Advanced Elements Ultralight Kayak Review : Best Lightweight Inflatable Kayak

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Paul McNabb - 5 years ago

Looks like it needs a keel or rudder. Maybe your to low and your paddles are to far out. Just watching you zigzag with every stroke makes me wonder how it handles. I do see the benefit of inflatables. Thanks for the review.

Vertdesir - 5 years ago

I do not see any advantages in comparison to my Packraft. I used to have another kayak like that and would never ever buy something else than a packraft. The shown kayak has way too many parts and the time for preparing is way too long. The possibility of packing stuff is really limited.

50 Campfires - 5 years ago

+Vertdesir That thing looks great. It's a couple hundred bucks more but the weight is hard to beat. Very easy to bring just about anywhere.

Vertdesir - 5 years ago

+50 Campfires MRS Microraft. Boat, paddle, exchange clothing, fin and other equipment do fit in one rucksack. Weight of boat is 2,4kg.

50 Campfires - 5 years ago

Interesting. What kind of packraft do you have? The setup time on this one is similar to any packraft you'll find: 5-10 minutes. I agree that it's somewhat limited for packing, but personally I could easily bring everything I need for an overnighter on the shore somewhere.

Tonya Whitford Condon - 6 years ago

I am looking to go from a traditional kayak to something like this. Mine is currently 42 lbs. and I have a bad back. I like that it is only 17 lbs., but the seat doesn't look like it gives much back support. How did you find the seat comfort? Thanks!

50 Campfires - 6 years ago

It's actually pretty decent. It's obviously not going to be as solid as a hard shell kayak, but when you scoot your hips back to get more upright, the position stays that way.

50 Campfires - 6 years ago

That's a good way to be! I honestly think that you'll be very happy with the ease of setup and lightweight. Only two air chambers that blow up quick, and light enough to carry it a few miles as a backpack if you wanted to. It's a cool concept that I think they pulled off.

Jenni Vaccaro - 6 years ago

You are the only non commercial video review on the ultra lite I could find. Do you think it having an inflatable floor is better? Just considering the ae sport if I'm not satisfied. I appreciate your thoughts

50 Campfires - 6 years ago

The ultra light does not have an inflatable floor, and I didn't have any issues with it. The floor is a neoprene/foam type of material that's about 1/2" thick. As I mentioned in the video, you can slightly feel small waves through the floor, but I still really enjoyed the paddling experience. In my opinion, the ease of setup and light weight outweigh any potential cons that the kayak has.

Jenni Vaccaro - 6 years ago

So mine is arriving Friday
How tough would consider the bottom...compared to maybe the the advanced frame sport? Since it's not pvc but polyurethane
Do u think it will endure minor abrasions against small rocks and such???

Philip Longee - 6 years ago

I have a Sport I bought back in June. It's quick to assemble and inflate and paddles great but I paddle on the Potomac River near D.C. The frequently strong river current make the inflatable floor and optional backbone essential to properly paddle the water without difficulty with such a beamy boat. I've read on the Advanced Elements forum that because of the thinner polyurethane hull instead of the thicker (and heavier) PVC hull, the ultralight cannot accommodate an inflatable floor, backbone, or the much firmer Drop Stitch paddle board floor.
But If you paddle on calm lakes and ponds that wouldn't necessarily be a concern, however.

50 Campfires - 6 years ago

I don't have any experience with the advanced frame sport, but can say that the ultra light bottom felt very tough when I was inspecting it. It's a concern that I had as well. I wouldn't be worried about minor scrapes over rocks here and there.

gilmotier - 6 years ago

Is it slow compared to a hardbody rec kayak of similar size?

50 Campfires - 6 years ago

I wouldn't use the word "slow" at all. It certainly handles differently, but I didn't notice a big difference in speed in comparison to my hard shell kayaks.

Millers Landing - 6 years ago

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