What makes a kayak one of the top kayaks of the year? A variety of things qualify a kayak to be chosen best in class. It could be a kayak that's special or unique in some way. A kayak that offers exceptional value could be selected. A kayak just puts a smile on your face can also be a qualifying factor. Whatever the criteria, the only way to really know if a kayak deserves to be considered one of the top kayaks of the year, is to test it.
I tested more than 25 kayaks with the goal of discovering the best kayaks of the year. You can see full video reviews of each one of these kayaks on my PaddleTV YouTube channel, but this is a summary of my selections for ‘Kayaks of the Year’.
P&H Virgo Sea Kayak Review
Watch P&H Virgo Sea Kayak Review
P&H’s Virgo kayak is a quick and maneuverable touring kayak that is designed to handle any conditions you can throw at it. The Virgo comes in three sizes. The LV (low volume) model is for smaller paddlers, the MV (mid volume) model is for average size adults, and the HV (high volume) model is for larger paddlers. The Virgo features a retractable skeg, bulkheads in the bow and stern, three hatches (including a small day hatch between the legs), and a number of other well thought out design features.
MSRP: $1899 USD
Length: 14'5″
Width: 23″
Weight: 56lb (25kg)
Capacity: 220 Lbs (100 kg)
Why does the P&H Virgo kayak deserve to be one of the ‘Kayaks of the Year’?
- High quality construction
- Fast and maneuverable
- Great primary and secondary stability
- Confidence inspiring kayak in all conditions
Who is the P&H Virgo kayak for?
- Beginner kayakers who want a fun and fast kayak that they’ll never grow out of
- Paddlers looking for a playful sea kayak that can handle all conditions and are willing to give up some stowage capacity for superior nimbleness.
Bonafide EX123 Kayak Review
Watch Bonafide EX123 Kayak Review
The Bonafide EX123 is a remarkably stable and user-friendly sit-inside recreational kayak that is designed for cruising or fishing in calm conditions. The EX123 has a variety of thoughtful features that enhance the paddling experience, including a removable high back framed seat, oversized carry handles, paddle stowage and on-deck gear storage.
MSRP: $1099 USD
Length: 12'3″
Width: 29″
Weight: 67lb (30kg)
Capacity: 375 Lbs (170 kg)
Why does the Bonafide EX123 kayak deserve to be one of the ‘Kayaks of the Year’?
- Exceptional stability, while it maintains reasonable performance
- Great value
- Lots of great features
- A sit-inside kayak that is great for fishing
Who is the Bonafide EX123 for?
- Those who prize stability
- Those wanting a sit-inside kayak that is also great for fishing
- Those who will stick to water that’s protected from wind and waves
Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 Kayak Review
The Wilderness Systems Pungo is a recreational sit-inside kayak that comes in three different sizes. The Pungo has been one of the best-selling kayaks in the world for over a decade because it’s fast, stable, and fun to paddle. It has a V-hull which allows it to track very well, a wide-open cockpit that features Wilderness Systems highly comfortable Phase 3 Air Pro outfitting. The Pungo also comes with a removable dashboard for convenience.
MSRP: $1099 USD
Length: 12'2″
Width: 29″
Weight: 49lb (22kg)
Capacity: 325 Lbs (147 kg)
Why does the Pungo 120 kayak deserve to be one of the ‘Kayaks of the Year’?
- Very comfortable outfitting
- Fun kayak to paddle
- Great blend of stability and performance
- Great value
Who is the Pungo 120 kayak for?
- Very comfortable outfitting
- Fun kayak to paddle
- Great blend of stability and performance
- Great value
Who is the Pungo 120 kayak for?
- Those looking for a particularly comfortable kayak
- Beginner and intermediate kayakers who want a stable and fun kayak to paddle
- Those who will be sticking to water that is protected from heavy wind or waves
Oru Kayak Inlet Review
The Oru Kayak Inlet is a portable, sub-ten foot, recreational, sit-inside kayak. The Inlet is the newest and most user-friendly kayak by Oru Kayak. It features the same origami-style design of their other kayaks, which provide for a remarkably light and quick assembling boat. Purchase Oru
MSRP: $899 USD
Length: 9'8″
Width: 31″
Weight: 20lb (9kg)
Capacity: 275 Lbs (125 kg)
Why does the Oru Kayak Inlet deserve to be one of the ‘Kayaks of the Year’?
- Ultra-lightweight
- Simple to assemble and disassemble
- Good performance for a portable kayak
Who is the Oru Kayak Inlet for?
- Those who will paddle in water that’s protected from wind and waves
- Those who want or need a portable kayak
- Those who want an ultra-light kayak
- Those who don’t need a fast kayak, but a stable kayak
Hobie iTrek-9 SUP Kayak Review
Watch Hobie iTrek-9 SUP Kayak Review
Hobie’s iTrek-9 is an inflatable, pedal driven recreational kayak. While not a fast kayak, it’s an exceptionally stable and maneuverable kayak that features Hobie’s industry leading Mirage Drive pedal system, and a very comfortable and elevated framed seat.
MSRP: $2199 USD
Length: 9'5″
Width: 40″
Weight: 37 lb (17 kg)
Capacity: 350 Lbs (159 kg)
Why does the Hobie iTrek-9 kayak deserve to be one of the ‘Kayaks of the Year’?
- Exceptional stability and maneuverability
- Fun boat to pedal
- Easy and solid assembly and disassembly
- High quality kayak
Who is the Hobie iTrek-9 kayak for?
- Those who want a portable pedal kayak
- Those who are happy to trade speed for stability
- Those who will stay in water that is protected from strong wind or waves
I hope you’ve enjoyed my picks for the top kayaks of 2021. It was a very difficult decision, as most of the kayaks that I tested deserved consideration for one reason or another. I’m looking forward to testing many more kayaks next year, and so stay tuned to PaddleTV on YouTube for lots additional kayak reviews, kayaking tips, and much more.
