Sevylor Quikpak K5 Review

By Kayak Scout Staff

Published on: March 6, 2023Updated on: July 8, 2023

Bottom Line:

Experts agree – the Sevylor Quikpak K5 is one of the most portable recreational inflatable kayaks out there! Unlike other inflatable kayaks, the K5 itself actually transforms into an easy-to-carry backpack!

This integrated backpack storage system is one of the key selling points; providing an easy way for paddlers to pack down the boat for easy transport in just a few minutes. Reviewers all agree that it’s also impressively stable, with a rugged construction that will withstand rocky rides for most people.

However, it’s not the best boat for long rides and is best suited for beginners. Waterproofing problems, too, make the K5 tricky to dry out fully, and the kayak’s seat – while adjustable – isn’t the most comfortable.

However, if you’re looking for a sturdy inflatable kayak that offers a stable ride for recreational paddling on your next trek, the Sevylor Quikpak K5 could be the right kayak for you.

Price Comparison:

Sevylor Quikpak K5 1-Person Kayak , Gray

in stock

5 new from $109.89

1 used from $108.89

CHECK PRICE

Amazon.com

6.4

EXPERT RATING

based on 2 reviews

Performance Ratings:

Handling
Stability
Comfort
Onboard Storage
Portability
Durability

Specs:

Brand	Sevylor
Size (length x width)	10'0" x 2'10"
Weight	25.5 lbs
Capacity	250 lbs
Material	24 gauge PVC and polyester

Comparison to Similar Kayaks:


	Sevylor Quikpak K5	Advanced Elements Expedition Elite	Advanced Elements Island Voyage 2	Sea Eagle RazorLite 393rl	Sea Eagle 380x Explorer
Expert Rating	6.4	8.3	8.1	7.9	7.9
Size	10'0" x 2'10"	13' x 32"	11'2" x 37"	12'10" x 28"	12'6" x 39"
Weight	25.5 lbs	42 lbs	31.5 lbs	35 lbs	40 lbs
Handling	5.5	8.8	8.3	8.6	7.8
Stability	7.0	9.0	8.5	6.9	8.7
Comfort	5.5	7.9	7.5	7.5	7.3
Onboard Storage	5.5	7.8	7.7	8.7	6.9
Portability	8.0	8.3	8.8	8.5	8.0
Durability	7.0	8.3	7.5	7.5	8.8

Sevylor Quikpak K5 Review

Reasons to Buy:

Innovative backpack design makes it super easy to pack up and move
Its 24 gauge PVC construction makes it extra-durable
There's plenty of legroom and ample storage
It's a stable ride for calmer conditions; good for lake use and on calm calm rivers

Reasons Not to Buy:

The kayak's thick polyester cover isn't waterproof - making it tough to dry
It's not the easiest kayak for tracking
Some accessories - like the included paddle - aren't great quality

Performance of the Sevylor Quikpak K5

The Sevylor Quikpak K5 is a rugged, recreational one person inflatable kayak built for beginner paddlers, with an emphasis on portability and ease of packing.

The innovative backpack system carries the kayak comfortably, without the need for an extra bag, and reviewers agree that the features of this inflatable kayak are impressive too. Multiple air chambers give added safety, and the bungee storage areas allow you to safely store items while taking advantage of the impressive legroom.

While the Sevylor Quikpak K5 might not be the most comfortable inflatable kayak for long trips, reviewers agree that it’s pretty roomy. They also agree that the boat isn’t the easiest to track, but its dual skeg setup offers reasonable handling – so this is something

Tests show that the Quikpak K5 is a stable ride as it sits high on the water. Reviewers note that there are no self-draining holes on board, meaning bailing out is a manual task.

The included accessories are probably decent enough for beginners who just want to start paddling without buying any extra gear, but they are very low quality. The included air pump is pretty standard, and the flimsy three piece paddle, fails to impress. However, the Sevylow Quikpal K5 redeems itself somewhat with how truly portable it is!

It’s quick to set up, light (and easy to carry thanks to the backpack system), and only really becomes a problem when it’s drying time; the cover retains water as it isn’t fully waterproof- so it can increase drying time quite a bit.

As far as inflatable kayaks go, the Quikpalk K5 inflatable kayak offers a decent option for solo paddlers. The portability (as well as durability) is the strongest selling point, particularly for those looking for a compact alternative to a hardshell kayak, as it packs down into a backpack!

In fact – the entire backpack weighs just 25 lbs, so it’s easy to carry (though perhaps not the best for particularly long walks).

The Sevylor Quikpak K5 scores well in terms of durability, portability, and on general value compared to other inflatable boats in its category; reviewers agree that it’s a solid choice.

