Itiwit DS 1–2P Cruising
Summary
Price At Time Of Writing | £319.99
Our Overall Rating | 76 out of 100
Pros - Stable and built well
Cons - Small, uncomfortable seats, poor tracking
Overall - A good kayak for occasional use
Technical Specifications
Open Size - 340x103cm
Weight - 14kg
Load Capacity - 150kg
Packed Size - 67x44x27cm
Our Analysis & Ratings
The Itiwit DS 1–2 Cruising Kayak is a durable kayak for occasional use for recreation on calm water. It’s a cheap option for those wanting to have some fun or learn how to kayak with their family and friends, and it’s easy to inflate and pack. It’s not for long journeys, though, as it’s quite short and can be cramped with two adults. It’s also not the easiest to paddle.
Performance - While stable to enter and when still, the kayak can be wobbly when moving, especially in choppy water. The three skegs help keep you in a straight line, but it's hard to build up speed and there's barely any glide when not paddling, so as soon as you stop, so does the kayak.
Construction - The Itiwit 1 to 2-person kayak is covered in a durable fabric that fits well over the tubes, but is slow to dry and is often used as a backup when the kayak tubes themselves are comprised of less durable PVC. A step-up from its predecessor though, it does come with a drop-stitch floor, which is a major improvement. Its width in itself isn’t a huge issue, but the bulky side tubes are difficult to reach over when paddling.
Setup/Pack down - The Itiwit DS is easy to inflate with the three valves located close together at the stern. It's also easy to get back into the backpack as it zips all the way around, so you’re not trying to pack it in a small opening. Keep in mind that the fabric outer means it can take a couple of days to dry before you can pack it away.
Portability - The kayak comes in an easy-to-carry backpack and is light, although, since it doesn't come with a paddle or pump, these need to be strapped to the outside of the backpack as it's not big enough to fit them. The shoulder straps on the backpack are thin, so carrying it long distances can quickly become uncomfortable. There are built-in handles on the sides of the kayak, making it easy to carry once inflated.
Comfort - Unfortunately, the Itiwit comes with thick, cushioned seats which aren't comfortable and make paddling uncomfortable. The backrest is also low, providing little support. There are no footrests, meaning there's more muscle work when paddling. It’s also very short for two people.
Overall - The Itiwit DS 1–2P Cruising kayak is not the most well thought-out tandem, but its advantages are its light weight and lower price.
