Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Expedition Inflatable Kayak

Comments about Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Expedition Inflatable Kayak:

Pros
Easy setup. I had read from other reviews that the assembly was cumbersome and lengthy, but in fact I found it to be very simple and quick. I did miss the pump which should either be included or explicitly mentioned by the REI website and sales reps as I was under the impression that it was included. You can't inflate this kayak without a pump. Don't even try.
Stability. The kayak was surprisingly stable in the water. I even tried rowing from the prow and stern when I grew tired of sitting in the cockpit and the kayak's stability was not compromised. Tilting the kayak in flatwater is virtually impossible unless you are trying it on purpose.
Ample storage space. I took the kayak on a 10 day solo expedition on the Orinoco river and had plenty of space for my food, gear, medical kit, waterproof pictures of my loved ones and still had space for cameras.
Velocity. I had a chance to compare the gliding speed of this kayak with a Fish N' Dive Cobra kayak and found that in spite of having an inflatable structure (compared to the plastic rigid Cobra kayak) it was only 5% slower.

Cons
Poor tracking. At low speeds, the kayak will not stay straight, turning all over the place. This can be annoying.
Heavy. When I was alone carrying both the duffle bag and my paddle, I felt truly uncomfortable. It's heavy on land!
Compartment zippers are not water resistant. I found that drops of water that came from the paddle via my hands, would form a small puddle on the front tarp on top of my legs. Then the water would make its way into the kayak through the front compartment zipper. I can presume that when the water is cold (which fortunately was not my case) it can get really uncomfortable.

Comments about Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Expedition Inflatable Kayak:

Nice kayak. Much better than the regular (orange) model. It's more stable, more comfortable and much easier to paddle (both better tracking and better speed). It is, however, very heavy to carry....not something you just grab up and go, but still a good kayak. We were less than impressed with the regular kayak, and weren't fired up about the extra length and weight of this model, but it was well worth the tradeoff.

Comments about Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Expedition Inflatable Kayak:

Love this kayak for day trips or one night camp/kayak trips. Handles very well. You'll get pushed around a bit on windy days on open water.....but what do ya expect with an inflatable? Enough storage for 1-2 day trips. Sets up in 10 min once you have done it a couple times. The only negative thing I can come up with is the deck takes a long time to dry but again not surprising with an inflatable. Also great for up to class 2-3 rivers. Its a bit long for anything heavier and its not self bailing.

Comments about Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Expedition Inflatable Kayak:

After doing a lot of reading and research on inflatable kayaks that would fit my needs in the wilderness of the bush in Alaska, my husband and I settled on this kayak. We needed something durable, tough and inflatable to load on a bush plane. We bought 2 of these kayaks and spent 10 days in the wilderness of Alaska 125 miles north of the Arctic Circle paddling the North Fork of the Koyukuk River. This river is in the Gates of the Arctic Nat'l Park and is advertised as a great paddle for experienced paddlers with Class I,II rapids. Very long story short, this river was a terror and extremely dangerous due to unusual amounts of summer rain. This kayak took a beating and handled everything thrown at it including sweepers, strainers, sharp rocks, tree stumps, submerged tree logs, boulders, Class III rapids. I quit worrying about the kayak and its durability when I managed to ride out the Class III rapids between boudlers and wrap the kayak around a tree bending the kayak into a V shape and becoming totally swamped on more than one occasion. This is one tough kayak. It will not sink even when subjected to major rapids. It will not puncture even when subjected to sharp rocks, tree limbs with spike like points, etc. It is a bit sluggish when loaded with passanger and full camping gear but I expected that. I would even go so far as to say this kayak probably saved my life by being so flexible that it will bend in half around a tree and not explode. Nothing like being alone in the wilds of Alaska and stranded. I have also used this kayak on several day trips down calm rivers and glass waters. Again, it is a bit sluggish compared to my hard kayak but on a scale of 1-10 I would give this kayak a 9 every day. Great product and would buy it again for the purpose that I intended to use it for: the wilderness. This kayak has truly, truly been field tested and passed with an A+.

Comments about Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Expedition Inflatable Kayak:

The other reviewers do an excellent job of giving the pros and cons. You can read my review of the Adv Elements Convertible (15 ft. version for solo or tandem).

