Aquaglide Backwoods Expedition 85 Kayak Review

Our Verdict: Aquaglide Backwoods Expedition 85 Kayak

An ultralight packraft-style boat that packs to a sleeping-bag size yet takes real abuse.

An 8ft 6in solo weighing about 12 lb built from heavy-duty TPU nylon, which earns top portability and near-top durability for backcountry hike-in paddling.

So, is it any good?

The body weighs about 12 lb, roughly 15 lb with seat, fin and pump in the pack.

Folds to about 22 by 13 by 11 inches, the volume of an ultralight sleeping bag.

I hiked it in on my back like a sleeping bag and it shrugged off a rocky launch, though the short hull means you work a bit harder to keep up any speed.

Annie, Top-Notch field tester

Reasons to buy:

• Packs to sleeping-bag size
• Very light at about 12 lb
• Tough TPU nylon hull
• Good glide for its length

Reasons to avoid:

• Premium price
• Short hull limits speed
• 300 lb capacity

Our Analysis, Comparisons, and Test Results

The Aquaglide Backwoods Expedition 85 Kayak scored 84 out of 100 overall.

It is strongest on portability and weakest on value for money.

Here is how it did on every metric we tested, with exactly how each score compares to the rest of the field.

Value for Money

The lowest value score here because the ultralight TPU build commands a premium.

You pay for pack size and durability, not accessories.

Worth it only if hauling a boat to remote water is the point.

Value for Money	Rating
Best in test	10/10
Aquaglide Backwoods Expedition 85 Kayak	6/10
Category average	7.8/10
Worst in test	6/10

Portability

The body weighs about 12 lb, roughly 15 lb with seat, fin and pump in the pack.

Folds to about 22 by 13 by 11 inches, the volume of an ultralight sleeping bag.

You might be wondering:

Genuinely backpack-carryable to remote put-ins, the top score is earned.

By far the most packable boat in this lineup.

Portability	Rating
Best in test	10/10
Aquaglide Backwoods Expedition 85 Kayak	10/10
Category average	7.4/10
Worst in test	6/10

Durability

Heavy-duty TPU nylon with welded and taped seams, engineered for abrasion resistance.

The nylon-reinforced double-sided TPU is built to take a beating, unlike single-skin PVC.

Near-top durability score reflects a hull meant for rough backcountry use.

This is one of the few boats here you can drag without immediate worry.

Durability	Rating
Best in test	10/10
Aquaglide Backwoods Expedition 85 Kayak	9/10
Category average	6.8/10
Worst in test	4/10

Ease of Setup

Inflates via a Boston valve with the ultralight two-stage foot pump, then clip on the fin.

The I-beam floor firms up without a frame to build.

Quick to rig for a performance packable, no tools needed for the fin.

Ease of Setup	Rating
Best in test	7/10
Aquaglide Backwoods Expedition 85 Kayak	7/10
Category average	6.8/10
Worst in test	6/10

Comfort/Handling

The streamlined shape and extended stern improve glide and tracking for a short boat.

The included fin helps it hold a line better than most sub-9ft hulls.

The inflatable seat and I-beam floor are comfortable for a lightweight boat.

Short overall length still limits top speed, so it is efficient rather than fast.

Comfort/Handling	Rating
Best in test	10/10
Aquaglide Backwoods Expedition 85 Kayak	7/10
Category average	7.1/10
Worst in test	6/10

Should You Buy the Aquaglide Backwoods Expedition 85 Kayak?

An ultralight packraft-style boat that packs to a sleeping-bag size yet takes real abuse.

It is best suited to backpackers and hike-in paddlers who need a durable boat that packs tiny.

Bottom line?

The big win: Packs to sleeping-bag size.

The main compromise: Premium price.

We scored it 84 out of 100.

What Other Inflatable Kayaks Should You Consider?

Not sold on this one? A few others from our testing are worth a look.

The Aquaglide Noyo 90 Inflatable Kayak is our best beginner-stability kayak. A stable, well-built solo that gives beginners confidence without a premium price.

The Sevylor QuickPak K1 1-Person Inflatable Kayak is our best packable solo inflatable kayak. A clever grab-and-go solo whose backpack-seat trick beats its on-water handling.

The Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Elite Kayak is our best premium inflatable kayak. The hull that finally paddles like a real kayak, if you accept the price and the fiddly setup.

Specifications

Type	1-person ultralight
Length	8 ft 6 in
Weight	about 12 lb body, 15 lb packed
Packed size	about 22 x 13 x 11 in
Capacity	300 lb
Hull	Heavy-duty TPU nylon, welded and taped seams
Fin	Quick-release ultralight

Conclusion: Aquaglide Backwoods Expedition 85 Kayak

After testing it against the other top inflatable kayaks, the Aquaglide Backwoods Expedition 85 Kayak earns its place as our best backcountry packable kayak pick.

Its standout strength: Packs to sleeping-bag size.

Still deciding?

The main thing to weigh before you buy: Premium price.

If you want backpackers and hike-in paddlers who need a durable boat that packs tiny, it belongs at the top of your shortlist.

Still comparing? See exactly where the Aquaglide Backwoods Expedition 85 Kayak ranks against the full field in our 10 Best Inflatable Kayak guide.

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