Updated on December 9, 2022
The best touring kayaks can cover long distances tracking straight and true with maximum efficiency and comfort. You want sufficient storage and a snug fit in a cockpit with ample legroom for a smooth day of paddling on freshwater lakes and marine environments where some of the more spectacular sights and wildlife await.
There are many models on the market today that may make the selection process complicated. To simplify the matter, 10 top models are reviewed below with key specifications, along with photos, and videos to fill out the picture for you. Afterward, there is a comparison table and a basic buying guide.
If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know in the comments section at the bottom. I’d love to know your thoughts.
For other reviews of kayaks, boats, and accessories, please check out these articles:
Marine VHF Radios Small Outboard Motors Kayak Trolling Motors Kayak Fish Finders Marine GPS Marine Binoculars Tandem Kayaks Whitewater Kayaks for Beginners Lake Kayaks Ocean Kayaks / Fishing Kayaks Beginner Kayaks Recreational Kayaks Inflatable Kayaks Inflatable Boats Canoes
Best Touring Kayaks for 2023
- Dagger Stratos 14.5 Touring Kayak
- Perception Carolina 12 Touring Kayak
- Advanced Elements AirFusion Elite Touring Kayak
- Riot Kayaks Edge 14.5 LV Touring Kayak
- Sea Eagle 393RL RazorLite Inflatable Touring Kayak
- Wilderness Systems Tempest 165 Touring Kayak
- Brooklyn Kayak Company BKC UH-SK287 Touring Kayak
- Wilderness Systems Tsunami 125 Touring Kayak
- Riot Kayaks Brittany 16.5 Touring Kayak
- Oru Kayak Coast XT Touring Kayak
Dagger Stratos 14.5 Touring Kayak
The Dagger Stratos 14.5 is suitable for all levels of paddler in a variety of conditions but is best for extended touring.
Adjustable seating, and thigh and foot braces form a customized comfortable fit, and an adjustable skeg aids in tracking a true course.
Substantial storage is available in the bow and stern hatches and deck rigging for long days on the water.
It comes in the 14.5 S and 14.5 L models configured for smaller and larger paddlers, respectively.
- Weight capacity of 275 pounds
- 1 paddler
- Polyethylene construction
- Adjustable contoured seat with leg lifter
- Adjustable foot brace system and padded thigh braces
- Bow and stern hatches with bulkheads
- Bow and stern bungee deck rigging
- Adjustable skeg
- Soft-touch handles
- Length: 14 feet 6 inches, Width: 23.5 inches
- Weight: 53 pounds, Depth: NA
- Price: $$
Perception Carolina 12 Touring Kayak
The Perception Carolina is well designed for touring in ponds and lakes and calm coastal areas.
It has a V-shaped hull and soft chines for good tracking and stability.
Outfitted with ample storage with bungees and in the sealed bow and stern hatches, the padded and multi-adjustable seating and leg footrests enable a comfortable ride for a day or weekend of paddling.
It is relatively lightweight for easy portage and has sealed bulkheads at each end for flotation and safety.
- Weight capacity of 275 pounds
- 1 paddler
- Polyethylene construction
- Ergonomically padded seat
- Adjustable seat back and bottom
- Knee and thigh pads
- Adjustable footrests
- Bow and stern bulkheads with integrated foam for buoyancy
- V-shaped hull with soft chines
- Dry storage front and rear
- Bow and stern bungee deck rigging
- Bow and stern carry handles
- Length: 12 feet, Width: 26 inches
- Weight: 49 pounds, Depth: 14.5 inches
- Price: $
Advanced Elements AirFusion Elite Touring Kayak
The Advanced Elements AirFusion Elite inflatable has a narrow beam and aluminum frame design that performs like a hard shell touring kayak.
Lightweight and easily portable in its own duffel bag, it sets up in around 10 minutes.
With sturdy PVC puncture-resistant material, leakage is unlikely, but if there is a problem, there are 7 air chambers providing plenty of back-ups to get ashore.
