Should You Buy a Folding Oru Kayak?

You want a high quality boat that you can transport in the trunk of your car.

What should you get?

June 23, 2023

Our tester in an Oru Beach kayak on a mountain lake with trees in the background

For most people that enjoy kayaking, the main drawbacks to owning one are storage and transportation. If you live in a small space, it’s likely not feasible to store a traditional 12-foot kayak in your home. Likewise, if you don’t own a vehicle, transportation is next to impossible. 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. And often, you’ll find that the best paddling destinations are a little off the beaten path.

Folding kayaks, inflatable kayaks, and packrafts are gaining a lot of talk lately because they’re easy to store and transport. You can also travel with them and hike to places that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to paddle on. For those just looking for a leisurely lake float, a packraft will do (such as an Alpacka raft). But, if you want something with more utility that will provide enjoyment on different types of water, we think a folding Oru kayak is the way to go. 

They cost essentially the same as a rotomolded kayak or inflatable kayak that serve the same purpose. Oru kayaks fold down to about a 25 lb backpack that can be tucked away in the back of a closet or under the bed until they’re ready to be used. They fit in the trunk of a car (so a roof rack isn’t required) and can be brought on a plane, train, or bus. Oru kayaks also come with 30-day guarantee and a three-year warranty.


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Man loading a second Oru Kayak into the back of a Subaru Forester

Loading two Oru Kayaks into the back of a Subaru. Photo courtesy Kate Hoch.

Oru Kayak Comparison Tables

Price, Experience Level, Assembly Time, Dimensions

Oru Kayak Model Price Best for Experience Level Water type Assembly Time Weight Length Width Kayak box Cockpit
Oru Lake $499 Day trips on flat water lakes Beginner Calm 1 - 3 min 18 lbs 9'0" 32" 42" x 10" x 18" 24" x 66"
Oru Inlet $899 Day trips on calm water with a dog or small child Beginner Calm 3 - 5 min 20 lbs 9'8" 31" 42" x 10" x 18" 23" x 44"
Oru Beach LT $1,199 Day trips and casual, flat water paddling Beginner Calm 5 - 10 min 25 lbs 12'1" 29" 33" x 12" x 29" 24" x 69"
Oru Beach LT Sport $1,499 Longer days on the water with cameras and extra gear Beginner Calm 10 - 15 min 28 lbs 12'1" 29" 33" x 13" x 29" 24" x 69"
Oru Bay ST $1,499 Longer days, backcountry paddling, and fishing Beginner - Advanced Choppy 10 - 15 min 26 lbs 12'3" 25" 33" x 14" x 29" 16" x 30"
Oru Coast XT $1,999 Rugged expeditions with choppier waters and overnights Intermediate - Advanced Heavy surf 10 - 15 min 32 lbs 16'2" 25" 33" x 14" x 29" 16" x 30"
Oru Haven TT $1,999 Riding double with the option to switch to a single seater Beginner - Intermediate Calm 10 - 15 min 41 lbs 16'1" 33" 34" x 17" x 29" 20" x 60"
:

Max Paddler Height, Weight Capacity, Features

Oru Kayak Model Storage capacity Max paddler height Weight capacity Adjustable footrest Adjustable backrest Skirt-ready cockpit Thigh braces
Oru Lake Info not available 6'4" 250 lbs No No No No
Oru Inlet Info not available 6'2" 275 lbs Yes Yes No No
Oru Beach LT 140 liters 6’6” 300 lbs Yes Yes No No
Oru Beach LT Sport 140 liters 6’6” 300 lbs Yes Yes No No
Oru Bay ST 90 liters 6’3” 300 lbs Yes Yes Yes No
Oru Coast XT 180 liters 6'3" 400 lbs Yes Yes Yes Yes
Oru Haven TT Info not available 6'6" 500 lbs Yes Yes No No
:

WHAT IS A FOLDING ORU KAYAK?

The origami-style folding Oru kayaks are made from a single sheet of hard, corrugated plastic (polypropylene, to be exact). They come folded up in a backpack and are pretty easily assembled into 12-16 ft long, seafaring vessels. Oru is a Kickstarter success story, launching in 2013 and reaching its goal almost immediately.

The 25-40 pound, made in California origami kayaks pack down to medium suitcase size that can be carried on your back (their exact packed down dimensions are 33 in x 12 in x 29 in).

