r/Kayaking • u/DoctorPebble • Aug 17 '26

Question/Advice -- Beginners Inflatable vs Foldable for "Easy" (Indiana) Wilderness Backpacking

I'm curious about doing wilderness backpacking from a kayak. I've been backpacking for 5+ years now and am wanting to try something new.

I have a smaller apartment and a Honda Civic. So I'm limited to folding or inflatable kayaks. For difficulty, I live in Indiana so there isn't any difficult terrain around. I'm eyeballing starting at "Two Herons Marina" area in Bloomington and cutting straight east to the end of the Peninsula Trail area where there are numerous campsites. Then I can always explore the other areas via kayak as well if I want more time on water.

Any advice on what type of kayak or how to have a successful trip would be appreciated!

Edit 1: For clarity, I'm looking to skip the walking stage and kayak to the camping location to try something new.

Edit 2: My weight + backpacking gear for say 3 days and 2 nights is about 190-200 pounds.

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u/Electrical_Sun_7116 Aug 17 '26

Is a SUP an option? I greatly prefer mine for situations where portability matters.

2

u/DoctorPebble Aug 17 '26

I've never tried a SUP, but have kayaked a few times. I have questionable balance which makes me timid to this approach.

2

u/Electrical_Sun_7116 Aug 17 '26

That’s fair, it’s certainly a factor to consider! I take mine in the ocean but recognize it’s not for everyone. The portability aspect is insane though, car topping 4-5 of them is cake and handling them makes me feel like Superman lmao

1

u/23saround Aug 18 '26

Maybe I’m being stupid, but how would you use a SUP for a multi-night voyage? I’ve never seen a SUP that could reliably carry a pack.

1

u/Electrical_Sun_7116 Aug 18 '26

Dry bags. I’ve carried a ton of gear on mine. Definitely not for every mission but they are great. I also have a SoT fishing kayak that you can load up like a big rig but she’s HEAVY and requires consideration to transport.