Old Town Discovery Solo 119 - Hybrid Kayak
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ต.ค. 2024
- The Sportsman 120 isn't going anywhere. BUT, there comes a time in most hobbyist's life when they realize, one kayak may not be enough haha. Today we go through my thought process when it came to picking up a new boat, the Old Town Sportsman Discovery Solo 119 hybrid kayak. Or is it a canoe?
I paddled a hybrid for many years and absolutely loved the adventures in it. Ultimately I traded it in for my Old Town Sportsman 120 sit on top kayak that has been great for kayak camping and day trips. Well, now I've added another hybrid to the fleet and I couldn't be more stoked. The camo color way is a stark change from everything I've owned but paddling this canoe / kayak out in the flooded timber and marsh land will certainly be a delight.
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Is it a canoe or a kayak??
It's a canoe.
Its kaynoe..😎🤣🤣
Sit in kayak convertible!
Hahaha that’s the best for sure
I might have to start using that one
Got one of these late 2020, and it was such a blast all through 2021 from quick river paddles after work, to a week long backwoods camping trip, it works so well for so many things!
It really is such a great tool to have for just about everything except offshore and swift water. Can’t wait to spend more time on it
I came really close to buying one of these last summer. I ended up getting a Coosa HD and have no regrets. I may still end up with one of these hybrid canoes to fill the very niche you are talking about.
Can’t go wrong with a coosa if you’re going for a one boat quiver. That’s exactly how I look at my 120. It’ll be nice to have something very different for those unique paddling days
@@GatewoodBrown how comfortable is this canoe for a 30 mile float? Kayaks (or at least the cheap kayaks I've used) kill my back so I'm taking a hard look at this canoe
Nice!! I have an Old Town Loon 126 sit in kayak- love it!! Looking forward to new adventures with your new boat!! 👍👊
Hey SP! Man I want to paddle a loon at some point. Those look sweet! Always fun adding new boats to the crew
Glad to see you posting again. I’ve got a Mad River Slipper solo canoe in kevlar (39 pounds) and a Bell Rockstar solo canoe in royalex (49 pounds). At my age the Mad River is too tippy. The Rockstar is solid but you need strength and good technique to manage it in a good breeze. Now my Hobie Outback is a handful on land but a joy in the water. My wife thinks I need to reduce my fleet too.
Yeah it’s been a busy summer but things are returning back to usual, thankfully. Sounds like you have a good line up of boats! The outback is the best selling fishing kayak around so I’d imagine it’s great on the water. Wife’s are there to keep us in check haha
Thanks for the video. I am considering getting one for those quick camping trips. I have a Trip 10 and love it. Just want to get back to where I started also.
This is an excellent option! Great for canoeing but the comfort of a kayak
Man, absolutely LOVE your adventures and I can't wait to see what trouble you get into with the Solo 119! I'm also near Houston if you ever wanna hike or kayak!
Thanks my man! Yeah I’m excited to take it our for a spin. I’ve got some ideas for camping in east Texas too
@@GatewoodBrown Same here! Once it's a little bit cooler doing a lot of hiking and camping in E. Texas
I've often thought about switching from a yak to a one person canoe. I have an Ascend D12, and that puppy is heavy. I love it though lol. It was my first serious kayak purchase, having started on a cheapo 2 piece pelican. I'll be anxious to see your videos while using it. Thanks for the great content!!
Back when I was looking at my h10 I was also heavily considering the d10! They use a good plastic and it’s all one piece with a cool ‘el Camino style’ gear bed haha. Definitely a good option although my shins always felt at risk when sitting in it. Great option though and I’m glad you’re enjoying it!