There’s plenty of legroom and storage in the hull as well as with bungee webbing, D-rings, and a rear roll-top hatch.
This speedy model has a comfortable folding seat and low profile, wide body that provides a stable platform for a day of touring.
- Weight capacity of 235 pounds
- 1 paddler
- Inflatable with an aluminum rib frame
- Inflatable coaming for spray skirt attachment
- Durable PVC construction
- Easy set-up and portable
- Folding seat
- 7 air chambers
- D-rings. bungee webbing, and roll-top rear storage
- Rubber molded carry handles
- Includes a repair kit and duffel bag
- Length: 13 feet, Width: 28 inches
- Weight: 32 pounds, Depth: 12 inches
- Price: $
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Riot Kayaks Edge 14.5 LV Touring Kayak
The Riot Kayaks Edge 14.5 LV is a sleek and slender touring kayak of durable polyethylene and custom-fit seating for a comfortable day of touring.
Substantial storage is possible in large sealed bulkheads front and rear and with bungee cords.
It has a retractable skeg and leg and thigh braces for tracking a precise course, and a drain plug and reflective lifelines for safety.
Two people can easily move its 60 pounds with carrying handles front and rear.
- Weight capacity of 325 pounds
- 1 paddler
- Polyethylene construction
- Narrow bow and deck profile
- Custom-fit seating
- Adjustable leg braces
- Built-in thigh braces
- Retractable skeg
- Large bulkhead sealed storage in the front and rear
- Bungee storage front and rear
- Reflective lifelines
- Drain
- Carry handles front and back
- Length: 14 feet 5 inches, Width: 22.25 inches
- Weight: 60 pounds, Depth: NA
- Price: $$
Sea Eagle 393RL RazorLite Inflatable Touring Kayak
The Sea Eagle 393RL Razorlite is a very high-capacity lightweight inflatable designed for touring that inflates in 7-10 minutes.
With a double concave hull and rigid sharp bow and stern molds, it is speedy and the removable skeg aids in tracking.
The reinforced PVC construction with drop stitch material for the floor and walls is durable.
You’ll be comfortable in the adjustable high-back seat and adjustable foot braces will leverage your paddling on your next lake tour.
- Weight capacity of 500 pounds
- 1 paddler
- 1100 Decitex reinforced quadruple overlapped material
- High-pressure drop stitch walls and floor
- 2 self-bailing drain valves
- 3 air valves
- Tall seatback
- Adjustable footrests
- Removable skeg
- Easy set-up and portable
- 3 air chambers
- D-rings. bungee webbing, and roll-top rear storage
- Carry handles front and back
- Includes pump with inline gauge, front and rear spray skirts, paddle, and backpack
- Length: 12 feet 10 inches, Width: 28 inches
- Weight: 33.5 pounds, Depth: NA
- Price: $$
Wilderness Systems Tempest 165 Touring Kayak
The Wilderness Systems Tempest 165 is the model in this touring series suitable for smaller paddlers from around 100-150 pounds.
The shallow beam hull is quite stable and tracking is assisted by an adjustable skeg. In addition, a compass mount in view to the front aids in navigation.
The comfortable Air Pro low-back adjustable seating system and substantial storage in 3 sealed hatches and bungee webbing set you up nicely for a day of touring out on your lake or bay of choice.
- Weight capacity of 300 pounds
- 1 paddler
- Gen 2 polyethylene construction
- Narrow bow and low deck profile
- Soft chine and shallow beam hull
- Low back adjustable seat
- Adjustable thigh and foot braces
- Compass mount on the bow
- Bow, midship, and stern sealed hatches
- Bungee webbing all along the deck
- Reflective carry lines
- Adjustable skeg
- Retractable carry handles front and back
- Length: 16 feet 6 inches, Width: 21.5 inches
- Weight: 55 pounds, Depth: 12.5 inches
- Price: $$
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Brooklyn Kayak Company BKC UH-SK287 Touring Kayak
The Brooklyn Kayak Company BKC SK287 touring kayak is a swift and stable platform suitable for a variety of conditions from flat lakes to choppier seas.
