Best Portable Kayak Ever? | Pakayak Bluefin142 Review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 25 มี.ค. 2022
- Portable kayaks have improved dramatically over the past decade. They're lighter, more durable, easier to assemble, and they perform better. A great example of this is the Pakayak Bluefin 142 - a 14 foot-long, hardshell touring/sea kayak that fits into a backpack/roller bag. How cool is that? Well, I'm going to find out how cool that really is, because in this video, I'm taking the touring kayak for a real test drive. Enjoy this in-depth, unbiased review of the Pakayak Bluefin 142 kayak.
More info on this kayak:
Pakayak Bluefin 142: pakayak.com/?ref=ken
Other paddling gear I use and recommend:
NOTE: These are affiliate links where I'll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you, but it's a great way to show your support. Thanks!
PADDLES
Aqua Bound Manta Ray Carbon Paddle:
Aqua Bound Tango Fibreglass Paddle: bit.ly/3iaGleJ
Aqua Bound Whiskey Carbon Bent Shaft Paddle: bit.ly/3z1kiOH
FOOTWEAR
NRS Kicker Remix Shoe: bit.ly/36F1B6Y
NRS Boundary Boot: bit.ly/2TaCMgl
PADDLING SHIRTS / TOPS
NRS Guide Long Sleeve Shirt: bit.ly/3yVID8j
NRS Guide Short Sleeve Shirt: bit.ly/3dkDYaD
NRS H2Core Silkweight Shirt: bit.ly/3xF43pX
NRS H2Core Silkweight Long Sleeve Shirt: bit.ly/3yZGbO2
NRS Hydroskin Short Sleeve Shirt: bit.ly/3wCvoI3
NRS Riptide Splash Jacket: bit.ly/3BbAZZJ
NRS Flux Dry Top: bit.ly/2U3Pvlw
PFD’S
NRS Odyssey PFD: bit.ly/3ibIk2n
NRS Zen PFD: bit.ly/2VCfrF3
NRS Chinook PFD: bit.ly/2TaEAG9
OTHER PADDLING GEAR
Zoleo Communicator: bit.ly/3zw7gw1
NRS Drylander Sprayskirt: bit.ly/36z5BG6
WRSI Current Helmet: bit.ly/2Te6KA6
PADDLING SHORTS/BOTTOMS
NRS Benny Board Short: bit.ly/2VIbK0L
NRS Hydroskin Shorts: bit.ly/3hCXPl2
SUNGLASSES
WileyX: bit.ly/3NtJQKR
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#SeaKayak #PortableKayak #FoldingKayak #KayakTouring #TouringKayak #BestKayak - กีฬา
Note: Pakayak offers a knee and thigh braces kit that uses velcro to keep the pads in place and and is quick and easy to instal/remove. pakayak.freshdesk.com/support/solutions/articles/43000487823
Would love to know your thoughts on this kayak after using the knee and thigh brace. Seemed like a lot of your apprehension was surrounding not having them when you tested it.
I’ve had the Pakayak for two seasons now and love it given I live in NYC in an apartment with no please to store a kayak but in the cellar. Plus it’s so much easier than car-topping. Regarding thigh and hip outfitting, I spent a weekend shaping and building up minicell foam and used high quality Velcro as they have to be removed in order to pack the boat. The hips padding was easy but getting half scent thigh padding to work was a challenge given where the back band straps connect. After some trial and error, I’ve got it well set-up. It completely changed to paddling experience with the boat. It doesn’t address the general lack of rocker when it comes to maneuverability but it made the boat much more responsive.
It’s definitely worth the time to do it.
Finally the Pakayak is on this channel. Been using it for a while now and it’s a joy.
I was about to say the same thing!
@@TenDigitGrid 😂 same thoughts!
I've seen people mention your name on reddit in reference to your videos on this kayak. Have you removed them or are they on a different channel?
Trying to do some research before making a decision 😂
@@TheAnglan Hi! I was going through a few things and hid my videos. They are back on my channel now :) If you have anything to ask, please let me know!
I've enjoyed your videos of the Pakayak as well!
I would also love to see a review/comparison of the Point 65 Mercury!