I want to add a note to the latest reviewer who mentioned a "defect", i.e., one side of the main tube bent inwards and "ruined" the boat. I had the same challenge and was given the same advice. In fact, I was in an REI once when a man was returning a boat for that same reason.

(Possible) Solution: I found that if I inflated the tube using the valve inside the kayak first, using the electric pump as the reviewer suggests, and then inflated the tube using the valve on the rear of the kayak I didn't have that same problem. I would then use the Adv Elem double-action hand pump to give another 10 shots of air to the onboard valve BEFORE doing the same to the rear valve, that I no longer had that problem. Hope that helps.

Comments about Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Expedition Inflatable Kayak:

Easy to get inflated & get going! Took it out the first day in high winds on a stronger current and it did well. Tracking is a challenge. It's never the same kayak twice. I think that was mentioned in an earlier review. The second time I inflated it, it wanted to steer off the other direction. I do have the backbone for it, and here is what I did to correct the "pole in the butt" sensation that everyone complains about: Buy a pool fanoodle. Those foam sticks they sell in the pool department at every store...for a few cents. Cut it into 4 segments ~ about a foot for each segment. Take two of them and rubber-band them together. Take the other two and rubber-band them together and place those on each side of the pole. Do this under the inflatable floor. I never felt a thing. In fact, I believe that cheap foam fanoodle investment was the reason I could go the distance in this kayak. I do recommend you use the backbone for stablity & tracking. Without it I could imagine how hard it would be. I am loving the freedom that comes with an inflatable. No more struggling to get a kayak up on top of my vehicle!!! Just deflate, fold and go home. It's WONDERFUL. We've decided to purchase the firefly and the tandem as well. That way my entire family can enjoy a day together exploring and seeing new things. There is plenty of storage bahind the seat and at the front. The deck unzips so you can easily retrieve things, even while you're going along. Getting in & out of this kayak was simple and easy. I never "swamped" it or had an issue with waves sloshing any water into it. I can't imagine using a spray skirt with this model. The rim of the cockpit is a soft, inflatable rim....how would you attach a spray skirt to this? That's sort of a joke I think. Or I just can't see how it's possible.
I just really enjoyed being able to float down a river and paddle around in this. It's well made, well constructed, and very stable. Even when rude boaters go wizzing by and make huge wakes, it did real well. I'm a big girl, and my greatest fear is tipping over. I had NO PROBLEMS in this kayak. I've researched other inflatables and even tried out a few different brands through rental...this Advanced Elements Expedition is a great purchase. Very happy with mine.

Comments about Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Expedition Inflatable Kayak:

