Sevylor Quikpak K5 Review

I Have Thoroughly Enjoyed Paddling The K5, Read My Review Below To See What I Thought Of It

Review Of The Sevylor Quikpak K5 Inflatable Kayak

Post Updated 19/06/19

Back in the day, inflatable kayaks were essentially pool toys. They weren’t built to be durable or to handle well. Luckily, the industry has recognized that the market for such kayaks isn’t people lacking the money or knowledge to get a better boat, but rather those who need the portability and easy storage that comes with an inflatable. These kayaks fit in a backpack, and can be taken around the world on a plane – something that’s only possible with the inflatable, or the more expensive and more difficult to set-up folding kayak.

Sevylor Quikpak K5

Outdoor Veteran Rating

 9/10

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Sevylor Quikpak K5 Review

The Quickpak K5 package includes the boat, paddle, a hand pump for inflation, and a backpack to carry the boat when it’s folded up. Setting up the kayak is fairly easy: just unroll the boat at the put-in point and inflate, which should only take five minutes. That’s probably less time than you would spend getting a hard-shell off the roof rack of your car.

The biggest advantage of an inflatable is the portability, and the Quikpack K5 has that it spades. It folds up into a backpack (that also fits the oars and pump) small enough that you wouldn’t even feel weird taking it on a bus or subway. If you’re thinking about taking a vacation, you can easily bring your kayak as a checked bag –kayak rentals are notoriously expensive anyway.

When you’re on the water, the backpack that carries the kayak even becomes a seat. While that sounds really innovative, don’t expect it to be the most comfortable experience after a few hours. Given that inflatables aren’t typically used for long trips though, this shouldn’t be much of a problem.

Unlike very inexpensive inflatables, the Quickpak K5 is made with multiple air chambers, so if something does pierce the thick, 24-gauge PVC hull, you’ll be able to paddle to shore and make the necessary repairs. While this means you can’t drag the boat across sharp rocks, as could be done with a hard-shell kayak, it’s durable enough that you won’t be scared to take it to all your regular paddling spots.

The K5 does cost a little bit more than other inflatables, due to being made of higher quality materials and being less susceptible to punctures. But at a couple hundred dollars, it costs less than most hard-shell boats. However, the paddle included with the boat is not of the highest quality, and seems to be one place where they skimped on manufacturing costs.

Sevylor Quikpak K5

Outdoor Veteran Rating

 9/10

Check Price

Pros

• The Quickpak K5 is easy to set up and can be inflated in as little as five minutes.
• It’s a great option for beginners, because it can be picked up for a couple hundred dollars, which is quite cheap compared to other kayaks.
• It’s small enough to fit in a backpack; paddlers taking it on flights, using public transportation or wanting to hike to remote put-in points will love this.

Cons

• The paddle that comes with the boat is a flimsy three-piece. Get a two-piece if you’re primarily transporting it by car, and if using public transportation, pick up a three- or four-piece of higher quality than the one that ships with it.

The Sevylor Quikpack K5 will surprise anyone who thinks inflatables are just pool toys by delivering a mix of portability, durability, and ease of handling

What To Consider With An Inflatable Kayak?

First ask yourself why you want an inflatable. Is it because you don’t have the space to store a hard-shell kayak in your apartment, or because you like to hike put-in points on remote lake and rivers? Or is the low price and ease of use their main appeal?

Now to choose the inflatable that’s right for you. What’s the most critical aspect of an inflatable kayak? Keeping it inflated, of course! In this respect, the air valves are incredibly important. In the absence of a puncture, this is where the air will be leaking out. So-called “military valves” use a spring-loaded mechanism that automatically seals shut when air is not being pumped in. Other models have twist valves that must be turned after filling to lock the air in. Sevylor uses a variation on the simple valve commonly seen on beach balls, but it has an additional flap behind the valve that self-seals from internal pressure when air is not being pumped in. What’s important in air valves is that they keep working over time, so the simpler they can be, the better.

A secondary consideration in keeping the kayak inflated is its hull material; most inflatables use a combination of abrasion-resistant PVC and polyester. A few higher end models make use of Hypalon or nitrylon (think white water raft material), but unless you’re venturing out into serious rapids where you’ll be getting pummeled against the rocks, these tougher fabrics aren’t necessary, and PVC will do just fine.

Conclusion

This Quickpak K5 review demonstrates why this is an excellent choice for anyone in the market for an inflatable kayak. Its packability and easy setup make it a great boat for after-work trips or adventures in the backcountry that would not be possible with a heavy hard-shell. This is a boat that will definitely change the minds of anyone who has previously sneered at the idea of paddling an inflatable.

Sevylor Quikpak K5

Outdoor Veteran Rating

 9/10

Check Price