could this be the kayak for you?
Are you looking for a lightweight, packable option for your future adventures? The Platte inflatable kayak helps you get from road to river in a short amount of time with a lot less hassle than a traditional kayak.
WHAT'S THIS kayak ALL ABOUT?
The Kokopelli Platte Kayak was designed to be ultra-light, durable, and one that can be packed up and easily stowed or transported where space is a concern. It's perfect for flat water, bays, and inlets too. The best part, is that you don't have to have a big truck, van or a rack on your car to haul this portable kayak.
KEY SPECS
Kokopelli platte kayak
Series: Lake Series
Material (Sidewall): 1000d Reinforced PVC
Material (Floor): Drop-stitch 1000d Reinforced PVC
Type: Bucket/Self Bailing
Water Rating: Flat Water, Bays & Inlets, Class I
Valves: Halkey Roberts (HR)
Chambers: 3 (Left Pontoon + Right Pontoon + Drop-Stitch Floor)
Weight Capacity: 330lb (150kg)
PSI (Pontoon): 2.0 psi
PSI (Floor): 6.0 psi
Weight (Boat + Key Accessories*): 24lb (10.8kg)
Weight (Boat + All Accessories): 37.5lb (17kg)
Outer (Length): 123in (312cm)
Outer (Width): 34in
How I Used It
Since there was a lot of snow in the Colorado backcountry this year, conditions weren't ideal for getting up to a higher alpine lake for this review. Instead, I chose a local option that was fairly close to my home and where there was sunny weather during the Memorial Day weekend.
Once out of the bag, the kayak was easy to unfold and prepare for inflation. There are Halkey Roberts (HR) inflation valves that can be easily accessed after unfolding the kayak.
I unpacked the nano barrel pump, attached the hose to the inflation port on the pump and then to the HR inflation valves on the kayak . The pump has a switch on the back where single or double action can be selected. I opted for the double action. You only have to inflate to 2psi on the sides and 6psi on the floor, so this process only took a couple of minutes for me to get everything inflated.
Pro tip: Turn the inflation valve counter clockwise before inserting the inflation tube. This will prevent the loss of air when disconnecting the hose.
After the kayak was all inflated, I installed the seat using the included velcro. I then removed the rubber band from the straps and began to clip them into the D-rings. I had to re-thread the webbing through the included strap clip. Once attached, I simply pulled the webbing tight and fit it into place.
Another pro tip here: Sit in the kayak and adjust the seat before you install the fins and launch out into the water. It is much easier to fiddle with the adjustments on land and will provide a much more enjoyable experience out on the water.
Putting the alpine paddle together was a breeze and then after I strapped it into the velcro stays on the sidewall, I installed the front and back fins. The back was easy but the front gave me a little trouble as I hadn’t pushed it all the way back. The clip would not snap into place at first but with a little elbow grease, I got it in there just fine.
Getting into the kayak was easy enough too. I sat down into the kayak sideways, unstrapped the alpine paddle and then I was good to go.
Performance of the kayak was impressive and didn’t take any time at all to get used to it. I paddled around for a few hours and thoroughly enjoyed my time at the lake. I even brought along a couple of models and we did a commercial spec photo shoot together as well. They also loved the kayak and how easy it was to use!
Getting out of the boat was as effortless as the entry. At 24 lbs with the seat and paddle, it was super easy to pick up the boat using the side handles and get it back onto shore.
Pro tip: Be sure to remember that there are two fins on the bottom. It's best to scope out your entry and exit point as to not scrape them on the shore. Make a plan ahead of getting into the water and stick to where you will enter and exit the kayak in enough water where you won’t wreck the fins on the shoreline.
FAQ
What's included with the Platte Kayak?
It includes splash guards, bungee cargo storage on both ends, a removable power bar to help maintain a powerful paddling position, and an molded EVA foam seat for comfort.
The Platte also comes with the 4-piece alpine paddle, nano barrel pump, emergency repair kit, and two tracking fins for better performance on flat water.
When would you use the self bailing drains?
It is recommended to keep them closed on flat water. The best time to use them is in rougher water.
When should you use the power block?
The foot block is there when you need more power with your paddling stroke. It will keep your feet locked in place while paddling.
What type of water is the platte rated for?
The Platte is rated for flat water lakes, inlets, and class 1 rapids.
strengths
- Lightweight design and easy to carry.
- Packability for easy transport and storage.
- Extremely durable, stable and buoyant.
- Ample storage space for extra gear on an adventure.
- Comes with everything needed to get started quickly.
weaknesses
- Time needed to deflate, clean, and pack up.
alternatives
These might be options for you if the Platte kayak ends up not being your inflatable kayak of choice:
Aquaglide Deschutes 130 Inflatable Kayak
| $780 | Flat Water | 21 lbs. | 400 lbs cap. |
Advanced Elements Elite Inflatable Kayak
| $770 | Flat Water | 36 lbs. | 300 lb cap. |
Aquaglide Blackfoot Angler 130
| $1,349 | Flat Water Fishing | 41 lbs. | 650 lbs cap. |
My recommendation
Traditional kayaks are heavy, cumbersome and difficult to transport. I recommend the Kokopelli Platte Kayak if you are one who values lightweight versatility and packability. It will help you cruise around flat water and inlets with ease. Check it out using the button below 👇