Sweet boat! I got love for the canoes also. My dad raised us paddling canoes in our local rivers. You are right about the teamwork, with the right group in a kayak they can be a real pleasure to paddle and use but ... with the wrong two people ... it can really be a pain LOL. Cant tell ya how many times I got fussed out trying to learn how to steer with my ol man LOL! but I finally figured it out and I started enjoying the trips and creating awesome memories. your also right about the canoe not being an exactly quick Grab n Go, its a little heavy depending. But in its defense it can store a lot of weight and can fix them up so a solo paddler can sleep inside the canoe. I have even seen a dude that used old tent poles and created a sort of tent skeleton over top of his canoe. So he could paddle it normal during the day and unfolded a tarp over top of the tent frame at night, tied off his canoe to a low limb and slept in his canoe... I aint saying I would try it .. I roll in my sleep a lil too much for that mess LOL...but maybe the O.T. discovery in the future?! Awesome video as always Gatewood!
I enjoyed everything about this comment josh! Yeah I feel like back in the day canoes we’re so much more prevalent than kayaks. For younger kids I’d imagine kayaks are what they’re learning on now. Two people that have no clue how to paddle will definitely be pin balling their way down a river haha. One day if I have room and a family adding a two person discovery would be fun for family outings no doubt. One step at a time haha
I was looking at this one vs my H10. and the weight is the same, and you get the extra seat. Why not just go back to the H10? Is it easier to carry?
How do you always film in perfect light? :) Great film work and great content as always!
Thank you so much! Haha I honestly get lucky that the sun is always out (seemingly). I also tend to scrap clips with harsh lighting lol
I'm debating between this or the Ascend H12. Mainly flat water and not fast rivers (slower rivers sure)
I really want to bring my 45 lb dog with me camping and quick day trips. I think the H12 will probably do, but this is 25 lbs lighter. I think I see one used in my area for 650.... !
Get a tandem sit on top like the crescent crew! Now that I’m fully sit on top it’s hard to go back to sit in, especially with a dog. Sit ins can sink at a moments notice if water breaches the top.
@@GatewoodBrown thanks! I’ll take a closer look at sit on tops! Probably more room for the pup to layout if she wants to
@@OptingForTheOutdoors absolutely. The Crew can be used in solo or tandem (chair holes for 3 layouts) so it’s super versatile. I’ve used it both ways too and it’s great for kayak camping and tandem day trips
@@GatewoodBrown nice! I like the sound of customizable chair locations!
@@OptingForTheOutdoors it’s the best! Plus it’s a platform so for your dog you could just remove the front chair and he’ll have a great place to chill while you’re in the back position
i want a solo sportsman so badly man, stoked to see you had a video about it
It’s a rad little canoe! My next video will be a kayak camping edit where my wife used the solo sportsman so that lol be a good look at flatwater paddling with it. The thing is so light and easy to haul around
I have the Old Next, which is similar to the Solo 119. I love the boat, but it is pretty much a flatwater only type of boat. That works well for 75% of my adventures, but occasionally I do need a little more whitewater worthy boat. I do feel like Old Town messed up with the Next by leaving their core root group of paddlers in an attempt o market to a new crowd of younger paddlers by limiting the color choices and not allowing the Next to be produced in any of their traditional colors, or camo. I personally know of several people that would not buy them due to the color choices.
I look forward to seeing your adventures in the Solo 119!
Totally agree with ya about it being a flatwater boat. I’ll take out the sportsman 120 for swift water rivers. I do sometimes like the solid colors like the next, but camo was definitely calling my name. I wonder how long they’ll keep the next around
@@GatewoodBrown I have heard rumors that they are already discontinuing some colors.
Very interesting. I’ll definitely follow along with that
When a canoe that small weighs 56 lbs the term "light boat" applies only to weight lifters and professional football players! My 16' fiberglass Mad River Malecite only weighed 65 lbs. On the other hand my 2014 Old Town Pack canoe only weighs 32 lbs…now thats a pretty light boat these days.
That's a totally different material and price point! The nicer canoe's like yours are definitely lightweight. I suppose my frame of reference are the heavy fishing kayaks that we mostly use
Am loving the videos, just got a perception pescador 12 and can't wait to take it out! Also am moving to North Carolina in January and was curious if there's any rivers that you recommend?
Perception makes a great kayak too. Check out the River Kings channel for all things NC paddling. He’s a great guy and super insightful!
