Looking for a fun and exciting way to spend your days off? Then you should consider kayaking! Kayaking is a great way to explore both large and small bodies of water while feeling close to nature. But, before you start paddling away, you have an important decision to make: what type of kayak should you buy? One type of kayak available is the hard-shell kayak. These kayaks are strong and durable and can handle almost any water condition. Plus, they offer an additional layer of protection against the elements. In this article, we’ll share our five picks for the best hard shell kayaks of 2024, so you can make an informed decision. Topping our list is the Driftsun Hard Shell Kayak, a standout performer that redefines your water-bound adventures with its exceptional build quality and design.
The Driftsun Hard Shell Kayak is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and fun kayaking experience. With the capacity to accommodate up to three people and 500 pounds of weight, this kayak is perfect for family trips or light fishing. It’s also designed with durability, featuring a single-piece high-density polyethylene hull.
The four flush-mounted capped rod holders and two mounting points for accessories provide plenty of storage, while a rear tank well with bungee offers even more space for storing gear. Its dual watertight storage hatches with inserts and built-in cup holders make it easy to bring snacks and drinks, while the molded center cockpit seat provides extra comfort. All kayakers have two adjustable EVA padded seats with high back support and two anodized aluminum performance kayak paddles with ergonomic grips. Thanks to its adjustable EVA padded seats, performance paddles, storage hatches, and other added features, we put this kayak at the top of our list.
The Wilderness Systems Pamlico 135 Hard Shell Kayak provides excellent performance for tandem use and can easily convert to solo use, making it ideal for all paddlers. Its signature rounded hull allows the kayak to accelerate faster, which makes it easy to paddle long distances more quickly. The Phase 3 AirPro seats are adjustable and ergonomic, with ventilated mesh seating and thigh and knee padding for added support and a better day on the water. In addition, the large padded footrests provide extra comfort, and the easy-to-adjust locking lever accommodates paddlers of different heights.
For maximum storage and dryness, this pick also has a dry storage hatch in the rear and a stern bulkhead foam, which adds buoyancy to the water and is a great safety feature often not found in less expensive kayaks. Despite its 500 lb capacity, we were glad to see that this relatively lightweight kayak (weighing only 72 pounds) is fairly easy to transport to and from your favorite destinations with the help of your boating partner.
BKC’s Hard Shell Kayak is the perfect vessel for outdoor fun. With enough space to accommodate up to three people, it’s great for family adventures and fishing trips. Designed with stability in mind, this kayak is made from a single piece of high-density polyethylene that can support up to 770 pounds. It also has a 34-inch beam that provides superior balance even in choppy waters or currents. Plus, it has four built-in rod holders and two paddle parks, allowing you to keep your rods conveniently close at hand.
The kayak features two ergonomic aluminum frame seats and two adjustable aluminum paddles, so you won’t have to worry about purchasing additional equipment. On top of that, it has two water-resistant storage hatches and a rear cargo space secured with a bungee cord, giving you plenty of room to store all your essentials securely. We think this pick is a great option for those looking for an enjoyable outdoor experience or a reliable fishing vessel.
The Lifetime Lotus Sit-On-Top Hard Shell Kayak is a must-have for any water enthusiast. Its hull design provides both ultra stability and great tracking, making it perfect for long treks through the lake and rivers. The multiple footrest positions offer comfortable, secure support for different-size paddlers, and the included adjustable hard backrest gives great lumbar support. Its scupper holes allow water to drain from the cockpit area and make room for the molded paddle cradle, so you won’t have to worry about it slipping away.
The durable high-density polyethylene (HDPE) construction means that this kayak won’t fade, crack, or peel due to UV rays, and the lightweight 38 lb design makes it easy to transport. And the tank well storage features a bungee cord lacing system designed to secure all loose items in place. We believe this pick is an excellent option for those looking for a durable, lightweight, and more affordable kayak.
