
But once you try it, there is no going back to a standard kayak seat.” “At first, you might not realize how comfortable the seat's leg lift system is. “When you spend hours on the water, a good seat is imperative,” Morrow said. Steve Morrow, kayaking expert, outdoor enthusiast, and founder of Paddle About said what really sells the Aspire 105 for him is the Phase 3 Air Pro seat.

The cockpit has ample room and adjustable padded thigh braces for a personalized fit, a watertight hatch, two bungee cord storage areas on the deck, and carrying handles on both the bow and stern. That shape also helps with speed it can handle open water just as gamely as a calm lake. It's perfectly shaped so as to blend maneuverability and gliding, which makes it both adaptable and incredibly stable no matter where you’re paddling. That being said, the Wilderness Systems Aspire 105 is highly versatile, so we feel confident awarding it the best overall.


There's no one-size-fits-all kayaking experience, so choosing the best overall kayak is no easy task. Sit style: Sit-in | Weight: 48 pounds | Length: 10 feet, 6 inches | Weight capacity: 400 pounds
