Inflatable paddle boards are made from multiple layers of PVC plastic glued together. The upper and lower sections are stitched together on the inside to hold the shape.

All those materials add up, giving the board its weight. Red have been using their MSL process for years to create boards with less PVC, less glue and stronger stitching which results in a lighter, stronger board.

Now with the new PACT process that came out in 2020 the boards like the Red 9’6” Compact paddle board can be even stronger and lighter again while folding down smaller.

What does the new PACT system do to the size and weight?

Red manufacture their own boards and have complete control of the process. And they have been tinkering with it.

New new PACT process created a new way of weaving all the threads inside the board that hold the top to the bottom. The threads inside connect at all angles and are extra-high-tensile which means super light but super strong. Reducing the weight of the threads means the board is lighter.

The outer layers of the board is another required but heavy component to the board. Red have reduce the weight of those too. A thinner, more supple, outer layer also means it can be folded and rolled easier.

The last improvement is a quad-stringer system. This just means 4 pieces of stiffer material runs down the board under where you stand, creating a stronger platform to stand and paddle from. If you’ve ever ridden a really cheap or deflating board, they curve like a banana when you stand on them in the water. The quad-stringer system does the opposite of that.

The new system makes a board that can be folded in half and rolled up smaller than any other boards out right now. The Compact boards are also lighter to carry in the pack and in your hand.

9’6” Compact Paddle Board Specs

• Board weight: 7.4 kg / 13.6 pounds

• Everything weight: 12.7 kg / 28 pounds

• 2 Twin Click Fins

• 8’ Leash

• 32” wide

• 222 liter volume

• 4.7 inches / 120mm thick

• Titan II pump

• 3 Flat bungees on bow

• 5-piece carbon paddle

• $2,199 CAD ($1,899 USD)

How small is the Compact Bag?

The best part of the 9’6 Compact is how big the bag is. With the new PACT process the board, and the bag, is a lot smaller. It’s about 22 inches tall and 16.5 inches wide instead of the previous 38 inches tall and 13 inches wide.

Instead of backpack straps that looks like an afterthought, they put some time and effort into the back panel. The straps and panel are very comfortable and easy to wear for long periods of time. There’s waist belt that keeps the pack from flopping around but is removable if you don’t want to take it.

Carrying the RED Compact 9’6″ Bag

The bag comfort and size are much better than previous models and other brands. I still think it could be improved with a sternum strap to keep the shoulder straps from sliding apart.

Another design feature I’d like to see updated is the location of the zippers. The backpack has to be put down on the ground on the back panel and straps to open it and get the SUP out. This is fine if it’s a nice clean dock or concrete walk way. But when you have to put your SUP down in the dirt or the mud, then the brushed cotton back panel is sitting in the mud. I’d like to see them adopt a photography backpack design where you put the bag down on the back of it and zip open the side with the straps.

Another design feature I’d love to see with the bag is some extra space or pouches for other gear. If you take anything with you paddle boarding, then you have to take another bag with you. This is usually a dry bag or waterproof duffel so you don’t get anything wet. It would be great to have a spot to sore this in or on the SUP bag. All SUP bags I’ve tried so far are like this. They just fit the board, paddle and pump but nothing else.

How does the paddle fit in a Compact Bag?

A 5-piece carbon fibre comes with the 9’6” Compact. It’s extremely light and easy to put together. The 5 pieces break down and fit right into elastic areas inside the bag. Red has drawn outlines of the paddle parts in the bag for where they go so there’s no thinking required to put them away.

The bungees are tight in the bag so it takes some bending of the bag to get them back in there. They fit but it’s tight.

The ends on 3 of the pieces are cut at 45 degrees to prevent twisting of the paddle while you’re paddling. This works very well when you’re paddling but putting it together it’s a bit rough on the hands. The 45 degree cuts aren’t as smooth as just a regular flat cut.

RED Compact 9’6″ 5-piece Paddle

Does the 9’6” Compact have new fins?

The 9’6” Compact have a different type of fins from previous Red boards. The new Twin Click fins slide into place, click backwards and then are held in place by 2 very small Allen key screws. A small Allen key is in the waterproof pouch included with the board.