Since the original launch, they’ve added and redesigned models to their lineup, which currently sits at seven different options: the Bay ST, the Beach LT, the Beach LT Sport, the Coast XT, the Inlet, the Lake, and a tandem model, the Haven TT.

Traveling with an Oru is pretty straightforward. If you’re flying, these boats can be checked on a plane, and in most cases, will count as carry-on baggage (with no extra fee). But, to travel with your kayak, you’ll need to purchase the Oru Pack or the Lake/Inlet Pack, which is a heavy-duty nylon backpack that fits the kayak and other accessories.

Even if you’re not planning on flying, the Oru Pack makes any kind of traveling or hiking with the kayak more effortless and convenient. They truly are a portable kayak. Note that the pack is not compatible with the tandem model, the Oru Haven TT.

A close-up view of the inside of the Oru Inlet

Inside view of the Oru Inlet. Photo courtesy Josette Deschambeault.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE ORU KAYAK MODELS?

Oru currently has seven different models in their lineup. We’ve outlined the main differences below, but if you still need help deciding which kayak is right for you—try Oru’s online quiz!

Price: $699
Weight: 18 lbs
Experience Level: Beginner
Water Type: Calm
Assembly Time: 1-3 minutes

Much like the Oru Inlet that we tested previously, the Oru Lake is designed for light and fast fun. Sporting an under 2-minute assembly time, the Oru Lake weighs a mere 18 pounds; it’s small enough to tuck in your hall closet after a quick paddle on your local pond. The Oru Lake is like the pared-down cousin to the uber-popular Oru Inlet folding kayak. 

The Lake uses just two main components (the folding origami-esque hull and a structured seat/floorboard); this is minimal compared to other Oru kayaks that use additional bulkhead components to provide structure to the boat. So the Oru Lake is not only lighter, but it also gives you more free space for leg room or storage, being the same dimensions as the Oru Inlet.

The Oru Lake is designed for those with limited storage options: shared space, smaller apartments in the city, living out of a van, etc. It’s all the fun of a kayak, minus sacrificing your ability to get out and paddle at a moment’s notice. 

The white Oru Lake kayak next to a yellow Yeti soft cooler on a lakeshore

Our tester took the Oru Lake out on Lovewell Pond in Western Maine on a warm and breezy spring day. The Oru Lake handled well for such a light craft, and it sped through the water easily, but our tester found that even the smallest of waves (about 4-inches on that day) had an easy time crashing over the low-riding walls of the kayak. Fortunately, the boat was not swamped, but the dry bags proved their worth! 

A view of the Oru Kayak interior with an orange duffel bag at a person's feet.

The Oru Lake has room for gear storage. Photo courtesy Josette Deschambeault.

Paddling into the wind was easier than expected with the Lake’s low profile and super-light design, but the hull easily held up to the weeds, sticks, and gravel beach. We wouldn’t paddle the Oru Lake into heavy waves, but we would highly recommend it to our friends who want an easy, compact, and lightweight boating setup!

A top view of the Oru Inlet Kayak.

Price: $899

Weight: 20 lbs

Experience Level: Beginner

Water Type: Calm

Assembly Time: 3-5 minutes

The Inlet is a recreational kayak best suited for beginners and calm water. With a new origami fold pattern, the Inlet has a weight capacity of 275 pounds and a maximum paddler height of 6'2", yet it only weighs 20 pounds!

Our tester found that everything in this kayak held together well despite being so lightweight, and they felt comfortable paddling regardless. The adjustable backrest and adjustable foot bars gave them enough leverage to speed up paddling as desired. Additionally, disassembling the kayak took less than 5 minutes, making it the perfect kayak for those with limited storage, time, and familiarity with kayaking. 

Woman setting up the Oru Inlet kayak on a lakeshore on a fall day

It should also be noted that our testers do not recommend using this boat for waves larger than a calm 3-4 inches, so it is not something you want to use for sea kayaking or whitewater rapids. However, it’s a perfect fit for those looking to paddle lakes, ponds, reservoirs, and lazy rivers.

Price: $1,199

Weight: 25 lbs

Experience Level: Beginner

Water Type: Calm

Assembly Time: 5-10 minutes

The Beach LT model is for light, easy kayaking. It’s suited for day trips down a lazy river or paddling along flat, calm water. At 29" wide and a nearly flat bottom, stability is its stand-out feature. As a result, it’s best suited for beginners and first-time kayakers. The 2021 version of the Beach LT is even easier to assemble, use, and even has a new exterior print pattern design.

