Gear Guide: Folding Kayak
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Folding Kayak
For a microescapist, having your own foldable kayak is a game changer.
Now can you paddle anywhere there's a put-in, any time of day, including early morning or evening, when the light is perfect, and solar exposure less brutal.
PLUS, you have real portability options. Not only can easily fit two or more of them in a car, you can take one on the train, or —with a bit of creativity— even carry it on your bike.
The Oru Folding Kayak is a magical, origami-style boat, made from lightweight and durable translucent polypropylene material, folds compactly and quickly, is light, packable, and tracks like a dream.
The one pictured above is the flagship, seagoing Bay ST model, and it's a fabulous boat.
However, the one I recommend for many quick and spontaneous adventures is the Inlet, which combines a generous, open cockpit with enough length for a smooth, stable and efficient paddle. Here’s why I think it’s more useful for creative microescapes:
A roomy, open cockpit and compact folded size make it a great folding kayak to use with your folding bike!
More forgiving
Easier to get in and out from
You can be less than perfect and more spontaneous with your packing
You can bring your dog
Easier to combine with folding bike!
The open cockpit accommodates a folding bike in case you wish to go multi-modal with your folding gear
Narrower, trapezoidal fold can be more conveniently positioned it on the rack of your folding bike.
Pro tip: getting the custom pack and Oru's 4-piece folding paddle will allow you to bundle everything into one easy-to-carry package.