Sevylor (Coleman)
Quikpak K5
The only kayak on our list that packs into a backpack. Legitimately hikeable — carry it to remote water, then paddle out.
Specifications
- beam
- 36"
- type
- Inflatable Solo
- length
- 8' 7"
- weight
- 26 lb (packed)
- capacity
- 250 lb
- material
- 24-gauge PVC
The Sevylor Quikpak series is the only kayak we're aware of where the storage bag is a wearable backpack. Fully packed it's about the size of a large hiking pack. You wear it to the water, it converts into a seat, and inflates in about five minutes.
Who this is for
Backpackers, van-lifers, and paddlers whose target water is a hike from the parking lot. If you've ever looked at a remote alpine lake and thought "if only I could paddle that" — this is the boat.
The trade-offs are real
The Quikpak is a solo, sit-on-top-style inflatable. It is slow, drifts in wind, and won't cover long distances efficiently. The included paddle is short and basic. It sacrifices everything to portability, and it succeeds at that one metric.
What comes in the pack
- Kayak with two inflation chambers
- Backpack carry system that converts to seat back
- Basic paddle (breaks down into halves)
- Hand pump
Bottom line
This is a category-of-one product. If portability is the reason you don't own a kayak, buy this. If you have a garage and a roof rack, buy something else on this list.
Pros
- +Truly packable — wears like a hiking pack
- +Setup in under 5 minutes
- +Under $300 for a real inflatable
- +Excellent for backpackers and remote water
Cons
- −Very slow — this is a portability tool, not a performance boat
- −Basic included paddle
- −Solo only
- −Not durable enough for rocky whitewater
Best for
Backpackers, remote-water paddlers, and travelers with strict storage limits.
Who should skip it
Anyone with garage space and a roof rack — spend the money on a hardshell.