Best Folding Kayaks in 2024: Our Top Picks
G'day paddlers!
Come with us as we uncover the Best Folding Kayaks in 2024 and do a deep dive on all the important specs to look out for. Whether your gliding across picturesque lakes, embracing a voyage through crashing waves or spending quality time with the people you love - folding kayaks can offer you something other kayaks simply can't- unmatched convenience.
Although folding kayaks are relatively unknown compared to their inflatable and hard shell counterparts, they've never been more popular. Let's unfold the story and find out what kayaks are making waves this year!
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Best Folding Kayak Brands
Oru Kayaks
History
Responsible for catapulting the folding kayak movement, Oru Kayaks first featured on Shark Tank USA in 2016 and is known by many as the original creators in this space.
Product Offering
They hold the largest range of folding kayaks globally, with 6 flagship models ranging from $899 to $2,899. They stand by their range with a three year warranty that covers any defect in performance during that period.
Material & Manufacturing
- 5mm UV Treated double corrugated polypropylene (PP)
- Manufactured in Mexico
Terravent Kayaks
History
Taking on the challenge of providing a better bang for buck, Terravent Kayaks originates out of China and with much less exposure in the market, they're a hidden secret in 2024.
Product Offering
Limited range of models with 3 to choose from ranging between $1,549 to $2,349. They're the only brand to provide a ready to go package in the K1, with a life jacket and paddle included.
Material & Manufacturing
- Corrugated 5 mm double-layered PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
- Manufactured in China
Razor Kayaks
History
Considering the global divisions across the world, Razor Kayaks has a relatively small online footprint. They're focus? Quality manufacturing over marketing.
Product Offering
2 folding kayaks on offer, a performance and recreational single person model. They offer a 12 month free from fault warranty on their range.
Material & Manufacturing
- Corrugated 5mm double-layered Polypropylene (PP)
- Unknown Manufacturing Location
Best Folding Kayak Materials
All folding kayaks use a double layered corrugated plastic, but whilst Razor Kayaks and Oru Kayaks use Polypropylene (PP), Terravent Kayaks use Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). Although treatments and manufacturing styles are important considerations, lets compare the properties of both plastics:
Polypropylene (PP)
- Material Properties: PP is lightweight, flexible, and highly resistant to chemicals, UV radiation, and impacts. With a high melting point, it’s often chosen for products that require a combination of toughness and flexibility. Despite its durability, PP remains easy to fold and mold, making it ideal for applications where repeated folding is necessary.
- Durability: PP excels in durability, particularly against UV exposure and repeated folding. It resists cracking or breaking, making it perfect for structural elements in folding kayaks, where consistent performance under frequent use is crucial.
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
- Material Properties: PVC is heavier and less flexible than PP, but it compensates with strength and resistance to water and chemicals. It’s commonly used for inflatables due to its waterproof nature and capability to withstand rugged conditions.
- Durability: PVC is more rigid and less UV resistant compared to PP. While it offers excellent water resistance and puncture-proof qualities, PVC may become brittle with extended sun exposure, though it generally maintains its structure well in harsh environments.
Conclusion:
Although they provide different features, PP appearsto be the preferable choice to PVC due to the UV protective elements. Whilst PVC might provide better initial durability, PP offers a better balance between lifespan and ongoing durability.
Best Folding Kayak For Fishing
Ready to cast out on the open ocean or maybe a lake? We don't blame you! But before you hit the water, it's essential to choose the right folding kayak for the job. To ensure you're reeling in fish and not swimming with them, what you need to look for in a folding fishing kayak:
High Stability: Opt for a kayak with a generous width and length, offering ample surface area on the water to keep you steady while you cast.
Open Cockpit: An open cockpit design provides the freedom to move around and cast your line without restrictions, giving you more control and comfort.
Ample Storage: Make sure there's plenty of storage space for all your fishing gear, so you're prepared for anything without feeling cramped.
Weight Capacity: Choose a kayak that can handle your weight plus all your gear, ensuring stability and performance even when fully loaded.
Comfort: Long fishing trips require a comfortable setup. Look for adjustable seating and ergonomic designs to keep you relaxed and focused.