I was prepared to write a long, in-depth and detailed review of this kayak and it's features but I decided to stick to the basics and provide real world conditions I have experienced in the month I have had the Expedition. If you choose to stop reading this review from this point forward, let me leave you with one thought...The Advanced Elements Expedition is never the same experience twice. In this case, that's a bad thing. First off, you should know I have no experience with any other kayak. I did not test any others and bought the Expedition site unseen. My main reasoning for purchasing a kayak was for a unique form of fitness not for recreation. I wanted something that would allow me to increase my heart rate, strengthen my shoulders and core, burn some calories, and ultimately help me lose weight. I have taken this kayak out a lot in the first 2 months - an average of 3 times per week for 7 weeks. The majority of my paddling has taken place on a large lake in both calm, glassy conditions and with a light wind chop. I have also recently taken it on a swift moving river with a small amount of churn - probably Class 2. The very nature of a folding kayak lends itself to great portability but each time you fold and unfold it something will shift or reposition. I spend a great deal of time during setup moving, squeezing, dragging, and turning the inflation chambers and floor to make sure it lines up just right. If you don't and it's slightly off center or the main chamber is kinked you will not track in a straight line. Other reviewers have praised how well this boat tracks but only 2 or 3 times I can think of did it move straight when coasting. Like a car with suspension problems the Expedition either pushes to the right or pulls to the left - not severely but enough to be annoying. Some days are worse than others. One day I can go out and have a nearly effortless time but the very next, following the exact same setup routine I end up working twice as hard trying to keep it straight with each stroke. Last Saturday after setup the kayak looked perfect, everything was aligned, inflation pressure was dead on, and the skeg on the bottom was straight - but for every stroke to the left I took two strokes on the right because it wanted to swing hard to starboard. It was so frustrating I quit after 15 minutes. Upon inspection I could see no visible reason for the drift and there were no currents or wind on the lake. But on Sunday - same setup, same conditions, same everything and, you guessed it, straight as an arrow. If you're not committed to spending a little extra time when unpacking it to get everything aligned just right you could end up being frustrated. Personally I would rather have the same predictable ride each and every time. You won't get that with an inflatable and you need to know that going in. Expedition supporters will undoubtedly question whether or not I have been following instructions and I can assure you I have been.Keep in mind, I'm not bashing this kayak, I'm just stating facts I have experienced. I still like it overall. Now having said all that, I don't think you can find a much better value. I bought mine the day there was an extra sale going on. I only paid [$]. You would be hard pressed to find a 13' touring kayak for that price anywhere. Of course, by the time you add paddles (must have a cheap emergency paddle too) and all the safety gear I was into for about $850. Some things you simply can't skimp on. Safety is important - especially if you start your paddling adventures in the dead of winter like I did. One spill in 35 degree water and you only have about 15 minutes to find safety and warmth before hypothermia sets in. Again, that's not complaining just something you need to be aware of when you start thinking about your overall budget. Inside the Expedition keeps you warm and cozy though and the fact it's inflatable means it is comfortable - no hard spots to sit on. I continue to be amazed at how rigid this boat is despite that fact it's full of nothing but air. Okay, so where does that leave this review? For me it's easy. No matter how frustrating the setup process is (like others have described as well) and no matter ho much energy I expend inflating it with the hand pump all of the negatives are neutralized completely by the fact that you can fold it up and take it with you anywhere! I love knowing that I can store this thing in my car and spontaneously explore the local waterways wherever I am. You can't do that with a plastic kayak and have to plan ahead. Just keep you paddling gear and kayak together and you're ready to explore. It fits in the back of my pickup truck or in my wife's Honda Accord. So despite the challenges, I would recommend this kayak to anyone wanting to have something easy to transport. It's a little more work to achieve a smooth ride but provides the freedom to explore that others don't. I hope this was helpful. Happy paddling.

Comments about Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Expedition Inflatable Kayak:

Mainly use this for river paddling both in Australia and Mexico, with some sea lake and estuary use. Mostly day use with a couple of weekend trips.

Paddles well but I have only limited experience with other boats. Acceleration is a little slower than hardshells, but not hugely. There is a slight tracking issue which I have not been able to cure yet.

Set up is now pretty quick, I only use the spine for salt water lake use. It gets a little noticable after about 5 hours of paddling.

I can keep up with my paddling partners OK but we are not speed merchants by any stretch of the imagination.

You will get a wet bum - you are sitting essentially on the floor of the boat but as I have not been in cold water is not a problem unless you forget the spare pants. For me the main source of water is from the front deck - I have yet to figure out how to get a reasonable drainage angle on it. Seems to get in after about 1.5 hours. Attention to the drip catchers on the paddle will assist. I also carry a small camping towel to mop out as I go along. This also helps with any portage sections.

The skirt is difficult to get attached properly, I only use it in wet weather which is very infrequent in my paddling locations.

The boat travels well, I have had no hassles checking in (not sure about domestic travel) and it has proved OK for Aus customs with only a few issues with getting the boat properly dry - right up in the bow and stern areas. The boat was dried with ad hoc frames for two days and still had some water drops. Maybe a hair drier is the answer.

The biggest issue for me is that drying takes time; I am lucky to have large areas I can use to dry it out after use. This could be a real issue if you do not have such space available.

Appears to be well made and I have yet to break anything.

Overall very happy with this boat, it will continue to travel with me for many years hopefully to Europe over the next 12 months.

Comments about Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Expedition Inflatable Kayak:

I bought this kayak (AE Expedition 2009 model) as an upgrade from another inflatable kayak. I'm glad I did. The build quality is excellent, the amount of detail to it's construction, and the ease of maintenance.
My planned uses are recreational/excercise and to use in paddling/photography excursions.

I looked for something that can handle a lot of weight if necessary. I live in a condo with no garage, so an inflatable is my best choice. Plus I don't like taking long trips with a kayak on top of my vehicle.

