Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Convertible Kayak

Field Notes: After taking a beating in South and North American waters, Active Junky’s ready to deploy this 15’ kayak both for single and tandem paddling challenges. A 550lb capacity puts it in the touring mode while still maintaining the maneuverability of a small boat. Advanced Elements was selected by Active Junky after considering a variety of manufacturers during almost 24 months leading up to extended evaluation. According to testers, Advanceframe Convertible is an ideal choice for bigger and particularly taller paddlers when deployed as a single kayak and covered by the optional decking kit. In fact, Active Junky prefers this longer model over the single version for covering longer distances on day paddles and overnight stays. Six inflation chambers reduce the worry over puncture on natural and manmade hazards but do take some practice to get the inflation and assembly regimen down given multiple valve locations (some of which are more concealed than others). Even in colder Chilean waters, the team’s never experienced any chamber volume contraction in cold waters, a concern going into testing. This inflatable kayak’s sidecut makes paddling efficient without “hanging up” on the inflated sides (“gunnels”) as some inflatables are more rotund and limit full paddle movement. Integral aluminum bow and stern ribs improve tracking in all conditions. Seat design aids comfort for longer outings without encumbering movement. Don’t be scared off from casual, recreational use of this kayak simply by its expedition credentials as it provides a lifetime of flat, open-water and downriver paddling enjoyment with durable construction and stability in nearly all weather and (non-white) water conditions. After six months, Active Junky got old-but-durable duffels to replace the bag that came with the kayak for more extended travel use, including concealing the bag’s premium contents.

Pros: Packed right, can sneak in under 50lb checked baggage limits, durability beyond belief, three seat locations

Cons: Inflation takes practice, kayak’s nook and crannies hard to dry out before packing
 
Tester Comments: “This three-layer fabric kayak is well-matched for bigger waters, open-water crossings and navigation through waves, chop and surface (with optional decking and spray skirts). Deck attachment points and lacing, as with other elements of the kayak, maintain A.E.’s industry-leading standards. As we’ve discovered, you can spend a lot more on a rigid kayak but it limits use and doesn’t allow the local, regional and international travel options that Advancedframe does. Also, expedition-grade inflatables with more whitewater capability (beyond this kayak’s suitability for Class I and II water) cost 2X-2.5X more than this model.”

Key Attribute: Adaptability

Best For: Exploring the bigger world including travel as a solo or tandem paddler