Inflation is a Good Thing

EXPLORER 380X, Sea Eagle

Explorer 380X

Manufacturer's Statement: An expedition-quality kayak that can hold two people and weeks of camping gear. The perfect choice for extended camping or river-running.

Baggage Capacity: Two paddlers, packing even a modicum of weekend camping gear, would be squished in the Explorer; however, solo paddlers will find that the boat works fine for extended backcountry travel.

Comfort: The inflatable seats with back rests are comfortable, even after a long day, and can be repositioned for solo or tandem paddling. A nice feature is the boat's four large drain valves, which can be screwed open (for self-bailing) or shut (for dry open-water paddling). Although not waterproof, bow and stern bags that attach to the deck provide a secure space for simple essentials. A number of tie-down points come in handy for lashing in gear.

Handling: The Explorer is an economical, utilitarian, well-provisioned inflatable craft that doesn't outperform in any one category, but manages to do all things adequately. We didn't have an opportunity to test the optional "straight arrow directional stabilizer" attachment, but if it works as advertised, it would improve the tracking and speed of the boat on open water.

RIVER XK2, Sevylor

River XK2

Manufacturer's Statement: A great dual-purpose boat. It's a roomy, trim, and handsome touring kayak for two with enough room for gear.

Baggage Capacity: The River XK2 was not the reviewers' boat of choice for tandem touring; its snug dimensions allow only a couple of daypack-size drybags to be conveniently stowed inside. Solo paddlers, however, will have enough storage space to head out on a weeklong trip without any crunch problems.

Comfort: Several lashing points permit gear bags to be securely tied in. The removable seats with back rests and detachable ditty-bag pouches are comfortable, and can be positioned for single or tandem paddling. Self-bailing holes can be opened or closed, depending on conditions. Optional thigh braces and rudder are available.

Handling: The XK2 has a moderate rocker that serves it well in moderate whitewater, but the directional stakes, or fins attached to the outside hull that assist in making the boat track straight, also decrease its performance when quick maneuverability is required.

SEA TIGER, AIRE

Sea Tiger

Manufacturer's Statement: The ultimate touring kayak, built for performance. Highly portable and compact, the Sea Tiger is equally at home in the Caribbean, the San Juan Islands, or a big lake.

Baggage Capacity: The Sea Tiger is 37 inches wide, but about half that measurement is taken up by air tubes, making for a rather slender cockpit. However, if you pack light, a couple weeks' worth of gear will fit easily on board.

Comfort: For southern climes, with diving, snorkeling, or playing in the surf part of the itinerary, the sleek, seaworthy Sea Tiger is an excellent choice. Reclining in the cushioned urethane seat (with delightful back rest), I felt as comfy as if sitting in my living room La-Z-Boy. But with no deck or spray cover, you're completely exposed to the elements; so if cold water is on your itinerary, you'll want a wet or dry suit. However, one significant advantage the Sea Tiger has over other sea kayaks is its self-bailing floor. Water sloshing inside quickly drains back out; there's no messing around with bilge pumps. And if you happen to fall out, no big deal--the Sea Tiger is easy to right and get back into. Fabric loops and D-rings in both the bow and stern make tying in gear a snap. The boat is designed for two paddlers, but a quick seat readjustment affords the option of going solo.

Handling: The boat scoots along with little effort, thanks to a full-length V-shaped hull for superior tracking. But in contrary winds and waves, the reviewers definitely appreciated having the foot-controlled retractable rudder. And don't count out the Sea Tiger for flatwater river travel. I know one couple who took theirs down the Upper Missouri Wild and Scenic River in Montana and the Green River in Utah's Canyonlands National Park and had a great time doing it.

MAVERIK II, Northwest River Supplies

MaverIK II

Manufacturer's Statement: Paddle tandem or solo; ideal for self-contained trips.

Baggage Capacity: The MaverIK II is rated for two people with gear, but given that it has only a narrow, short wedge of cargo space available in the stern and bow ends, the reviewers agreed that a tandem overnight trip in this boat would be pushing it. However, solo paddlers will find adequate baggage capacity for a weekend or much longer trip.

Comfort: This is a well-constructed river boat, but (as furnished) one more suitable for shorter trips than lengthy journeys. Standard attachments include only two D-rings (in the bow and stern) to attach gear. The inflatable thwart back rests aren't particularly comfortable. Also, if paddling solo, there's no practical means to center the non-removable thwarts for a proper trim. The numerous self-bailing drain holes do a great job of jettisoning any water that sloshes aboard, but there's no way to close them. And because of the low side tubes, thigh straps and foot blocks (not included) were deemed necessary to feel secure in the boat, especially in whitewater.

Handling: The MaverIK II comes into its own on rivers, big or small. It spins sharply and can handle up to Class III rapids with ease. However, this isn't the boat you'd want if flatwater lake or river cruising is high on your agenda.

STARLITE 100, Star Inflatables

Starlight 100

Manufacturer's Statement: First affordable inflatable kayak built that is durable enough to withstand Class III+ whitewater. Stability and performance are combined in this kayak, which is suitable for both technical rivers and scenic lakes.

Baggage Capacity: I'd feel okay taking the Starlite 100 on a weekend river jaunt--if I were packing light. Although the boat is wider than the other inflatable kayaks in this review, there simply is not enough usable space aboard for longer wilderness trips.