Once you know to push the fins back to seat them, it’s an easy install but a bit tough on the hands. Pushing the fins back requires pushing on the thin leading end of the fin. Screwing in the Allen key screws with the included wrench is a bit though with an inflated board. There’s not a lot of room for your fingers. I found adding and removing the fits with the board un-inflated a bit easier. The board bends out of the way a bit.

RED Compact 9’6″ Bag

What is the max weight for the 9’6” Compact?

The max weight of the rider and gear for the 9’6” Compact is 95 kgs (210 pounds). This lower limit is often similar on the smaller boards. If you’re heavier or want to carry more gear you can size up to a larger board which has more air inside. The Compact 11’ for example can hold 108 kgs (240 pounds).

What sizes are there in the Compact series?

The Compact series currently had 2 boards in it, the 9’6 we had a look at in this article and the slightly larger 11’. They both have the same bag, paddle and Titan II pump. The 11’ is slightly larger, more air inside and can hold more gear. It’s also slightly heavier at 8.5 kg (18.7 lb) compared to the 7.4kg (16.3lb) of the 9’6.

The length of the 11’ will help it track a bit better. There isn’t any design difference between the two boards but just the longer waterline keeps it a bit straighter.

Should you buy a 9’6” Compact paddle board?

If you love paddle boarding but don’t have the space to store a large board then definitely. 2 Compact bags can fit in the space of 1 of the larger bags now so storing them in your car trunk, apartment closet or RV is much easier now. The boards are so similar to the previous versions just smaller. They do cost a bit more than a standard board but if it means getting out more on the board it might be worth it.

Should you upgrade to the 9’6” Compact if you have an older Red board?

The Compact boards are all about that small backpack and storage size. If that means you can get out more because it’s easier to take to the beach, across town on the bus or to work for a lunchtime paddle then it would definitely be worth it. The Compact boards won’t offer any more in performance or touring capability.

Conclusion

The new Red Compact 9’6” paddle board is an amazing step up in the packability of an already small inflatable paddle board. It’s easy to take it hiking, on the bus, or to work for a paddle at lunch. There are a few improvements I’d love to see in the future, but as usual, Red nails the required parts to a paddle board. The backpack is comfortable, the board is lightweight and durable, the paddle is stiff and easy to put together.

Even if you don’t get a Compact board now, keep an eye on Red in the future. With their private manufacturing facility and constantly improving Tec Air process, they will be making big upgrades with their paddle boards.

More photos

The post Red 9’6” Compact Paddle Board: Half the Size first appeared on Pack & Trail.

And now I can’t get enough of using the pedals. I’m addicted.

It’s not like I haven’t given the paddle a fair chance. I have a 16 foot Necky in the garage with a good old Werner paddle. I’ve used it a lot but it just requires, you know, paddling.

Old Town knows their canoes and kayaks. They’ve been making them since 1868. The pedal powered versions are a more recent product and a welcome addition.

The Topwater PDL 106 kayak is a 10’6” sit-on-top kayak with a pedal drive aimed at fishing but can be used for any kind of flat water kayaking.

First some of the specs and then we’ll get into what drives this thing. (Check the price at REI.)

Specs

• 10’6” long, 36” wide
• PDL pedal drive
• Stable DoubleU hull
• Single Layer Polyethylene construction
• ElementAir seat
• 2 rod holders
• Universal transducer mounting system
• EVA foam deck pads
• Bow and seat hatches
• 45 kg (100 pounds)
• 204 kg (450 pound) capacity (including the boat)
• $1,999 US

Pedal power

The star of the show is the PDL drive that you pedal with your feet. 2 pedals drive a propeller under the boat with the rudder for steering. It’s easy to pedal forwards to go forwards and backwards to go backwards.

The PDL drive is removable for transport and can swing up into the boat if you’re shallow water. This does mean there’s a big open hole in your boat if the prop is up. The inside of the boat is sealed and extremely bouyant but you can end up with a little water in the bottom of the boat if you launch with the prop up. You can stay dry by launching from a dock with the prop down the whole time.