A top view of the Oru Beach LT Sport kayak in black.

Price: $1,499

Weight: 28 lbs

Experience Level: Beginner

Water Type: Calm

Assembly Time: 10-15 minutes

Released in March 2023, Oru takes the Beach LT and upgrades it with additional features for the Beach LT Sport. Most notably, it adds an integrated rail system for mounting cameras and fishing rod holders. The open cockpit makes it easy to get in and out of the kayak — and makes it easier to access your gear.

Oru also added fairings to the ends to reduce drag and protect against scrapes. A new gel seat helps you to stay comfortable for long days on the water.

And it’s black!

A top view of the Oru Bay ST kayak.

Price: $1,499

Weight: 26 lbs

Experience Level: Beginner to Advanced

Water Type: Choppy

Assembly Time: 10-15 minutes

The Bay ST is the original do-it-all kayak designed for casual cruising, fishing, long day paddles, and overnight trips. It’s the kayak you’d take down a swift-moving river, a leisurely day on the lake, or a multi-day adventure. The Oru Bay is the best one for most situations. Oru’s 2021 updated version is more durable, featuring a closed-cockpit, new aluminum cockpit latches, extra-reinforced strap anchor points, and an updated print pattern.

Price: $2,199

Weight: 32 lbs

Experience Level: Intermediate to Advanced

Water Type: Heavy surf

Assembly Time: 10-15 minutes

The Coast XT is the model for more serious adventurers. While an experienced kayaker can likely handle the Oru Bay ST kayak in more challenging conditions, the Coast XT is made for them. It’s a longer, heavier model that can pack more gear and is made for serious expeditions. It’s not the one beginner paddlers should choose. For those new to kayaking but still want the experience of longer, overnight journeys, the Bay ST should hold all the gear required while offering easier manageability.

Previously, upgraded models were available of the Bay ST and Beach LT versions. However, those have been taken off the market in place of optional extras that you can add to each currently available model. Like the Bay ST, the 2021 version of the Coast XT is made more sturdy by its new aluminum cockpit latches and extra-reinforced strap anchor points.

Price: $1,999

Weight: 41 lbs

Experience Level: Beginner to Intermediate

Water Type: Calm

Assembly Time: 10-15 minutes

The Haven TT is Oru's tandem kayak, but it is also easily converted to a single-seater. It's rated for 500 pounds, the most in Oru's lineup—a full 100 pounds more than the Coast XT. The Haven TT also has the largest hull of Oru's kayaks. The integrated track system supports accessories such as cup holders, fishing rods, and camera mounts. The Haven TT is best suited for flatwater kayaking. The 2021 version of the Haven features sturdy straps, buckles, reinforced accessory-holding rails, as well as a new print pattern. So far, reviews are mixed, so we will report back as more data comes in.


Two people setting up two Oru Kayaks on Lake Union shore

The Beach LT and Bay ST Oru kayaks. Photo by Hannah Weinberger

ORU KAYAK ACCESSORIES

Oru sells many upgrade accessories (although adding extra accessories will bring the total cost of your kayak to more than the list price). If buying Oru-branded extras aren’t in your budget (or you just don’t want to), there are Facebook pages and YouTube videos dedicated to Oru hacks that will help you modify your kayak on your own. Beware: depending on the modification, this may void the one-year Oru warranty.

Here are the accessories we think are worth purchasing, all available at the Oru Kayak website:

ORU PADDLE

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. But, the matching white paddle breaks down into four parts and tucks away nicely when the kayak is in box form, which is a significant bonus for traveling. Both the length of the paddle and the feather angle of the blades are adjustable.

The Oru Fiberglass paddle is a half-pound lighter than the standard Oru paddle, adjustable length, adjustable blade pitch, and comes with a mesh storage bag.

SPRAY SKIRT (BAY ST AND COAST XT ONLY)

The adjustable Nylon Spray Skirt fits tightly around the cockpit and keeps your lower body dry while paddling moderate waters. A must-have if you don’t want to get wet. The Beach LT, Haven TT, and Inlet models are not spray skirt compatible.

The Neoprene Spray Skirt upgrade to the nylon version offers better spray protection with a weather-tested seal. Like the nylon skirt, it is designed to fit the Coast XT and Bay ST models only.

SPLASH DECK (BEACH LT, Lake, and Inlet ONLY)

It’s not a full spray skirt, but the nylon Oru Splash Deck (for Beach LT or for Lake and Inlet) will minimize water in your kayak. Note this is compatible with the Oru Beach LT model only.

