Best Folding Kayaks<\/h2>\n\n\n\nBest Folding Kayak Overall: Oru Kayak Bay ST<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Oru](\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Oru-bay-st-705x309.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nSee Current Price<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nClassified as a touring kayak<\/strong>, the Oru Kayak Bay ST can handle most voyages.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAt home on lakes, oceans, and rivers up to a Class II rapids rating<\/strong>, the design does an excellent job of combining speed and stability<\/strong> thanks to the 25-inch beam and speed.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThis, along with the surprising maneuverability,<\/strong> makes it a nice choice for both beginners and experienced paddlers alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPortability is fantastic. Folded down and empty, the Kayak Bay ST weighs just 28 pounds<\/strong> and can even be carried on foot.<\/p>\n\n\n\nA double-layered hull and hard chine improve the rigidity and durability, so you don\u2019t have to worry about rocks or damaging your boat when moving it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Compact, easy to carry size when folded<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Capable of low-intensity whitewater paddles<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Folding and unfolding on your own can be challenging<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- No paddle included <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Best Folding Kayak for Beginners: Oru Kayak Beach LT<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Oru](\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Beach-LT-705x398.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nSee Current Price<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nWith a similar construction<\/strong> and the same material as the Kayak Bay ST, the Beach LT from Oru prides itself on stability<\/strong>. This stability makes it great for beginners.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe cockpit is wide and spacious,<\/strong> with room for an adult and a smaller child at the same time.<\/p>\n\n\n\nYou also get the same lightweight design<\/strong> with the Beach LT checking in at 28 pounds too.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe broad beam and a little extra storage space also make it great as a fishing kayak<\/strong>, particularly if you buy Oru\u2019s fishing kit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Fantastic stability and easy to paddle<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Versatility and ability to be a fishing kayak<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Performance suffers in rough water. Not for rapids.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Room for an adult and a child<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Best Tandem Folding Kayak: Oru Kayak Haven<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Oru](\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Oru-Kayak-Haven-705x187.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nSee Current Price<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe first origami-style kayak ever developed, I\u2019d trust no one but Oru to venture into this uncharted territory. For their first foray into this field, they\u2019ve done a heck of a job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I was really impressed with how compact<\/strong> it was when folded up as it shrunk to the size of a large suitcase.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBut despite all the folding required to get it to this size, the folds are strategically placed, so these seams don\u2019t compromise the boat\u2019s on-water performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The tracking and speed remain very impressive<\/strong> thanks to these fold patterns and the rigid hull design.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThere\u2019s the versatility to switch between solo and tandem <\/strong>configurations, which provide maximum flexibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s like getting two boats in one. They\u2019ve even added a track accessory system<\/strong> so you can outfit your boat with rod holders, cup holders, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- One of the more expensive tandem kayaks<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 16-feet long but weighs just 40 pounds<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Maximum versatility and flexibility<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Not compatible with Oru\u2019s pack accessories<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Best Cheap Tandem Folding Kayak: Advanced Elements Convertible<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Advanced](\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Advanced-Elements-705x382.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nSee Current Price<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nAt fifteen feet long, Advanced Elements\u2019 Convertible can be paddled either solo or tandem<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nEasy to adjust velcro straps allow the seats to be repositioned and allow you to pivot seamlessly from the tandem and solo set-ups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There\u2019s even more versatility thanks to a zipper seam that lets the boat change from an open to closed deck <\/strong>depending on the weather and water conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThree layers of sturdy fabric are wrapped around a pair of U-shaped pieces of aluminum and provide plenty of durability and enhance the boat\u2019s tracking.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nRigidity is made even tougher with a high-pressure floor that is especially noticeable when traveling through mild chop or waves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is heavier than a lot of the kayaks on this list, weighing 52 pounds<\/strong>. It also doesn\u2019t fold down quite as well,<\/strong> making it bulky and cumbersome to move from place to place.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe large 550-pound load capacity more than makes up for this inconvenience, in my opinion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Inflation is easy, but there\u2019s no pump included<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Heavy and hard to move<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Able to be paddled solo or tandem<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Best Foldable Kayak on a budget: Advanced Elements Advanced Frame<\/a> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Advanced](\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/advanced-elements-advanced-frame-side-view.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nSee Current Price<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe Advanced Elements Advanced Frame is one of the sturdiest and highest-performing inflatable kayaks out there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Built-in aluminum ribs give it unsurpassed rigidity and increase the stability to the point that you can take it into waters you wouldn\u2019t dream of taking most inflatables.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Three durable layers of fabric cover the Advanced Frame, and multiple air tubes add redundancy in the event of a puncture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the water, it can hold its own with some hard-sided kayaks with decent speed and tracking thanks to the included skeg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Set-up and inflation process is challenging at first<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Enough storage space for an overnight trip<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Great performance for an inflatable<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Compact size may make it uncomfortable for tall paddlers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Read our full Advanced Elements Advanced Frame review.