It’s helpful to swing the prop up when you launch but also when you’re in very shallow streams or tidal areas. The depth of the boat to the bottom of the prop is about 16”. A nice spot to paddle not far from my house passes in between 2 islands and at low tide it can be dry. I’ve padded through with 6 inches of water with the prop up. Even hopped in to grab a crab to cook up on the beach!

A small dry storage in the base of the drive is a great place to store keys, wallet and phones. It’s big enough to hold small tackle boxes as well. The air in it also doubles as a life preserver for the drive if it happens to go overboard. 2 clamps hold the drive bar in place so unless, you’ve got it completely removed, it’ll never fall off.

While you’re pedaling for propulsion, steering is done with the rudder and a small knob to the left of the chair. The drive doesn’t turn itself, so you have to be moving to steer. A lever to the right of the chair moves the rudder in and out of the water. Don’t forget to pull up your rudder when you hit shore!

One benefit of the pedal drive is that pedaling uses your leg muscles which can go for much longer than your arms can. I find I can putter along at a steady pace with my legs much easier than paddling.

The other benefit is that your hands are free to fish, take photos or drink your coffee. Your legs are doing all the work.

Something to note and really comes down to personal preference is the pedals go around in a circle like bike pedals. Other pedal drives like the Hobie Mirage drives, are pushed forward and back.

Stable, DoubleU hull

The PDL 106 is 10’6” long and 36” wide. Double U shape to the hull and the 36” width makes it extremely stable. It’s easy to stand and fish or get something out of storage behind the seat.

I spend a lot of time on stand up paddleboards that are as wide or wider than this board but still find I have to mind my balance while standing and moving around. I don’t even have to think about it on the Topwater. It’s like standing on a dock.

I’ve had 2 kids on the boat with me and even with them moving around, hardly had to think about stability. It would take a very concerted effort to flip it.

The only downside to the DoubleU shape of the hull is most kayak carts don’t work well with it. I have a Pelican folding cart with large wheels and the frame of it fits right into the indent of the hull putting the wheels on the hull. With the wheels on the hull, they ain’t spinning at all when you pull the boat. I’ve added enough a few inches of padding to the cart so the frame holds the boat without touching the tires. Another option would be to extend the frame so it holds the ‘pontoons’ of either side of the boat and keeps it off the tires.

Very durable

The rotomolded polyethylene the Topwater is made from is extremely durable. I try to use the kayak cart as much as possible but if I forgotten it or decided not to bring it, I’ve had to drag it on rocks and barnacles. It scrapes the bottom a bit but the plastic is so thick, I don’t even worry about it. Hitting a rock or log while pedalling doesn’t even scratch it.

Hitting the prop is another story. It’s a sturdy setup with the leg of the prop protecting the prop for the most part. The leg extend down to the bottom of the prop as well. If a large object were to catch the prop while it was spinning you may have some issues. I try to be careful when I’m in shallower water or see anything submerged.

Fishing

The Topwater is a fishing machine. It’s been built to hunt those keepers through any conditions and water.

2 rod holders right behind the seat are easy to access and hold most rods. Track mounts in front of both sides of the seat can mount RAM or Scotty track mounts and hold 2 or 3 mounts each.

A transducer mount is tucked up into the keep in front of the PDL drive. It’s set into the hull a bit so it’s out of way when you pull up to shore or hit something hallow.

Storage behind the seat is a perfect size for fishing crates with an included bungee to secure the whole deal.

My early version of the PDL included a handle to one side of the rudder but later versions have the handles under the stern which would make it easier to balance while carrying. This allows for space for an anchor mount to to the left of the rudder as well.

The EVA foam pads where you stand are comfortable and grippy. The seat can slide back easily so you have tons of room for standing and casting. And, as I mentioned above, the whole thing is ridiculously stable so you can focus on fishing and not staying upright.

Seat

The ElementAir seat is covered with a thin mesh and is quite comfortable. The mesh is a bit loose on mine so I can feel the back bar of the seat at the bottom. Not a deal breaker but would be better if the mesh was a touch tighter. There is a velcro adjustment to make it looser or tighter but even with it on the tightest setting I can still feel it a bit. I will be adding a bit of padding there for the longer days paddling.