SEAT WEDGE

The Oru Seat Wedge is a thin piece of foam that fits perfectly under the existing seat and is worth the money for the added padding under your hipbones it provides.

Man standing next to tree with Oru Kayak in a backpack on his back

ORU PACK and Oru Inlet Pack

The Oru Pack and Oru Inlet/Lake Pack are heavy-duty nylon backpacks that make transportation and carrying a cinch (in fact, it’s needed for airline travel). It also has room to hold extra accessories, like paddles. It’s got padded shoulder straps, a hip belt, compression straps, and a top and side handle. Unfortunately, neither pack is compatible with the tandem model, the Haven TT.

ORU WATERPROOF BACKPACK

The Oru waterproof backpack is for gear that you don’t want to get wet. The main compartment is waterproof, and the front pocket is splash-resistant. We found it’s more convenient to carry gear using this pack than a dry bag.

Oru FLOAT BAGS

The Oru Float Bags and Lake Float Bags are a set of bags that allow the kayak to stay afloat and remain maneuverable if you capsize or take on water. Worth the peace of mind if you’re concerned about having a mishap out on the water.

Oru Dry Bags

Made of Toba-Tex with welded seams, the Oru Dry Bags are essential for keeping your gear dry. They come in two sizes—2-liter and 15-liter.

Oru Repair Kit

We think a repair kit for essential gear is, well, essential. Don’t leave home without one.

ORU PFD

We never paddle without a life jacket! Oru has partnered with NRS to make the Oru PFD (personal flotation device). Read our complete guide to PFDs and lifejackets.

Mountable Accessories

Oru makes life easier with mountable accessories, including a camera mount, rod holder, phone mount, and cup holder. Be sure you check compatibility with your kayak.

Other accessories you may want for boating:


Woman in Oru Bay kayak on Lake Union

WHO SHOULD CONSIDER AN ORU KAYAK?

We researched other foldable kayak brands, including Pakboats, TRAK, KERO, Long Haul, HYPAR, and the now-defunct Feathercraft and Folbot. However, our research showed that Oru Kayak is the brand that reigns in this category. So if you’re considering a folding kayak, in particular, we think the Oru is the top of the line in this class.

Each model is designed for a specific purpose, and they can handle everything from light beginner recreational paddling to experienced paddling in challenging conditions. If you want to paddle but don’t have the space to store a traditional kayak or transport it, you are right to consider purchasing an Oru. If you’re someone who wants to hike to a lake and can handle carrying 30-ish lbs on your back, they can take you places a regular kayak can’t. If you’re strictly looking for a casual lake float, a 7-pound packraft will do the trick. But, if you want to be more connected with the water and you want more versatility out of your boat, an Oru folding kayak has a lot more to offer.

If you rent kayaks often, owning an Oru can take the place of that. If you travel frequently or live life on the road, they can be checked on an airplane easily or stored in an RV without taking up too much space. They easily fit in the trunk of most cars, so you don’t need a roof rack. And finally, if you’re a design-focused buyer, they’re cool; they look like life-size folded origami on the water and are sure to start conversations with fellow paddlers.

Looking for Where to Kayak? See our Water guides:


Woman's feet in sandals in Oru Inlet kayak on lake with surrounding fall colors

THE RESEARCH

We’ve considered online reviews from Amazon, REI, Gear Junkie, Outside Online, Misadventures Mag, and Paddling.com. I also spoke via email with outdoor journalist Hannah Weinberger, who recently test-paddled the Beach LT and Bay ST kayaks for an hour and a half on Lake Union in Seattle, Washington.

Outside Online's IndefinitelyWild team spent a year with the Oru Bay kayak, putting it through some serious adventuring.

Gear Junkie founder Stephen Regenold took the Bay ST model on the water for thorough testing. Gear Junkie also tested it more extensively on a 45-mile, two-night adventure down the fast-flowing John Day River in Oregon.

Misadventures Mag reviewed the Coast XT model of Oru folding kayak lineup, paddling it on a 100-mile journey along the Mississippi River for five days and nights. 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).

But, with all the praise, there are a few complaints that are worth noting. So, after taking all of this into account, we’ve put together a list of pros and cons that will help you decide if an Oru is right for you.