Good video man. My oldest son is thinking about getting one for him and his daughter to go kayaking in. He just bought his friends kayak for Father's Day kayak trip that we took & my granddaughter was on a kayak by herself but her kayak was tied to mine & seatbelt her to the kayak. She loved that but my son was just a little worried. So i see why he would like to get one of these. He lives about a hundred miles away from home so I see this kayak /canoe being perfect at his house. How are you doing man you and your family doing okay?
Oh nice! Yeah a canoe is great for family excursions so it sounds like your family is staying active. We are doing well. Coming off a busy summer so hopefully things will slow down a bit
If you're thinking about buying it don't do it its a trap. Get a fishing kayak or get a canoe. It has flaws. Most of which would be addressed if it was actually 12 feet and not 11'9" I guarantee the extra 4 inches would make a world of difference on the water and be unnoticed on dry land. I could also be an inch to two inches wider on each side.
Do those two things and the tracking and stability would improve tremendously.
That or just make the 133 with one seat.
That may be a bit of a harsh judgement for this kayak. I’ve actually really enjoyed this vessel for purposes where a fishing kayak doesn’t work, and a sit in kayak can’t haul enough gear. I think you may be needing something different and this kayak doesn’t fit your needs. Which is totally fine! I wouldn’t want the 119 to be any wider or longer, otherwise I’d get a canoe.
Hey Gatewood what are the dimensions of the dry backpack? Love your videos.
Hey Beth! It’s approximately 28L
So why NOT the Ascend 10H or 12H? Almost exactly the same thing as the Old Towne, but with a couple of better features. All for what seems to be a better price.
Great question and a valid comparison. The ascend is a barge with bad thermodynamics so it's extremely sluggish in the water. Benefit is the removable chair in the ascend, I like that. The Old Town is a fantastic hybrid as long as water doesn't get too choppy. It is fast and super light with Old Town's durable materials. When you paddle the two side by side there is really no comparison, the Old Town wins out for me. I enjoyed my time in the ascend and it can definitely get you to some cool places!
Always easier to devest and be single. Then more money to get more gear hahaha never mind,lucky man 👍
Man you could also rig. Trolling motor to that. I may need to look into this , thank you
Unless the person you married contributes equally from a financial perspective. Then you get the enrichment of their presence and the wealth they bring!
over half this video is pictures of the speaker, not interested. The video was about the boat, not the guy!!!
It’s a first look my man! Haven’t even paddled since I don’t have much footage of it. Guaranteed more to come though
Do you think there are any inflatable kayaks that could handle some of the stuff you do?
I would recommend an inflatable SUP over an inflatable kayak. I’ve just not seen a good touring option for those
Awesome Films man!! Have watched them all and by far are the best instructional and motivating films in the kayak industry! I bought a Ascend H10 ( wanting to be like you) and was wondering what is the best paddle to maneuver this beast? Whiskey or? Thanks man!!
That’s then ultimate comment! Made my day for sure man. The ascend is definitely a beast! That aqua bound whiskey would be a great option. You’ll never have to buy a paddle again. These paddles are amazing
I am on the fence between this and the Old Town Next.
I have a 30 lbs dog that I would like to take with me.
Does anyone know if the upfront space is any larger in either one of them?
The biggest problem I seem to have is finding a dealer that has either one that I can put my hands on before I buy.
This kayak is a bit wider so if you’re going to have a dog I recommend this one.
@@GatewoodBrown Thank you
What is they hybrid in use @ :30 in the video? Any input is greatly appreciated, I believe that's exactly what Im looking for, thanks!
Probably the ascend h10!
Thank you very much
I wanted one of these, but the weight capacity is too low. I’m buying the Discovery 119 instead because it’s rated for 450 useable capacity…I just don’t know if I want green, red, or camo, lol.
Weight capacity is definitely low on the 119. Not room for a ton of gear or dogs but it’s excellent for lighter overnight paddles
@@GatewoodBrown Yeah, I weigh 219 so that's why I am getting the regular Discovery 119, so I can haul all of my camping gear, That seat sure looks comfy though.
@@tonygreif5761 I think that’s a good move! The 119 solo is great for tossing around since it is so light but a proper canoe is definitely better for gear hauling
when are the bags going to be back in stock???