Just received my Pakayak today and immediately put it together in my living room to test the fit. Your review was spot on about the size, I am 6'3" and currently pushing 240. I have plenty of room in the cockpit and find my footpegs were all the way forward to sit comfortably. I can't wait to get it on the water. I appreciate all your reviews, lessons and experience that you pass on to the rest of us. You have earned another subscriber.
I’m about your hight and weight, debating on buying one of these, what’s your experience so far any huge negatives so far?
Pakayak is my friend! I have taken mine all over the Rappahannock, Potomac, Chesapeake Bay these last 3 years. I am known as the Teal Traveler. And all because I can fit it in the back of my Mini Cooper! Outfitted with the thigh and knee braces I have navigated numerous open water, small craft warning events… no problem. Without the portability I would have never been there. The weight is concerning, but I am a 5’7 130 60 yo female, and with the extra wheels for the bag and a good kayak dolly, no worries. Finally a great review. THANK YOU DOUG!
Great insight! thanks for sharing!
Excellent, on-point, unbiased review. Thanks!
YES (with all excitement)! I had been waiting for this review!
:). Hope you enjoy it
Wow this is such an amazing portable kayak. If it wasn't for the price, I think this would be every where.
Beautiful aerial works ;) Glad that you get to enjoy Pakayak. Yeah, I live in Tokyo, and I really appreciate what this kayak can do!
:)
New to the sport, started with a tandem SeaEagle 473 which we absolutely love. But I want to do some solo things when my wife can't get away. We still struggle with space, so it was either another inflatable or something like this. You've helped me make up my mind. Just ordered one! Thanks for in-depth review, it really helped.
Ive had mine for about a year. I find i kind of have to bow my legs out to get performance but it does work. The comfort isnt great, but not bad. The best thing though ive found is the 3 minute assembly, it puts my inflatables to shame and drying is fast too. Speedwise it Outperforms my advanced elements exp elite by about 1mph, has a higher cap, but its somewhat heavy so you have to work to get going fast. You trade some tipiness for that extra speed
Awesome. thanks for sharing!
I have the Bluefin 14, the earlier version to the 14.2
Yes, the kayak is HEAVY, but doable.
I mostly got it for its portability, and the fact that it's solid, not inflatable, nor foldable like an Oru.
The price is steep, but it's built like a tank, hence the weight. Seals work superbly.
Stacking is easy, I practiced in my living room first, and at the third try I managed to assemble it in just under 4 minutes. The clamps can be tricky and catch your fingers, but they are incredibly strong.
It tracks surprisingly well for not having a skeg/fin.
My only complaints:
It actually is a bit tippy, and takes a few minutes to get used to the initial balance. Use your hips, and the paddle flat on the water for regaining balance. Took me about 10-15 minutes to get used to it.
Secondly, the foamy seat starts to feel uncomfortable after an our or so, but that's easily resolvable with an extra pad or different seat.
I have a Hobie Tandem Island too. It's an 18 foot, 200 lbs monster that usually requires a second hand.
The Pakayak is a superb choice for get up and go yakking, easy to hose clean and dry, and store.
Rumors are that a kit for tandem paddling is in the works.
Thank for your sharing your insights. It really helps.
I agree with your assessment but I'm finding I can spend about 2 hours in it before I need to stretch my legs and hips.
@@BetterBeerBlog
True, if you look at the founder, he's a short fella, haha
I'm 5'11", so I agree it's not great on leg-room, but not too bad either 😉 👍
Yeah. I have the original Bluefin 14 and it is a tad short. It just barely fits my leg length, but there's no zero wiggle room. Past that, it IS a great kayak and worth it to me to upgrade to the slightly longer Bluefin 142 soon
Great video. I have the Bluefin 14 and the NRS Cvest life jacket works perfectly.
Finally. :) i have mine for about 1 1/2 years now. And i love it. I live in germany and was lucky enough to get one.
Great! Thanks for sharing your experience with it!
Pakayak looks realy good 🤩 it's not my favorite colour, but its "shape" and it's still hardshell... In parts, but still stiff. 😁
Okay, this year 2022 starts not cool (war in Ukraine, which my country is bordering with) and inflation eating money so quickly, it cant even predict what the end of prices would be. But... Paddling is what we do, and no matter what, we will do this in this year.
