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The 7 best touring kayaks 2024?

by Tim

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Had enough of hiking or cycling tours? Then exploring the varied water landscape of lakes, rivers and seas in a touring kayak might be just the thing.

Adventure with the kayak:

Whether paddling alone or in pairs: with a touring kayak, your luggage is well stowed away and your eyes are free to explore new worlds. Touring kayaks are available in different models and at different prices. Find the right touring kayak for beginners and advanced paddlers with our recommendations. So the next tour is guaranteed to be a success.

Contents:

  1. Top picks: The best touring kayaks 2024 reviewed.
  2. Checklist: These features are important.
  3. Bestsellers: The most popular touring kayaks at a glance.
  4. FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers about touring kayaks.

The best touring kayaks 2024 reviewed

How do we rate? Our experts thoroughly research and evaluate each recommendation. We take into account the most important product features, adherence to quality standards, prices, customer reviews, our own experiences, and much more. Learn more about our process.

We have compared the 7 most popular touring kayaks and present them here in different categories.

1. best touring kayak for one person

For little people
Prijon Touryak 470 LV*

    The kayak has individually adjustable seats and thigh supports. It is very maneuverable and has a luggage net. It weighs 26 kilos and is made of high-performance thermoplastic. It also has carrying handles and a deck box. The transport capacity is approx. 115 kilos.

    What we like:

    • Designed for small paddlers
    • Plenty of storage space
    • Agile
    What we don’t like:

    • Relatively low load capacity

    Why we like it: Ready for the next solo tour? With this touring kayak from Prijon, nothing stands in the way. With its individually adjustable seat, footrests and thigh supports, the kayak can be easily adjusted to suit your own body.

    Recommended for: This touring kayak is especially designed for smaller and lighter paddlers. It also offers plenty of storage space and is very maneuverable. Great for relaxed tours alone on the water.

    2. best touring kayak for day trips

    Inflatable
    Grabner| Holiday 2*

      The kayak has a shallow draft, which makes it great for day trips. It is also hard-wearing and easy to assemble. It also has a very handy pack size and padded seats with backrests.

      What we like:

      • Versatile
      • Good quality
      • Simple structure
      What we don’t like:

      • Seats a little too flat

      Why we like it: This inflatable kayak offers enough storage space in the bow and stern for everything you need to take on your next tour. Perfect for day trips on calm rivers and lakes. The padded seats ensure comfort during longer paddling sessions.

      Recommended for: The touring kayak can be used in pairs or alone. It has space for luggage at the bow and stern, as well as two carrying handles. This means it can be easily transported to any body of water. A repair kit is also included – so the next kayak tour is guaranteed.

      3. best touring kayak with small pack size

      Compact
      Nortik Scubi 1er kayak*

        The Nortik Scubi 1 has a low weight, which makes it fast and maneuverable. It also has a small pack size and can be transported in the accompanying rucksack. It has an aluminum frame and is made of tear-resistant PVC.

        What we like:

        • Fast & agile
        • Practical accessories
        • Very light
        What we don’t like:

        • Backpack too small

        Why we like it: This kayak is easy to set up and has a canopy with tensioning straps. The scope of delivery includes a carrying bag, air pump and repair kit. In addition, the aluminum frame makes it stable and the PVC outer shell makes it very hard-wearing.

        Recommended for: Easy to pack up and stow away: This kayak is easy to take with you and makes spontaneous paddling trips possible on vacation. A perfect companion on the bike too, thanks to the helpful rucksack.

        4. best touring kayak for two people

        For two
        Grabner HOLIDAY 3*

          The HOLIDAY 3 has a long and sleek design. It also offers enough storage space for tours lasting several days. It is very stable and easy to transport.

          What we like:

          • Sophisticated design
          • Very stable against tipping
          • Plenty of storage space
          What we don’t like:

          • Relatively expensive

          Why we like it: The inflatable boat has a luggage net and two sturdy seats with backrests. The canopy also protects against rain and splash water. It has a sleek shape and can absorb speed well, but is still very resistant to tipping.

          Recommended for: This 2-person kayak is ideal for tours on rivers, lakes and in the sea. With plenty of storage space, there is enough room for two people’s luggage and clothing, even for tours lasting several days.

          5. best touring kayak for beginners

          For practicing
          Aqua Marina Tomahawk kayak*

            This kayak is made of drop-stitch material and is of high quality. It combines efficiency, speed, comfort and stability. The V-shaped bottom offers good maneuverability and easy gliding over the water. The load capacity is approx. 210 kilos

            What we like:

            • Robust
            • Drives fast
            • Simple structure
            What we don’t like:

            • Carrying very strenuous

            Why we like it: The Acqua Marina kayak is very versatile and also offers legroom for taller people. It has two seats and double paddles. This kayak is designed for top performance. The brand new Tomahawk combines efficiency, speed, comfort and stability.

