Best Touring Kayaks Reviewed

Touring Kayak Comparison Table 

Touring Kayak Types

Sit On Top

Sit Inside

The opposite of sit on top kayaks, sit inside touring kayaks have enclosed cockpits that cover the legs and can utilize spray skirts. Sit inside kayaks are perfect for those who raft in colder or wetter weather conditions or who require more security in their seating area. Some people find sit inside kayaks to be claustrophobic.

Inflatable

Inflatable kayaks are, as the name implies, inflatable versions of touring kayaks. Inflatable kayaks are compact, easy to use, and often cheaper than hardshell touring kayaks. Inflatable touring kayaks are durable, stable, and easier for beginners to use but can be popped or damaged if not handled carefully.

Tandem

A tandem touring kayak is a kayak that has two or three seats to allow multiple passengers on one kayak. Tandem kayaks are a great option for friends, couples, or even those with furry friends who want to kayak together without purchasing multiple kayaks. Tandem kayaks can still be rowed by one person the same as single touring kayaks.

Advantages Of Owning A Touring Kayak

Choosing Top Quality Touring Kayaks

Usage/Primary Padding Location/ Skill Level

When considering purchasing a touring kayak, it is important to answer the following questions before buying; where will you use your kayak? How often will you use it? Where will you store it? What weather will you commonly kayak in? Knowing the answers to these questions beforehand can save you plenty of hassle in the selection process. 

Durability, Design, and Comfort

No-one wants their shiny new kayak to break on its first outing; that is why durability is key. Touring kayaks are typically made of polyethylene plastics, fiberglass, carbon fiber, or ABS. These materials all have their various positives and negatives, but they are durable materials.

In terms of design, kayaks are often decked in bright colors for safety reasons. Choosing one in your favorite colors can marry style and function together nicely.

Size/Dimension, Speed, and Weight Capacity

Touring kayaks typically measure between 10-17 feet long and 22-27 inches wide on average. The longer the touring kayak, the harder it is to control. For beginners, it is recommended that you select a 10-foot long kayak. For those with a little more kayaking experience, 10-12 feet long is good, and 11-15 feet long is perfect for more advanced kayakers.

Depending on wave size and onboard weight, a touring kayak can glide at around six miles per hours. The average user can get to around 3-4 miles per hour while experienced racers can reach speeds of 7-9 miles per hour.

All machines and boats have a defined weight limit that they must stick to prevent damage. Touring kayaks often have a user weight limit that ranges between 250-600 pounds depending on the style and design. Bear in mind that this limit is the sum of the user body weight and the weight of the supplies stored onboard.

Stability, Maneuverability and Safety Features

In kayaking, there are two types of stability: primary and secondary stability. Primary stability is a measure of how stable an unmoving kayak is on flat water. Secondary stability measures how stable a kayak is while moving across a flat water's surface. Because of their hull design and dimensions, touring kayaks are not the best at primary stability but excel at secondary stability the faster they go.

Touring kayaks are light and fast, making them difficult to maneuver in rough water. Rudders and skegs make kayaks easier to control, and a smaller cockpit allows for easier steering.

Some safety features of touring kayaks include:

Storage And Portability

Thanks to their long design, touring kayaks often have at least one dry, enclosed hatch in either the front or the rear. The best touring kayaks have storage in the front and back as well as bungee cords for added storage. Inflatable touring kayaks are typically more portable than their hardshell counterparts because they can deflate to the size of a duffel bag, but kayak frames or trailers can be a simple solution.

Performance And Propulsion

A good tracking system is a key to a kayak’s performance; a skeg or fin must be quality. The tracking system on a kayak makes the kayak go in a straight line for better propulsion and control. The propulsion of a kayak depends on the tracking system, power behind the paddles, and how calm the water is.

Extra Accessories And Features

Some extra accessories and kayak touring available gear include:

Price And Warranty

Touring kayaks can be priced anywhere from $250 - $2,000, with most sitting in the $100-$750 range. The warranty of a kayak lets you know how long the manufacturer expects their product to function or last without damage, but most touring kayaks are built to last 5-12 years. A quality touring kayak can be a worthy investment.

1. Perception Carolina

2. Ocean Malibu

3. Dagger Zydeco 9.0

Available in a beautiful blue, purple, and pink design, the Dagger’s Zydeco 9.0 really brings the heat in the water. Our top pick as best touring kayak for the money, the Zydeco has plenty of bow and stern bungee rigging and D rings on either side of the seat for secure gear storage.

The 9.0 is the shorter of the two Zydeco models; this means that it is lighter, easy to carry, and much easier to maneuver and turn in the water. The cockpit is roomy enough to be comfortable but narrow enough to maintain performance, and the fully adjustable seat is the cherry on top for comfort.

Tracking well is no problem for the Zydeco 9.0, and the footpegs are easy to adjust. The shorter length of this kayak means that it can fit into some models of car for easy transportation. Reviewers have noted that they can carry this kayak alone, is easy to enter and exit, and can get it in and out of the water easily without help.

A few reviewers have noted that this kayak has held up to sudden weather changes making it good in a pinch on a trip or during a training session.

