on Kickstarter! Do you feel secure when out on the water in a folding kayak. Sign up for our newsletter to get the latest adventures, workouts, destinations, and more. From forty-two inches long to ten feet – the world’s most packable kayak yet. Owning a kayak typically means that you also have a garage or storage area where you can keep your boat. The innovative design allows users to enjoy the use of a full-size kayak without the headache of trying to find a place to store it. Chalk that up to light weight (a mere 20 pounds). The Inlet is the latest and cheapest folding kayak from Oru and is designed for flat water, it folds into a very portable pack that weighs about 25lbs making it great for spontaneous paddling. Read and submit reviews for the Inlet. Simple storage is a perfect solution for those living in tight quarters—whether apartment, van, or tiny home—who lack the space to house a full-size touring kayak. Right now, the company is funding the Inlet on Kickstarter and has backer options that’ll get you the boat for as little as $699, if you’re quick. Read Inlet reviews or submit your own review to share with the paddling community. It was not intuitive; setup and breakdown took multiple attempts to feel confident enough for a solo build in the field without cell service for video tutorial fallbacks. They feel really stable because they are so wide. The Inlet comes with a steep price tag. You have entered an incorrect email address! We'd seen some other reviews about the width and you do have to paddle with a lower angle and would be sad with a shorter paddle. The Inlet also comes with a branded lifejacket and a travel bag that is key for customers who want to hike to their kayaking destination or travel by plane or train with the Inlet. The kayak is easy to store even in a small apartment. Oru Kayak, the makers of the original origami-inspired kayak, directly tackled weight, carry, and set-up with the company’s newest and most innovative kayak design to date, the Inlet. To make it simple, you needed practice. P romising big adventure in a small package, Oru Kayak has taken its popular folding design and made a lighter and even easier-to-assemble kayak with the all-new Inlet. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window). At 20 pounds, you can store the Inlet just about anywhere. My second attempt took less than three minutes. eval(ez_write_tag([[580,400],'mensjournal_com-under_second_paragraph','ezslot_5',167,'0','0']));At least, that was the hope. Save Up To 80% Off At The Wayfair End of Year Clearance Sale, Top Three Safety Tools to Keep in Your Car, Holiday Gift Guide of Stuff They Actually (Really) Need, Some Fun Gifts That Will Arrive Before The Holidays, 15 Perfect Gift Ideas For People Who Have Everything, Shipping Cut Off Dates For Your Holiday Shopping Needs, The Men’s Journal 2020 Last Minute Gifts Guide, We may use your e-mail address to send you the newsletter and offers that may interest you, on behalf of Men's Journal and its partners. Check out a few other kayak recommendations below or explore all kayaks to find the perfect one for you! Oru Kayak is here to make those dreams a reality for boaters of all experience levels, starting with the Inlet folding kayak. Oru Kayak is raising funds for Oru Kayak Inlet: A Portable Origami Folding Kayak. By eliminating many of the loose parts of past Oru designs, it can go from box to boat in less than three minutes, or 75% faster than its predecessors. (Most foldable kayaks weigh over 30 pounds and very few break the $1,000 barrier.) They start shipping in June 2020. From box to boat to water and back, the Inlet folding kayak from Oru Kayak is our most portable foldable model yet. The innovative designs coupled with lightweight, foldable corrugated plastic hulls have offered a game-changing advance, enabling paddlers and outdoor enthusiasts to quickly transport boats to water and get right to paddling—compared to other options like inflating, assembling or piecing together a skin-on-frame packable craft. Standing with the Inlet between my legs and using my lower body to hold the boat closed helped, and by my second attempt, I was able to fold the Inlet back into its storage state in about three minutes. The Inlet Folding Kayak The origami kayak for everyone, the Inlet is our lightest, most portable, and easiest to assemble boat YET. A kayak that makes the water simple, easy and accessible. The Oru Beach LT (bottom) compared to the original Oru kayak (top) - now the Bay model. The origami kayak for everyone, the Inlet is our lightest, most portable, and easiest to assemble boat YET. I turned to the interwebs and found the Assembly Guidelines page on ORU Kayak’s website where there is an instructional video and a PDF document with step-by-step photos.. With some patience and a little more man-handling than I expected, I put it together the first time in about 30 minutes. Field Tested: Oru Kayak’s New Inlet, the World’s Most Packable Folding Boat. Yes. With a lightweight design and sturdy body, the Inlet is an exciting new option for those who are ready to hit the water but don’t want to give up storage space. This kayak weighs only 40lbs! With a weight of only 20lbs, this makes the Inlet extremely portable and easy to store. I also had plenty of space for my legs and added storage items thanks to the large front and rear bulkheads in the 10-foot-long boat. The Inlet will cost $899, becoming Oru’s most affordable kayak yet (its next-cheapest model is the Beach LT at $1,299). Check out the video review of the Oru Inlet Kayak from Elsa Rhae, Barron and their dog Kamp. