Advanced Elements PackLite Kayak: Lightweight, Portable Kayaking Solution

PunxZero: Update 4/21: I have used this raft about 6 times so far in a variety of conditions. Durability is still good, I beached on pebbles, dirt, junk filled boat ramp and have folded/unfolded it several times, no wear whatsoever. I've taken it on large urban lakes, a class I river and a particularly choppy lake near the mountains. Performance is fine in small bodies of water or narrow rivers but, you will feel like you are not making much progress in larger bodies. I've been pushed around by wake and by very choppy water that resembles constant waves of wake. I'd avoid going too far out on larger bodies of water - just stay decently close to shore as paddling back will take some time in this thing. I'm talking 1-3mph. I haven't found a way to paddle as efficient as hardbody kayak. It's hard to engage the core without causing the bow to wag even with a little weight up front. I'll keep practicing and/or finding ways to add more weight to the front maybe I can get a more efficient paddle. Once again, I feel this product wasn't built for speed but, for possibilities. However, once you stop paddling and take a break, this raft is so stable and comfy.

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United States on Mar 01, 2021

Lee Johnson: The ultimate in portable inflatable kayaks is an ingenious design from Advanced Elements. I first tried my PackLite kayak in California on Clear Lake in windy weather. Now, this kayak weighs only four pounds and is made out of a thin material. I wondered how sturdy it would be. So, I paddled it at a good pace right onto a cement ramp full of pine needles and little rocks. I did this several times, trying to abrade the hull and tear the fabric. Incredibly, it held up without a scratch! It is a rugged little unit and yet will support 250 lbs., just like Advanced Elements Firefly kayak, which is also 7' 10" long. The only caution is not to overinflate the PackLite to prevent tearing a seam. Inflate it until its chambers still will take a depression from your finger. Then, it is ready for those otherwise inaccessible wilderness lakes and streams, its mere four pounds making it perfect for your backpack. Kudos to Advanced Elements for coming up with this "impossible" watercraft that tracks reasonably well, holds a lot of weight, and has almost no weight of its own! Treat it well, and it will do the same for the adventurous paddler. I have used mine for several years...

United States on Jan 04, 2018

rndm: Advanced Elements PackLite Kayak gonflable...KAYAK LÉGER ET PRATIQUE POUR LES RIVIÈRES ET LACS..
PRODUIT FIABLE MAIS ATTENTION À BIEN RESPECTER LA PROCÉDURE DE GONFLAGE DANS LE BON ORDRE !
VOIR VIDÉO OU NOTICE DE ADVANCED ÉLÉMENT

JE RECOMMANDE CE PRODUIT SANS PROBLÈMES

France on May 10, 2017

Swims With Frogs: We own and borrow several kayaks, so I am not unfamiliar with every style. This kayak is perfect for what it is, and that is an insanely portable backpacking kayak, it is definitely not a pool toy. It is not a substitute for a hard shell if you have easy access to the water, but if you need/want to pack a kayak across land for long distances on foot...this is it!
It is made from an ultralight reinforced material and can roll up to fit in a very small bag. I am over half way through my second season with it, without any leaks or punctures and it has enabled me to go places I could never go before. I can roll up this kayak down to the size of a large rolled up beach towel, put it in a stuff sack and put that into a backpack with all the necessary gear and head out for an adventure. I pack with it a lightweight 4 part collapsible paddle, a lightweight foot pump, dry bag, full camera gear, dry clothes, inflatable back cushion,floor pad, water and food. All this (the kayak itself is only about 6lbs) fits into a frame-less back pack at under a 24 lb load (my camera gear is pretty heavy) and head out over hill and dale to put in in otherwise inaccessible places;...

United States on Aug 28, 2016

Lyle: I can't even inflate this kayak! The inflate valve is specialized and can't find find pump adapters after visiting 5 different rafting stores. The recommended pump from the SAME manufacturer DOES NOT come with correct adapter. It might get a better review if I could actually use it. Include ALL required parts if you wanto sell this kayak to any one else. I will return it if I can't find proper adapters in 2 more days.

I downgraded my 2 start to a 1 star. I could not find a valve adapter. The kayak was useless to me so I have returned it.

United States on Aug 04, 2016