Advanced Elements Packlite Review
Bottom Line:
The Advanced Elements Packlite is perhaps the most portable boat of all time. It’s an ultralight kayak that’s easy to pack and unpack and seems to be the ideal choice for anyone keen to paddle ad hoc.
However, reviewers raise concerns that this incredible portability – you can legitimately carry it on your back for long distances – is only possible thanks to a few missing features. In particular, this inflatable kayak is fairly easy to damage, reports say, and it’s certainly not a performance vessel.
However, experts claim that if you’re looking for a second kayak to inflate and float on the go, it’s good value – and it comes from a reputable brand.
Specs:
| Brand | Advanced Elements |
| Size (length x width) | 7'6" x 2'11" |
| Weight | 5.25 lbs |
| Capacity | 250 lbs |
| Material | Polyethylene |
Comparison to Similar Kayaks:
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| Advanced Elements Packlite | Advanced Elements Expedition Elite | Advanced Elements Island Voyage 2 | Sea Eagle RazorLite 393rl | Sea Eagle 380x Explorer | |
| Expert Rating | 6.0 | 8.3 | 8.1 | 7.9 | 7.9 |
| Size | 7'6" x 2'11" | 13' x 32" | 11'2" x 37" | 12'10" x 28" | 12'6" x 39" |
| Weight | 5.25 lbs | 42 lbs | 31.5 lbs | 35 lbs | 40 lbs |
| Handling | |||||
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| Onboard Storage | |||||
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| Durability |
Advanced Elements Packlite Review
- Extremely lightweight
- Packs down easily into a bag provided
- Reasonably stable for its size
- Works well with Advanced Elements paddles and pumps (sold separately)
- Fairly comfortable on calm waters
- Not very durable
- Not always easy for novices to move
- Zero onboard storage
Performance of the Advanced Elements Packlite
It’s plain to see that experts believe the Advanced Elements Packlite inflatable kayak triumphs in at least one category – portability. It’s clearly called the “Packlite” for a reason, as it might be the lightest kayak on the market. It’s perfect for carrying long distances and on public transport or for going kayaking in most remote locations.
Reviewers praise the ease of setup highly, claiming that the kayak is likely ready to go within just ten minutes of you getting started. It also seems to be just as easy to let down, dry out, and pack down again into the bag provided.
A word of warning – this kayak doesn’t arrive with a pump or paddle as standard. That said, reviewers claim Advanced Elements’ leading accessories more than fit the bill if you’ve already bought them.
What the Packlite kayak does arrive with is a mesh bag and a puncture repair kit. This seems to be a fairly popular inclusion, as the durability of this boat is less than favorable. The mesh carry bag doubles as an onboard storage bag which is nice.
Experts seem to agree that to get the level of portability you experience from the Packlite, you need to sacrifice most other aspects. So don’t expect any unique features.
There’s also zero specific onboard storage (though you can bring some kit onboard with you if you’re within the weight capacity), though one reviewer claims a workaround for this is to simply use the backpack provided as an on-deck gear bag.
The handling and tracking seem to divide opinion. Some experts feel that it turns and moves reasonably well, provided it’s reasonably weighed down, while others are concerned that novice paddlers will find moving the kayak too much of a hassle.
In terms of stability, the Packlite inflatable kayak doesn’t get much in the way of feedback, but the little it does is fairly positive, in favor of its handy shape and girth. That said, it’s drawn comparisons with pool lilos!
Comfort is an aspect that really divides opinion. Some reviewers feel this is a nice, soft boat that you can relax on while floating along, while others claim that it takes a long time to get comfortable and adjust. Your experience may vary, it seems.
Durability, as mentioned, seems to score fairly poorly. That’s because some testers have experienced the fabric of the vessel tearing. It’s built with three air chambers, but the kayak still gives off the impression of a “spare” inflatable you’ll probably do best keeping in reserve.
Experts agree that the Packlite kayak performs best when it’s on flat and calm waters. It’s built for Grade II whitewater, but few people seem to recommend you risk it!
For the price tag, the Packlite seems to be great value for the sheer portability you can expect out of the bag. That said, it’s unlikely to be an enduring choice if you’re looking for a reliable, primary kayak to take you on rough-and-tumble adventures.