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nCheapest Folding Kayak: Intex Challenger K1<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Intex](\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Intex-Challenger-K1-Kayak.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nSee Current Price<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nThis is about as basic as they come. One of the cheapest kayaks <\/strong>on the market, the Intex Challenger K1 is light, simple, and easy for beginners<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s easy to paddle and maneuver, which new-comers will appreciate while the set-up and inflation are simple and intuitive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Durability is better than you\u2019d expect<\/strong> thanks to the sturdy fabric and multiple air chambers. <\/p>\n\n\n\nBut it is not a boat that should be used for anything besides simple day trips at your local lake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tracking suffers if there is any wind or waves <\/strong>to speak of, and the short length means that you won\u2019t be going very fast.<\/p>\n\n\n\nStorage is limited<\/strong> to a large bungee net that\u2019s stretched across the bow. <\/p>\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s just 24 pounds <\/strong>though, which makes transportation a piece of cake and means that little planning, logistics, or storage space is required. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nClassified as a touring kayak<\/strong>, the Oru Kayak Bay ST can handle most voyages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At home on lakes, oceans, and rivers up to a Class II rapids rating<\/strong>, the design does an excellent job of combining speed and stability<\/strong> thanks to the 25-inch beam and speed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This, along with the surprising maneuverability,<\/strong> makes it a nice choice for both beginners and experienced paddlers alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Portability is fantastic. Folded down and empty, the Kayak Bay ST weighs just 28 pounds<\/strong> and can even be carried on foot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A double-layered hull and hard chine improve the rigidity and durability, so you don\u2019t have to worry about rocks or damaging your boat when moving it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With a similar construction<\/strong> and the same material as the Kayak Bay ST, the Beach LT from Oru prides itself on stability<\/strong>. This stability makes it great for beginners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The cockpit is wide and spacious,<\/strong> with room for an adult and a smaller child at the same time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You also get the same lightweight design<\/strong> with the Beach LT checking in at 28 pounds too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The broad beam and a little extra storage space also make it great as a fishing kayak<\/strong>, particularly if you buy Oru\u2019s fishing kit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The first origami-style kayak ever developed, I\u2019d trust no one but Oru to venture into this uncharted territory. For their first foray into this field, they\u2019ve done a heck of a job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I was really impressed with how compact<\/strong> it was when folded up as it shrunk to the size of a large suitcase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But despite all the folding required to get it to this size, the folds are strategically placed, so these seams don\u2019t compromise the boat\u2019s on-water performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The tracking and speed remain very impressive<\/strong> thanks to these fold patterns and the rigid hull design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s the versatility to switch between solo and tandem <\/strong>configurations, which provide maximum flexibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s like getting two boats in one. They\u2019ve even added a track accessory system<\/strong> so you can outfit your boat with rod holders, cup holders, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At fifteen feet long, Advanced Elements\u2019 Convertible can be paddled either solo or tandem<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Easy to adjust velcro straps allow the seats to be repositioned and allow you to pivot seamlessly from the tandem and solo set-ups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s even more versatility thanks to a zipper seam that lets the boat change from an open to closed deck <\/strong>depending on the weather and water conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Three layers of sturdy fabric are wrapped around a pair of U-shaped pieces of aluminum and provide plenty of durability and enhance the boat\u2019s tracking.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Rigidity is made even tougher with a high-pressure floor that is especially noticeable when traveling through mild chop or waves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is heavier than a lot of the kayaks on this list, weighing 52 pounds<\/strong>. It also doesn\u2019t fold down quite as well,<\/strong> making it bulky and cumbersome to move from place to place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The large 550-pound load capacity more than makes up for this inconvenience, in my opinion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Advanced Elements Advanced Frame is one of the sturdiest and highest-performing inflatable kayaks out there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Built-in aluminum ribs give it unsurpassed rigidity and increase the stability to the point that you can take it into waters you wouldn\u2019t dream of taking most inflatables.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Three durable layers of fabric cover the Advanced Frame, and multiple air tubes add redundancy in the event of a puncture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On the water, it can hold its own with some hard-sided kayaks with decent speed and tracking thanks to the included skeg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read our full Advanced Elements Advanced Frame review.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n This is about as basic as they come. One of the cheapest kayaks <\/strong>on the market, the Intex Challenger K1 is light, simple, and easy for beginners<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s easy to paddle and maneuver, which new-comers will appreciate while the set-up and inflation are simple and intuitive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Durability is better than you\u2019d expect<\/strong> thanks to the sturdy fabric and multiple air chambers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But it is not a boat that should be used for anything besides simple day trips at your local lake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tracking suffers if there is any wind or waves <\/strong>to speak of, and the short length means that you won\u2019t be going very fast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Storage is limited<\/strong> to a large bungee net that\u2019s stretched across the bow. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s just 24 pounds <\/strong>though, which makes transportation a piece of cake and means that little planning, logistics, or storage space is required. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Best Folding Kayak for Beginners: Oru Kayak Beach LT<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Best Tandem Folding Kayak: Oru Kayak Haven<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Best Cheap Tandem Folding Kayak: Advanced Elements Convertible<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Best Foldable Kayak on a budget: Advanced Elements Advanced Frame<\/a> <\/h3>\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Cheapest Folding Kayak: Intex Challenger K1<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/advanced-elements-advanced-frame-on-the-lake-1.jpg\")
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