We just bought an Advanced Elements Advanced Frame 10.5 foot inflatable kayak and gave it a workout this past weekend on Little Bass Lake in northern Minnesota. We will be buying a second one. We bought ours at REI Coop for $399. We already had the paddles and life preservers because we have hardshell kayaks.
The kayak comes folded up in a 30" x 17" x 11" case. You unfold it and pump up 7 different chambers and you are ready to go. As kayaks go it is extremely stable since you sit between two air tubes. I didn't try but I doubt I could roll the kayak like I can with a hard shell kayak. You also sit on a cushion seat directly on an inflated bottom so you have to expect to get a little wet in the seat. I'd say swim suit would be mandatory.
It tracks well and even though it is an inflatable it still feels like a kayak and not a dinghy. We only intend to use it in small lakes and calm rivers. It seems just about all the campgrounds we have stayed at lately presented those opportunities.
We bought the only one available in the Twin Cities so we are going to order another one online. Then we may try them out again on Sawbill Lake in the BWCA national forest campground. Even though we can just throw them inside on the couch it looks as if we are going to get a Stowaway hitch carrier for them and some other "outdoor" stuff.
My first trip
Nancy's turn in kayak
Even little girls love it
Kayak pulled up on shore
Anyone carry an inflatable boat?
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