There are other colors available
Thanks so much, Ken. Happy to see you finally got the Pakayak for testing. Great to hear your analysis and insights.
Now, the only portable Kayak missing in your review-lineup would be the "Natseq" from german/austrian manufacturer "Kayak Innovations" which should be the closest competitor to the Pakayak. Would really wonder about a comparison between the two.
Thanks again, happy paddling
Thanks again for your help in making it happen Ronny!
Natseq is a modular kayak, but not nested like the Pakayak. The Natseq is like the Point 65 Mercury GTX, easier to transport than a one-piece kayak, but you still have bulky parts to handle.
This kayak is the whole reason I could get into the sport
Nice!
I just bought this boat last night directly from Pakayak at Black Friday sale price of $1645!! and I am so excited!!
Congrats!!
Good timing….have been looking at Pakayak online…saving space is huge…since wife made me sell my last kayak 😩 due to lack of space.
Sounds like you're the PERFECT candidate for a Pakayak! You sold your kayak!!! :)
Hi Ken, Appreciate all your reviews! I am curious if you have ever tested the Point 65 Mercury GTX and how you feel it compares against the Pakayak Bluefin 142? Looking at a portable kayak and having a hard time deciding between these 2. The Bluefin is undoubtedly more portable with how it stores inside itself but I really like how you can buy a section for the Point 65 and turn a solo kayak into a tandem. What I am unable to find is an unbiased review of how each of these compare on the water, comfort, seating postition etc. Could you provide any insight?
Wish they had a 10 foot version of this. Still leaning towards the Sea Eagle 300X.
Thanks for talking in detail about the high decks. As someone with a short torso, I now know it just would not work for me and people like me, even if thigh braces could be added.
I have same concern so was glad to see him confirm the deck is high (which it looked). With my 5'1" height the high deck is a no-go. I have a Necky Eliza, which is a great fit for small person, but alas, portability limited to car-top or trailer.
Thanks for the review. I won't be getting one, but a friend is looking at portables. Would like to have seen a little more info on storage, just a peek in the hatches and behind the seat would have been nice.
Hatches are roomy and behind the seat has enough room to hold the bag for portages.
Thank you. I looked forward this review. I am curious what you going to say about AE Airfusion EVO with skeg
I don't have that one planned, but I'll be reviewing the AE Expedition Elite soon!
God bless, thank you for a great work you do!
Cheers!
I know that they have a rudder option for it. But it would be nice if they also had a simpler, optional rear section (to replace the original) with an adjustable drop-skeg. Even without a rudder or skeg, I do love my Pakayak
Thanks for another enjoyable and informative review. I love my Pakayak but its' weight is a real issue that keeps me from using it as much as I would like since I have to transport it up and down stairs.
Thanks for sharing! Yes, I can see stairs being a challenge. Maybe you could assemble it at the top of the stairs, ride it down the stairs, and then pack it back up for the trip to the water? :). Ok... not a great idea.
Check out a Tucktec, I ended up going with them I stead of a pakayak and the weight was a big reason for me
@@michael_17213 On his Tucktec reviews everyone tells him to look at the Pakayak….
i've been waiting and hoping the pricing would come down, or they come out with a model built with a lighter material. it would at least be nice if they included padding and all terrain bag wheels standard for the price; +$190 upcharge for better wheels to handle the 60 pounds feels nickel and dime-y for something already priced at a premium.
I’ve been waiting for you to review this one. I’ve seen a few videos already of the Pakayak in inshore and light surf. I’m intrigued.
Fun boat! I just paddled it for another 2 days on Lake Guntersville, and it was a reminder of how good a boat it is.
Ken, can you make a video for beginners on how to find takeout spots and what to do once you're out of the water. How do you get your kayak and yourself back to the car?
That's a good idea! Do you have river paddling in mind specifically?
Hey Ken, can you review Lifetime Tamarac pro 103 please?! Thanks.
I guess it is based on the Nigel Dennis 3 part Explorer that's been around for a while, but this seems pretty cool... Bit shorter but packs smaller
I added bigger wheels to the bag, and at my weight 220lbs it needed a lot of ballast to the bow to restore stability, very tippy without
30 pounds of added lead .
