Bringing a watercraft on your camping trip adds a fun element to the outdoor experience, but weight and portability have always been a challenge. Luckily there are some great options with inflatable camping kayaks that are designed to be easy to pack. Here are four great options.
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Inflatable Kayaks
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Sevylor Fiji
The Sevylor Fiji delivers the feel of a full-sized kayak, but it's inflatable. This lightweight sells for $149.99 and comes with one aluminum touring paddle that breaks down into five pieces and has its own travel bag for compact storage. The two-person kayak has a fixed rear seat and removable middle seat, and a semi-rigid I-beam that helps it keep a solid shape in the water while supporting up to 400 pounds. The PVC construction is tough, so it's guaranteed not to leak and double-lock fast valves speed up inflation and deflation.
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Aire Tributary Tomcat
Aire is known for a host of inflatables that are easy to stow. Their Tributary Tomcat two-person inflatable kayak is very stable, with room for extra gear. It weighs in at 54 pounds, but safely carries weight up to 450 pounds. It's surprisingly high-performance with a heavy-duty PVC outer shell and double top-stitched seams. At a retail price of about $750, it's easy for two to navigate and also works well for the single paddler.
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Aquaglide Columbia
The Aquaglide Columbia Two HB collapses to 28 x 12.5 x 29.5 inches and comes with a storage bag. The hard bottom gives it excellent kayak performance that's rigid and stable, and a removable fin and long waterline provide outstanding tracking. With a 400 pound capacity, it easily accommodates two paddlers. Constructed of commercial-grade hull material and rugged 600-denier polyester, it also has front and rear spray guards to keep occupants dry, and bungee deck lacing to secure gear. Priced at around $1000.
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Sea Eagle Fast Track
Sea Eagle's Fast Track kayak has a sleek, curved shape and a state-of-the-art Needle Knife keel. Responsive to paddle strokes, it can also be used as a stand-up paddleboard. Very tough 1000-denier hull material adds durability, and the rear skeg keeps it headed on course, but is removable for those times when you want to tackle whitewater. Prices start at just over $1000 with a full three year warranty.