It has a pedal-controlled retractable rudder freeing your hands for continuous paddling.
If fishing is your passion, two flush-mounted rod holders have been conveniently included in the design enabling trolling.
In addition, for your baggage needs on an all-day or weekend of touring, there is considerable storage available in two sealed hatches and under bungee webbing.
- Weight capacity of 250 pounds
- 1 paddler
- HDPD (high-density polyethylene) construction
- Bow and stern sealed hatches
- Bungee webbing
- 2 flush-mount fishing rod holders
- Pedal-controlled rudder
- Carry handles front and back
- Collapsible paddle included
- Length: 14 feet 11 inches, Width: 24 inches
- Weight: 55 pounds, Depth: 14 inches
- Price: $
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Wilderness Systems Tsunami 125 Touring Kayak
The Wilderness Systems Tsunami 125 is the model in the line best suited to medium to large paddlers from beginner to expert.
It has been revamped with a stiffer deck great for rescues and general performance.
The adjustable seating and foot braces have been upgraded and the deck rigging and 2 sealed hatches for storage now have 2 deck bags at arm’s reach from the cockpit for personal items.
With flared sidewalls and fairly large volume, the Tsunami is stable and has a great combination of speed, tracking, and maneuverability that is suitable for smooth lakes, winding waters, and choppier ocean surfaces, as well.
- Weight capacity of 300 pounds
- 1 paddler
- Polyethylene construction
- New stiffer deck
- Adjustable AirPro seating
- Improved adjustable foot braces
- Bow and stern deck bungee rigging
- Bow and stern sealed-hatch storage
- 2 deck gear pockets
- Replaceable skid plate
- Optional rudder and spray skirt
- Carry handles front and back
- Length: 12 feet 9 inches, Width: 26 inches
- Weight: 51 pounds, Depth: 15 inches
- Price: $$
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Riot Kayaks Brittany 16.5 Touring Kayak
Speedy and maneuverable, the Riot Kayaks Brittany performs well in calm and rough waters and has something to offer for all levels of paddler.
The long, sleek, low-profile design has a retractable skeg and pilot-controlled rudder system for excellent tracking and maneuverability.
Extensive bungee deck rigging, fore and aft hatches, and a third day-hatch provide enough storage space for the baggage and gear suitable for a long-distance day on the water, and the custom-fit seating and quick-lock foot braces make for comfort and leveraged paddling.
- Weight capacity of 350 pounds
- 1 paddler
- Polyethylene construction
- Custom-fit seating
- Quick-lock foot braces
- Deck bungee rigging
- 3 sealed storage hatches
- Lifelines and safety straps
- Retractable skeg
- Pilot-controlled rudder system
- Paddle hooks
- Carry handles front and back
- Length: 16 feet 6 inches, Width: 21.75 inches
- Weight: 51 pounds, Depth: 12.5 inches
- Price: $$
Oru Kayak Coast XT Touring Kayak
A long narrow model that has the look of a traditional kayak, the Oru Kayaks Coast XT can be folded into an easily portable 34-pound case.
It is speedy and gives a good performance in lakes and coastal waters and has thigh braces for better control and maneuverability.
Never fear, this easily portable model is sturdy with double-layered polypropylene construction that can handle the bumps and scrapes you can expect.
It also has a comfortable adjustable seat with ample storage in the hull and with fore and aft deck lines.
