So if we are running a 50% back special offer, and you buy a regular-priced item for $100.00, you will receive MJ$10.00 in base points, and a bonus of MJ$40. If you leave the rewards program, any unused MJ$ will be voided upon completion of your request. Moosejaw reserves the right to remove any user from the program and zero out their MJ$ balance if Moosejaw determines that the user is abusing the program by buying for resale, attempting to game the program or any other reason at Moosejaw's sole discretion. That being said, the quality of inflatables does vary widely based on materials, construction, and design. Its made with 1.2mm drop-stitch PVC. They make darn good ones, but there are plenty of other players at the same level with amazing bikes (Pivot, Santa Cruz, Cannondale, and Yeti Cycles, for example). "Oversized" - This means the item is large and can only be shipped using 4-6 Day ship speed. wcTopic.subscribe("ShoppingList_Changed", function(serviceResponse) { If you are looking for quality and stability, and plan on paddling frequently. We've tested the best hiking gear, packs, and footwear to outfit you for any adventure you choose. That being said we think the Paddle North The Portager would be a great choice someone who: In our opinion the Paddle North The Portager is excellent option in the following conditions or situations: The Portager is certainly a unique board. And they have lots of benefits on the water, too. too. I often paddle barefoot if Im not in sandals, so foot comfort is top of mind. For an 116 board as stable as this one, 30 pounds is a fine weight. Best Places to Paddleboard in the United States, Isle Megalodon 12/15 Inflatable SUP Review, Best Wetsuits and Drysuits for Paddleboarding, Best Stand-Up Paddleboards for Dogs 2022, Best Stand Up Paddle Board for Fishing 2022, BLACKFIN Model SX SUP Board Review 2020, BOTE Rack Aero 124 Inflatable FIshing SUP, Sea Gods Cross Touring Inflatable Paddleboard, 3 piece aluminum paddle with plastic blade. At 116 x 33, and with a pretty wide tail, the Portager is a great combination of all-around SUP and touring SUP making it a great board for beginners to intermediate paddlers who are looking for a more touring-oriented inflatable SUP. All you need is an oversized backpack and some space in your trunk. The leash and fin were easy to attach, and the board was quick to set up and pump. }); This item has been successfully added to your list. The accessories leave some room for improvement with their included pump and paddle, but the board itself is very well built and sturdy. Weve taken it out three times so far in testing (flatwater only), and it performs pretty well. The All Around Ultra Series 10 isnt just light but is also 50% smaller, packed down in a redesigned carry bag. Make sure to check us out on our social channels for other ways to win some extra MJ$! At 33 wide, its also not too hard for paddlers to get their paddle firmly planted in the water at a 90 degree angle. All three models weigh under 20 pounds. The blade was average for the All Around category and we really have no complaints there. Measuring 106, this board has drop-stitch construction, an EVA-textured-grip deckpad, and the brands proprietary flexible, molded fins. Your source for comprehensive hunting reviews and buying guides. wcTopic.subscribe("QuickInfo_attributesChanged", function(catEntryAttributes) { If you're 100% sure, please click "OptOut" below. To match their local waters, a lot of Paddle Norths boards are geared toward river touring. The Thrive ($1,095+) which comes in 910 to 11 sizes is a do-it-all SUP thats stellar for multiday tours. So sorry, but only 4 items are allowed for comparison, so we're comparing the first 4. They are a great option for all experience levels, have a variety of uses (flatwater and whitewater), and dont require special racks or extra storage. The Hudson ($729) doesnt have the best tracking or fin quality compared to the others on this list, but its still worth a mention. You dont need a special roof rack, garage, or special straps to carry a 12-foot, 40-pound piece of gear around. Paddle North sells a really awesome electric pump that I plan on purchasing this week. The SHUBU ($949) has a moderately spear-headed nose, one removable fin, and it tracks in the water super well, according to our test runs. This goes without saying, but budget is a huge consideration when buying a paddleboard. More top brands are emerging, including ISLE (founded in 2008) and Glide and Atoll (both founded in 2014). If you have any questions, please Live Chat or call us at 877-666-7352. The single fin is a longer length, similar to a surf fin, but it tracks well. On my first day out on this board, I noticed two things: the rigid, reinforced stitching and construction, and the slightly heavier weight than my go-to board at home (106, a whole foot shorter). But for occasional day paddlers on beaches and lakes, its solid. Theres room to strap a cooler, a dry bag, even a kayak seat. And the