But if you’re someone who needs an inflatable kayak, perhaps due to lack of storage or transportation options, but still wants to do some extensive paddling, then this model will certainly fit the bill. Now, if you’re a hardcore, hardshell touring kayaker, then of course the Expedition Elite won’t be able to match that standard. This kayak can actually move! The aluminum ribs on the bow and stern cut through the water, and it can maneuver quite easily. And after taking about 10 strokes away from the shore, a big smile came over my face. The AdvancedFrame Expedition Elite is marketed as an inflatable touring kayak – something that can cover distance and even hold its own on a multi-day paddle trip. You do need to lean pretty far over to get the kayak onto its edge, but that is to be expected with the large air chambers and the overall width of the boat. Being able to lock in while on edge is important for more aggressive paddling, or paddling in rougher conditions. Because of the sculpted edges of the hull, this model also has great secondary stability. I felt 100% confident while simply sitting flat in this kayak. The AdvancedFrame Expedition Elite has a wide and flat hull, which gives it excellent initial stability. Is the Expedition Elite a stable kayak?Ībsolutely. Speaking of the backpack, the padded shoulder straps and duffle-bag-style carry handle make getting from the parking lot to the water’s edge a much smoother mission. If you stuff the kayak back in the backpack when it’s still damp, then you might be greeted with mildew when you go to use it the next time. Some patience for the fresh air to do its thing, and maybe a towel to assist in the matter, is required at the end of the day before packing up. Just note that the tougher material takes a little longer to dry out. I’m certainly happy to shoulder a few extra pounds to increase my kayak’s lifespan. One of the reasons the weight is a bit higher is because of the durable shell that protects the inner air chambers. Does the Expedition Elite kayak have good portability?Īt 42 pounds, the Expedition Elite is on the slightly heavy end of normal for an inflatable kayak, but still totally manageable. Once an inflatable kayak is unpacked for the first time, it never quite packs down as tight again. In terms of packing up at the end of the day, I was happy to see that the backpack included a generous amount of extra volume. It also helps to have a pump with a pressure gauge on it so that the kayak can be optimally inflated.Īdvanced Elements attached a couple of permanent tags to this boat, which have written instructions for getting started, as well as a QR code that will send you to a video guide (as long as you have internet access where you’re about to paddle). As always, I recommend an electric pump to make this process easier. Given that this kayak is attempting to accomplish more, it makes sense that setting it up would take a bit long (but just a bit). This is because there are 9 chambers to pump-up, ranging from the 2 smaller ones around the cock-pit, to the drop-stitch floor, and of course, the seat. This kayak takes a little bit longer to inflate than your average inflatable model. Is the Expedition Elite kayak easy to set up? The package comes with a backpack and repair kit, but no pump or paddle. The Expedition Elite kayak also has built-in aluminum rib frames on both the bow and stern to make the ends firm, a hatch to access the stern, and a zipper to access the bow. This kayak features a drop-stitch floor, a rudder mount (if you want to attach one), inflatable combing (if you want to use a spray skirt), carry handles at either end, a neoprene knuckle guard on the deck, an integrated fin, D-ring tie downs on both the front and back deck, bungees on the front deck, an adjustable foot brace, and a seat with inflatable lumbar support. About the AdvancedFrame Expedition Elite Kayak Let’s start with the basic specs and then comb through the real-world findings. Does it really deliver on all these fronts? I’m going to walk you through everything I discovered on my latest paddle test. Advanced Elements has set out to challenge that paradigm with the AdvancedFrame Expedition Elite. Inflatable kayaks are great for portability, but they’re typically not designed to handle a broad range of conditions, or to be used for multi-day trips.
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