Best Folding Kayak For Fishing - Single Person
Oru Kayak Beach LT - RRP: $1,799
The Beach LT offers the best single-person fishing experience from the folding kayak range. It's super stable and offers the comfort needed to spend longer times on the water.
High Stability:
- Dimensions: 3.7m (L) x 0.74m (W) - Provides a wide and stable platform, ideal for fishing.
Open Cockpit:
- Yes - Ensures freedom of movement and easy access for casting.
Ample Storage:
- Extra capacity, with enough space for an esky and your gear.
Weight Capacity:
- 136 kg - Very high per person weight capacity to support essential fishing equipment.
Comfort:
- Adjustable foot and backrest, with the option to add the Oru Gel Seat for enhanced comfort.
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★
10 /10
Customer Score
Best Folding Kayak For Fishing - Two Person
Oru Kayak Haven TT - RRP: $2,899
The most stable folding kayak on the market, the Haven TT is our pic for the best two person fishing kayak. It ticks all the boxes and has an intergrated rail system that you can attach rod holders too.
High Stability:
- Dimensions: 4.9m (L) x 0.84m (W) - Provides a wide and stable platform, perfect for fishing.
Open Cockpit:
- Yes - Offers freedom of movement and easy access for casting.
Ample Storage:
- Maximum capacity, with room for an esky and all your gear.
Weight Capacity:
- 227 kg - Strong enough to support two people and fishing equipment.
Comfort:
- Integrated rail system for add-ons like drink holders and rod holders.
- Adjustable foot and backrest, with the option to add the Oru Gel Seat for extra comfort.
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★
10 /10
Customer Score
Best 2 Person Folding Kayak
Oru and Terravent Kayaks are the only brands to come out with a tandem folding kayak. Both options cater to a different market of paddlers, whether you're looking for something budget friendly or a premium expereience - you've got a different top choice. The Terravent Kayaks K3 is $650 cheaper, but what do you get with that extra spend on the Haven TT by Oru Kayak? Check out our comparison between the two:
Our Top Pic: Oru Kayaks Haven TT (RRP: $2,899)
A better choice if you're looking at getting plenty of use out of your folding kayak or you have the larger budget.
- Higher quality standard
- An intergrated rail system (for drink and rod holders etc.)
- Slightly larger and more comfortable kayak.
- 3-Year Warranty
Our Value Pic: Terravent Kayaks K3 (RRP: $2,349)
A better choice for those who are looking to balance cost and performance.
- Great value for similar features
- Save $650!
- Shorter assembly time
- Slightly lighter
Best Folding Sea Kayaks
To rank the best folding sea kayak, we're assuming there will naturally be some choppy waters - even though that's not always the case. We'll be looking at all folding kayak models that have a closed cockpit that can help keep you dry and protected from the elements. Some of the key elements we'll be considering are:
Performance: When you're out on the water, you want a kayak that performs smoothly. Look for one with solid tracking to keep you on course, good speed for those longer stretches, and the ability to handle choppy waters or waves. If you're hitting the sea, these are absolute must-haves!
Stability: Stability is key, especially if you're not keen on flipping over! A good folding sea kayak should offer easy balance, so you can focus on the ride, not staying upright. And if you're into more advanced paddling, check if it can handle an Eskimo roll for extra peace of mind.
Comfort: You’ll be spending hours paddling, so comfort is everything. Look for a kayak with adjustable seats, footrests, and enough legroom. Trust us, a comfortable setup makes all the difference for a full day on the water.
Portability: One of the biggest perks of a folding kayak is how portable it is. Make sure it folds up compactly, fits easily in your car, and isn’t too heavy to carry around. The more portable, the easier your adventures will be.
Value: Are the features worth it?
Our Overall Top Pick:
Oru Kayak Bay St
Nimble and responsive, the Bay St is a great comfortable kayak that balances all 5 factors very well. It's better on the surf than most and has a spray skirt feature so that you can make sure you stay dry. Our general recommendation for choppy and calm waters. Add the gel seat if you're planning on longer trips.
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★
10 /10
Customer Score
Want the best value sea kayak? Check out the Terravent Kayaks K1 Package
Looking for a kayak that can best handle heavy surf? Check out the Oru Kayak's Coast XT
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