Oru's custom-shaped float bags fit securely in the bow and stern compartments, and include flexible valve stems for easy inflation. The ORU behaved in a predictable manner both kayaking out and surfing back to the beach. Good safety option. The quality is quite decent, and it does help with keeping the kayak somewhat afloat. Outside Online reported that it held up well after a year of significant use, with only a few small things to fail, but nothing that meant it wouldn’t float. If you’re strictly looking for a casual lake float, a 7 lb packraft will do the trick. Just a quick-clamp connector allow I realize that the likelihood of capsizing or leaking is ridiculously low, but I am a former Girl Scout who still likes to be prepared. Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which means we may receive a small percentage of any purchase you make. For the person that wants to get on the water, but can’t transport or store a traditional kayak, an Oru is worth considering. The origami-style folding Oru kayaks are made from a single sheet of hard, corrugated plastic. Photo by Hannah Weinberger. If you’re the type of person who will paddle around a lake in the summer a couple times a year, an inflatable kayak will do the trick at a fraction of the price. These bags are perfectly shaped to fit in the bow and stern compartments of most kayaks. While float bags are not mandatory or required by law, there is a very good reason that they are recommended with Oru Kayaks. The original orange tow float is also available in pink, which we tested. This page works best with JavaScript. These seem to be fine and obviously a perfect fit for the Oru. Float Bags: Float bags to add to your Oru Kayak for open water paddling, they'll help you stay afloat if you capsize or take on water. While Oru Kayaks are naturally buoyant and won’t sink even when submerged, float bags keep you afloat and maneuverable if you capsize or take on water. Photo by Hannah Weinberger. It’s suited for day trips down a lazy river or paddling along flat, calm water. Keeping your supplies dry while kayaking can be tricky business. Our product experts have helped us select these available replacements below.You can also explore other items in the Water Sports Equipment yourself to try and find the perfect replacement for you! Outside Online reported that they carried 220 lbs in the Bay ST model (a 150 lb person and 70 lbs of gear) without issue. It’s got padded shoulder straps, a hip belt, compression straps, and a top and side handle. Some reviewers, Outside Online included, have noted early holes forming in the neoprene covering that fits over the end of the kayak. At Treeline, we want you to buy right the first time. They come folded up in a backpack and are pretty easily assembled into 12-16 ft long, sea faring vessels. Prime members enjoy FREE Delivery and exclusive access to music, movies, TV shows, original audio series, and Kindle books. Before you purchase, it might be worth it to see if you can’t test one close to where you live. The tester balancing and standing in the Oru Beach LT and holding the Oru paddle. It’s best suited for beginners and first-time kayakers. You decide. One reviewer said that he found it difficult to get into the kayak and worried that “if capsized, I doubt I could re-enter the Bay ST.” If you’re worried they may be too cramped for you, you might want to find a place you can enter one before you buy. These are the genuine Oru float bags, but at a lower price than their website. This means that they’re good for beginner paddlers and experienced paddlers alike. It might be that Oru’s secondary stability takes some practice to master. These are the genuine Oru float bags, but at a lower price than their website. and I feel a lot more secure knowing that if I should ever take on too much water that my kayak will not sink to the bottom of a murky lake or river. We test. Sure, you can rent a kayak, but over time that can make a significant dent in your wallet and you have to operate around a rental company’s schedule. Misadventures Mag’s verdict is that it’s worth the money, saying, “For those traveling to far-off waters for paddle trips, or for my kindred spirits living in urban basement apartments, but dreaming of rivers and lakes, I’d absolutely recommend looking into an Oru Kayak.” Gear Junkie thinks it’s worth it for those without the space to store a large boat, saying that, “The Bay ST costs $1,600, a significant investment. However, I find they don’t displace enough water to do a self rescue. But given its remarkable space-saving design and good performance, it’s worth a lot for those with limited room and a desire to paddle.” After their