Comfort: The Starlite is a no-frills, self-bailing inflatable that will get you where you're going, just not necessarily in style or much comfort. The reviewers were a little put off by the boat's beamy configuration; shorter testers, especially, had to lean out over the side tubes to get a proper bite with their paddles. There is no seat proper, just an inflated buckle-in thwart to lean against, and the raised interior floor is ribbed, which some reviewers found annoying after sitting for some time. Foot pegs would be a nice touch to brace against, as would more D-rings or other tie-down attachments.

Handling: If you're looking for an economical, stable inflatable for day tripping or a weekend outing, the Starlite is a good choice. Not exactly a high performer in any one category, the boat handles well enough on easy to moderately difficult rivers to have fun. However, on flat stretches or lakes, the Starlite might get left behind. It seemed more affected by wind than most of the other boats tested.

FAT PACK CAT, Jack's Plastic Welding

Fat Pack Cat

Manufacturer's Statement: Built with easy transportation and performance in mind. Opens up paddling opportunities on large rivers or tiny streams that are simply not possible with conventional inflatable kayaks.

Baggage Capacity: If you've never used a catyak, you'll find that packing one is a bit different from packing a conventional inflatable kayak. Instead of loading gear inside the boat, you lash your drybag atop a removable rear cargo sling that's suspended between the long, straight tubes. How high you stack bags is up to you, but keep in mind that the lower the load, the lower the center of gravity. And if you need to carry even more gear, it can be lashed between the front tubes as well, using the heavy-duty grommet strips as tie-downs. With that said, the Fat Pack Cat can carry enough baggage for most river trips.

Comfort: The mesh seat system, inflatable pillow back rest, and foot bars provide an adjustable and comfortable paddling station--once you get used to the sensation of having your rear end hanging out there inches above the water. Obviously, there's no need for drain holes; thanks to the catamaran design, the boat itself is self-bailing. But speaking of rear ends, your butt is going to be wet almost all the time, so consider wearing a dry suit, or at least extra insulation from the waist down, if paddling cold water.

Handling: The Fat Pack Cat is a rather strange beast. The large tube diameters with rockered fronts provide a stable ride with responsive performance on high-volume rivers with large rapids, and less draft than conventional inflatables when poking down tiny, inches-deep streams where almost no one goes. The boat also tracks well because of the straight waterline tubes and is fast enough to keep pace with other inflatable designs.

Larry Rice is a contributing editor for Canoe & Kayak. This summer he is leading a river trip to Mongolia, where his fleet of six inflatable canoes will outnumber that nation's navy.

SPECS:

S14: SOAR INFLATABLES (800) 280-7627/soar1.com; Design: 1-2 person canoe; Length: 14'; Width: 40''; Weight: 60 lbs; Packed size (inches): 40 x 16 x 11; Standard equipment: Two wooden seats, hand pump, carrying straps, repair kit; Price: $1,595 ORINOCO: INNOVA INFLATABLES (425) 776-1171/innovakayak.com; Design: 1-2 person canoe; Length: 13' 3''; Width: 41''; Weight: 55 lbs; Packed size (inches): 16 x 18 x 30; Standard equipment: Two wooden seats, waterproof carrying bag, repair kit; Price: $1,399 OUTSIDE PRO: GRABNER INFLATABLES (800) 500-2404/www.grabner-sports.at/start1.html; Design: 1-2 person canoe; Length: 13' 6''; Width: 39''; Weight: 46 lbs; Packed size (inches): 22 x 12 x 10; Standard equipment: Two seats, carrying straps, repair kit, 10-meter painter; Price: $1,890 EXPLORER 380X: SEA EAGLE: (800) 852-0925/seaeagle.com; Design: 1-2 person Kayak; Length: 12' 4''; Width: 37''; Weight: 47 lbs; Packed size (inches): 31 x 20 x 9; Standard equipment: Two removable inflatable seats, carry bag, two 8-foot double-end paddles, bow and stern stow bags, foot pump, and repair kit; Price: $795 RIVER XK2: SEVYLOR (800) 821-4645/sevylor.com; Design: 1-2 person kayak; Length: 13' 8''; Width: 32''; Weight: 39 lbs; Packed size (inches): Not available; Standard equipment: Two seats, two foot rests, carry bag, repair kit; Price: $600 SEA TIGER: AIRE (800) 247-3432/aire.com; Design: 1-2 person kayak; Length: 18'; Width: 37''; Weight: 62 lbs; Packed size (inches): 16 x 21 x 41; Standard equipment: Two seats, retractable rudder, repair kit, owner's video and manual; Price: $1,995 MAVERIK II: NORTHWEST RIVER SUPPLIES: (800) 635-5202/nrsweb.com; Design: 1-2 person kayak; Length: 12' 5''; Width: 36''; Weight: 45 lbs; Packed size (inches): 22 x 22 x 22; Standard equipment: Two inflatable back rests, repair kit; Price: $1,205 STARLITE 100: STAR INFLATABLES: (877) 900-2628/starinflatables.com; Design: 1 person kayak; Length: 9' 5''; Width: 39''; Weight: 38 lbs; Packed size (inches): 27 x 19 x 11; Standard equipment: One seat, foot pump, one breakdown kayak paddle, carry bag; Price: $583 FAT PACK CAT: JACK'S PLASTIC WELDING (505) 334-8748/jpwinc.com; Design: 1 person catamaran kayak; Length: 11' 7''; Width: 44''; Weight: 42 lbs; Packed size (inches): 26 x 14 x 14; Standard equipment: One seat frame, footrest, backrest pillow, and cargo sling; Price: $1,048