I'm looking for a super lightweight kayak for my RV trips.

For RV trips, the holy grail is a kayak that doesn’t require a heavy roof rack, stows away neatly into a compact compartment, and takes minutes to set up.

Top ultra-lightweight contenders suited for RV life span three different design styles:

• Weight: 20 lbs (9 kg)

• Packed Size: 42" x 10" x 18" (fits easily in an RV storage bay)

• Why it's great: It folds down from a full-sized 9'8" recreational kayak into a box that looks like a large suitcase. Assembly takes about 3 minutes once you get the hang of it. Perfect for calm lakes and slow rivers. Check it out on Oru Kayak.

• Weight: 20 lbs (9 kg) hull weight

• Packed Size: Packs into an included roller/backpack bag.

• Why it's great: If you want a pedal-drive system with kick-up fins rather than just a paddle, this drop-stitch inflatable gets rigid at 10 PSI and handles like a hard-shell. It's pricey, but ultra-portable and comes with both hand and electric pumps. View specs on the Hobie Mirage iTrek 9 Ultralight Go to product viewer dialog for this item..

To help narrow down the best fit for your rig, tell me:

• What kind of water do you plan to paddle on (calm lakes, fast rivers, ocean bays)?
• Do you prefer a folding origami style or an inflatable style?
• Are you looking to paddle solo or do you need a tandem setup?

For RV trips, I’d prioritize low weight + small packed size over everything else. You can avoid roof racks entirely with a folding or inflatable kayak.

My top picks

• Oru Lake Kayak - $549.99 (Tractor Supply Company)

• NIXY Tahoe 114 - $699.00 (NIXY Sports)

• Sevylor QuickPak K1 - $219.99 (Campmor)

• Sea Eagle EZLite10 - $1,099.00 (FactoryPure)

• Best overall for RV travel: Oru Lake — about 17–18 lb, folds down to roughly duffel-bag size, and assembles in about a minute. It's designed for calm water and has a 250-lb capacity.

• Best inflatable option: NIXY Tahoe 114 — a compact solo inflatable that's still substantially easier to store than a rigid kayak.

• Best budget option: Sevylor QuickPak K1 — packs into a backpack and is inexpensive, though I'd expect a noticeable compromise in paddling performance.

• If you want better paddling performance: the Sea Eagle EZLite10 is 26 lb and uses a rigid-feeling drop-stitch construction, but it's considerably more expensive.

One particularly interesting option: the Aquaglide Deschutes 110 is around 18–26 lb depending on version/spec, packs into a backpack, and is exceptionally quick to set up. Independent testing found it very stable and comfortable, although its tracking isn't great in wind or current.

If your priority is “I want to be able to lift it with one hand and stash it inside the RV”, I'd choose the Oru Lake. If you tell me your budget and whether you want inflatable vs. folding, I can narrow it down to the best 2–3 choices.

When you're RVing, saving weight and basement storage space is everything. Super lightweight and compact options generally fall into three categories: origami folding kayaks , ultra-packable inflatables, and minimalist hard-shells.

Top ultra-lightweight kayak options optimized for RV travel include:

Add to list Weighing a mind-blowing 17 lbs, this is the absolute lightest origami-style folding kayak on the market. It folds down into a small, suitcase-sized box that you can slide into any compartment or even a back seat. It sets up in under a minute with zero pumping required, giving you a rigid, hard-shell feel on calm lakes and flat water.

Aquaglide Cirrus Ultralight 150 / 110

If you prefer an inflatable, the Cirrus line uses advanced, high-performance TPU fabric instead of heavy PVC. The solo version weighs around 13 lbs (6 kg) and the two-person/convertible version weighs just 17.6 lbs (8 kg). It rolls down to the size of a small sleeping bag, taking up virtually zero space in your rig.

Add to list At roughly 20 lbs (fitted hull weight), this high-pressure drop-stitch inflatable gives you the luxury of a pedal-drive system with kick-up fins. It packs down into a convenient rolling backpack and includes both a hand pump and an electric pump, though it is a pricier investment.[1]

Add to list If you want a slightly larger cockpit and better tracking on longer paddles than the micro-Lake model, the Beach LT is an open-cockpit origami boat that weighs 25 lbs and folds into a portable pack. It handles casual touring and flat water brilliantly while freeing you from roof-rack hassles.