two day journey they concluded that “the Oru Bay ST was a worthy vessel on this trip. The Oru Float Bags are a set of bags that allow the kayak to stay afloat and remain maneuverable if you capsize or take on water. Loading two Oru Kayaks into the back of a Subaru. The Neoprene Spray Skirt is the upgrade to the nylon version that offers better spray protection with a weather-tested seal. Experience Level: Beginner to Intermediate. Here are the accessories we think are worth purchasing: The Oru Paddle (or the Oru Carbon Paddle, which is almost a pound lighter) isn’t necessary to paddle the boat, any paddle will do. They are good quality, easy to inflate and deflate, and designed to specifically fit the Oru's shape. It's rated for 500 pounds, the most in Oru's lineup - a full 100 pounds more than the Coast XT. But float, they do! Worth the peace of mind if you’re concerned about having a mishap out on the water. I was wondering if there is anything yall would recommend to make it a more comfortable ride. . Float bags: Float bags can help create additional buoyancy (Oru kayaks have an existing natural buoyancy) and are particularly helpful if your kayak takes on too much water. Good quality and fit, Reviewed in the United States on January 12, 2017. A folding kayak is a good alternative for city or apartment dwellers who like to get outside. The backpack weight (at around 25-30 lbs depending on model) shouldn’t be a problem for most people who are accustomed to carrying a pack while hiking. Bunes beach, Photo by Kristoffer Vandbakk But that's where the search for the best dry bag for kayaking starts. Both the length of the paddle and the feather angle of the blades are adjustable. Photo by Hannah Weinberger. It’s stable and tracks straight but is nimble enough to lean and brace.” Weinberger told me, “They're noticeably stable, enough that I was able to stand up in them, and I found them really easy to maneuver, even in conditions with some wind,” adding that she “found the skirt-ready Bay ST to be a lot more responsive and resistant to tipping than the Beach LT, but the Beach was fun and stable and had great legroom. You can also travel with them and hike to places that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to paddle on. The biggest advantage to owning an Oru is that you can take it just about anywhere. Floatation Airbags for your kayak or canoe, float bags are available in different sizes by Palm or Peak or RUK for your bow or stern of your kayak or your canoe, helps displace water in the event of your kayak being full of water while These are inexpensive, small, and easy to stuff in my dry bag in between kayak outings. Others have complained of hardware not holding up after not a lot of use. To find the best gear, we combine expert reviews, everyday user opinions, and rigorous independent trail testing--never native ads or sponsored posts. The Inlet is Oru's latest addition to the lineup. The Beach LT and Bay ST Oru kayaks. Neither pack is compatible with the tandem model, the Haven. They’re made in the US, which presumably costs more, and they serve a very specific purpose. A fully unfolded Oru Beach LT. Photo by Hannah Weinberger. The front of the Bay ST Oru kayak has a place to store a spare paddle. Should you spring for the optional seat wedge for comfort? Photo by Hannah Weinberger. Dry sacks typically endure only short rains and water accidents. Regenold said of the Bay ST model that, “the kayak is responsive and fast, its lightweight and sharp keel letting me paddle up to full speed in seconds. Worth the peace of mind if you’re concerned about having a mishap out on the water. So far reviews are mixed, so we will report back as more data comes in. If you don’t own a vehicle, transportation is next to impossible. Since the original launch, they’ve added and redesigned models to their lineup, which currently sits at five different options available: the Bay ST, the Beach LT, the Coast XT, the Inlet, and a tandem model, the Haven. Paddling.com has consumer reviews from people who bought and used the Bay ST and the Bay+ models (the Bay+ model is no longer available). To make inflation as simple as possible, Oru Kayak outfits each Float Bag with a flexible valve stem. I have the Bay kayak and these fit perfectly. Even if you’re not planning on flying, the Oru Pack makes any kind of traveling or hiking with the kayak easier and more convenient. If you’re considering a folding kayak in particular, we think the Oru is the top of the line in this class. Photo courtesy Kate Hoch. Oru is a Kickstarter success story, launching in 2013 and reaching its goal almost immediately. 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