Really cool yak, basically a portable hard body and its 14ft! Im also interested in those foldable yaks such as Oru or Tucktec.
I'll be testing out some more this season! Stay tuned!
@@PaddleTV Awesome and thanks! 👍
You cannot self rescue in either of those kayaks.
New to kayaking. I want to keep my options open and may want to eventually go in choppy waters without having to purchase a new kayak. Oru coast, pakayak, point 65 mercury?
Great video and a very interesting looking kayak. This might be a strange question, but how long is your inseam? My wife has a 36" inseam and we are wondering if this kayak would fit her.
He is 6’2” with long legs and he used the bulkhead instead of foot pegs. Most likely he has a 36” inseam since a 34” inseam is NOT long legged for 6’2”. (I’m 6’2 with 36” inseam also).
Curious if he responds. Great question.
I don't actually know my inseam. I wear 33 - 34" inseam pants, but that's not necessarily my actual inseam. Being long legged, I would guess that I'm around 36".
im 5'7 130lbs would I be better off with a pakayak or a ORU. Just lakes and rivers mostly calm. Plan to use your links let me know your thoughts! Thanks!
May I ask what size spray skirt are you using in this video?
Portable kayaks have come a long way but I miss some of the niceties like a day hatch or paddle parks.
Yup... there are downsides to every portable kayak. But if portability means the difference between having a kayak and not having one... then they can't be beat!
Thank You for your advice.
Airport shuttle Guy.
Has anyone tried loading this boat with camping gear up to near it's weigh limit? I wonder if the hatch sizes are reduced as a tradeoff to portability. The "tail" stern of the boat is thin and has a low draft; if you fill the hatch or strap gear to the deck, does it submerge? How does it handle loaded?
I would like to have your opinion about the Mercury GTX Point 65ºN solo version, is a Swedish manufacturer. I´m a follower from Argentina. Thank you.
Same here! I’ve had my eye on the Point 65 Mercury and am curious about how it rolls and it’s maneuverability. I have the Pakayak, which is great for touring, but I have to learn how to modify my roll. I haven’t rolled it yet because it’s such a large/high volume boat which is intimidating for me to roll with me being on the small side. I love the portability of the Pakayak, but with it being so huge, theres really not good points of contact for hips and thighs. I purchased the hip and thigh brace and will install it on the Pakayak to see if it makes a difference. Hopefully @paddleTV will do a review of the Point 65 Mercury Solo version soon!
Do you think this kayak has enough stability for a beginner that would only be on flat water ? I like the idea of a hard shell but need something portable. Would the Razorlite 393rl be a bit more stable than this one ?
I would say that both the 393rl and the Pakayak are equally stable. Both are definitely stable enough for a beginner on flatwater. Of course, they're not nearly as stable as recreational kayaks that are designed primarily to be stable, but they're stable nonetheless.
Ken, I bought one after this review at MEC. Question, what skirt are you using? Is it neoprene or nylon? Two observations: 1. you are right. I don't feel like I can lock in due to lack of material thighs and knees.
2. The secondary stability is horrible.
I'm using a neoprene skirt - the NRS Drylander I believe. Something I just learned... Pakayak offers a foam hip and knee support kit. I haven't tried it, but I think it will make a difference. The hip support alone might help with the secondary stability (or lack thereof) that you're feeling, as your butt won't slide around.
looking at this for kayak camping. Would the weight of my camping gear make this type of kayak unusable? Lake use and light river use only.
I'm 195lbs, and I would be totally confident kayak camping with this kayak. In fact, I have a trip planned later this summer to do just that. The max capacity is 300lb, which is quite a bit for a touring kayak.
Thanks for the review! How would you compare this to Trak? Considering the price tag, I'd expect the Trak's performance is better.... Thanks.