To help narrow down the best fit for your rig, tell me:

• Do you prefer a foldable hard-shell (like Oru) or an inflatable (like Aquaglide or Hobie)?
• Are you planning to paddle solo or with a partner/pet?

For RV trips, I’d prioritize packed size and weight over traditional kayak performance. A kayak that’s 15–25 lb and fits in a storage compartment is much nicer than something you need to mount on the RV.

My top picks

• Oru Kayak Lake - $499.00 (Walmart - Oru Kayak, Inc. + others)

1. Oru Lake — best overall for RV travel

• About 17 lb
• Folds into a compact package roughly the size of a large suitcase
• Sets up in about 1–3 minutes
• 250-lb capacity
• Best for calm lakes and protected water
• Current listing: about $499

The big advantage for an RV is that there’s no pump and no roof rack. It folds flat and can ride inside the RV or tow vehicle.

• Oru Lake Sport - $699.00 (Oru Kayak + others)

2. Oru Lake Sport — best if comfort matters

• 18 lb

• Same compact folding concept

• Adds a skeg, upgraded floorboard, adjustable backrest/footrest and better seat

• Around $699

• Still designed primarily for calm water

• Advanced Elements Packlite+ Packraft - $529.97 (Walmart - Sunny Sports + others)

3. Advanced Elements Packlite+ — best if you want an inflatable

• Extremely compact when packed
• Inflatable/drop-stitch construction
• Around $530 in current listings
• Takes a little more setup than the Oru, but is easier to stuff into irregular RV storage spaces.

What I'd choose

If your priority is "I want to grab the kayak from the RV and be on the water quickly," I'd get the Oru Lake. At only 17 lb, it's remarkably easy to handle, and the folding design eliminates the hassle of transporting a conventional kayak.

If you tell me your budget, your weight/height, and whether you'll be on lakes, rivers, or coastal water, I can narrow it down to the best 2–3 choices.

When you’re living the RV life, storage space and weight capacity are everything. Hard-shell kayaks take up way too much roof or bumper space, which is why ultralight inflatables and foldables are the ultimate choice for RVers.

Here are the top lightweight contenders that won't weigh down your rig or break your back trying to load them:

• Sea Eagle EZLite10 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. : Weighing in at a mere 26 lbs, this solo kayak utilizes an all-woven drop-stitch construction that pumps up incredibly rigid (like a hard board). It packs down into a compact backpack that you can easily stash in an RV basement compartment.[1]
• NRS Akamai 125 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. : At just 20 lbs, this is an exceptionally light recreational/touring inflatable. It features a high-pressure drop-stitch floor and rolls up into a tiny footprint, making it ideal for spontaneous stops by the lake.[1]
• Sea Eagle 393rl RazorLite Go to product viewer dialog for this item. : If you want to cover serious distance without sacrificing storage, the RazorLite is the world's first all-drop-stitch inflatable kayak . It weighs 35 lbs, tracks remarkably straight (up to 6 mph), and packs into a standard storage bag.[1]
• Oru Kayak (Lake or Inlet models) : If you prefer the feel of a hard-shell over an inflatable, Oru's origami folding kayaks are legendary for RVers. The Oru Lake Go to product viewer dialog for this item. is their lightest model at just 17 lbs, folding down into a box the size of a large suitcase that slips right into a small compartment or under a dinette seat.

To help narrow down the best fit for your setup, let me know:

• Do you prefer an inflatable or an origami folding hard-skin style?
• Are you looking to paddle solo or tandem?
• What kind of RV storage space are you working with?

For RV trips, I’d focus on pack size and setup time as much as the advertised weight. A roof rack kayak is usually a hassle with an RV; a folding or inflatable model that lives in a storage bay is usually the better fit.

