Best Kayak for Camping

Kayak camping blends the adventure of paddling with the joy of exploring remote, scenic campsites. The best kayak for camping should offer ample storage for gear, stability for longer paddles, and durability to handle varying conditions. Whether you’re paddling to an island or navigating through backcountry rivers, your kayak becomes your transportation and storage hub.

In this guide, we’ll review four excellent options for kayak camping: the Perception Outlaw 11.5, Wilderness Systems Tsunami 125, Old Town Loon 126, and Sea Eagle 380X Explorer. Each model provides great capacity, comfort, and versatility for overnight adventures.

Perception Outlaw 11.5 Kayak Review

The Perception Outlaw 11.5 is a versatile sit-on-top kayak designed for fishing and gear-heavy excursions, making it well-suited for multi-day camping trips. With a wide, open deck and generous weight capacity, it easily accommodates tents, dry bags, and coolers.

Key Features:

  • Open deck design with elevated seat

  • Three molded-in rod holders

  • Large bow and stern tankwells with bungee cords

  • Compatible with pedal drive and motors

  • Weight capacity: 425 lbs

Pros:

  • Stable and easy to stand in

  • Tons of open storage for bulky gear

  • Great for fishing and flatwater paddling

  • Very durable for rugged use

Cons:

  • Heavier than average (77 lbs)

  • Slower than narrower kayaks

  • Open design not ideal for cold-weather paddling

Wilderness Systems Tsunami 125 Kayak Review

The Wilderness Systems Tsunami 125 is a high-performance touring kayak built for speed, tracking, and comfort—perfect for long-distance kayak camping. It includes watertight storage hatches and ample deck space for dry bags and gear.

Key Features:

  • Phase 3 AirPro seat system for comfort

  • Fore and aft dry storage hatches with bulkheads

  • Deck rigging and perimeter lines

  • Rudder-compatible design for better tracking

  • Weight capacity: 300 lbs

Pros:

  • Excellent for covering long distances

  • Great tracking and speed

  • Comfortable for all-day paddling

  • Keeps gear dry and protected

Cons:

  • Higher learning curve for beginners

  • Less suitable for standing or fishing

  • Premium price and weight (51 lbs)

Old Town Loon 126 Kayak Review

The Old Town Loon 126 combines recreational stability with thoughtful storage features. It’s ideal for paddlers who want a mix of comfort, performance, and storage—especially for overnight or weekend trips.

Key Features:

  • Adjustable ACS2 seat for ergonomic support

  • Click Seal hatch system for easy gear access

  • Removable work deck with USB charge port

  • Spacious cockpit for easy entry and exit

  • Weight capacity: 450 lbs

Pros:

  • Very comfortable seating for long trips

  • Plenty of space for gear and accessories

  • Stable and beginner-friendly

  • Great mix of speed and control

Cons:

  • Bulkier than other touring kayaks

  • Not ideal for rough water

  • Removable console reduces open storage space

Sea Eagle 380X Explorer Kayak Review

The Sea Eagle 380X Explorer is an inflatable tandem kayak that’s surprisingly rugged, with enough capacity for two campers and all their gear. Its versatility makes it perfect for lakes, rivers, and even mild whitewater routes.

Key Features:

  • 1000-denier reinforced fabric for durability

  • Self-bailing drain valves for wet conditions

  • Front and rear spray skirts with gear storage

  • Compatible with kayak sail or motor

  • Weight capacity: 750 lbs

Pros:

  • Incredibly high weight capacity

  • Packs down for easy transport

  • Versatile across water types

  • Tough enough for Class III rapids

Cons:

  • Slower than hardshell kayaks

  • Setup and drying time required

  • Heavier for an inflatable (40 lbs deflated)

Conclusion

For kayak camping, gear capacity, comfort, and durability are top priorities. Here’s a quick comparison of the four models:

Kayak Model Best For Type Weight Capacity
Perception Outlaw 11.5 Gear-heavy, fishing-focused trips Sit-on-top 77 lbs 425 lbs
Wilderness Tsunami 125 Long-distance touring and speed Sit-in 51 lbs 300 lbs
Old Town Loon 126 Balanced comfort and storage Sit-in 59 lbs 450 lbs
Sea Eagle 380X Explorer Tandem, inflatable, rugged routes Inflatable 40 lbs 750 lbs

If you need maximum portability and flexibility, the Sea Eagle 380X shines. For traditional hardshell durability with comfort, the Old Town Loon 126 is a fantastic all-rounder. Looking to cover distance efficiently? The Wilderness Systems Tsunami 125 delivers speed and gear protection. For wide, stable open-deck storage, the Perception Outlaw 11.5 is perfect—especially for anglers.

Each of these kayaks is a reliable companion for memorable nights under the stars—just add a paddle, a dry bag, and your sense of adventure.