Paddling an Oru Bay kayak on Lake Union with Space Needle in background

PROS OF OWNING AN ORU KAYAK

IT’S A REAL BOAT

Oru kayaks can handle most journeys—depending on the model—ranging from a light lake paddle to faster-flowing rivers. They’re designed to take Class 1 (easy, with very little whitewater and easy maneuvering) and Class 2 (moderate, with some straightforward rapids that require maneuvering) rivers. This rating means that they’re good for beginner paddlers and experienced paddlers alike. Some people report that they could manage Class 3 rapids in their Oru without issue, but they aren’t recommended to be used in those conditions.

THEY’RE PORTABLE

The most significant advantage to owning an Oru foldable kayak is that you can take it just about anywhere. The backpack weight (at around 25-30 lbs depending on the model) shouldn’t be a problem for most people accustomed to carrying a pack while hiking. The folded-down kayak may be a little cumbersome and awkward for some, but much less so than trying to haul a traditional kayak around. They fit in the trunk of a car. And, you can fly with them, which is a huge bonus if you’re traveling to a place with opportunities to paddle.

Related: The Best Inflatable Kayaks

THEY’RE LIGHTWEIGHT

Oru kayaks range between 20 and 40 pounds, depending on the model, whereas inflatable kayaks weigh 35+ pounds, and rotomolded kayaks can weigh over 60 pounds. So if you want a lightweight kayak, Orus are in a class of their own.

THEY CAN BE STORED EASILY

An Oru can easily be tucked away in a closet, under a bed, or wherever you have a few extra feet of space. A folding kayak is a good alternative for city or apartment dwellers who like to get outside. 

YOU CAN PACK QUITE A BIT OF GEAR WITH YOU

Orus hold anywhere from 90 to 180 liters of storage, depending on the model. Outside Online reported that they carried 220 pounds in the Oru Bay kayak (a 150-pound person and 70 pounds of gear in the ST model) without issue. They also note that “because the boat splits in half down the middle, loading it up with gear for an overnight adventure is much easier than packing bags into the small cargo holds of a traditional kayak.” Gear Junkie offers a little advice on packing gear, saying that “Oru doesn’t have a specific-size bag for these boats just yet, but I’d plan to use a few small dry bags per boat to carry gear instead of one big one. It just fits easier.”

THEY’RE PRETTY EASY TO ASSEMBLE

We’ve read that they can be folded together in anywhere from five to thirty minutes. The first couple of times assembly may be tricky, but the more you practice, the quicker assembly becomes. Disassembly seems quicker, with most people eventually getting their time down to five or ten minutes. There is a learning curve, though. Regenold, of Gear Junkie, said that during his first assembly, when almost finished, “[he] was forced to disassemble the entire kayak and start over at step No.1 because of a missed move early on.”

Woman standing in Oru Kayak on Lake Union

THEY’RE STABLE, AND THEY TRACK WELL (ENOUGH)

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. 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. Both seemed to track sufficiently well, despite neither having a rudder.”

THEY’RE QUICK ON THE WATER

You can really motor in an Oru. Because they’re lightweight and sleek, you can paddle as fast as a regular kayak. Gear Junkie said of the Bay ST that “the kayak is responsive and fast, its lightweight and sharp keel letting me paddle up to full speed in seconds.”

THEY’RE DURABLE

Oru kayaks are rated for 20,000 folds without weakening. 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. On the 45-mile adventure Gear Review took the Oru kayaks on, they said, “In short, the Bay ST held up well to the task of hauling people and gear down the river.” That’s not to say that durability issues haven’t been reported. Some reviewers have noted early holes forming in the neoprene covering that fits over the end of the kayak. Others have complained of hardware not holding up after not a lot of use. Outside Online also noted that “tabs and buckles wear out with regular use.” But, overall, we’ve found that most people have said that their well-used foldable kayaks have held up as expected.

THEY GLOW

Because of its translucent exterior, the Oru illuminates at night with the help of some added lights. Not exactly a reason to purchase, but a cool added feature if you’re out on the water at night. Oru sells their own set, but Outside Online says that any set will do.

THEY’RE MADE IN THE US

Enough said.


CONS OF OWNING AN ORU KAYAK

THEY’RE EXPENSIVE

The design seems more challenging to manufacture than most traditional kayak’s moldable bodies. They’re made in the US, which presumably costs more, and they serve a particular purpose. If you want a well-made kayak that you can store in your closet, it’s going to cost you. However, compared to other top-of-the-line rotomolded kayaks that serve similar purposes, the cost is about the same.

