Whether you enjoy being out on the water paddling down a stream, running the rapids, or fishing, you can create great memories in a kayak. Field and Stream kayaks are well known, but which is the best for you?
If you’re new to kayaking, then you may not be aware that the type of activity you wish to do calls for a specific type of kayak. This information will help you find the best Field and Stream kayak for your needs.
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Comparison of the Best Field and Stream Kayaks
Brand and Model | Length | Weight Capacity | Style | Sit-in or Sit-on | Colors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Field and Stream Swifty Deluxe 9.5 | 9.6 feet | 300 pounds | Recreational and Anglers kayak | Sit-in | Five available tri-color patterns |
Field and Stream Pelican Trailblazer 100 NXT | 10 feet | 275 pounds | Recreational kayak | Sit-in | Four available two-color patterns |
Field and Stream Kayak FAQs
With the right model, you can use a kayak for fishing, exploring lakes and rivers, or going out on the ocean. By reading about the best Field and Stream kayaks, you should be able to find the best one for pursuing your outdoor dreams.
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1. What is a Field and Stream kayak?
Field and Stream kayaks are not a model or type of watercraft, but they are a brand of kayak. The Field and Stream company has its name on outdoor gear for hunting, fishing, shooting, and kayaking. However, they are not part of the Field and Stream magazine business — a private investor group owns them.
The outdoors company features several kayak models in many styles and sizes. However, they all break down into three categories:
- Recreational Kayaks
- Angler Kayaks
- Inflatable Kayaks
2. How do Field and Stream kayaks work?
The recreational kayaks are for people new to the sport or those who want a relaxing experience when they go paddling. They are suitable for calm water, and they have more stability than the other categories. Angler kayaks are great for those who want to go where the fish are instead of fishing from shore.
They have amenities like rod holders and compartments for safely storing tackle. These kayaks provide stability when casting the line into the water or trying to reel in fish. Inflatable kayaks have more stability and sturdiness than their name suggests.
While inflatable models are some of the best recreational kayaks, their biggest advantage is that they are easy to carry because they deflate and can fit into a backpack. Along with these three types of kayaks, you can choose from kayaks that you can sit on or sit in.
A sit-on model is easy to get in and out of, and their wider design adds stability to them. However, there isn’t any protection from the elements. Sit-in kayaks allow for more protection from wind and rain, but they are more challenging to get in and out of, and it can be more difficult to recover from a flip in a sit-in kayak.
3. Where can you buy Field and Stream kayaks?
There are several Field and Stream retail stores across the United States, most of which are in the southern states where they do more fishing, hunting, and other such recreational activities. However, the kayaks are also available online at FieldandStreamshop.com and DicksSportingGoods.com.
How We Reviewed
To provide an informative review of these kayaks, we researched the Field and Stream company, along with their line of kayaks to learn about them. Then we also read the opinions of people who own the kayaks to get their input on the kayaks’ quality. After doing the research, we came up with this list of the best kayaks Field and Stream offers.
Overall Price Range for Field and Stream Kayaks
There are many models of Field and Stream kayaks, and they range from around $150 to $2,800.
Kayak Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Kayak
When shopping for a kayak, you’ll want to consider how you will use it. If you want it for recreational purposes and one that is easy to turn, then a recreational model that is about 10 to 12 feet long is the type you should buy.
However, if you want something that is going to move faster on open water, then you may want to get a longer touring kayak, which are 12 feet and longer. If you’re an experienced kayaker, then a sit-in kayak is the right choice because you know how to maneuver yourself in and out of them.
Beginners are better with a sit-on model because they are easy to get on and get off. If you want to save money or take a kayak with you while backpacking, then purchase an inflatable model. They are less expensive, and you can find models for fishing and recreational use.
Best Field and Stream Kayak
These kayaks are the Field and Stream models that we consider the best from which to choose.
Perception Swifty Deluxe 9.5 Kayak
This Field and Stream kayak is a model for anglers and recreational paddlers.
Key Features
This model is easy to paddle due to its stable design, and it’s suitable for any skill level, from beginners to experts. The one-person kayak has a comfortable seat with padding on the back and seat. It’s just over 9.5-feet long and 28.5-inches wide. It can hold up to 300 pounds inside the kayak.
Along with molded rod holders, it also has molded-in handles and a dashboard. The design allows it to travel quickly and easily maneuver. It has a 10-inch hatch for stowing fish and a drain plug for removing water from inside it without needing to lift and turn it over. Each kayak has a five-year limited manufacturer’s warranty. It’s available in five colors:
- Funkadelic
- Lime/Black/Blue
- Purple/Turquoise/Lime
- Red/White/Blue
- Sunset
Pros and Cons
Here are some of the things we like and dislike about this kayak.
Pros
- It quickly and easily maneuvers
- Anglers can put their rods in molded-in holders
- It has a hatch for stowing fish
Cons
- Many people found this kayak difficult to move and control
Warranty
Five-year limited warranty
Pelican Trailblazer 100 NXT Kayak
If you’re beginning to kayak or have a child who wants to kayak with you, this Pelican Trailblazer is a good one on which to begin.
Key Features
This Pelican model is only 10-feet long, which is the best size to start on because it is more maneuverable than longer models. It is a recreational kayak that one-person sits in, and it has a Ram-X impact-resistant hull. There is also an ErgoBase pad for the seat and an ErgoForm backrest to provide back support and comfort.
It has compartments for storage in the cockpit, along with a bottle holder. It’s easy to paddle, and its design provides stability, so it is a great kayak for beginners of any age. It is available in four colors:
- Fire red/Black
- Seafoam/Yellow
- Cyan/Black
- Lime/Blue
Field and Stream offers a limited lifetime warranty on the Trailblazer.
Pros and Cons
These features are some we like and some we don’t.
Pros
- The limited lifetime warranty
- It’s stability
- The impact-resistant materials
- Compartments in the cockpit
Cons
- At 20.5-inches wide, the cockpit is tight
Final Verdict
Although Field and Stream have many other kayak models, from these two choices, we selected the Pelican Trailblazer NXT 100 model as the best Field and Stream kayak.
It is an excellent choice for any skill level, but its size and stability makes it an excellent choice for kids learning the sport or adults going on their first kayaking adventure. It also comes with an impact-resistant hull and a limited lifetime warranty.