Targeting early summer/late spring. This years release will 60L duffel and 30L roll top! So stoked for both of them.
@@GatewoodBrown I am as well! That long for the backpack?
@@dr.h9309 the backpack may be mid summer. All depends on manufacturing cycle. It’s a little late this year because I designed both products from the ground up. This is good news on performance but unfortunate with regard to timing. A lot of folks like to get their hands on gear during springtime
@@GatewoodBrown anxiously awaiting brother! Possibly looking to the future, some sort of sign up alert by email would be fantastic! Love the videos, the 4k footage is amazing. 💪🏼
@@dr.h9309 I'll be posting everywhere once the new gear comes in! Super excited to release it in several months. Thank you so much for watching and choosing to support the videos!
Honestly it would be a much more exciting boat in t-formex. There is a reason why the older Royalex 119s are highly sought after.
I will own a solo canoe some day and there is a good chance it will be made from t-formex.
I’ve heard rave reviews about royalex. Ive never tried it but look forward to one day
Hey bud I’ll totally take one of those yaks off your hands if you need room for more boats! Lol hour away too lol
Haha smart man! Yeah unfortunately I like to take them all out depending on the outing. Having loaners is handy too. Maybe one day!
That’s fair! Couldn’t hurt to ask lol love your videos and maybe we’ll cross paths in the hill country rivers, kind sir.
That would be a treat! One of these days I’m sure
lets see a tilt test please come on man
It’s pretty wide for a short canoe so I bet it’s stable. I’ll test that out during paddling though
Hey Gatewood, how well would you say this thing handles choppy waters or the occasional big wake from a passing boat?
Not the best when it comes to big chop on a windy day. The side walls are pretty short so water can get in that way. You’d want the traditional canoe for chop I’d imagine!
@@GatewoodBrown ok good to know, thanks for replying man, looking forward to more videos this season!
@@carlosangeles6956 You bet carlos! I only know because I took it out in chop and quickly return back closer to shore haha
I got an Old Town Loon. Love it. Old Town are great kayaks.
I love your new kayak Gatewood.
The loon seems like a slick option! I’ve always been happy with my old town. Cheers!
Your videos are so awesome and full of information, I remember the first time watch the Frio river video with your buds, inspired me to take on kayaking with a few of my friends and now it’s a tradition every year, thank you for what you do an keep the videos coming and one more thing GUNS UP 👆🏼👆🏼👆🏼👆🏼👆🏼👆🏼from Lubbock Texas
That’s so cool to hear Fabian! I’m glad you and your buddys get out there and enjoy the wild. Honestly Lubbock has great proximity to some cool places. W Mexico and the hill country
what is the name of your back pack?
It’s the remote designs dry backpack! Restock coming this month
ty i looked back a few episodes and found it. i would love one but the price is a bit steep for me.
@@robertuffman3041 Stay tuned on launch day, they'll be on big sale.
could you fit a kid as a passenger?
Ehhh probably but they wouldn’t be very comfortable. I like to recommend sot on tops for that because they make tandem boats for families. Check out the crescent crew in my latest video. Front chair can face forward or backward
Awesome pick up! Comfortable seat, adjustable foot braces, while swinging a double blade paddle makes for a nice ride👍
Exactly! Can’t wait to take it for a spin. Caddo lake is calling my name with this one
I bought one a few months ago and absolutely LOVE mine. Comfy, fast,and fairly light for one person to carry. I had it on creeks, rivers and lakes and it just performs fantastic. Did I say comfy? I can sit in this all day!
That’s what I like to hear! Definitely going to have fun on the water
Looking forward to seeing how you use that. I've been looking at Old Towne canoes to add to the kayak trailer, but mostly for taking the dogs or enabling families, with young kids, out on the water. Also looking forward to your videos fabricating a custom trailer. The more human-powered watercraft you have the more necessary it becomes.
