Itiwit 1–2-Person Touring Kayak
Summary
Price At Time Of Writing | $429.00
Our Overall Rating | 76 out of 100
Pros - Stable, durable, quick setup, easy to pack
Cons - Slow, cramped for two, limited comfort
Overall - Great value leisure kayak for beginners and calm outings
Technical Specifications
Open Size - 340x103cm
Weight - 14kg
Load Capacity - 150kg
Packed Size - 67x44x27cm
Our Analysis & Ratings
The Itiwit 1–2-Person Touring Kayak is a stable and reassuring inflatable hybrid, best suited for calm, half-day outings with friends or family. It's a quality-built, affordable option that does well in ease of use and packability, though its performance and comfort are oriented more towards casual leisure than serious paddling.
Performance - The kayak's primary strength is its stability; it feels secure and reassuring, making it an excellent platform for beginners or children. The three easy-clip skegs do help with tracking, but it remains a challenge to maintain a perfectly straight course without constant corrective paddling. While the patented V-shaped bow is designed for good glide, in practice, the kayak is slow and offers little momentum, stopping almost immediately when you cease paddling. It's best described as a ‘calm water cruiser’ rather than a kayak for covering distance efficiently.
Construction - Constructed with a sturdy fabric cover over its PVC tubes, the kayak is tough and has proven resistant for many users, even in swells or with dogs on board. A significant feature is the removable, velcro-fastened deck, which allows for complete dismantling and thorough drying to prevent mould. The high-pressure drop-stitch floor adds rigidity and is a major upgrade over air-only floors, though, you may have some issues with micro-welds on the tubes leading to slow leaks, so make sure to carefully inspect the kayak.
Setup/Pack Down - This is a highlight. The kayak inflates quickly (around 7–10 minutes) via three strategically placed Boston valves. The process is logical: inflate the floor first, then the side tubes to 50% to check positioning before finishing. The new backpack-style carry bag is a great improvement; it zips all the way around, making it simple to load the rolled kayak. A compression strap then secures the load. Remember, due to the fabric cover, a complete dry-down is essential before storage, which can take a day or two.
Portability - The kayak is lightweight and packs into a convenient backpack, making storage and transport without a roof rack a major advantage. The main drawback is that the bag is not designed to hold anything else; you must carry the paddle, pump and any other accessories separately or attached to the exterior. While fine for short distances, the backpack's shoulder straps are not heavily padded, making longer carries less comfortable.
Comfort - Comfort receives mixed marks. The raised seats are a thoughtful design for easier entry/exit and provide a more comfortable paddling position than sitting directly on the floor. However, they are thick and can feel bulky, and the low backrest offers minimal lumbar support. The lack of footrests forces paddlers to brace against the tubes, which can lead to fatigue and finger friction on the wide side tubes. For two average-sized adults, the cockpit is quite cozy and can feel crowded on anything longer than a short trip.
Overall - The Itiwit 1–2P is a well-conceived leisure kayak that perfectly serves its purpose as a stable, easy-to-manage craft for occasional use on calm water. Its quality construction and brilliant pack-down system are major pros, but its sluggish performance, limited space for two and just-okay comfort mean it is not made for ambitious paddling or long days on the water. It’s a great, affordable value for beginners and families looking for fun outings close to shore.
