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ScottsJourney · 04-11-2018, 10:53 AM

We are heading to Alaska from Pennsylvania starting in May. We have 2 kayaks and I was planning on taking them. I am starting to have second thoughts about it. Will we really get to use them? Has anyone been in this situation and what did you do? If you took them how much did you really use them and was it worth the extra effort in taking them?

Superslif · 04-11-2018, 12:50 PM

I have two inflatable kayaks, so they don't take up as much room. We spent 110 days in AK. in 2016. I used mine in Jasper NP., Muncho Lake BC. Just outside North Pole at Chena Lake State Park, Paxson BLM in AK. Otherwise not a whole lot.

Were going up next year again to AK.. On the fence if I'll bring them. Might just bring my son's as it is just a single, and only 20 lbs. and folds up in a 27' x 25" x 3" zippered bag.

PeteRissler · 04-11-2018, 12:55 PM

Think about inflatables.

S-n-L · 04-11-2018, 01:14 PM

I dragged around a 2 person inflatable kayak for 3 years and barely used it. Not worth the inconvenience. Sold it and will rent one when needed. Much easier.

Loggenrock · 04-11-2018, 08:55 PM

I carried an inflatable 15k miles on our AK adventure. Traveled on a hitch haul rack behind our "B". Only used it in about 3 places. Rivers run cold and FAST, so unless you are VERY experienced in whitewater, probably won't use them in rivers. Ocean is COLD and ROUGH, not a place for casual paddling most of the time - do you have wet/drysuits?. So that leaves lakes. This is where I paddled. Was happy to have my inflatable, but again this was only at a couple of places over 3 months of travel. 2 rigid boats don't store easily, and will have some impact on your fuel economy. Also, they will be exposed to the elements the entire time. So...certainly something to ponder...

rtcadman · 05-01-2018, 08:16 PM

We left CNY in Nov. in our 38' "A" towing toad that has roof rack w/ 2 kayaks on it. Now near LA CA. Headed to Alaska. Look forward to doing some fishing along the way. Time will tell.

We have used them in several states so far.

ScottsJourney · 05-02-2018, 06:30 AM

Thanks for the reply. At this moment I've decided to not take the kayaks.
We'll see if it was the right choice or not.

MNawman · 05-02-2018, 06:44 AM

Scott take a look at the Sea Eagles. I have the 435 Paddleski which has two pontoons. It is well made and performs great. It takes about 15 min to inflate and set up, and stores in a couple dufflebags. There are a lot of accessories available including motors and sails.

Mark

DukeofDburg · 05-30-2018, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScottsJourney

Thanks for the reply. At this moment I've decided to not take the kayaks.
We'll see if it was the right choice or not.

Check out Advanced Elements https://www.advancedelements.com/ if you are H bent on it. We had the two-person and have owned it for years. We will be FT in two months and I plan on carrying that in the former spare compartment in the basement where the spare used to reside. I can't speak for the actual usage on the road, BUT I have had that thing over rocky bottoms in PA many times and you cannot destroy it. Easily transportable, easily stored, very durable and comfortable. I'd never own a rigid for the opposite of all those reasons. I'll stay in touch and if mine becomes one of those "I'm dragging it along but not using it" things, I'll sell it.