Breeze Aero is no exception. I have several other board bags that are more durable, but also bulkier. "storeId": 10208, The new bungee system works great, and is being implemented on all future SUPs. If you have any questions or comments please leave us a comment below. (Pro tip: tie utility straps to these points for comfort and ease.). We want to make extra-sure you realize that you've added a special order item to your cart. Other features we really liked on this board: its ease of carry and the paddle. Buy three pair of FITS Socks at regular price, get one pair for free. Especially compared to other SUPs, this Decathlon board is a steal with a price tag of $399-499 ($499 for the 11-foot model we tested). No sooner had we tested out the Breeze did BOTE come out with a new model: the Aero HD ($1,149), which turned out to be review-worthy as well. Youll want to be near an outlet or vehicle to get the board inflated, and then you can explore as you wish. Badfishs three-piece travel paddle has an aluminum shaft and hydro-dipped nylon blade. If you return an item, we deduct the MJ$ earned on that item from your balance. In terms of overall feel the paddle felt sturdy and well made (if just a bit too heavy). And while its not as technical as some other boards on the list, its a great value for beginners or anyone who wants a SUP for sporadic use. Paddle North offers FREE PATCHES for those individuals looking to display their achievements. Contact Michigans original Bennington dealer today! eval("shoppingListJSPDP.setCatEntryAttributes(catEntryAttributes);"); Tracking straight and increasing strokes per side (SPS) is a key performance factor for anyone paddling flat water. We love this type of passion and hope to bring in more Paddle North equipment for future reviews. ; Extreme rigidity and buoyancy - made from the highest grade, 1.2mm drop-stitch PVC in a 6" thickness. "ItemImage467" : "/wcsstore/ExtendedSitesCatalogAssetStore///s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/MoosejawMB/10550692_zm?$product1000$", That said, its a perfect board for lakes, reservoirs, and day trips. The Adventure isnt our choice board for multiday or whitewater trips that require a ton of gear, because of the location and proximity of the noses four metal D-rings (theyre set back, which places bulky gear a bit too close to the paddler). Someone must be present to inspect, sign, and accept delivery, so we will call you to schedule delivery. The SUPs mid-center cushioned handle is prime for single-person carry. Other than that, size is purely preference. The fins are removable which is nice for storage and rocky bottoms and the SUP tracks well, without the need to constantly alternate lead arms. eval("shoppingListJSPDP.deleteItemFromCart();"); Do you want to update the other items to delivery? Moosejaw Rewards Editors Note: Our board recommendations labeled All-Around are just that they can work for any type or experience of paddler, any type of paddling. At 33 pounds, this board is on the heavier end. The board is built with a simple yet durable PVC-coated drop-stitch. For a beginner board, and one of this brands first paddleboards, the Itiwit is an awesome contender. Like much of its gear, Decathlon also made this board to be a budget winner. }); There may be another board (or board model) out there you havent considered that best fits the bill. Some of our favorite pieces are: In summary we really liked how The Portager performed in our tests. Read through our favorite expert-compiled gear for thru-hiking, backpacking, ultralight backpacking and more. Hand-glued to the core is a reinforced layer of PVC fabric topped off with 1,000-denier PVC Tarpaulin. Discount will apply to the lower priced qualifying item. "ESTIMATED_SHIP_DAYS_|_0":"2" We at SUPBOARDGUIDE.com like to think of it as the maximum capacity a paddle board can hold and still be usable in the hands of the average intermediate paddler. We didnt test the full weight limit, but it was fairly stable with two adults standing on deck. If the board you love is out of your price range, wait for a sale. Two 140-pound adults can comfortably fit on an 11 board (the fit and weight limit will vary by brand). This board ranks high on our list due to its size, construction, and performance in all types of waters. https://www.moosejaw.com/product/paddle-north-portager_10550692, [ And four cushioned handles provide ease of transport to and from the rig. This board is also the one for water yogis and shoe-free paddlers. This board propelled smoothly through flat water, even with gear strapped to the bow. By itself, the pump gets the job done. My recommendation would be to look for an inflatable board at least 106-11 in length, with a weight capacity of at least 230 pounds. Heyo! The weight capacity is also affected by the size and shape of the board as well. Id be interested to hear your update/review. The Portager did well for itself in the bend test, coming in on par with other light-weight, dual fusion PVC