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'mensjournal_com-incontent_7','ezslot_0',122,'0','0']));3. Since it was my first time using the Inlet, I decided to test it out in our pool to make sure I felt safe before taking it into open water. Since it was my first time using the Inlet, I decided to test it out in our pool to make sure I felt safe before taking it into open water. The Inlet is Oru's latest addition to the lineup. Please enter your comment! We would also like to see carrying handles on both sides of the Inlet instead of just one. However, larger models of these corrugated plastic kayaks that hold more weight and people can cost upwards of $3,000. The all-new origami-inspired Inlet kayak from Oru is lightweight, portable, folds from box to boat in under 3 minutes, and perfect for water lovers without much storage space A watercraft designed for city folks that's lighter, smaller, and quicker to … For more information please read our, First Look: Old Town’s New AutoPilot Fishing Kayak, The Most Innovative Outdoor Gear of 2020 So Far, After 25 Days in the Grand Canyon, These Rafters Returned to a Very Different World, Guidelines for Responsible Outdoor Adventures During the Coronavirus Pandemic, Carry-On Adventures to Thailand, Nicaragua and Las Vegas with Oru Kayaks, Field Tested: Fast Charge Power Bank by OtterBox, Field Tested: Solite's Heat-Moldable Surf Booties, Field Tested: 7 SUP Paddles for Every Type of Paddling Adventure, Field Tested: Our Favorite Down Jackets for Off-Season Adventures. And there’s a lot to love about this folding boat: But does the Inlet live up to its potential? Enjoy more spontaneous adventures! All rights reservedPMC Entertainment, The Best Dog Life Jackets to Help Keep Your Pup Safe This Summer, The Best Christmas Gifts of 2020 on Everyone's Wish List, The 60 Best Stocking Stuffers of 2020 That Aren’t Socks or Candy (We Promise), The 50+ Best Christmas Gifts for Your Wife that She Actually Wants, 60+ Christmas Gifts For Her That Are So Good You Don't Even Need To Keep the Receipt, Be the Best Secret Santa with Our Favorite Gifts Under $20, Shopping Guide: The Best Massage Guns and Theragun Alternatives of 2020, Large enough to fit users of various heights, Comes with the necessary accessories plus some useful bonuses. Significantly lower than the rest of the fleet at $899. With a new Origami fold pattern, the Inlet is Oru's lightest and smallest kayak. Once folded and secured with the attached straps and buckles, the Inlet measures approximately 40” x 18” x 10”. When are Inlets available for purchase? Is the three-minute setup for real? Great! In the following Oru kayak review, you will find all the details regarding all the models with pictures and videos, and our brand new FAQ section that will answer every question you … Designed for flatwater with features to fit paddlers of all ages and experience levels. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Tucktec Advanced 2020 Model 10 Foot Foldable Kayak Folding Canoe, Portable Lightweight, Boat Fits in Your Car No Roof Rack Needed, Stronger Than Inflatable, for Kids or Adult (Dark Yellow) at Amazon.com. Chalk that up to light weight (a mere 20 pounds). Oru Kayak is the inventor of the “origami kayak.” The Inlet Foldable Kayak combines the stability and balance of a traditional hardbody kayak with the small storage footprint of an inflatable kayak. Find them on pre-sale on Oru Kayak’s website. After watching the instructional video only once, I was able to easily assemble the boat in about nine minutes. 1. from 176 reviews Oru Inlet. This would allow users to get a firmer grip on the kayak when it is in its folded position and make it easier for users to carry the kayak facing inwards or outwards. Or, at least, that’s what it used to mean. Customer reviews Oru Kayak Foldable Kayak - Stable, Durable, Lightweight Folding Kayaks for Adults and Youth - Lake, River, and Ocean Kayaks - Perfect Outdoor Fun Boat for Fishing, Travel, and Adventure (Inlet) The travel bag has a dedicated spot for the Inlet’s paddle as well as an additional zippered area for personal items. Please enter your name here. The relative ease of setting up the Inlet makes it a viable option for users with mobility issues or who lack the upper body strength to carry the hardbody kayak to the water’s edge. It’s important to state, however, 40lbs in suitcase mode feels a lot heavier than 40lbs in kayak mode. Putting together the ORU Kayak. LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply. Three minutes, tops. You can put your fishing gear and skis in a closet pretty easily. As one of the industry leaders in recreational use kayaks, Oru is breaking new ground with the release of their latest design. City dwellers or anyone lacking in storage space who want to be able to escape to the water during their free time will