4. Riot Brittany

An award-winning British style design, Riot Kayaks' Brittany touring kayak raises the bar for touring kayaks everywhere. With a beautiful bright color scheme and a quality custom seating system, the Brittany is designed to be accessible for kayakers of any level.

Thanks to its smooth design and moderate width, this kayak provides the stability that beginners want without getting in the way of the smooth paddling that advanced kayakers need. The pilot rudder system and retractable skeg provide ultimate control and expert handling. In terms of storage, the Brittany has plenty of bungee tie-downs, and three front and rear bulkheads with dual hatch covers to provide as many storage options as possible.

Other features included in this design include a reflective lifeline, paddle hook, safety straps, thigh braces, shock cord storage, security bar, and touring handles for your convenience.

Not only that, but the Brittany is built to provide a safe kayaking experience as there is a compass recess to guide your way and plenty of safety precautions in place. Some reviewers have noted that the kayak is on the heavier side and that the seating and thigh brace design means that not everyone will find this kayak comfortable.

5. Advanced Elements AE1012-G

There is a reason that Advanced Elements is one of the best inflatable kayak brands out there, and the AdvancedFrame kayak really proves why. From the electric green or bold red and grey design with plenty of bungee storage and handles to the ergonomic adjustable seat to the multiple valves, everything about this kayak is convenient and flexible.

This kayak comes with essential features such as storage space, a repair kit, and paddle holders. The built-in tracking fin provides a good tracking system, and the wider than average hull offers a more stable kayaking experience.

For those concerned about puncturing, there are three entire layers of PVC and polyester to prevent small tears or abrasions from damaging the hull. Built-in aluminum ribs are there to give extra shape, support, and definition for increased tracking.

All of this being said, multiple reviews for this inflatable touring kayak stated that this model is not the best choice for exceptionally tall people and is better for those of average height.

Overall, the Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame inflatable kayak is an ideal choice for those who want to get out on the water but may not have the budget or space for a hardshell touring kayak.

6. Perception Expression

7. Riot Edge Flatwater

Bold color and slender design merge with the Edge touring kayak. Made of polyethylene, the Edge has drain plugs for easy drying and reflective lifelines for protection and convenience. Bulkhead front and rear compartments with dual density hatch covers and bungee ties provide plenty of storage for supplies.

A well-rounded day touring kayak, this model comes with a custom fit seating system, sliding foot braces, thigh braces, and a retractable skeg for maximum customization, control, and comfort. Fore and aft shock cord storage is available, and there are safety straps, a security bar, and a paddle hook for increased safety and convenience.

While there are plenty of excellent safety and quality of life features, there are some drawbacks as no model is perfect. There is only one color option available for the Edge, and this is the heaviest kayak on our list, making it difficult for some to carry alone.

Some reviewers have noted that their kayak arrived with signs of damage, but others have said theirs were mark free. The extended hull coverage is reassuring in case of abrasion or chipping and the parts being covered for a year will come in handy in a pinch. 

Recreational Vs Touring Kayaks

Touring Kayak Vs Sea Kayaks: What Is The Difference?

Using A Touring Kayak

Safety Tips When Using Touring Kayaks

Care And Maintenance: Taking Care Of Your Kayak

Taking care of your kayak is as easy as pie. Once you are done with your kayak and back onshore, simply remove any debris from the kayak, wash it down with water and mild soap, then hose it down and wipe it with a towel. It is recommended that you also rub some protective spray or salve into the surface of your kayak at least once a month to keep it in top shape.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

Are touring kayaks easy to steer? Are they best for beginners?

Compared to other styles, touring kayaks are not as easy to steer. Beginners should try a recreational kayak to gain experience before trying out a touring kayak.

How long does a touring kayak last?

A touring kayak’s lifespan depends on how often it is used, how well it is taken care of, and what kind of material it is made of. However, most touring kayaks should last between 12-15 years with proper care.

What other features does a touring kayak include?

The extra features of a touring kayak depend on the model and can include a spray skirt, removable rudder, adjustable seats, and footrests.

What size of paddle should I get for my touring kayak?

Many touring kayaks come with a paddle or two with purchase, but a paddle's size depends on the size of the user and the length of the kayak. For those who are five foot to five foot four inches and have a boat of 17-23 inches, 220-230 cm is enough. Those who are 5 foot 5 inches to size foot 2 inches should get a 230-240 cm paddle. People over six foot three should get a 240 – 250cm paddle.

What are the top-rated touring kayak brands?

In the world of touring kayaks, there are plenty of brands that you can trust to deliver quality yaks. Some of the best touring kayak brands include Riot, Perception, Dagger, and Advanced Elements.

Do I need to wear a PFD? What is the best touring PFD?

Yes, it is always recommended that all kayak users, including animals, should wear a PFD at all times while kayaking. Some of the best touring kayak PFD brands include Stolquist, Astral, and NRS.

Conclusion

As you can see, shopping for touring kayaks does not need to be an overwhelming experience. The kayaks on our list combine style, function, and comfort to allow new and veteran kayakers to put their best foot forward on their next trip across the water.

While we love all of these kayaks, we most recommend the Perception Carolina over the rest. If you would like to see some more space or budget-friendly choices, please see our inflatable kayak article for more options.