Field Note 001 — Tucktec Pro Folding Kayak

For years I had mulled over the idea of a kayak, but sadly I am one of those people that likes to go where others can't...and usually that means that a trailer is a non starter. A component of my camping philosophy is to travel light but comfortable, always having what's needed. Consequently, I have always found it hard to justify a twelve foot long rideable buoy.

During my days of initial research I went over all the options, top to bottom, cheap to expensive. I found Tucktec in its early days and really liked the idea, but was unsure so I didn't pull the trigger. Throughout my life I have always found the sweet spot to be in the middle ground, but few of us can resist a deal.....so my kayaking days started cheap and inflatable. Let's walk that back.....affordable and inflatable. 

Now, we all know why we're here, and it isn't to talk about inflatable kayaks. But credit must be given where credit is due. Reasonably light and compact, especially when compared to a traditional hard-shell. Easy to set up once you get the hang of it. Little to no drag as you float on the water, track very well too. They also come with their own bag, useful for adding gear.

Multiple years and many inflatable yaks later, the pernicious con continued to poke out its head. Punctures, leaks, soft spongy kayak mid paddle. The greatest strength of an inflatable is also the greatest weakness. In life we have to balance things, and as a way to enter the world of kayaking without breaking the bank or needing a trailer, the inflatables took care of me...but finally I needed a change. 

Going back out onto the world wide internet to begin the research machine eventually led me back to the folding kayak. I yearned for the ability to stray closer to shore and up estuaries and streams where contact may be made with Mother Nature, a possible death knell for an inflatable. Multiple options showed up, one stuck out......Tucktec.

Many years after I had done initial research the company was still afloat (pun well intended). They hadn't changed much, although they had made some small improvements. I found them on a Labor Day sale and pulled the trigger. When my Tucktec Pro showed up I realized one thing immediately.....I waited too long. 

Upon first inspection you can tell one thing......it's not light. I don't mean that to say it's incredibly heavy, more heavy duty. Feeling the thickness of the material immediately gave me a sense of security after living on my inflatable kiddy pools. First fold made me realize how intelligently it was designed, the carry strap doubles as the back strap for the seat. It stows away nicely into itself...even if not in the fanciest manner. Function over form is always preferable to me. 

Upon reading reviews one of the biggest things I read about them was the quality of the seat, which folds into the kayak as well. So, fearing the issue I purchased a secondary seat to start. In retrospect, totally unnecessary. Unless one really wants that extra bag behind the seat. The beauty of the Tucktec is in its simplicity, extra moving components hurt the experience. 

Getting my Tucktec onto the water the first time led me to a few realizations. First and foremost was the paddling. Being so used to inflatables and floating above the water I had a different paddling experience, not bad...just different. Being able to see the waterline was also a new experience. Being able to stretch my feet fully.....priceless.  The Tucktec tracks well and gives a comfortable experience. If there is one thing I can pass along, tighten up that back strap more than you think. Trust me. 

Being able to have multiple full-sized kayaks in the back of whatever vehicle I am in without having to deal with a crazy rack setup or some sort of trailer is huge for the way I like to travel. Putting it together becomes a breeze after the first few goes, it is a tiny bit stiff on the first go but it works in and becomes like second nature. While I would get eyes putting it together, it wasn't until I got to shore that I got the words. It never fails that someone wants to talk to you about your folding kayak after they see it in action.

Now, are there cons? Absolutely, just like everything in life. The Tucktec is a calm water kayak. Don't expect to be doing whitewater work or fishing in the sea...it's not realistic. As it is a folding kayak, there is a lack of prebuilt storage, but to the inventive mind that's just opportunity to kit it out as you see fit. Some don't like the seat that comes with it, I personally have no problem with it. The only real issue I have that I could say......is the paddles. Functionally they are nice paddles, break down into multiple parts. I found that after a day of paddling my palms would get sore so I wrapped the handholds in bike handlebar tape but that's just personal preference. The issue is storage....everything else folds nicely into the kayak for travel, the paddles not so much. They go inside, but nothing holds them in, leading to them coming out at times. Minor.

Overall I love my Tucktec, I even purchased the smaller version for my lady as she is vertically challenged. To be able to have the option to pull out a hard-shell kayak from the back of our rig anywhere and hit the water is priceless. My only issue is that I didn't get one sooner. Nothing is a one size fits all in this life, but if you like to travel light and comfortable as well as like hitting the water....I would highly suggest a Tucktec. I'll have mine for years....hell, I'll undoubtedly own another one eventually.

— Dane Justus
Founder, Weekend Route

If you're interested in the Tucktec Pro, you can find it in the Weekend Route store.