Advanced Elements Expedition Elite - Best for Multi-Day Touring and Expedition Performance
The Advanced Elements Expedition Elite is a serious touring kayak built for distance and load-carrying, offering near-hardshell performance in a packable format for dedicated adventurers.
- +Superior on-water performance with excellent tracking and speed for an inflatable
- +Ample storage capacity and durable construction suited for extended trips
- +High weight capacity (450 lbs) accommodates paddler and extensive gear
- -Complex setup with 7+ inflation points and mismatched valves increases preparation time
- -Heavy weight (42 lbs) and bulky packed size challenge portability
- -Fabric skin takes a long time to dry completely, requiring careful storage to prevent mold
The Advanced Elements Expedition Elite is engineered for the paddler who views an inflatable kayak not as a compromise, but as a tool for genuine expedition travel. It delivers what few inflatables can: performance that approaches that of a dedicated touring hardshell. The kayak tracks exceptionally well, holds a line in wind, and moves efficiently through the water, allowing for covering serious distances without excessive fatigue. Its construction is robust, with reinforced materials designed to handle remote conditions. A major advantage is its substantial storage, both in open deck space and secured compartments, enabling multi-day journeys with all necessary camping and safety gear.
This capability, however, comes with significant trade-offs in convenience. The setup process is notably involved, featuring numerous separate air chambers that must be inflated to specific pressures, demanding patience and a good pump. Once deflated, the kayak's fabric cover retains moisture, necessitating a lengthy dry time or meticulous wiping down before it can be safely packed away. At over 40 pounds, it is also one of the heavier portable kayaks, making the trek from car to water a workout. The Expedition Elite is not a casual, quick-deploy boat; it is a specialized tool for ambitious trips where performance and cargo space are paramount, and where the paddler is willing to invest time in preparation and care.