- Weight capacity of 400 pounds
- 1 paddler
- 5mm double-layered polypropylene construction with rust-resistant hardware
- UV treated – good for 10 years
- Fold-up design rated for 20,000 folds in a lifetime
- Folds to the size of a large suitcase
- 3 bulkheads add rigidity
- 180 liters of storage below deck
- Adjustable seat
- Reflective deck lines
- Rollable if capsized
- 1-year warranty, 30-day money-back guarantee
- Length: 16 feet, Width: 25 inches (at cockpit)
- Weight: 34 pounds
- Price: $$$
Best Touring Kayaks Comparison Table
| Picture | Kayak | Length | Width | Depth | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Dagger Stratos 14.5 Touring Kayak | 14 feet 6 inches | 23.5 inches | 14.5 inches | 53 pounds | $$ |
  | Perception Carolina 12 Touring Kayak | 12 feet | 26 inches | 14.5 inches | 49 pounds | $ |
  | Advanced Elements AirFusion Elite Touring Kayak | 13 feet | 28 inches | 12 inches | 32 pounds | $ |
  | Riot Kayaks Edge 14.5 LV Touring Kayak | 14.5 feet | 22.5 inches | NA | 60 pounds | $$ |
  | Sea Eagle 393RL RazorLite Inflatable Touring Kayak | 12 feet 10 inches | 28 inches | NA | 33.5 pounds | $$ |
  | Wilderness Systems Tempest 165 Touring Kayak | 16 feet 6 inches | 21.5 inches | 12.5 inches | 55 pounds | $$ |
  | Brooklyn Kayak Company BKC UH-SK287 Touring Kayak | 14 feet 11 inches | 22 inches | 14 inches | 55 pounds | $ |
  | Wilderness Systems Tsunami 125 Touring Kayak | 12 feet 9 inches | 26 inches | 12.5 inches | 51 pounds | $$ |
  | Riot Kayaks Brittany 16.5 Touring Kayak | 16 feet 6 inches | 21.75 inches | 12.5 inches | 51 pounds | $$ |
  | Oru Kayak Coast XT Touring Kayak | 16 feet | 25 inches | NA | 34 pounds | $$$ |
| Picture | Kayak | Length | Width | Depth | Weight | Price |
Touring Kayak Buying Guide
Touring Kayak Definition
Touring kayaks are designed for longer distances in both salt and freshwater. They are sit-in models with cockpits that provide better protection from the elements and are longer for more straight-line speed. Skegs or rudders are often included to aid in tracking in currents and the wind, and because there will be more time on the water they are equipped with more storage for supplies and gear, especially in the form of deck cords and sealed hatches.
Weight Capacity
Touring kayaks, like other types, are rated for maximum carrying weight capacity. To be safe, it is imperative to make sure that the weight of the paddler and all the baggage and gear onboard don’t exceed that number. The models reviewed here have weight capacities ranging from 250 to 500 pounds. Using the storage options available you should strive to maintain the center of gravity and spread the load over the craft.
Length, Width, and Depth
Touring kayaks are generally longer which enables better tracking and a straight course through winds and currents. In addition, longer kayaks offer more storage possibilities for an extended period of time in touring. With the length also comes stability. Many kayaks are pretty narrow in width and this detracts from the stability that is inherent in wider models. Narrow kayaks can also be too confining for some wide-bodied paddlers who will fit better into slightly wider cockpits. The depth of touring kayaks tends to be relatively shallow. A shallow low-profile cockpit will be less affected by winds but may limit leg and storage space.
Seating and Comfort
Touring often involves long days of paddling which is why the selection of a model that has comfortable seating is essential. Your best bet is to climb into one and make all the necessary adjustments to create a comfortable position before purchasing. The best touring kayaks have well-padded seating and leg braces adjustable to your size.
Cockpit
You need a cockpit that is wide enough to get in and out of easily and that fits your body size. A fairly snug fit is optimal giving you more control.
Storage
For the long periods you’ll be out on the water touring, more than adequate storage options are a priority. Consider the number of sealed storage compartments, bungee cord options, space in the hull, and other special storage locations that may or may not be available. The top models will offer substantial ergonomically designed storage options.
Hull Types
Hull types play a substantial role in kayak performance. For a detailed discussion, click here: Kayak Hull Designs
For other reviews of kayaks, boats, and accessories, please check out these articles:
Marine VHF Radios Small Outboard Motors Kayak Trolling Motors Kayak Fish Finders Marine GPS Marine Binoculars Tandem Kayaks Whitewater Kayaks for Beginners Lake Kayaks Ocean Kayaks Fishing Kayaks Beginner Kayaks Recreational Kayaks Inflatable Kayaks Inflatable Boats Canoes
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