I see other reviewers complain about the AE Expedition being slow. Think about it...it's designed to carry 450 lbs!!! Look at the ridged kayaks. A comparable size and weight ridged kayak will only handle 220~320 lbs. That's like comparing an SUV with a sports car! So of course they're going to paddle faster, but not by much.

As for the Backbone being uncomfortable, I really don't understand. I weigh over 210 lbs., and never feel any discomfort from the back bone. Perhaps they're not reading the manual...it goes UNDER the mattress. I've spent hours in my Expedition, it's like being in a floating lazy boy chair. I find myself trying to think of a good reason to get out. One little tip, unzip the top front zipper a bit and open the coaming to make it easier to get in and out. Once you're in...you can zip it up all the way and close up the coaming.

I've taken my Expedition to Cape Cod Bay, Eastham Salt Pond Bay, Long Island Sound (many times), Housatonic Lake (many times), and the Connecticut River in Vermont. It's all been good. I've had close encounters with reckless boater coming too close and the Expedition kept stable through their wake and swells.

My only cons is the clean up afterward. However, that would be true with ANY inflatable, especially after salt water use.
What's good is that the Expedition can be completly dismantled to assure thorough washing and dry-off. Rassling the Kayak back into the carrying bag is probably the worst part.

If you read the manual, get your assembly/disassembly down to a science, and realize there's a bit more work to inflatables...you'll be much better off.

Comments about Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Expedition Inflatable Kayak:

I picked up this boat for nature watching and exercise on local lakes. As an apartment dweller I don't have space to store a rigid kayak and as a frequent traveler I had a vague idea I might take it with me on trips.

I liked the idea that it would go from car trunk to the water quickly, allowing after-work and spur-of-the-moment boating. It does go together quickly... with a good pump it can be inflated and ready to paddle in under 10 minutes.

As a nature watching platform it works well. Stable, it provides a steady platform for coasting slowly and not disturbing wildlife. I could paddle it easily at a little over 3.5kts (per my GPS) and could make 2kts very quietly and with minimal paddling.

Build quality is high. The boat feels very sturdy and branches, rocks, etc are non-issues.

Once done for the day the boat is easily deflated and folded for transport back home. A bungee cord makes the job quicker but 5 minutes from landing to driving is possible either way.

Now for the reality check.

While you may be on your way home after 5 minutes, you are by no stretch done for the day. Once you get home you've got to unpack the boat, disassemble it enough to get the floor out, inflate it, pat it dry, clean the corners, and probably leave it out and at least partially inflated so the sun can dry it a bit.

Also, the first time I took it out it had horrible tracking problems that varied with speed. After disassembling and fiddling with the inflatable floor I could reduce but not fully eliminate those issues. Subsequent use revealed a tendency to kink the main tube, which would also result in tracking issues and was harder to sort out. Suddenly a 10-minute time-to-water becomes 20 to get a well tuned boat.

So a single trip to the water can involve 3 inflate/deflate cycles and close to an hour of fiddling. I wound up cutting that number by driving to the lake with the boat in my trunk, but returning with the boat on my roof. Not something everyone would want to do. In fact, I think I got more exercise carrying and inflating/deflating the boat than paddling.

Which leaves us with a travel boat... it is a lot better than any rigid hull but not as good as I hoped. The duffel starts out the size and weight of a large suitcase. The design, with it's air mattress floor and cloth structure to form the inflatable sections into kayak shape, traps water and doesn't dry out easily, even when partially disassembled and left in the sun, so the weight goes up after use and doesn't come down immediately. It would be great, however, in an RV or taking along on any sort of road trip. A short (week or two) trip wouldn't require the elaborate drying and clean-up efforts until the end. The overwhelming argument for this boat (and the smaller sibling) is to have along on road trips. If that was the only factor I would've given two more stars at least.

The final straw for me was ergonomics. The seat advertises adjustable lumbar support...not sure what anatomy class the designer took but it probably wasn't human. The lumbar region is higher up. The under deck area was insufficient for my size 12 shoes.

I have now upgraded to a Pakboat. It has its own quirks but is significantly better adapted to my use, including travel. Pakboat seats are also light-years ahead of the AdvancedFrame Expedition seat.