Here are some of the lightest practical options:

• Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Ultralite Inflatable Kayak - $321.99 (DICK’S Sporting Goods)
• Oru Lake Folding Kayak - $374.25 (DICK’S Sporting Goods)
• BOTE Vali Ultralight Inflatable Kayak - $1,499.00 (REI Co-op)
• Tucktec Folding Kayak - $379.00 (TFKDistribution)

Best picks for an RV lifestyle

• **Best overall RV choice:

**

• About 17.5 lb
• Packs into a manageable bag
• More “real kayak” feel than many basic inflatables
• Good for lakes, calm rivers, and casual exploring
• **Lightest easy-to-store folding option:

**

• Around 17–18 lb
• No pump needed
• Folds into a compact case
• Great if you want quick “stop at a lake and paddle” convenience
• **Premium ultralight inflatable:

**

• Under 15 lb
• Very portable
• Better suited if weight savings are the top priority and budget is less of a concern
• **Budget folding choice:

**

• Folds down small
• Hard-shell style durability
• A good “keep it in the RV just in case” kayak
• **Absolute minimum weight:

**

• Around 13 lb
• Extremely light, but it’s more of a specialty/enthusiast choice.

What I’d choose for most RV travelers

• Weekend lake paddling: Oru Lake or Advanced Elements Ultralite
• Small RV storage bay + frequent use: Advanced Elements Ultralite
• Backpacking-style access to remote water: an ultralight inflatable like the BOTE Vali
• Two people paddling: look at tandem inflatables; the weight savings are usually worth the extra setup time

A few RV-specific extras matter:

• A 12V electric pump can make inflatables much easier (carry a manual pump as backup).
• Get a dry bag for your phone, keys, and campsite gear.
• Bring a compact paddle that breaks down into 2–4 pieces.
• Avoid the cheapest pool-toy-style inflatables if you’ll drag it over gravel ramps or rocky shorelines. Higher-quality inflatables usually use tougher materials and better floor designs.

If you tell me your RV type (Class A/B/C, travel trailer, van), storage space, budget, and whether you paddle solo or tandem, I can narrow it to 2–3 best choices.

The Oru Lake Go to product viewer dialog for this item. is the lightest foldable hard-shell kayak available at just 18 pounds , making it an ideal choice for RV storage and quick trips to the water.[1][2]

Check out this quick look at ultra-lightweight kayaking options to see how they perform on the water:

8:18 The Lightest Kayak We Make - The Adirondack 10 LT 3.2K views  · 11 months ago YouTube · SwiftCanoeKayak

For RV trips, space and weight are everything. Traditional hard-shell kayaks are too bulky, so lightweight origami and inflatable options work best.

Top Lightweight Kayaks for RVs

Why These Fit RV Life Well

• Oru Lake & Inlet Go to product viewer dialog for this item.: These origami kayaks fold up into a portable, suitcase-sized box that can slide right under an RV bed, into a storage compartment, or the back seat of your tow vehicle.[1][2][3]
• Advanced Elements Packlite+ Go to product viewer dialog for this item.: Inflates in minutes and packs down so small it takes up virtually zero storage space in smaller camper vans or trailers.

If you let me know what kind of water you plan to paddle (calm lakes, slow rivers, or coastal bays) and your budget , I can help you pick the exact model that fits your travel style.

For RV travel, I’d strongly favor a folding or inflatable kayak over a hard shell. The sweet spot is roughly 12–20 lb if you want something you’ll actually enjoy carrying from the campsite to the water.

My top picks

• Oru Kayak Lake - $549.99 (Tractor Supply Company)

• Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Ultralite - $321.99 (DICK’S Sporting Goods)

• Aquaglide Backwoods Expedition 85 - $249.99 (Target)

• BOTE Vali Ultralight - $1,499.00 (REI Co-op)

• Oru Lake — ~17–18 lb: My pick if you want the best combination of very low weight, compact storage, and normal-kayak feel. It folds into a suitcase-like package and is particularly well suited to calm lakes and easy recreational paddling.

• Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Ultralite — 17.5 lb: A great choice if you prefer an inflatable. It has a more traditional kayak shape and is rated for up to 225 lb.

• Aquaglide Backwoods Expedition 85 — 12 lb: The ultralight winner among these. Excellent if minimizing RV storage space and carrying weight is your absolute priority.