SUPs. Check Price at AmazonCheck Price at Backcountry. However, some SUP brands have been around long enough that wed consider them at the top of the market. They can even keep the other things the same, but carbon fiber blends have become the new normal in this price point. Users can opt-in to the program while checking out on Moosejaw.com or at one of our stores or at any time within 30 days of purchase to accrue the MJ$ earned on that purchase. The results from our hours of testing with the Portager follows below. If we could make one recommendation, it would be to extend this pad both forwards and to the rear as far as the bungee placement allows. Overall, weve found it to be one of the best boards stability-wise at a lightweight. However, theyre a bit cumbersome while rolling the deflated SUP into the pack. Namely, adding a larger deck pad and d-rings, and upgrading the kit paddle. The single removable rear fin did its job well, and we also liked the inclusion of a smaller fin for rivers and shallows. You should treat any inflatable board with care. This is more an annoyance, not an actual negative component of the product, but this board doesnt come with a paddle. Of the paddleboards weve tested and reviewed, wed mark the 116 BOTE HD Aero as the most stable on our list. In my opinion, any paddleboard marketed to beginners should come with one or be packaged together. Perhaps in calm waters this wouldnt be an issue but we say stick to their recommendation of sub 350 lbs on the board. It also seemed much more buoyant and sat a little higher on the water. I believe Paddle North just extended their warranty as well. We also think the tailored shape of the nose and its 116 length helps with that as well. And while the board was made to be lighter, it doesnt sacrifice durability: its still made with drop-stitch construction. It fits easily in the trunk of my car, and is very easy to put back in the bag with ample room for the paddle. This is a good choice if youre looking for something with the portability of an inflatable with the style of an epoxy surfboard. Time to deflate: ~2-3 minutes to get it from fully inflated to back in the bag. Its a standard to narrower board width, giving it great glide in calm waters. Wait, plan, invest. The GearJunkie gear guide to mountain, road, and gravel bikes, bike accessories, apparel, and more. }); There are a few common practices you should know once you invest in an inflatable SUP. Dont know where to start? For an 11-foot board, we liked this boards carry feel in hand and its light weight (confirmed weight of 23 pounds). The stability and feel of the board are a little different. This wasnt always the case, but many boards are now sold with a paddle, fin, and travel bag included in the package. This may seem like a simple idea but as iSUPs get more and more advanced their inflation pressures go up as well. You dont want to be hiking around with a dual chamber pump. Check out some of the bestselling gear at Backcountry this week and save on gear for your next adventure. When it's time to relocate, it deflates fast and packs into the bag within just two to three minutes. I almost always recommend an inflatable for your first board. If you are looking for a basic, budget-friendly, or kid-friendly board, give the Hudson a look. Paddle North specifically decided to not put a full width, longer deck pad on the Portager. Its overall shape lends itself to being relatively fast through the water at both low and high efforts. It also returned to its original shape well after the initial test. Because its shorter in length, stability may be a learning curve for some paddlers, though. By opting out, you forfeit all the Moosejaw Rewards Dollars your currently have in your account, which is basically throwing away free money. Inflatable boards, by nature, deflate and pack down small. As a Minnesotan the home-state company intrigued me but they didn't really seem to be specialists in inflatables so I didn't give it a try and went for a Blackfin inflatable, but, this one was very high up on my list. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Contrary to newbie beliefs, inflatable boards are very durable, can pack down small, are convenient and easy to use and store, and are usually more budget-friendly. }, Our tester raved, Since our family first launched our Paddle North paddleboard 2 years ago, we have come to love our time at the lake cabin even more. (Our tester rides an 116 length model.). Even at this weight, an additional 50lbs of gear is manageable if spread out evenly. And the two angled, cushioned handles toward the boards nose are ergonomic for maneuvering the SUP like pulling it onto a beach and serve as extra strap-down points while paddling. And the HD Aeros also clocks in at a great price point for its size. Overall, I am super happy with the purchase - The build quality seems great, and the convenience of being able to transport it very easily negates the very negligible difference in feel (vs the