That's a tough question! They both have their place. The fact that you can adjust the rocker for the Trak is a huge selling feature for me. It's one sea kayak that can perform in many different ways. On the flip side, the Pakayak is a better boat for less experienced paddlers, as it's more stable. The Pakayak is also much quicker to assemble, which is a bonus for people who like to do short paddling trips, or have limited time to paddle. To simplify, I would say that that the TRAK is more targeted to higher performance paddling, whereas the Pakayak is more targeted to novice/intermediate kayakers.... but that doesn't mean novice/intermediate kayakers wouldn't enjoy the Trak, or advanced paddlers wouldn't enjoy the Pakayak... As clear as mud? :)
The Pakayak has dry bays, the Trak does not. Without some sort of flotation device in the Trak there is no way to self rescue. I kayak alone so being able to self rescue is very important. Just one area of difference to note.
I have been struggling with this as well. Trak vs Pakayak. It came down to 2 general points for me:
1. Trak's adjustable rocker - This is an awesome feature. But as I'm not a pro or advanced paddler, I can't justify spending another $1,800-2,000 extra even if the Trak is 15 lbs lighter and packs much smaller
2. Availability - I don't know if I'm reading too much into those who purchased but the wait time is extremely long and sometimes a moving target.
That said, I'd love to have a Trak but the Pakayak is not far behind for me. As a bonus, I can paddle the Pakayak a few days after I paid for it.
@PaddleTV - thanks for your reviews of both products. Really helpful for prospective buyers like me.
Great review but ... maybe a comparision to other portable kayaks would be more fair than to to compare it to high-end sea kayaks. Simple think of a inflatable "rubber" kayak like Grabner. Then Pakayak is not really expensive any more.
Good point. I plan on doing a review of a variety of portables from this season after reviewing a few more. thanks!
I really liked this kayak when I first saw it last year, but unfortunately in the UK it is priced at £2779. That translates to $4610 Canadian according to Google right now. In my view that is no longer anything like good value even taking the portability into account. Importing stuff always makes it expensive here unless it comes from the far east, but I doubt they will be selling many at that price. It's crazy money when you consider what you are getting is a low-spec kayak for top spec kayak money.
Rather sea eagle razor lite pro
That's a good one too... although it wouldn't be able to handle the same type of water as the Pakayak, simply because it doesn't have a skirt. The Pakayak can handle rough conditions, which isn't relevant for people that don't want to be able to paddle in the rough stuff.
If this kayak swamps, does it head for the bottom? I didn’t hear you talk about float chambers.
It is made of separate chambers, therefore it will float if the seating section becomes swamped.
@@TheAnglan I’m having trouble envisioning this. If the sections nest for storage, where are the bulkheads.
@@rgsparber1 So the seating area is open for your feet to pass through but the end segments with the cargo space are walled self contained units and they are attached via ratchet straps on the outside of the kayak, not being inserted into each other. Essentially they sit against each other tightly not inside each other.
Coming from a whitewater background, I feel much more comfortable using float bags inside my kayak, than assuming the "float chambers" will stay sealed. Some companies like Watershed make dry bags that are also floatbags.
@@rgsparber1
Only 3 sections connect, the rest are sealed.
Itiwit x500 next please?
I'm hoping to get my hands on one this season...
Do you prefer this or the Trak 2.0?
That's a tough question... They're both great for different reasons. The Trak is great for all conditions, because of the adjustable rocker. It's also got a lower deck, which means it's easier to control and easier to roll. The Pakayak is more roomy, and much quicker to assemble. It would be better for kayak camping, or short tours, when you just want to get on the water quickly. If I had to choose.... I wouldn't. :)
@@PaddleTV thanks for the reply. I think I'll go for the Trak as I plan on doing some longer distances and also going into some choppier conditions.
This is better than the oru
Not sure what to make of the review. I am looking to spend up to 2000 on a kayak, am older 50s, am concerned about ease of transport and expect to use mostly on lakes. Is this the current best option?
that's a tough question to answer, only because it depends on what kind of kayak you're looking for. If you want a portable sea/touring kayak, which is designed for speed (but gives up some stability to achieve), and that has the versatility to handle almost any type of water conditions (rough or smooth), then the Pakayak is a great option. If you want a portable kayak that focuses more on stability, and are willing to give up some speed for that stability, then there are better options such as inflatable kayaks or folding kayaks. Also, if the 60lbs of weight seems too much (it's not an issue if you can take advantage of the roller bag, which you can't in places like beaches), then there are some other options that are lighter, but you can expect to give up some performance (possibly comfort) for the reduction in weight, such as the Oru Kayak, which is very light. That help a bit more?
