Embrace the outdoor lifestyle and dive into exciting water adventures with the Perception Expression 11.5.
- Designed to cover longer distances; ideal for multi-day trips
- Suitable for mid-to-large sized paddlers
- Features the most comfortable kayak seat out there to keep you on the water longer
- Easily adjustable Keepers XL foot rests accommodate paddlers of different sizes; adjustable padded thigh braces add comfort and allow for a good connection with the kayak
- Three storage hatches and bulkheads: sealed bulkheads provide water-resistant storage in hatches and more buoyancy for added safety
- Course control rudder included to help steer in winds or currents
- Ergonomic soft touch handles make carrying more comfortable
- Boat length: 17' 6"
- Boat weight: 68 lbs
- Max Capacity: 400 lbs; Sport type: Kayaking
- Optimized for hull speed and paddling efficiency, the Chelan 140 is perfect for tandem outings, larger solo paddlers, or carrying extra gear.
- DIMENSIONS: 13’6” (413 cm) L x 35” (89 cm) W x 12” (30.5 cm) H x 10.5″ tube diameter.
- CAPACITY: 1 or 2-person | 400 lb. (181 kg) max weight.
- BEST FOR: 1 or 2-person performance touring
- HULL WEIGHT: 35 lbs / 15.8 kgs
- FEATURES A SUPER RIGID, high pressure, drop stitch floor that sits on top of an outside floor and 2 Part 8 Foot Carbon-Fiberglass Shaft Paddle
- RIGID EXTERNAL DROP STITCH CONSTRUCTED NEEDLEKNIFE inflatable keel allows the FastTrack to paddle far faster and straighter than other inflatable kayaks.
- REMOVABLE REAR SKEG keeps kayak tracking straight and true. Can be removed for whitewater use.
- SLEEK CURVED TOURING SHAPE. "Exterior: 12'6"" x 3' / Hull Weight: 35 lbs. / Capacity: 3 Persons or 635 lbs."
- WHITEWATER RATING: Suitable up to Class II / 2 High-capacity self-bailing drain valves
- Experience the perfect balance of comfort and performance with the Old Town Castine 145 Touring Kayak, designed to feel custom-fit for larger-sized paddlers.
- The Castine 145's Active Comfort System 2.0 seat with low-profile backrest creates the most advanced and comfortable cockpit available.
- Packed with features, the Castine 145 includes removable slide-track day storage, bow and stern Quick Seal hatches with Cross Lock, adjustable foot and thigh braces, bow and stern carry handles, and more.
- If desired, this touring kayak can be fitted with a rudder, providing added control during challenging conditions. (Castine Rudder Kit sold separately.)
- This fourteen-foot, six-inch kayak has an exceptional 450-pound maximum load capacity and features a limited lifetime warranty. Paddle sold separately.
- Phone cradle
- Adjustable foot braces
- Deck rigging rope & bungees
- Bow & stern carry handles
- Rudder ready (rudder sold separately)
How to choose a good touring kayaks
Does the idea of finding a fantastic touring kayaks make you anxious? When it comes to purchasing this product, specifically when deciding which model to select, has your head been spinning between options? You are not alone if that is the case. We are aware of the pressure involved in the purchasing process!
Your presence here indicates that you are interested in touring kayaks. Before choosing which product would be the best for your needs after being inundated with information, locate a reliable source with genuine selections. You can get that information from a variety of sources, including buying guides and rating websites, word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and family, online discussion forums where users can share their own experiences, product reviews that can be found all over the internet, and YouTube channels. You can only get the right product through exhaustive analysis. But you realize that’s not always simple. In order to ease your concerns, we have taken the time to develop a list of the top touring kayaks products available right now. You might be wondering how we came up with the list. How was this buying guide developed?
First, we used our algorithms to gather as much reliable data as we could about these products. To verify all the data gathered, we used both artificial intelligence and a lot of algorithms.
Then, our experts used criteria that are recognized in the business to evaluate them according to their quality to price ratio, allowing us to choose the top touring kayaks on the market right now!
The selection of the goods is not arbitrary. Before creating a list, we take into account a number of factors. Below are some of the criteria discussed:
Brand Value: What happens if you choose a dubious brand just because it appears to be a good deal? So the likelihood of receiving a product with a short shelf life increases. That is due to the fact that well-known brands have a reputation to uphold, while others do not. Top touring kayaks brands strive to provide some distinctive traits that set them apart from the competition. So, hopefully one or more of the items on our list will be perfect for you.
Features: Useful features are all you need, not tons of them. We consider the important aspects and select the top touring kayaks based on those.
Specifications: Numbers always help you measure the quality of a product in a quantitative way. We try to find products with higher specifications, but with the right balance.
Quality: A product’s quality may always be quantified with the aid of numbers. We look for goods with better standards that strike the proper balance. The best quality product that gets highly appreciated and recommended by experienced users.
Customer ratings: Would it be accurate to suggest that the touring kayaks were used by hundreds of customers before you? Superior ratings indicate that many customers had better service.
Customer Reviews: Like ratings, provide you with accurate and reliable information about the product from genuine customers. Customer ratings are very important to all of us because they contain accurate and reliable information about the customer service we received from several hundred customers.
Seller Rank: This is very intriguing! Not only do you need a good touring kayaks, you also need a product with rising sales that is trendy. It accomplishes two goals. First, the expanding user base proves the quality of the product. Second, given that number, producers must be able to offer greater quality and after-sales support.
Value: You get what you pay for, they say, so consider the value. Cheap isn’t always good and expensive isn’t always bad. However, that does not imply that spending a lot of money on a product that is flashy but underwhelming is a good idea. Before adding them to the list, we make an effort to evaluate how much value you can get for your money from your touring kayaks.
Durability: Durability and reliability are closely related concepts. You will benefit from a strong and long-lasting touring kayaks for months and years to come.
Product availability: Products come and go, and new ones replace the old ones. Most likely, a few new features and required changes were made. What use is it to use a supposedly good product if the maker no longer supports it? We make an effort to highlight products that are current and offered by one or more trustworthy sellers, if not more.
Negative Reviews: Yes, we do take that into account as well! The goods with the majority of bad reviews are filtered out and disregarded when we choose the best-rated one on the market.
These are the standards by which we selected our touring kayaks. Do we end our process there? Hell no. The most crucial fact about us that you should be aware of is that we regularly update our website with current and pertinent information. We have one more layer of filtration since we place the greatest importance on reader satisfaction. Please let us know if any product included here is incorrect, irrelevant, subpar, or simply out of date. We always value your opinions, and we’ll work hard to make any necessary corrections to our list in response to them.
Why should you believe us?
There are now thousands of possibilities for these products on Amazon, but choosing the best one can be difficult and time-consuming. And what touring kayaks should you purchase in 2022?
This guide is the result of more than 10 years of experience in researching, testing and writing about many topics. Each member of our team is an authority in their area. We read every article we could find online and every consumer review on every retail website for seven hours. Additionally, we discovered a ton of websites that offered helpful resources, including buying tips and thorough information on touring kayaks.