Thanks Karl! Yeah canoes are great for getting a bigger crew out on the water. Definitely reaching a point where I need a trailer or a truck lol
Very nice . Set up like my canoes but smaller and much lighter ! I think you will like it . Great for day trips and room for longer trips . You once told me the Sabine was one on your bucket list I shot a drone video of just below the dam you should check it out . As for me it's my next kayak run . Still gearing up for kayaks just ordered a light rain fly for hammock camping .
Exactly the draw for this model. Day trips on casual water will be perfect, even if I want to load it down with coolers and such. I’ll definitely check out your Sabine video. Hammock info is the best in my book so much more comfy than being on the ground
Good information, I personally prefer a sit on top kayak, because the possibility of dive into the water to swim and get back to de kayak
No doubt a sit on top is the best all round. This will be a fun supplement to my main boat, the sportsman 120
@@GatewoodBrown 🤩👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Before watching your video I first hitted like and then started watching video because I know how good your videos are.
Really good sir
Love from kashmir.
I appreciate it Kashmir! Hope you’re doing well
I’m torn between the sportsman 120 and the 119 canoe. Mostly need one for two to three night camping trips, next is the Buffalo. Any recommendation would be greatly appreciated 👍🏼
If I was going to the Buffalo I’d take my Sportsman 120. It’s the kayak I take for multi day kayak camping trips. The 119 is great for flatwater day trips or overnighter but If I’m on a river I like the sit on top kayaks for sure. Can’t go wrong with either though
I’ve been thinking of an alpacka inflatable for keeping in the truck for last second creek runs. Don’t see them in Texas, but I think it would work up here on the Brazos
I absolutely loved my time in the alpacka raft. And like you said, good thing to keep in the truck if you need it quickly. They were pretty sturdy and seem to hold up to a lot of abuse. They’d definitely work in TX
I paddle the NEXT which is the 13ft version. Best paddle boat I've ever owned.
The next is appealing for sure! I also heavily considered that one when checking out old town hybrids
I have a 119 that was built in 93 that I picked up beginning of the summer (also have an Camper 16 that my dad bought in the 90's). Great boat to explore the smaller water ways of Pa. and can easily be controlled with a single bladed paddle. Enjoy and look forward to more adventures.
Dang that’s awesome! Nearly 30 years young and still kickin. Definitely excited to actually paddle this kayak. I recently spent some time with a paddled from PA and he had wonderful things to say about the state
I own that boats daddy, the Old Town Pack. 33 lbs, I've had it 14 years. Ive owned or still own Every type of paddle craft you can imagine...and the Old Town Pack is EASILY my favorite boat.
I’ll have to research the pack! Sounds like a really neat boat
@@GatewoodBrown I suppose the days of finding one for cheap are over... but I have seen them around the $1k mark from time to time. It sounds like a lot (I pd $799 new in 2007) but the only size/weight/capacity equivalents anymore are kevlar layups...and a wenonah would run $2500 so I guess it's not bad. Hopefully you'll run across a good one - it's a sheer joy to pen/paddle/carry.
Cracking boat. Also loving the underwater shots. How are you doing that?
Totally agree! Looks great in person as well. I have an underwater housing for my main camera, the Sony a7iii. Absolutely brilliant footage from that since I’m used to GoPro underwater footage
I'm definitely convinced I'm getting one of this for my camping 🏕️ trips
It’s a wonderful canoe for camping! Easy to load gear and light enough to easily haul
It’s officially on my bucket list to go kayaking with Gatewood 🤞
One of these days! I’ve been meaning to do a group trip once things calm down
Man, I was happy to see a new post from you! Good to see you and your new 119. This craft looks like it can stand up to whatever trouble you wish to launch at it. It always looks like you might be hauling gear for your compadres due to the larger ratio of your sit-on-top. With the 119 the boys may be forced to haul more of their own weight in the future. Maybe your whole crew will upgrade, although I miss seeing your brother in that Aruba 8 SS!! Be safe out there and don’t let any gators in local Houston waters turn you into a meal. Can’t wait to see your new adventures-hopefully soon!