@@PaddleTV yes, I appreciate it!
@@Shoebutie the wheels on the bag are small and won't work on anything but flat hard paved areas or docks, but you can also put Pakayak on a C Tug trolly even while it's still packed in the bag.
@@Earthpet711 thanks You. I am still a novice kayaker, but like to think that i am a fast learner. I would prefer not to swim however. Do you think this kayak is too tipsy for calm to relatively calm waters?
@@Shoebutie Not at all. It does great in calm water and can also handle class 2 white water. The biggest issue for you may be the weight. Oru Kayaks makes a nice, very light kayak. If you only plan to be on calm water and at age 50, I highly recomend either an Oru Beach LT or an Oru Bay ST. They weigh less than 30 lbs. I have an Oru Beach LT that I use for calm water and to be able to maneuver between trees easily. I also enjoy that the Oru Beach has an open deck that allows me to have gear handy. You can also put a dog or small child on it with you. It's like a small rec boat. Check it out. The Pakayak is better if you want to cover a lot of ground in less time because it's faster, but the Oru Beach can turn easier and is two feet shorter, much lighter and more stable. I have both for different purposes.
Accessory hip & knee pads should have been noted/discussed
Looks like cockpit is backwards. Would be great for people without a roof rack.
I want one so bad but there's no tandem add on
Check out the Point 65 Mercury GTX. It can be configured as a solo or a tandem, it's a sit inside design, and it's modular for easy transport and storage.
@@waynefatguyinakayak7408 Thanks! It's a little bit more pricey and doesn't store in a bag but I like everything else about it.
Pakayak says they plan on making a tandem piece that you can buy in the future. Keeping my fingers crossed.
Also, Semper Fi!
Late to the party here...60 pounds is a lot to put in one bag and pull around, especially on stairs and getting it in and out of vehicles. etc.. You could break it up and put part in a backpack, and the rest in the rolling bag. Anyway, that's what I would do.
Interesting design. I don’t think it’s really that portable with the weight- col it comes apart but would still be too heavy
60 pounds certainly isn't light, but it's in-line with other (non-portable) plastic kayaks of this length. It really isn't bad to move around with the roller bag either... But, 60 pounds is 60 pounds, and if you have to carry the bag any distance, you'll notice it.
No way - a "put together" Yak is going to be a problem sooner or later!
I’ve had mine for 4 years. No problems.
Tucktec Review coming? for 350$ and portable, can get a lot into the sport
🥁 🐱 🤣
Sadly, not impressed with Pakayak, after testing out saw one leaking, and also does not feel they glide as well, as other 12-14 foot kayaks... Sorry to report this, I so so "wanted" to believe in them... 💪 Lesson Re-Learned: ALWAYS try kayaks out before buying !
This definitely wasn't my experience with it!
@@PaddleTV I saw that, as a long-time viewer of yours, ❤ I am glad I followed your advice to ALWAYS check it out for yourself before pulling the trigger... Boy did that advice save my behind.. 🙏
I think Nautiraid and Pakboats are way better. Rode both and they were like hard shells. Pakayak is way too heavy.
With the weight, you get durability, and so it depends what's most important for each person.
You lost me at 59 lb, that's the weight of 2 cheap home built chopped strand fiberglass kayaks of that size. So no, just no!
True... but it's on par with other polyethylene kayaks, so it's not 'heavier' than typical poly boats.... it's just heavy. Compared to fishing kayaks that often exceed 100lbs, it's a feather! :)
@@PaddleTV You do realise that the effort of paddling is primarily digging a hole in the water for the boat to move into & filling in the hole vacated by the hull as it moves forward. That's a lot of water and the heavier the boat, the more water you have to move (constantly). So your heavier kayak is a pitta to load, unload, get to and from the water & once it's on the water, it's a pitta to shovel all that water from one end to the other. How ever you look at it, heavy kayaks are more work and trouble in every possible way.
2:05 That's what i said about my girlfriend.
I turned off before the commercials ended, I can’t take commercials…
Hi Ken. What is you inseam for pants? I am just trying to imagine the leg space.
I wear 33 - 34" pants.