Are you thinking of buying the best touring kayak and do not know where to start? I believe that is the reason you landed on this post. Kayaking is fast becoming a popular sport and recreational activity. It is a lovely way to engage in sports or relax that is why it is becoming increasingly popular year by year.
Kayaks as compared to boats are more agile, versatile, and silent, thus their increasing popularity. Statistics from The Statistics Portal indicate that the number of people kayaking in the United States from 2006 to 2016 went up from 6.1 million to 15.69.
More and more manufacturers are producing modern state of the art kayaks to maximize your pleasure and safety while at sea. We have compiled a top list for you. We have a selection from the top touring kayak brands.
Top Touring Kayaks Comparison Table
Image | Name | Brand Name | Latest Price |
  | Riot Kayaks | ||
  | Ocean Kayak | ||
  | Perception Kayak | ||
  | Necky Eliza | ||
  | Sea Eagle |
Top 5 Best Touring Kayaks For You
1.Riot Kayaks Edge 14.5 LV Flatwater Day Touring Kayak
Comfort is guaranteed as the kayak has a customized seating system that allows all kinds of users to sit comfortably. The seats have an adjustable back band to allow flexibility. Its cockpit has adjustable sliding foot braces and thigh braces to maximize control as you paddle.
The kayak has dual storage compartments at the front and aft with hatches to keep items dry. Additionally, the kayak comes with bungee shock cords to allow you to secure extra baggage on the deck. The kayak is fitted with reflective lifelines. You do not need to be worried about being visible as you paddle in the darkness as the reflectors will make you visible to all, near and far.
As far as control is concerned this kayak guarantees absolute control. The adjustable foot braces help you paddle comfortably in whichever direction you desire. Also the kayak has thigh braces which are integrated. These braces let you closer to the boa thus ensuring that you have total control as you navigate the kayak even in rough waters.
Whether a novice or a seasoned water lover this kayak is bound to make you feel at home as it has the perfect chine combined with the perfect keen to assure you of some solid tracking and best of all, speed. It’s easy not only to paddle but also makes smooth turns. You can never go wrong with the Riot Kayaks Edge 14.5 LV.
Highlighted Features:
- Customized seating system
- Adjustable sliding foot braces
- Bungee shock cords
- Reflective lifelines
- Dual fore and aft storage spaces
Pros
- Has a drain plug to drain off any excess water in the kayak
- Seats are plushy padded for that extra comfort
- The kayak also has bungee cords to fasten gear
- Comes with security bar and lifelines for further safety
Cons
- Does not work optimally in calm water because its flat-bottom makes for poor tracking.
- The cockpit may tend to be too narrow to allow comfortable seating for some.
Verdict
If you are looking for a light comfortable boat, then you need not look any further. The Riot Kayaks Edge 14.5 is easy to paddle a kayak and can be easily used in the roughest of waters. Though it is a touring kayak the lightweight touring kayak can easily double up as a fishing boat. Get one today.
2.Ocean Kayak 16-Feet Tandem Sit-On-Top Touring Kayak
You may wonder why this kayak is named as one of the best. Well for starters it is able to accommodate two. So you can bring along a friend or even two plus a child or your pet without having to worry about his seating.
The kayak has shaped cup holders to contain your drinks. Plush seating makes them a pleasure to use without tiring. You can easily carry it using its fitted handles. When you are resting at sea you just need to put your paddles in their keepers. No need to get wet. The kayak also offers ample storage for all your gear.
The stability and speed offered by this kayak are unmatched. This is because of its heavy body material made of plastic Polyethylene. It becomes even more stable when the boat is at full capacity making it the best buy for use in turbulent waters.
It will just feel like gliding through the turbulence. Though the kayak is designed for use by two people it sits well in the water such that even paddling solo, the kayak will hold as stable. Not only that reviewers have to their delight tried using the kayak with three and even four people and it holds pretty well.
Because of its sit on top nature, the kayak allows you to be at one with nature. You can feel the cool breeze of the ocean as you glide through the water. As the saying goes, Fresh air never hurt anyone.
So the next time you want to indulge in an adventure with your best buddy or buddies do not hesitate to grab yourself this unique kayak. It is guaranteed to give you a smooth effortless ride even in turbulent waters.
