Our verdict: The Oru Inlet folding kayak exceeded our expectations. It's an impressive bit of kit that gives a satisfying paddle.
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First impressions
The unusual folding design of this kayak will always attract interested comments but what stood out for me was its lightness. At 9 kg, it weighed very little for its carrying capacity. Easy to handle from unpacking to repacking, Oru kayaks could be a game changer for anyone who struggles with carrying heavy weights. I was intrigued and impressed from the start by this clever piece of boat Origami.
Set up and unfolding
Because of their clever folding design, Oru kayaks don’t require inflation, they fold out and pack down without the need for a bag or pump. The initial set up took us a bit of time, but Oru’s YouTube instruction video is comprehensive, and we only needed to use it once. Subsequent set ups were much quicker than the inflatable kayaks, didn’t leave us sweating over a pump, and were easy. The Oru is so compact, it’s easy to do an initial trial set up at home, and I would recommend doing so before you head for the water.
Is it comfortable to sit in?
It would be difficult to match the comfort level of a traditional kayak set up, but Oru have come close with the Inlet. The clip-on seat is adjustable for height and tilt and the addition of an ingenious adjustable footrest allowed us to opt for a traditional braced legged position for better control. The kayak felt stable on entry, although its folding nature did mean we couldn’t exert body-weight pressure on the sides. The seat pad provided is thin, but this didn’t cause us any discomfort, a separate gel seat is available. There was plenty of space for a dry bag or even a pet.
How does it perform on the water?
This is another area where the Oru Inlet shone. We tested it at the beach with gentle onshore winds and, unlike some of the inflatable kayaks, it proved steady and straight to paddle but turned easily when required. This kayak doesn’t have a skeg (keel) but it’s shaping and position, sitting in as well as on the water, gave it good traction. The hull does have a certain amount of flexibility, but this is easy enough to get used to and didn’t compromise safety. The flat panelled sides meant it was unlikely to capsize when tipped. Our stronger and larger paddler couldn’t make this kayak take on water at speed.
Is it easy to pack down and carry?
I found it easy to carry the kayak folded and unfolded. Packing away was even quicker than set up, helped by the refolding instructions written on the hull itself. The Inlet folds into its own suitcase shape and doesn’t have shoulder or back straps; a rucksack style bag is available separately. I enjoyed not having a bag to take back to the car before I paddled. Helpful instructions for refolding are marked on the hull and the kayak was easy to rinse and dry. When folded, the Oru’s compact shape meant it took up hardly any space in our camper van and it would fit easily into most car boots.
Durability and sustainability
An origami kayak might sound like a recipe for disaster, but we were reassured as soon as we unpacked the Oru Inlet. Despite its impressive lack of weight, the Oru’s 5 mm bespoke double layered polypropylene feels tough, and the bow and stern have additional protection from riveted polyethylene sleeves. Oru kayaks are rated for 20,000 folds and have a 10-year UV treatment.
We didn’t experience any de-folding on the water. We paddled from beach steps, but I would be happy to get into this boat from a slip or risk bumps into a few rocks. Oru state their corrugated OruPlast uses up to 70% less petroleum during manufacture than solid plastics. It is also fully recyclable. The Oru repair kit is reasonably priced and has the capacity to add longevity to this already tough piece of kit.
Good value?
When it comes to price, it’s hard to compare the Oru with its inflatable competitors. It is more expensive than most, but as a slightly nervous paddler, I was confident in its abilities to track through the water. In windy weather, I would certainly feel safer in this kayak than some inflatable alternatives but would always recommend wearing a personal flotation device and avoiding offshore winds.
Best suited for:
This boat has been designed for calm water. We tested it on the beach, but because of its width and open cockpit, I wouldn’t recommend it in waves. A splash deck to fit the bow or stern is available separately.
Facts at a glance: Oru Inlet folding kayak
- Kayak type: Folding
- Kayak size: 1 person
- Packed measurements: 107 x 25 x 46 cm
- Boat measurements: 295 x 79 cm
- Material: 5 mm double-layered, custom-extruded polypropylene
- Weight: 9 kg
- RRP: £862
- Items included: Kayak (folds into its own case), seat, footrest
