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Wilderness Systems Pamlico 100

rated 4.0 of 5 stars
photo: Wilderness Systems Pamlico 100 recreational kayak

This is the ideal kayak for anyone who is just getting into kayaking, lives on a relatively calm lake, or enjoys going for a calm relaxed paddle. It has a good amount of storage, leg room, and is extremely stable.

Pros

  • Stable
  • Storage
  • Comfortable

Cons

  • A little bit on the heavy side
  • Wide
  • Some drag in the water

I purchased two of these kayaks almost five years ago, and they have been great to me. I live on a lake and take out one of the Pamlicos many times a week. They are a very stable kayak and I have never had any trouble with it tipping over.

I love the storage behind the seat and found it both out of the way, but still accessible while out in the middle of the lake. I found myself using it most often to store fishing gear (rods, tackle, pliers, etc).

Also this kayak is very durable which makes it ideal for a beginner or someone with kids. I have banged it off rocks, dragged it up and down to the lake, and even stored it outside for all seven winters. I have yet to have any problems with it. The only evidence is some scratches on the bottom (which is expected considering what I put it through).

I also took it out on Lake Superior during a calm day and ended up riding some of the waves from some of the shipping boats. The kayak handled beautifully, although it does have a lot of drag due to the wider base, so I was unable to ride the waves as far as I'd like to.

Another drawback is the weight. I have taken this kayak on a number of shorter portages and found that it was a little heavy and awkward to carry. It does have padded sides that do help with carrying, however, I found my shoulder being very sore at the end of the trek. I wouldn't recommend carrying this kayak anymore than 1/4-1/2 mile.

In summary, this is the perfect kayak for a beginner, someone with a cabin or a lake home with kids, or if you have easy access to a number of calm lakes or rivers.

Bottom of Kkayak (great condition considering its age and what I've put it through)
IMG_0620.jpg


Side padding for carrying (helps but kayak is still heavy and a bit awkward to carry)

IMG_0627.jpg


Cockpit of kayak (spacious and comfortable)

IMG_0628.jpg

Back storage (very useful)

IMG_0629.jpg

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: 600 USD

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Specs

Price MSRP: $539.00
Historic Range: $431.13-$539.00
Reviewers Paid: $600.00
Product Details from Wilderness Systems »

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