Highlighted Features:
- Snacks and luggage storage
- Drink holders
- Carry handles
- Twin seats
Pros
- The kayak’s weight makes it very stable in turbulent waters
- The kayak has the capacity to accommodate at least two adults without a problem
- Comes with bungee cords for containing luggage
- The sides are mounted with paddle keepers which securely hold the paddles
- Has ample space for luggage at the stern so you can keep an eye on the luggage as you paddle
Cons
- The kayak is a heavy and does not do well in serine and shallow waters
- The luggage area is open thus if not properly tied your luggage can fall off
Verdict
This kayak is sturdy, efficient, and good on rough waters. The sit on top touring kayak is just great for water adventures. Hope it gives you lot of pleasure during touring.
3.Perception Triumph 13.0 Kayak
So what makes this kayak stand out from the rest? Beginning with its seating system, the kayak offers a plush seating area for your comfort even as you paddle in extreme conditions. The kayaks’ hull design chine and an upswept widening bow give it speed while making paddling a breeze.
The perception Triumph 13.0 Kayak is rated as one of the fasted kayaks in the market additionally due to its relatively lighter weight as compared to other polyethylene kayaks because of its small size. Also its ability to easily glide through choppy waters makes it a very speedy kayak. So when looking for a kayak that will thrill with speed, look no further.
Storage has been made easy as the kayak has two hatches for storage of luggage and a large precast rear well.The center hatch is easy to reach making it perfect for storage of your drinks and snacks. You need not inconvenience yourself to get your water. All you have to do is reach out and quench your thirst.
And for the day when you want to bring your, son, along, the kayak has a molded-in seat for him. So he can easily tag along to your kayaking expedition. Reviewers say it does well in all types of waters, it is a touring kayak for fishing. When you are done unplug to drain the kayak and haul it easily using the soft touch handles.
If you are an adventurer with the desire for speed, agility, fun and comfort, then this is the kayak for you.
Highlighted Features:
- Comfort seating system
- Ample storage
- Hull design chine
- Soft touch handles
- Versatile
Pros
- Fitted carry handles for easy hauling of the kayak
- Storage space hatches on the bow and center provide ample room for luggage
- A molded-in kids seat for extra accommodation
- Molded cup holder ensures that your favorite drink does not spill over as you paddle
Cons
- The kayaks lightweight makes it unfavorable for lightweight people
- The cockpit may be too narrow to fit a child well in the molded child seat
Verdict
This magnificent kayak is a beauty to behold. Designed to do well in rivers, oceans, lakes and even surf zones it is ideal for one wanting the flexibility it brings but is also keen on performance.
4.Necky Eliza Kayak with Rudder Review
Now they too can enjoy the joys of kayaking with this lean sized kayak that offers plenty in terms of performance. This is what the Necky Eliza offers.
The Necky Eliza is extremely versatile in that it comes in three different options. The first option is the Polyethylene body. This particular option comes with only a rudder. The second option is the Composite fiberglass, while the third is Composite Carbon. The two latter versions come with a retractable drop skeg each. So depending on your liking you can choose from among the trio.
Secondly, it has a long slender design that makes movement a breeze. It just quickly chops away as it moves and is good with speed. Another plus is the maximum control that you are afforded using the retractable rudder and foot pedals.
Also, the Eliza is designed in such a way that the front is buoyant giving the Eliza the perfect physique for wave carving. It makes generous and quick turns so you may want to play a little, or a lot in the wavy waters. You don’t have to overexert yourself navigating turns or keeping the kayak straight.
The kayak is stable as it is made of heavier polyethylene plastic material. Your gear is also kept safe, secure and dry in the front and aft waterproof storage compartments. Specially designed for the woman in mind it’s a sure catch.
The adjustable seating ensures comfort as you can adjust the seat to your most comfortable position eliminating over exertion.
Highlighted Features:
- Slender design
- Adjustable seating
- Polyethylene plastic material
- Waterproof storage compartments
- Stable
Pros
- Can be used by women, slender men, and younger paddlers
- Comes with a spray skirt that is easily attachable and detachable
- The storage hatches have Neoprene seals to keep luggage dry and protected
- Best for women
- Stable and durable
Cons
- The kayak is not suitable for use by taller people
- The rudder cord may be too difficult for some people to pull
Verdict
The kayak is a must have for any woman keen on kayaking as it is made specifically for you in mind. It also has the capabilities of a pro kayak with its stability and speed. Having a shorter wider cockpit with a lower deck height easily accommodates the female physique.
