Touring kayaks are an excellent way to explore freshwater and coastal waters. They are fast, stable and comfortable, making them perfect for paddling long distances. Touring kayaks come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so there is a perfect boat for every individual. Whether you are an experienced kayaker looking to cover long distances or a novice looking for a comfortable first-time experience, there are many great options available. In this guide, we will discuss the different types of touring kayaks, the features to look for, and the best touring kayaks on the market.
Best Touring Kayaks
| Rank | Product Name | Score |
|---|---|---|
|
1
 |
Sun Dolphin Aruba 12 SS
|
9. 7
|
|
2
 |
Oru Kayak Beach LT
|
9. 5
|
|
3
 |
Riot Edge LV Flatwater
|
9. 1
|
|
4
 |
Pakayak Bluefin
|
8. 8
|
|
5
 |
Perception Carolina 12
|
8. 6
|
|
6
 |
Riot Brittany
|
8. 2
|
|
7
 |
Wilderness System Tempest 165
|
8. 0
|
|
8
 |
Old Town Castine 140
|
7 .7
|
1. Sun Dolphin Aruba 12 SS
The Sun Dolphin Aruba 12 SS is a great kayak for recreational users looking for a stable and reliable, yet reasonably priced craft. The 12-foot long, 33-inch wide kayak is lightweight and tracks well, making it easy to handle and launch. Its flat bottom and shallow arch hull design provide excellent stability while still maintaining good speed. It also features adjustable foot pegs, a comfortable backrest, and adjustable thigh braces for a secure and comfortable ride. The kayak is constructed of UV stabilized Fortiflex high density polyethylene, making it durable and long-lasting. It also comes with a 5-year warranty for added peace of mind. All in all, the Sun Dolphin Aruba 12 SS is an excellent kayak for recreational users, offering great value for money.
- Ultra-lightweight and durable stainless steel frame
- Removable swivel seat with adjustable height and padded cushion
- Large open cockpit with protective thigh pads
- Protective molded plastic cover for the bow
- Storage compartment with shock cord deck rigging
- Two flush mount rod holders and carrying handles
- Lightweight and easy to paddle
- UV-stabilized Fortiflex® High Density Polyethylene Hull
2. Oru Kayak Beach LT
I recently purchased the Oru Kayak Beach LT and am so pleased with it. It is incredibly lightweight and easy to transport and store, making it a great option for those who are short on space or want to be able to take their kayak with them on their travels. The setup is incredibly quick and it is extremely stable when in the water. I love how it allows you to explore shallow waters since it is only 12 feet long. On top of that, the Oru Kayak Beach LT is surprisingly comfortable and easy to paddle. All in all, I’m so happy with my purchase and would highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for an affordable, portable, and well-made kayak.
- Lightweight and durable for easy transport
- Folds down to the size of a suitcase for easy storage
- Made from high-grade UV-protected polypropylene
- Comes with an adjustable backrest and footrests
- Features an adjustable bungee system for storing gear
- Features a patented ‘Origami-style’ folding design
- Comes with a splash guard, adjustable seat straps, and thigh braces
- Features two carry handles for easy maneuvering
- Features a rigging system for mounting accessories
3. Riot Edge LV Flatwater
I recently purchased the Riot Edge LV Flatwater kayak and I’m totally in love with it! It’s lightweight and easy to transport, so I can take it anywhere with ease. The performance is also great, and it moves through the water with a smooth and stable glide. The low profile of the kayak also provides excellent stability, making it a great choice for beginner and expert kayakers alike. I especially appreciate the comfort and convenience of the adjustable footrests and the adjustable backrest. The storage space is also great, with plenty of room for all my gear. Overall, I’m very pleased with my purchase of the Riot Edge LV Flatwater kayak, and would recommend it to anyone looking for a great value kayak.
- Length: 116
- Width: 32
- Weight: 32 lbs
- Material: High-density polyethylene (HDPE) construction
- Max Capacity: 300 lbs
- Features: bungee systems and forward cargo area with a hard cover
- Comes with a 3-piece paddle, carrying bag, and center fin
4. Pakayak Bluefin
The Pakayak Bluefin is a great option for anyone looking for a lightweight, portable kayak. The entire kayak can be broken down into four compartments, making it easy to carry and store. The quality of the construction is very good and it is surprisingly stable on the water. The adjustable seat is comfortable and provides good back support. The Pakayak Bluefin is an all-around great kayak and I highly recommend it.