When you’ve hit shore for lunch the seat can be taken off and put on the ground. The back of the seat is right on the ground though so it needs to be something comfortable and dry to sit on. It would be nice for the seat to be raised a little at the back or have legs to flip out so you can use it on the beach better.

I have my seat at the closest setting it can go to the pedals. I’m 5’7” and have a 30 inch inseam so I wouldn’t recommend using with shorter legs that that. There’s about 12-14 inches adjustment longer than that so there’s plenty of room for people with longer legs.

Storage

For being only 10’6” long the Topwater has a good amount of storage.

A drink holder beside the seat and 2 small side pockets beside the footpads.

The rear area behind the seat has bungees over plenty of room for waterproof duffels or fishing crates. Getting to the gear in the back isn’t too bad in calm water, the seat can fold down and you have full access to your gear back there.

A large hatch in the bow can hold 2 or 3 dry bags worth of gear. Storage runs down both sides of the boat so longer rods can fit inside as long as there’s nothing blocking the hatch. A smaller hatch opening right behind the seat gets access to the same area inside the boat.

One of the issues with small items in the boat is they can go missing if they’re contained within a larger container or dry bag. I lost a whole Helinox Chair Zero in the hull for a couple months and just recently found it. Some hanging organizers for these spaces would be very nice.

A small compartment in the PDL drive right in between the footpads can hold a phone, wallet and small tackle box with no issues. It’s watertight as well in case some splashes come over the side.

Other versions

There are multiple other versions to the Topwater. There is the regular non pedal version, a 120 (12 feet long) and a Sportsman PDL 106. The Sportsman has better handles on the stern and an upgraded seat.

Conclusion

I’ve spent many days on the water with the Topwater PDL 106 fishing, exploring, and hauling gear around to go freediving. I’ve dragged it over rocky beaches, shoved it up onto the top rack of my SUV and loaded it up with multiple people.

For a roto-molded pedal drive kayak, I highly recommend it. There are lighter types of boats out there which are inflatable (and have their own downsides). The weight can be an issue if you’re trying to put it on the top of your car but if you have 2 people paddling or a wheeled kayak cart then it’s not really a problem.

I really like the durability of the Topwater and not having to worry about the bottom of the boat. While you do have to pay attention to what you’re paddling around because of the propeller, I’ve still run into numerous sticks and logs and the keel has protected it so far.

By far the best part is the pedal drive and being able to pedal for hours, hands free anywhere you need to go. I makes fishing and taking photos easier. Cruising longer distances is easier with the bigger muscles in your legs compared to your arms.

Definitely give the Topwater PDL 106 a try if you can.

Check the price at REI.

Or Check out the Topwater PDL 106 on the Old Town Website

The post Old Town Topwater PDL 106 Kayak Review first appeared on Pack & Trail.

Cascadia Board Co. builds surf and paddleboards on the west coast of Canada. Born in the surf off Vancouver Island, their woodgrain boards speak to the tall trees in Cascadia or the pacific northwest. Cascadia have recently branched out into inflatable SUPs, or iSUPs, as a convenient way to get out on the water and still have room to store a board at home. I spent a few weeks with one of their inflatables, the 10’6″ Chinook, this summer to take it for a test drive, err, paddle.

Cascadia Chinook Specs

The Chinook is a flexible all-rounder that can tour, glide over flat water or hit the white water. I was mostly on flat lake water and in-shore ocean chop for my testing.Specs:

• Length: 10’6″
• Removable standard centre fin, 2 fixed fins
• 234 litre volume
• 13 kg (28 pounds)
• Heavy duty dual layer lamination and 6 inch drop stitch.
• 14-18 psi for best performance

What do you get?

