Touring kayak

The term touring kayak refers to a number of different types of kayaks. They range from the longer recreational kayaks to sea kayaks. Any sea kayak is essentially a touring kayak because they have the length and speed for longer paddles. However, sea kayakers may tell you that certain kayaks are more playboat than touring kayak. The Valley Pintail is an example of such a boat.

Consider the volume of typical single sea kayaks. Many have forward dry storage of around 50 to 80 liters. Stern dry storage (including day hatches) of around 90 to 130 liters. That gives total dry storage capacities of 140 to 210 liters. For comparison, a typical woman's hiking backpack holds about 60-70 liters, a man's about 70-90 liters and a canoe pack, like the Duluth style, has up to 130 liters. So you should be able to carry enough gear for two to three backpacks or a backpack plus a canoe pack.

Clearly, if you pack like a backpacker, you should have plenty of room. If you pack like a canoeist or a car camper, you'll have to pare off a bit of volume.