YOU CAN ROLL THEM, UNINTENTIONALLY

On the Gear Junkie trip, three separate rollovers happened, dumping paddlers in small rapids. A handful of consumer reviews read like horror stories: kayaker gets in, gets out on the water, gets dumped, and has a hell of a time getting themself and the filling-with-water kayak back to shore. For beginner kayakers who aren’t sure how to balance on the water, there may be a learning curve to stay upright in an Oru.

That said, from our research, Oru kayaks seem to have excellent primary stability, meaning that they are stable on flat water. The rollover issue may stem from their secondary stability—their ability to remain stable when tipped on their side. Every boat has a breaking point when it comes to secondary stability—the point at which it will flip over when turned on edge. It might be that Oru’s secondary stability takes some practice to master.

Neoprene cover on front of Oru Bay kayak

THEY MAY BE TOO TIGHT A SQUEEZE FOR SOME PEOPLE

A number of reviewers on Paddling.com and Amazon said that at around 200 lbs and 6 ft, they found the Oru kayaks to be too small for comfort. 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. The Beach LT model has a wider cockpit, making entering and exiting easier, but it’s meant for flatwater and easy recreational paddling. 

THE SEATS AREN’T THAT COMFORTABLE

In their kayak review, Misadventures Mag said the Oru Bay ST kayak model has “a thin seat that wears on the bum.” However, Oru sells a seat wedge for an additional $25 that will add some comfort. Or, take Outside Online’s advice and “wear a life jacket for a little extra padding.”


Man in Oru Kayak holding oar on lake with trees in background

SHOULD YOU BUY AN ORU KAYAK?

For the person that wants to get on the water but can’t transport or store a traditional kayak, an Oru is worth considering. 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. 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. For those with limited storage space or small vehicles that want a kayak that can go from the beach to the river, it’s a solid choice that can extend into overnight travel.”

Outside Online echoed these sentiments, saying that if “you don’t have much storage space, then yes, this is the boat for you. Because can throw it on your back and take it into remote areas, the Oru expands your paddling world dramatically.”

I posed this question to Weinberger, who didn’t feel she’d spent enough time in one to give a definitive answer. However, she had this to say, “If you're just doing recreational floats for a few hours, I'd say either model (with the Bay ST being better for windier days and performance, and the Beach LT being better if you want to bring a six-pack and a dog and get into and out of the boat easily) would be a great investment so long as portability is one of your top buying concerns."

So, what’s our verdict? For city dwellers without storage space or a way to transport a large kayak, they are well worth considering. If you frequently rent kayaks, over time, it might pay itself off (Editor’s note: we researched kayak rental prices and found rates that ranged from ~$50-100 per day. If you’re going to a lake that caters to tourists, prices can be as low as $25 per hour. If pricing is part of your decision, think about where you’re likely to kayak, how long you want to boat, and whether rental resources are available there. If you’re going abroad, depending on where you go, it may be difficult to find kayak rentals.)

If you’re a traveler and want to take a kayak with you to destinations where renting a kayak isn’t an option, they travel well and won’t cost you any additional money to check on a flight.

For adventurers that live out of an RV, an Oru will tuck nicely away, making it great for life on the road. However, before you purchase, it might be worth it to see if you can’t test one close to where you live.

If you’re on the fence about whether an Oru is right for you, weigh the pros and cons listed above and see if it fits in with your lifestyle. Given the cost, the Oru isn’t good for everybody. If you’re the type of person who will paddle around a lake in the summer a couple of times a year, an inflatable kayak will do the trick at a fraction of the price. We don’t have any reviews on those just yet, but we’re working on it. Oru also sells certified refurbished kayaks on their website from time to time, which is an opportunity to get into one of the covetable vessels at a reduced cost.

Related: Want to fold yourself into a folding kayak? Read our story on The Best Yoga Mats.


Watching fireworks over lake from Oru Kayak cockpit

Watching fireworks from an Oru kayak. Photo courtesy Kate Hoch.

sources

45 Miles, 2 Nights: Pushing the Limits of a Foldable Kayak, Gear Junkie

Review: Oru Kayak’s Coast Model, Misadventures Mag

365 Days in the Oru, the World's Most Interesting Portable Kayak, Outside Online

Here’s the New Tricked Out Version of the Origami Inspired Oru Kayak, Wired

Hannah Weinberger interview, Email exchange, July 12, 2018.