Haha thanks for the kind comment Kurt! Yeah the guys have definitely started to carry more of their own stuff now that our boats are bigger. Bennett misses his aruba too! Poor thing developed holes and died on him lol
@@GatewoodBrown Lol yep it's like when you have saddle bags on your scooter .
Awesome looking boat, congrats! Amen to the itch for new gear... it gets all of us at one point or another! Have you looked into any of the either inflatable or collapsible kayak options? We've met a few people out and about paddling some nice looking new foldables.
Thank you! Definitely excited to take it for a paddle. Ya know, for inflatables I think I’d stick with a SUP. I’ve seen buddies use inflatable kayaks and they never really do kayaks justice. The collapsible models like oru seem like they’d be good for touring but definitely not rocky rivers. Are you considering one?
@@GatewoodBrown not considering for ourselves, we’re sticking SUP for the most part for now. But definitely like to hear from experienced folks in case we get asked. That definitely makes sense, though as far as kayaks go.
Ok rad! Yeah y’all’s SUP crew seems to be growing. I’d keep recommending SUP for people looking at inflatables
That's the one I've been looking at too
Rad! Still need to paddle it but definitely excited to get rippin in some east Texas terrain
Good timing on this video for me. I was just comparing this model against the Old Town Next for use on some calmer rivers and lakes, but also along the bays here on the Upper Texas Gulf Coast.
I checked out the next as well! Mainly because it had that removable seat which I’m keen on. However, the solo 119 took the edge based on its color way, feature set (rod holders/gear tracks, etc), shorter length and it’s just a bit lighter. A tad wider as well which is good for stability
@@GatewoodBrown Great input!!! Thanks!!
Yessir! Hopefully that clears the mud a bit
You also save $100 on the discovery which is nothing to scoff at
@@GatewoodBrownAmen!
Congrats man! In the cycling world we have a saying: "The correct number of bikes to have is N+1, where N is the number of bikes you currently have." The same can surely be said for kayaks and canoes.
The offer still stands for a fishing trip. I've been wanting to go check out Stubblefield soon.
Tight lines, downhills, and tailwinds to you.
Haha N+1 is correct for sure! You only have enough once the garage or wide can’t handle any more lol. We still need to link up for sure. This summer has been super busy but I’m thinking things will start to calm down
😂 👍 For some reason with kayaks it seems to be N+2, I've never had an odd number of yaks, and for some 'odd' reason I'm looking at 2 more right now.
Haha that’s the way it goes!
@@KarlKevilus I like it! Now.... can you call my wife and convince her of this new formula? :)
@@bspcyclist you want me to mansplain this? Fortunately my wife has 20 years of me "going too far". Easy path: buy her a car for Christmas and gain a lot of leverage on these 'cheap' toys!
Of all options what would you recommend for someone looking to get into multi day?
I’d recommend a sit on top. My experience with the old town sportsman 120 and 106 have been stellar. Definitely worth considering
@@GatewoodBrown Thank you friend! I look forward to exploring texas rivers much of which is from your inspiration 🙏🏼
Anytime! Yeah the sportsman’s are great for all things Texas waterways.
@@GatewoodBrown Right on thank you for the information, hope to see you out there brother!
That boat looks great!
It’s pretty rad! Still need to take it for a spin haha
👋😎👍 cheers amigo!
Cheers canajian!
Hard to take this video seriously with the cheesy cliché music and edits.
Nice, dude. Glad you chose to be kind on this fine Monday morning
the older model 119 canoe has a weight capacity that is almost twice as much what change did they find out that it was an unsafe rating is it the foot pegs or seat I'm asking I have this boat laying around and I'm curious naturally a 300lb man put 160-lb woman in the boat with me recently went for a paddle
This is the single seater so I don’t think they’re the same boat. But it doesn’t have a big capacity because of the small boat volume
@@GatewoodBrown thank you for the reply I'm quite aware of the single seat I was referencing the amount of weight that I've surely put in mind which has the exact same length and beam the boat volume is the same what changed to reduce the weight capacity
@@Wetlandsman1gmail oh I see! The solo 119 has short sidewalls which I think is the biggest culprit to a small capacity. Traditional canoes have much more height which contributes to a greater capacity