• SUP
• Backpack bag
• Dual phase pump
• Repair kit
• 2 piece paddle

Inflating and set up

Set up is easy and takes about 10-15 minutes of pumping. The dual-action pump is great for filling up the Chinook quickly. A small switch on the pump switches from pumping air on the push and pull to only on the push. For the final 3-5 PSI it gets harder to push and switching to only pumping air on the push of the pump takes less effort.There’s a pin in the valve that has 2 positions, open and closed. Make sure it’s in the closed position before pumping much. I made the mistake of leaving it open and pumping for 10 minutes but then all the air comes out as soon as you remove the pump hose. You can test it by taking off the pump host when it’s about half way full and confirming the air stays in the board! It should be in the “up” position to stay closed.

I deflate my SUPs every time to take them home so they’re easier to store but if you have the space you can leave it inflated and take it straight to the beach. Using an extra valve attachment you can connect a car tire pump straight to the SUP and inflate that way. I will be getting one of those as soon as I can! I pump up the SUPs a few times for testing but after that it’s just tedious if you are going out a lot.The Chinook comes with 2 permanent hard rubber fins and 1 removable nylon fin. This makes for a good combo for doing anything you want. I usually pumped up the board at my car and then attached the fin at the water. The fin attaches easily with no tools.

The ride

The first thing I noticed with this board in the water was the stability. At 6 inches thick and a volume of 234 litres, the Chinook is very buoyant. It easily held me far out of the water at 185 pounds. My daughter would sit on it as well for another 30 pounds for a total of 215 pounds with no issue.I tested the Aluminum Adjustable Paddle from Cascadia with the board. It’s not a super lightweight option but it is very durable and certainly lightweight enough for paddling around. It adjusted for height with a little clip at the top. The clip pulls off and then the paddle slides out longer.  It extends from 180mm up to 220mm. The paddle is quite rigid with little flex and has foam inside to float in case it goes in.

The deck is padded with a comfortable foam that’s easy on the feet and provides some grip. I found it comfortable to stand on with or without shoes. The white foam gets a bit dirty standing on it with dirty shoes but it washed off easily with the hose.

The Chinook comes with 3 fins, 2 permanent and one 9 inch removable. The 2 permanent fins are made of a hard rubber and are extremely hard to break. These work in a pinch too if you forget the large fin. They also work if you’re in a rocky area or stream and don’t have the depth for a larger fin.

The Cascadia inflatables come with their All Around Fin Flex but there’s also the reinforced version that’s a bit stiffer. I forgot the large fin once and was surprised with the difference it made. Both the tracking and stability are considerably better with the large fin. Like a keel on a sailboat the fin seems to reduce the rocking left to right.

2 permanent and one removable fin is a nice setup on an inflatable SUP. Though some boards are coming with 3 removable fins which could be nice for being able to change all your fins out or just for easier storage.

Storage on the board is one set of bungees on the front. Most SUPs I’ve seen right are coming with one set. Two sets would make it a little more versatile but this is more of a day-use and play board so it works well. The Cascadia Tender is a longer board, more suited to touring and would benefit from 2 sets of bungees for gear. 2 large d-rings on the bow and stern make it easy to lash down.

Packing up and storing

Packing up and storing the Chinook is easy. Deflate, roll, stuff into the bag. The Cascadia rep suggested using an electric pump in reverse with a valve adapter to deflate them faster and keep the air out. I didn’t have an adapter to try but will give this method a go when I get one.The bag is mostly mesh with a bit of padding on the bag. There’s a small pocket on the back with compression straps on the sides and a clip on the top for closing it. The SUP has to be rolled fairly tight to fit into the bag easily. I focused on rolling it up as tight as I could and it was easy to get into the bag.

A duffel style bag with a big zippered opening would make this process easier. The bag that comes with the Body Glove Performer 11 opens wide open and is a bit easier to place the SUP, pump and paddle into.Basic backpack straps with a hip belt make it easy to carry down to the water or along the trail a little ways. There’s not a lot of padding on the back panel. As long as the fins from the SUP are pointed out the side or the back then it was plenty comfortable.

The aluminum adjustable paddle that comes with the kit is a 2 piece and doesn’t shorten down much. It easily fit in my car but doesn’t fit inside the bag. A 3-piece paddle would be a nice upgrade to make the whole kit a little smaller. The nylon blade is very durable and there wasn’t any issues on rocks.