• BOTE Vali Ultralight — under 15 lb: A premium option for someone who wants extremely low weight without going all the way to a tiny packraft.

There's also the Advanced Elements PackLite at just 5.25 lb, but I'd consider it a specialty/backcountry boat rather than an everyday RV kayak: testers found it extremely portable but less comfortable, with poorer tracking and relatively delicate material.

If it were my RV: I'd choose the Oru Lake for casual lake paddling, or the AdvancedFrame Ultralite if I wanted an inflatable. Both stay around 18 lb while being substantially more capable than the truly tiny ultralight boats.

If you tell me your budget, your weight, and whether you're paddling lakes vs. rivers/ocean, I can narrow it down to the best 2–3 options.

For RV travel, I’d prioritize packed size and weight over traditional hard-shell construction. There are a few especially good directions:

• Oru Lake - $549.99 (Tractor Supply Company)
• Oru Inlet - $899.00 (Oru Kayak)
• BOTE Vali Aero - $1,699.00 (SCHEELS)
• Kokopelli XPD Packraft - $750.00 (Backcountry)
• NIXY Tahoe 114 - $599.00 (NIXY Sports)

My picks

• Lightest practical kayak:

— around 18 lb, folds into a compact package, and is particularly attractive if RV storage space is your biggest constraint. OutdoorGearLab also highlights the Oru Lake as one of the lightest options.

• Best balance of portability and comfort:

— about 20 lb, folds rather than inflates, and is designed for easy recreational paddling.

• Best inflatable:

— 19 lb and 13 ft long, so you get a much more conventional kayak feel without a roof rack.

• Absolute portability:

— about 13 lb and packs extremely small. Packrafts are specifically designed around carrying and compact storage.

• Budget-friendly inflatable:

— a solo inflatable aimed at easy transport and setup.

If this is mainly for calm lakes and rivers at RV campgrounds, I'd lean toward the Oru Lake. If you want something you can literally throw into a backpack and hike with, I'd move toward a packraft instead. The tradeoff is that the very lightest packrafts sacrifice some comfort and conventional kayak performance.

If you tell me your budget, your weight, and whether you're paddling mostly lakes, rivers, or coastal water, I can narrow this to the best 2–3 choices.

When you're living the RV life, storage space and weight capacity are everything. Bulky hardshell kayaks mean messing with roof racks, high clearance issues, or heavy bumper mounts.

The best ultralight options for RV travel fall into two main camps: origami folding kayaks (rigid plastic feel, packs into a giant suitcase/box) and high-pressure drop-stitch inflatables (paddles like a hard-shell, rolls up tiny).

Top lightweight, RV-friendly kayak choices include:

Add to list Weighing just 18 lbs (Lake Sport) or 20 lbs (Inlet), these origami-style folding kayaks fold down into a compact box that easily slides under an RV bed, into a pass-through storage bay, or the back seat of your tow vehicle. Setup takes roughly 1 to 3 minutes. Best for calm lakes and flat water. You can view details on the Oru Kayak Official Store.[1][2]

Add to list An ultra-lightweight inflatable recreational kayak sitting right at 20 lbs. It trades heavy PVC for a durable, PVC-free nylon with a waterproof TPU coating that rolls up exceptionally small in your basement storage. It features a rigid drop-stitch floor and quick-click fins. Check it out directly at NRS.[1]

Add to list Weighing 35 lbs, this is the world's first all-drop-stitch inflatable kayak. Because it inflates to a firm 10 PSI, it tracks remarkably straight and cuts through water up to 6 mph—paddling much more like a traditional hardshell than a typical rubber raft. It packs down neatly into a backpack. Browse the package details on Sea Eagle Boats.[1]

Add to list If you want a pedal-drive option, the hull weighs only 20 lbs (around 30 lbs total with the drive) and rolls up into a convenient roller-backpack bag. It features kick-up fins so you don't break things if you bump a shallow rocky shore near your campsite. Look at specs on Liquid Surf and Sail.[1]

To help narrow this down, let me know:

• Do you prefer a folding origami style or an inflatable?
• Are you planning to paddle mostly calm lakes or rivers/coastal bays?
• Do you want a standard paddle kayak or a pedal-drive system?