            Recommended for: No kayaking experience yet? No problem: this model offers everything you need for relaxed cruising on the water. The design is streamlined and the V-shaped bottom allows the boat to glide beautifully. Perfect for relaxed tours.

            6. best inflatable touring kayak

            Easy handling
            Zray Tortuga kayak 2 persons*

              This two-person kayak has a high-quality drop-stitch floor. It offers very high stability and top performance. It is inflatable with 3 air chambers and comes with a pump, two seats and a practical rucksack.

              What we like:

              • Good handling
              • Stable
              • Agile
              What we don’t like:

              • Seats do not correspond to illustration

              Why we like it: The kayak has a high-quality Dop-Stitch floor. It also offers a high level of riding comfort and easy handling. The storage space can hold plenty of food or luggage and the kayak is stable and maneuverable on the water.

              Recommended for: This inflatable touring kayak for two people is perfect for caravan vacations or spontaneous weekend trips. So if you’re planning an outdoor vacation with your partner, a kayak is the right choice.

              7. best value touring kayak

              Good price-performance ratio
              BESTWAY touring kayak*

                The kayak has a maximum carrying weight of up to 130 kilos. It is designed for one person and the seat is adjustable and has a storage compartment. The inflatable kayak is made of durable PVC and has removable side air chambers.

                What we like:

                • Durable
                • Inexpensive
                • Removable air chambers
                What we don’t like:

                • For one person only

                Why we like it: Touring kayaks can be very expensive. This kayak from Bestway therefore offers an inexpensive alternative. The kayak is designed for one person and is approved for up to 130 kilograms. The removable side compartments are practical and the adjustable seat ensures a high level of comfort.

                Recommended for: Anyone looking for an inexpensive touring kayak for occasional excursions will find what they are looking for here. The kayak offers every necessary comfort and the accessories include a paddle, hand pump and repair patches. Simply good.

                Touring kayaks Checklist: These features are important

                • Size: A touring kayak should offer enough space for you to sit comfortably and also have room for luggage for one or more days.
                • Inflatable: There are now many inflatable kayaks available. The advantage of these kayaks is that they are easy to transport and often cheaper. However, inflatable kayaks are often slower and not as robust as fixed kayaks.
                • Closed: There are open and closed kayaks. Closed kayaks are the better choice for tours in waters with strong currents and for more sporty paddling. They protect against splashing water and have better running properties.
                • Length: The longer a kayak, the faster it runs and holds its course. Shorter kayaks are more maneuverable.
                • Payload: When buying a touring kayak, you should pay attention to the maximum load weight. The payload must be sufficient to carry body weight, accessories and luggage.

                Also interesting: The best kayak roof racks 2024.

                Bestsellers: The most popular touring kayaks

                What do others buy? In our bestseller list, we present the TOP 11 most purchased offers. The selection is updated daily.

                (**Last update 2024-09-16)

                FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers

                touring kayak-faq

                What are touring kayaks?

                Touring kayaks are kayaks for one or more people, which usually have a compartment for luggage and provisions, as the kayaks are also used to cover longer distances.

                What makes a good touring kayak?

                A good touring kayak should offer enough space to sit comfortably and carry luggage.

                What alternatives are there to the touring kayak?

                As an alternative to touring kayaks, sea kayaks or touring kayaks can be used for excursions. Sea kayaks often have a sportier cut.

                What accessories do I need for a touring kayak?

                Accessories such as paddles are included with the purchase of the boats. To transport a non-inflatable touring kayak, it makes sense to purchase a transport rack for a car or a boat dolly.

                How expensive are good touring kayaks?

                Touring kayaks can cost between 300 and 2500 $. To try out kayaking first, it is worth either renting one or buying a cheaper model.

                Where is the best place to buy a touring kayak?

                A wide range of different kayaks is offered at Globetrotter, Amazon and Otto. Touring kayaks can also be bought second-hand, but they should be tested in the water before you buy them.

                What is the difference between a touring kayak and a sea kayak?

                Touring kayaks are generally wider and shorter than sea kayaks. Sea kayaks are sportier and faster. Touring kayaks are designed for longer distances at lower speeds and generally have a higher load capacity and more storage space than sea kayaks.

                Which touring kayaks are suitable for beginners?

                We recommend the Bestway touring kayak for beginners. Its low price makes it ideal for trying out whether you like kayak tours.

                Is there an independent test of touring kayaks?

                Currently, neither Consumer Reports nor Öko Test have chosen a test winner in the touring kayak category. However, you can discover the most popular models among customers in our bestseller list.

                Editor's note: The opinions expressed here are those of the author alone. The content has not been endorsed, reviewed, approved, or in any way financially supported by any advertiser. We only include products we believe to be useful. How we work

                *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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                Tim

                Tim has been surfing and paddling for over 20 years and is known from FitForFun, FreshSurf, and Zeitjung. Whether surfing in Portugal, snorkeling in Greece or wakeboarding in Germany ... one thing is certain: you'll definitely find him in the water!

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