- Fully assembled and ready to use in minutes
- Compact folding design allows for easy transport and storage
- Patented 3-piece design that can be taken apart for shallow-water navigation
- Durable, lightweight and UV-resistant construction
- Suitable for up to class III whitewater
- Comes with adjustable footpegs, ergonomic carrying handles and accessories mount
- Optional accessories include storage, seating and paddle upgrades
5. Perception Carolina 12
I recently bought the Perception Carolina 12 kayak and I was really impressed by the performance and stability. It’s a great option for paddling on both flat and choppy waters. The hull shape is designed for stability and tracking, so even in windy conditions you can stay in control. The cockpit is large enough to accommodate larger paddlers and it has adjustable seating and foot rest to make it even more comfortable. The adjustable skeg also helps with stability and tracking. I was also impressed with the quality of the materials and construction. The Carolina 12 is lightweight and durable, making it perfect for long distance paddling. Overall, I’m really happy with my purchase and I would highly recommend the Perception Carolina 12 to any paddler looking for a great all-around kayak.
- 12 Kayak designed for lakes, ponds, and slow moving rivers
- Features a comfortable and adjustable seat, a spacious cockpit, and a tankwell with bungee
- High-density polyethylene material for superior strength, rigidity, and durability
- Built-in ergonomic handles for easy transport
- High volume design for increased stability
6. Riot Brittany
I recently experienced Riot Brittany’s performance at a community event, and I was blown away. From start to finish, the show was simply electrifying. Brittany’s vocals were powerful and had such an impressive range. Her stage presence was captivating and her musicianship was on point. It was clear that Brittany was well-practiced and comfortable performing in front of an audience. The show was a great blend of fast-paced rock and pop songs that kept the audience entertained and engaged. I would highly recommend Riot Brittany to anyone looking for a dynamic and thrilling performance.
- Constructed of high-grade aluminum alloy.
- Smooth and strong one-piece frame.
- Lightweight design.
- Reinforced triple-jointed handlebar.
- Rear linear-pull brake for added safety.
- Beautiful and eye-catching design.
7. Wilderness System Tempest 165
I recently purchased the Wilderness System Tempest 165 and I am very impressed. The kayak is extremely lightweight, yet very stable and easy to maneuver. I have taken it out on some rough water and it handled very well. The storage space is ample and the adjustable foot pegs are great for finding the perfect fit. The seat is comfortable and the neoprene paddle holders keep the paddle in place. Overall, I am very pleased with this purchase and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a lightweight, comfortable and stable kayak.
:
- Cockpit with adjustable footpegs and thigh pads for comfort
- Removable, collapsible, comfortable seat
- Large bow and stern hatches with bulkheads for ample storage
- Rudder system with flexible foot controls
- Deck bungee rigging for gear storage
- Interior and exterior reflective deck rigging
- Paddle keeper for easy and secure paddle storage
8. Old Town Castine 140
I recently purchased the Old Town Castine 140 and I have been incredibly impressed with the quality of this kayak. The design is incredibly sturdy and the craftsmanship is top-notch. The kayak is also very lightweight and easy to maneuver, and it even includes adjustable footrests and thigh braces that make it comfortable and easy to navigate. I was also impressed by the range of features like a storage area and multiple hatches, which make it easy to store and retrieve items while on the water. Overall, the Old Town Castine 140 is an excellent kayak that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a reliable, comfortable, and durable kayak.
- Lightweight and durable thermoform-constructed kayak weighs just 44 lbs
- Equipped with a comfortable, adjustable zone seat with ample storage
- Adjustable foot braces provide superior comfort and fit
- Reflective safety line increases visibility
- Maximum capacity of 375 lbs
- 14ft length and 28in beam
- Comes with a removable/replaceable skid plate
- Comes with two paddle keepers, drain plug, and a carry handles
