Hiking kayaks, also known as touring kayaks, are long and narrow kayaks designed for long distances. They also offer sufficient storage space for luggage and food for paddling tours lasting several days. Hiking kayaks are available in 1 or 2-seater versions.
What makes a good touring kayak?
To help you make the right choice when buying, we present the best touring kayaks from 2024 in our recommendations. In our Checklist, you can also find out which properties and features you should look out for when buying.
Contents:
The most popular touring kayaks 2024 reviewed
1. best touring kayak for 2 people
This kayak is 416 cm long, 70 cm wide and weighs 35 kilograms. Its design facilitates transportation and storage.
Why we like it: This kayak is very stable and comfortable. It has two ergonomic seats with cushions, as well as enough space for luggage and legroom. It also has an integrated rudder and adjustable pedals.
Recommended for: This kayak has a load capacity of 240 kg and is therefore designed for transporting two people. Thanks to its design, it can be divided into individual sections so that it can also be used as a single kayak.
2. best touring kayak with pedals and rudder
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Why we like it: The boat has a V-shaped hull to ensure the kayak tracks straight and can be moved forward quickly with little effort. The seat with backrest and sufficient space for the legs ensure a comfortable ride. A removable bag with a protective flap can be used for waterproof storage of valuables, while larger items of luggage can also be secured to the back of the kayak with rubber ropes.
Recommended for: This model offers space for 2 adults and one child. There is an additional seat between the two main seats, which is also an advantage when used alone.
3. best touring kayak for 1 person
This kayak is 4 meters long and 66 cm wide. It weighs 24 kilograms and the cockpit is a comfortable size at 96 x 52 cm. The boat is made of UV-resistant PE.
Why we like it: Thanks to the height-adjustable seat and adjustable footrests, this model can be adapted to individual body sizes. The tilt-resistant kayak offers plenty of storage space for longer trips thanks to the two covered compartments. The large seat hatch makes it easier to get in and out.
Recommended for: The kayak is also suitable for inexperienced riders due to its width and the resulting stability in the water. It can be loaded up to a maximum of 150 kilograms.
4. best stable touring kayak
This kayak is 290 cm long and 78 cm wide. At 21 kilograms, it is one of the lighter models, but still offers plenty of space in the cockpit with dimensions of 101 x 54 cm.
Why we like it: This model stands out for its good buoyancy, which is ensured by the floats at both ends, making the boat unsinkable. The bolted handles at both ends also make transportation on land easier.
Recommended for: This boat can carry up to 150 kilograms and is particularly suitable as a recreational kayak and for fishing.
5. best high quality touring kayak
The kayak is 453 cm long and 62 cm wide with a volume of 380 liters. It weighs 27 kilograms.
Why we like it: The touring kayak has plenty of space for luggage. The watertight storage space in the front part of the boat holds 59 liters, in the rear part it is even 95 liters. There is also a luggage spider with rubber ropes in the front part of the kayak. The seat has a backrest and thigh supports, which improves comfort and support.
Recommended for: As the kayak is primarily intended for hiking, it has good running characteristics in calm waters. Despite this, it is very maneuverable and reacts quickly, which is why it is also suitable for smaller torrents. Ideally, the paddler should weigh between 70 and 115 kilograms, and the boat should not be loaded with more than 130 kilograms in total.
More articles you might find interesting:
- Fishing kayak
- one person kayak
- Folding kayak
- Kayak
- Kayak trolley
- Canoe
- Canadian
- Packraft
- Inflatable boat
- Sea kayak
- Sit-on-top kayak
- 2-seater kayak
Hiking kayak Checklist: These features are important
- Length: Hiking kayaks are among the longest types of kayaks. Here too, the longer, the less tilt-stable. On the other hand, the boats are faster when going straight ahead. Short boats are more stable, but slower when sailing straight ahead.
- Construction/material: Hiking kayaks are available in various designs. With a hard fixed hull, as an easy-to-transport folding kayak or even simpler, as an air kayak. The harder the material, the more robust the kayak. Folding and air kayaks are very easy to transport and easier to store.
- Weight: The weight of the touring kayak plays a major role when transporting it to the water and when loading and unloading it from the car roof.
- Storage space: A touring kayak should have enough storage space for long trips. There must be sufficient space for equipment and food. It also makes sense to have the option of storing valuables in a waterproof compartment.
Also interesting: The best canoes 2024.
Bestsellers: The most popular touring kayaks on Amazon
(**Last update 2024-09-16)
FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers
What is a touring kayak?
Many touring kayaks have luggage hatches and a foot steering system.
How expensive is a touring kayak?
Where can you buy touring kayaks?
Buying used boats can also be an option. Some hiking kayaks are offered on eBay classifieds, for example.
Which touring kayak is the best?
What alternatives are there to touring kayaks?
Is there a Consumer Reports or Öko Test for touring kayaks?
*Price includes VAT, plus shipping. Customer reviews, prices, delivery times and costs may change in the meantime. By linking to selected online shops and partners, we may receive a small affiliate commission. There are no additional costs for you.
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