Accessories Included with the Sevylor Quikpak K5

Hand pump
Kayak paddle
Repair kit

Expert Reviews of the Sevylor Quikpak K5

5.7Gear LabThis is a great all-in-one paddling package that offers a lot of confidence in its durability. We love that it transforms into a backpack - everything you need (sans the pump) is ready to go. A few waterproofing, long-term comfort, and accessory issues let the side down slightly, but it's great value compared to other lines.Read more

7.2PumpupBoatsThe Quikpak K5 is a reasonable recreational kayak for beginner paddlers. Its main selling point is its portability - but we found it surprisingly sturdy, quick to set up, and resistant against rocks and edges from trip to trip. It can be difficult to dry out, and the tracking gets tricky if you don't have the best paddling form.Read more

Handling of the Sevylor Quikpak K5

Expert Rating: 5.5

5.5Gear LabDespite looking a little cumbersome, the Sevylor Quikpak K5 rides reasonably high, and comes with skegs to help you track. Even while testing on smaller rivers, we found this boat handles with confidence - it's unlikely to take on water. A word of warning - the kayak might work against you if you're up against the wind - and it has a somewhat blunted bow, which stunts its speed a little.Read more

5.5PumpupBoatsThe Quikpak doesn't look like it'll perform too well at first - as it looks as if it's sagging - but appearances are deceiving. We took this boat out on choppy waters and never worried about tipping. That said, the boat's high position on the water does reduce maneuverability, and the speed isn't great. The skegs can help with tracking, but we found the boat wobbled a little when form was tricky to perfect. Read more

Stability of the Sevylor Quikpak K5

Expert Rating: 7.0

5.0Gear LabThis is a relatively stable boat that we found kept us free from water,both against the waves and on milder waters. However, we did find that the lack of waterproofing in the upper fabric can add weight to the boat. There's also no drainage hole, meaning you may end up paddling a filling bathtub around if you're not careful! It doesn't always feel too steady getting in and out, but once we were on the water, it was a stable enough ride.Read more

9.0PumpupBoatsThis is an impressively stable kayak despite how it looks - we were pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to lie back and float on this boat without capsizing. Just make sure you unzip the deck cover before you do so!Read more

Comfort of the Sevylor Quikpak K5

Expert Rating: 5.5

5.0Gear LabThe Quikpak K5 is reasonably comfortable for slow and steady days out on still waters. It boasts an adjustable seat, meaning there's quite a bit of legroom. However, long-term paddling can lead to an uncomfortable bum - and the boat's height on the water didn't always make it easy to get in and out.Read more

6.0PumpupBoatsAs a recreational kayak, some fatigue is expected - and we started to feel this after a short time on the water. That said, there is some back support that converts back into the seat itself. We missed the lack of padding, but again, this was somewhat expected from a recreational boat. Impressively, the cockpit was comfortable enough for a taller user - it's got reasonable legroom.Read more

Onboard Storage of the Sevylor Quikpak K5

Expert Rating: 5.5

5.0Gear LabThere's a small storage area towards the stern of the boat that works a little like a cooler, that we found easy to access via fabric zipper. It's reasonable enough space for a few items, but it's by no means waterproof, so you're at risk of soggy kit.Read more

6.0PumpupBoatsWhile onboard storage isn't notable, we were able to bring plenty of gear with us thanks to the bungee lacing and D-rings provided. We found this reasonable for short trips when carrying heavy loads.Read more

Portability of the Sevylor Quikpak K5

Expert Rating: 8.0

7.5Gear LabThis kayak is really convenient to carry around as it's built into a backpack! At just over 23lbs, it's also very light on your back. We like the fact that adding the paddle and pump added minimal weight and kept hands free. Out of the backpack, the bow and stern carry handles make getting to and from the water a breeze. The paddle, however, does stick out a little awkwardly, and it weighs down a lot when wet.Read more

8.5PumpupBoatsThis is an impressively portable kayak - we love the padded shoulder straps for extra comfort, which proved useful when trekking to the water. The weight, at around 25lbs, proved light enough for shorter hikes and trips to and from the water's edge.Read more

Durability of the Sevylor Quikpak K5

Expert Rating: 7.0

6.0Gear LabThis kayak's PVC bottom feels nice and robust, and we like the fact it comes with a small repair kit and instructions. This boat holds its own over rocky rides and a variety of challenges. That said, while the PVC adds confidence, the fabric takes some away - we'd prefer it to be waterproof. We tried getting it dry before packing away - which isn't always easy - and it ended up smelling a bit funky in storage! Read more

8.0PumpupBoatsThis kayak's brilliant 24-gauge PVC gave us fantastic confidence on the water, and it's ideal for taking pets kayaking - it's puncture resistant. We took particular notice of the NMMA certification, which adds a lot of confidence to a purchase.Read more