appreciate the compact design of the Inlet, which is still durable enough to be used in gentle rivers and lakes. At 10 feet long, it’s the shortest Oru, with the widest cockpit, easy for getting in and out of and incredibly stable, but challenging in rougher waters. How does the Inlet compare to previous Oru models? I had the chance to paddle and review a prototype of the new design in the heart of Grand Teton National Park, and Oru rep Jess Anthony was there to show off the new features. The Inlet’s stand out feature is its compact folding design. Off the beaten path lakes and rivers are made accessible when you can pack up your kayak and carry it on your back. Men’s Journal has affiliate partnerships so we may receive compensation for some links to products and services. I have had this out twice now and love it. As someone who has been beaten by many “easy to assemble” furniture purchases, I was unsure about Oru’s claims that the Inlet could be assembled and folded back up in only three minutes. The Oru Kayak Inlet on Kickstarter is available for the amazing price of just $749 during the campaign which is down from the anticipated retail price of $899 so if you’re a keen kayaker and watersports aficionado, now is the time to move if you want to bag yourself a bargain. One of two Editor's Choice winners in this review, the Oru Beach is the top-scorer and our all-around favorite portable yak. Get ready to streamline your entire kayaking experience. Using an origami-inspired design, the Inlet goes from a compact, rectangle-shaped unit to a full-sized, single person kayak in about three minutes. It’s a recreational kayak best suited for beginners and calm water. | Check out 'Oru Kayak Inlet: Most Portable Origami Kayak Ever.' While those claims feel­ slightly exaggerated (by comparison, my hard body Marshall guitar case is 6” high and my couch is approximately 2” off the ground), the compact nature of the Inlet is undeniably impressive. These nomads chose the Inlet for its portability and ease of use, but were happily surprised at how stable and maneuverable the Inlet folding origami kayak from Oru is. © Copyright 2020 Spy Media, LLC, a subsidiary of Penske Media Corporation. On earlier Oru Kayak models, boat assembly came with a shortlist of frustrations for those itching to get on the water ASAP. Oru hit the nail on the head by simplifying the fold geometry (think clamshell). Those can start at around $400. However, these are pretty minor concerns. Even more impressive was the fact that my 6’4” husband also felt like he had ample legroom and could rest comfortably on the padded inlet seat and seat back for an extended period. Although I felt like the Inlet was appropriate for use in gentle water, its thin and lightweight design may not lend itself to rougher conditions. A telescoping paddle that separated into three parts was lightweight, comfortable to use and convenient to store. I had heard Oru’s claims before and approached with caution and few degrees of healthy skepticism. The Best Oru Kayaks for 2020 Inlet from Oru Kayaks. The Inlet is as easy to paddle as it is to set up. No roof racks or truck required. Oru Inlet Kayak Based on the company's first completely-new folding pattern since its launch in 2012, Oru's Inlet Kayak saves both time and space. We also like that the Inlet’s price tag includes all the necessary accessories that users would want, including the paddle, travel bag and lifejacket, thus eliminating any surprise costs that could come after the kayak has arrived. Please enter your email address here. The Inlet is intended for paddlers looking to save some space and reduce barriers to quick and mellow on-water excursions. At 5’5” I had no issue finding a comfortable position in the Inlet. For those who have never paddled an Oru Kayak before, here’s the brief: This California brand has artfully utilized the principles and precision of origami into a fleet of fully functioning kayaks that can conveniently clip apart and fold up into delightfully portable packages. The Inlet is as easy to paddle as it is to set up. A kayak that makes the water simple, easy and accessible. I timed (and recorded) myself just to show you what that looks like (below). Unfolding and folding the kayak takes just three minutes after the initial trial runs, saving users time that they would otherwise spend inflating and deflating the Inlet’s inflatable counterparts. Price point was the other dealbreaker, with MSRP ranging anywhere from $1,300 to $2,200. Designed for use on flat water, this boat is playful and light. For a world with more spontaneous adventures! The Haven is the heaviest of all Oru Kayak models. And for those who are short on storage space, there are less expensive inflatable kayaks available. With the new Oru Kayak Inlet, Oru designed a new fold pattern that eliminates wasted space, allowing the boat to fold down to the size of a small suitcase that is 42″ long x 19″ tall x 10″ wide. This boat is designed for quick trips—and leaving most other overnight or extended-day accessories at home or camp. The Oru Inlet is more of a “let’s take it to the lake and goof around” boat than the brand’s other offerings. 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