Bushwalk Australia

Just came across this Tucktec 'eco folding kayak'. Thoughts? Seemed to be easier to carry than an inflatable. 12.7kg each.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/tu ... ninbox.com

That looks very interesting. I have never used a folding kayak before but was previously considering the Oru a while ago - it is also on Kickstarter:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/19 ... kayak-ever

This probably gives you something else similar to compare it to - the Eco looks good value, especially with the early bird pricing still available ...

An interesting concept but a bit heavy for carrying any distance. The packed shape is great and the skeg important for how it tracks in the water. I would be interested to see how it deals with a capsize. They call it a kayak rather than a canoe but I always thought kayaks had a small cockpit which could be sealed with a skirt while canoes are open.

I recently picked up a good quality inflatable canoe off Gumtree ($110 with high quality 4 piece paddle) for use on camping trips as it, like the folder, stows in the car rather than on roof racks where it is more vulnerable to theft when unattended. My inflatable has five chambers for bouyancy with one being a rigid floor insert which, along with a couple of skegs, delivers good tracking. It is built with heavy duty vinyl coated polyester fabric for durability and ease of repair and weighs only a couple of kg more.

Have a look at Gumotex boats. Not light but well made and bombproof. Not cheap.

Ive been attempting to build one of Tom Yosts designs for the last decade or so. http://web.archive.org/web/200710210054 ... sMenu.html

I got an inflatable kayak a few years ago which is why i havent finished the folder yet. The inflatable one is ideal for stashing in the car for the 'just in case' paddle. Not as efficient as a proper skin on frame kayak though.

First of all what are your paddling skills and experience and what are you going to use it for?

For anything other than mucking around on a dam the Tucktec wont do.
If you have any serious moving water crossings/ descents in mind while trekking a packraft is the way to go.
If you want to paddle more open water and it has to be a folder the Oru Coast is a much better design, you can even roll it. Although more expensive.


I would not attempt anything solo and remote without being very confident in my gear and abilities. Kayaking and canoeing is a rewarding hobby and a great workout but have some fun first learning to deal with a capsize/reentry, paddle skills, reading moving water, rescueing your mates etc....

I have a Sevylor Quikpak - it's an inflatable, white-water capable and the seat and skirt form a backpack carry frame. Wights is just under 12kg. BCF have them on clearance right now at $200

Mark F wrote:An interesting concept but a bit heavy for carrying any distance. The packed shape is great and the skeg important for how it tracks in the water. I would be interested to see how it deals with a capsize...

Suspect that’s asking just a tad too much of this thing. It’s interesting how different ideas are still coming through on kickstarter.

Have a look at a Gumotex Safari. Made of Nitrilon? (Zodiac material) self draining floor, removable skeg, thigh straps so possible to roll it.