5.Sea Eagle Razorlite 393rl Inflatable Kayak with Pro Package
Yes, you can easily fit it into a bag and move on to the next adventure. It does not, however, compromise on function ability. It is as able as any kayak on the water. This is why you may prefer to have this in your collection.
This is a one of a kind inflatable kayak that is made of reinforced PVC and reinforced 3″ stitches for extra durability. Inflatable in 7, minutes it deflates to a meager 22″ x 22″ x 12″ in size. Its light weight allows it to easily glide making paddling a breeze.
The kayak also comes with touring kayak accessories including an inline pressure gauge pressure pump, a back Seat with wrap around sides and contoured seat pad removable rear skeg, a four-part performance paddle, an adjustable footrest backpack for easy storage and transport, and repair kit.
Comfortability has not been compromised when designing this unique kayak. This is because it comes with a tall black seat that can be securely latched on to the kayak using D-rings. The seat made of foam is soft enough to keep you comfortable throughout your whole adventure. And because the seat is in a low position, the seat backrest is able to give your back great support. The low sitting position also affords maximum stability. No bobbling around in the water till your head aches.
Speed is also guaranteed with this kayak its lightweight material and Rigid bow and stern molds ensure that the boat cuts through the water with speed.
For your carry bag and car keys, the rear of the back seat has a zippered pouch well built in for your convenience.
The kayak just like its name implies is a wonderful glider just like the eagle. Smooth, silent and fast. Couldn’t have named it better myself.
Highlighted Features:
- Reinforced PVC
- Easy to inflate and deflate
- Lightweight design
- Pressure gauge pressure pump
- Adjustable footrest Backpack
Pros
- Kayak is made of extremely durable high-quality material assured to last you a long time
- Easy to set up and inflate as it comes with the inflation pump
- Easy to inflate
- Has an adjustable footrest
Cons
- Not suitable for use in whitewater
- Cleaning the kayak may be challenging as there are some hard to reach areas
Verdict
Searching for a portable fast and efficient kayak has now been made easy with the emergence of the Razorlite Inflatable Kayak. It is a lightweight touring kayak that gives you the flexibility of moving around with it and the advantage of speed because of its lightweight PVC material.
Things To Consider When Choosing The Best Touring Kayak
If you have decided that you are absolutely going to get yourself a touring kayak, you will definitely need to take the following into consideration to ensure you get the greatest touring kayaks for you.
Material
Generally, Kayaks are made of either plastic polyethylene of a fiberglass composite. Both have their unique features. The Fiberglass composite kayaks usually come costlier than their counterparts but weigh much less. More often than not their finish is usually glossy which some people attribute to greater speeds. They also have more rigid hulls.
They are also more portable because of their minimal weight. The polyethylene kayaks, on the other hand, are cheaper and weightier. Many touring kayak reviews say that this is an advantage especially when one is navigating turbulent waters. The plastic kayaks also tend to last longer as they do not easily crack.
Rudder or Skeg Or None
This is a choice that all kayakers have to make. The rudders can be used to maneuver the direction of your kayak. Foot pedals move the rudder in either direction to help the navigation. On the other hand, skegs are retractable keels that can be raised and lowered and are generally used to keep the kayak in a straight line.
Skegs do not give you the luxury of navigating the kayak sideways so you have to physically turn the kayak using your paddles. Some people prefer to go with none. Though this may make controlling the kayak an uphill task.
Size
It is important that you select a kayak with a comfortable fit. This will allow your hips and thighs to have direct contact with the kayak making it easier for you to control it. Again, what kind of storage space will you require? This will depend on the kind of equipment and luggage you usually carry.
Seating
What size kayak do you want? Do you want a dual capacity kayak or single capacity? Select the capacity of your preference.
Final Words
When all is said and done, be sure that any kayak that you select will put your safety and that of your passengers in the forefront. A 2016 Recreational Boating Statistics prepared by the U.S Department of Homeland Security, U.S.
Coast Guard and Office of Auxiliary and Boating Safety indicates that In 2016, the Coast Guard counted 4,463 accidents that involved 701 deaths, 2,903 injuries and approximately $49 million dollars of damage to property as a result of recreational boating accidents. 13% of the vessels with the highest deaths were kayaks.
Now go on and pick a kayak from our collection and stay safe.
Hope you choose the best touring kayak among those kayak above. Enjoy!!!