Conclusion

The Cascadia Chinook SUP is a great option for an buoyant all-round inflatable. It tracks very well with the large removable fin, is easy to inflate with the dual phase pump and is very durable. A 3 piece paddle and backpack with a larger opening would make this a stellar kit for any kind of water.Have you paddled a Cascadia SUP?

What did you think?

Do you have a different brand? What do you think about it?

I used a demo Chinook from Cascadia Board Co. for this review. Big thanks to Cascadia for setting up the demo.

The post Cascadia Chinook SUP Review first appeared on Pack & Trail.

Stand up paddle boarding is one of the fastest growing water sports in the world. It is not only a recreational pass time but also a competitive sport. It is a zero impact sport which allows for participation for any person of any age. Paddle boarding offers greater versatility than other paddle sports in addition to providing a more intimate relationship with the water due to the simplistic nature of the sport.While the origins of paddle boarding are contested it is believed to have originated in tropical locations such as Polynesia and Hawaii, we do know that is served as the initial mode of transportation for people in water. Due to this early heritage the connection that an individual has with their external environment while paddle boarding is unlike any other water sport activity. It is an eco-friendly sport that will only burn calories. A majority of the workout focuses primarily on the core muscle groups while utilizing stabilizer muscles to maintain your balance and your upper body to propel you further.

Being based out of the coastal community of Nanaimo, I find it incredible that people rarely spend time on the water. We are presented with fantastic opportunities to enjoy the biodiversity of the ocean while being able to just as easily paddle down a river. The protected environments of the local lakes also provide a different experience as they offer a perfect opportunity for people to practice their skills before heading out onto the ocean.

The paddle boards we offer weigh roughly 23 pounds and vary between 11’0 and 12’0 which makes them easy to transport. The stability of the boards is incredibly high but still leaves the need for a skill to be acquired. I always find it interesting whenever we come across people on tours who assume that it is incredibly challenging. Typically people are up and running after only 15 minutes. The fear for most people is that they will fall off, but we have noticed that the involuntary fall rate we have encountered is close to 1 out of every 20 people.

Ultimately, this is an activity that re-establishes an individual’s connection with nature. It brings a peaceful awareness of the environment in a non-intrusive manner. There’s something to be said about a person who is floating on the ocean with little more than a board and a paddle because it’s a feeling that needs to be experienced.

** Jennifer Vroom is an outdoor adventure enthusiast. She started stand up paddleboarding in Nanaimo a few years ago and loved it so much I decided to share my passion with others. She now runs Van Isle Paddle Board Co.

The post Chat with Van Isle Paddle Boarding: What is SUPing? first appeared on Pack & Trail.

After spending Friday and Saturday outside in the Southern Straights Yacht Race and Sunday outside at a family bonfire for easter, I thought Sunday should continue the trend. The weather was supposed to be warm and sunny, the wind a few knots from the south. Perfect conditions for a kayak out of Ladysmith.

Washed up boat

I took the Narpa down to the Ladysmith Fisherman’s Wharf boat launch and popped it into the water. There was a slight breeze from the south but nothing major. I’d have to work against it on my way out but it would provide a nice tailwind coming back. Not wanting to spend too much time in boat traffic, I cut straight across the harbour into the islands on the other side and worked my way south on the east shore. The tide was low and dropping exposing the hollowed out formations in the rocks. I was lost in my camera taking photos of an old boat washed up on the shore as a few other paddlers passed behind me. I was a little annoyed at their presence wanting to keep the whole place to myself until they pointed out an eagle resting on a tree above us. I thanked them and ditched my selfish thoughts for the rest of the day.

I had heard of a great little beach near the point. I was headed there for lunch. Many beaches passed and not one of them looked like the one I had heard of. Eventually I gave up and rounded Coffin Point, ready to have a snack and head back.

Just off Coffin Point is a tiny island with a lighthouse on it and at low tide, a small sandbar perfect for lunch. I hauled the boat higher on the rocks so it wouldn’t float away when the tide started to come up and settled in for lunch.

The post Lunch by the Coffin: A kayak from Ladysmith first appeared on Pack & Trail.