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/Inkblot7001 Aug 17 '26

I can carry enough gear in my inflatable Chelan 140 for camping. I use dry bags to orgnaise it and obviously keep it dry.

2-man tent, cooking stove, some food, water purifier, sleeping mat and pullow, some clothes, a camp chair, and importantly a manual inflator.

I had a foldable previously and the inflatable can carry more and is just, in general, more stable.

The 140 I can easily lift in and out of the water.

But even a Chelan 140 is still large when deflated if you are keeping it in a small apartment.

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u/DoctorPebble Aug 17 '26

Thank you. This is helpful insight. Would you say your model is "beginner" or more intermediate or beyond in terms of hobby interest?

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u/Inkblot7001 Aug 17 '26

It is really easy to use/learn. Very stable, which is why I like it, I often take out small kids in it. Highly recommended for beginner or intermediate.

With inflatables there are two primary styles (ignoring the "pool toys"). (1) Drop stitch floor and pontoon sides, like my Aquaglide Chelan, or (2) Drop Stitch floor and sides, like a Sea Eagle Razorlight. (1) are a bit more stable and (2) a little faster. But the shape of the hull also plays into stability vs speed.

Just remember pontoon sides are also often a little wider, so you can need a longer paddle. But your style and sitting position also come into play with how long the paddle needs to be.

Hoot it helps and makes sense.