Pelican’s Hard Shell Kayak is designed to be a great recreational two-person kayak, measuring 13 feet long. We like that it offers many upgraded features, including a quick lock hatch and tanks well equipped with bungee cords, molded footrests, two bottle holders, and four accessory eyelets for your convenience. The twin-arched multi-chine hull offers excellent stability and easy entry, making it a safe and steady ride. Plus, the unique manufacturing process allows for additional flotation, meeting or surpassing ABYC standards, and can hold a maximum capacity of 500 pounds.
The adjustable ERGOFIT G2 seating system provides targeted cushioning and better airflow, with a molded middle seat for extra room for a small child, pet, or extra gear. This tandem kayak is also constructed with exceptionally durable high molecular density polyethylene, which makes it lightweight yet extremely durable. And the added scupper holes help drain any excess water that might get into your watercraft.
Are you seeking your next adrenaline rush amongst the waves, or perhaps a peaceful paddle along serene lakes? Whatever your aquatic adventure, finding the perfect hard shell kayak to suit your needs is crucial. Not all hard shell kayaks are created equal and with numerous options on the market, we’re here to help you navigate towards your perfect pick.
The material from which a hard shell kayak is made significantly impacts its performance, durability, and weight. Polyethylene is a common choice, providing a robust and affordable option but tends to be heavier. Composites like Kevlar, carbon fiber, or fiberglass are lighter and glide more efficiently on water, yet are more susceptible to damage and are pricier. Your choice should balance durability, weight, performance, and cost that fits your kayaking style and budget.
Let’s talk about size. The length and width of the kayak play vital roles in its speed, stability, maneuverability, and storage capacity. Longer kayaks track straighter and move faster, ideal for long-distance paddling. Shorter ones offer better maneuverability, perfect for navigating narrow waterways. Wider kayaks provide more stability, great for beginners or fishing, while narrower options are more agile and faster, suited for experienced paddlers.
Larger cockpits allow easier entry and exit, a bonus for beginner or recreational kayakers. Smaller cockpits offer more control and protection against water ingress, favored by experienced or whitewater kayakers. Your kayak should also feature an ergonomic seat and footrests for a comfortable and efficient paddling experience.
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty — the hull shape. A flat hull offers high stability, making it a popular choice for beginners, while a rounded hull grants swift, smooth maneuverability, ideal for touring or sea kayaking. The V-shaped hull, on the other hand, enhances speed and tracking, perfect for long-distance or open-water kayaking.
Whether you’re paddling for a few hours or embarking on a multi-day adventure, ample storage space is crucial. Most hard shell kayaks come with bungee cord decks for quick access items and watertight hatches for storing gear. Ensure the kayak’s storage capability matches your needs, whether it’s stowing fishing gear, camping equipment, or just some snacks and a change of clothes.
Last but not least, the weight capacity of the kayak is essential. Make sure to choose a kayak that can safely support your body weight along with any gear you plan on bringing. Overloading a kayak can compromise its performance and safety. Remember, it’s always better to have a little extra capacity rather than not enough.
The price of hard shell kayaks varies greatly depending on the size, material, features, and brand. Generally, a basic model starts at around $600, while more advanced models can cost well over $1,000 or more.
Hard shell kayaks are extremely durable and can last years with proper care and maintenance. They are typically made from high-grade plastics or fiberglass composites that are designed to withstand impacts and handle heavier loads than other kayaks.
Hard shell kayaks are usually easy to maneuver due to their lightweight and the shape of the hulls. They have excellent tracking performance and respond well to paddling strokes, making them great for beginner and experienced paddlers alike.
Since hard shell kayaks are designed for stability and tracking performance, they typically perform well on flat, calm water such as lakes or slow-moving rivers. Some models may be able to handle moderate whitewater on certain rivers, but it's recommended to read about the product specifications before purchasing if this feature is important to you.
It's relatively easy to transport a hard-shell kayak, especially with some extra help from your boating partner. Most models come with carrying handles or straps that make transporting them easier, although larger models may require an additional cart or trailer for portability purposes.
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