Oru Beach LT Kayak

Summary

Price At Time Of Writing | $1,868.90

Our Overall Rating | 91 out of 100

Pros - Hard shell (no inflation), lightweight

Cons - Thin seat, expensive

Overall - Easy setup, we’d love if this model had deck strips to enclose the kayak but overall a joy to paddle

Technical Specifications

Open Size - 368x74cm

Weight - 11.8kg

Load Capacity - 136kg

Packed Size - 84x74x31cm

Our Analysis & Ratings

A hard shell foldable kayak that doesn't require inflation, the Oru Beach LT is a lightweight, durable kayak that handles well in the water. While the thin seat design is a bit less comfortable than some others, and it could benefit from deck strips to more cleanly enclose the cockpit, its easy setup and pack down make this a great kayak. It performs well in the water and is a good choice for recreational paddlers looking for something close to a hard shell.

Performance (speed, tracking, manoeuvrability, stability, load handling): 9/10

Speed: The shape and solid surface mean it can travel fast across the water.

Tracking: It tracks decently well in a straight line.

Manoeuvrability: Handling is fantastic and it's very easy to manoeuvre on the water.

Construction (materials, seams, valve quality, durability and fittings): 7/10

In terms of negatives, there are no deck strips to fully enclose the kayak, and it relies on buckles to stay together. The seat also feels a bit flimsy compared to some of the cushier options out there, and it lacks any particularly usable storage space.

While we are listing a lot of negatives, overall this is a high-quality construction and clever design. The hard shell foldable material minimises annoying drying time and glides through the water, so it's very well made.

Setup/Pack Down (inflation time, valves, folding and drying): 9/10

Sets up and packs down relatively quickly with no pumping required. The setup is a matter of unfolding, doing up the clips and installing the seat.

It is also easy to pack down and dries very quickly.

Portability (weight, packed size, ease of carrying): 8/10

Lightweight at 11.8kg, this is easy to get around. There is no storage bag, but it is still very light and portable with the shoulder strap provided.

Comfort (seat support, legroom, fatigue over distance): 8/10

With a spacious cockpit, there is plenty of room to move around, and the adjustable footrest is easy to use. The solid frame provides a good surface to paddle against. The seat, however, is a bit oddly shaped, and we found it a little bit uncomfortable.

Value for money:

For recreational paddlers wanting something close to a hard shell without the hassle of inflation, the Beach LT offers strong value, with quick setup and genuinely enjoyable on-water performance.

Best for:

• Recreational paddlers wanting a hard shell feel without inflation

• Quick, hassle-free setup and pack down

• Paddlers who want fast, easy-to-manoeuvre handling

• Those who don't need onboard storage space

Overall:

Easy setup, we'd love if this model had deck strips to enclose the kayak, but overall a joy to paddle.