fiberglass). The wood finish print looks great even up close (not true for some manufacturers) and it has an undeniable quality to it. Its just a lot easier for the consumer. Then, we ranked each board on quality, durability, price, and the volume of positive reviews across several retail platforms. The size and tri-fin tracking mean this board is speedy in calm water but can handle a slight chop with ease. A longer, fuller deckpad and front handle would be nice. We took the classic teak Aero board out for several spring paddle excursions in central and western Colorado. We try to systematically break down this stability into the three categories of board stiffness, weight capacity, and construction quality. We even dragged the board across boulders, driftwood, and sand: the fins didnt break. Richland, MI 49083 Good news, though, you can grab a paddle sold separately for 40-50 bucks. Generally, I recommend a larger board to everyone. That being said, this board isnt made for speed. In testing, the board handled brief alpine winds, small waves, and some unintentional rocky bumps in low water. Buying the board and paddle together saves time, research, and often money. The large, centered padded carry handle is super cushy for single-person carry. Theres no need to buy any SUP gear separately. While these paddleboards didnt win our best overall title, they are still great boards that rank high in terms of features, durability, and price. The kit it comes with follows their philosophy with a less is more kind of feel. Simple design that is visually very appealing, Paddle community support by the manufacturer, We really want to see the paddle and the pump upgraded (see details below). As always, happy paddling and we look forward to seeing you on the water! :In short, everything but a life jacket. "catalogId": "10000001", In our opinion, The Portager is a solid all around board that performs very well on the water. Need help deciding? Plenty of space for some camping gear! As noted in the intro, the inflatable SUP market has skyrocketed over the past 4 to 6 years. For durability and rigidity, the Adventure features a high-density thread core create with diagonal drop-stitch. The STAR Phase models ($845 and up) are really durable, inflatable (they pack down to save space), and overall track great in flat and moving water. Complete bikes will ship 4-6 Day for $4.95. Their light weight and easy storage make them perfect for traveling, and their rigidity also makes them great for permanent residents at the lake. We want to be a reliable source for consumers to use when making their SUP purchase decisions. We have seen countless individuals struggle to get the board up to its recommended PSI. Whats included? You can read more about this below, but there are a few areas we think Paddle North could improve on with the board. I'd be interested to see your review when you get a chance to give it a go. This board is versatile and works on flatwater or waves, with one paddler or two! It has heavy duty handles on the top and sides, good for moving the bag around. This board has two carry handles, one in the center and one at the nose. Like kayaks, there are even tandem-specific models out there (ranging from 12 to 15 feet in length). Its just a really unique idea for a paddleboard company to include with their products. I just bought one of these. BOTEs Breeze Aero Paddleboard ($699) has garnered more than 237 4- and 5-star reviews online. (Note: this board has a 10.8 width with 6-inch sidewalls.). Also a contender for our runner-up spot is BOTEs new HD Aero Paddleboard ($1,149). Most paddleboards on the market (and all on this list) come with the following components: a leash, some form of deck pad, D-rings or bungees for storing cargo, at least one fin, a center grab handle and, of course, a pump. So, if you only weigh 140 pounds (and want to be extra speedy), you have the option of choosing a shorter length and therefore less volume board. With a 5-inch rise above the water and oblong, non-aluminum D-rings in the front, we wouldnt take this board on a multiday whitewater trip. We generally find that longer boards perform better for most situations, and for an all around/touring SUP, we think they did a great job with the shape. And the full SUP package now features a Grafik carbon paddle. Thicker PVC?) Its durable. These items take a little longer to get to you because we have to order from the manufacturer first. The extremely rigid feel provides stability as you explore the newest waters and has a capacity of 350 pounds. Our experts put the best mountain bike helmets of 2021 to the test. Inflatables can fit in a closet or a car trunk, and you can take them on airplanes. ]. Pro tip: If you find a board model a couple of years old thats available for purchase, look into the specs and see how it compares with more updated models. Theres a good chance youre familiar with standup paddleboarding, but if you arent, heres what you need to know. Plus, the personalized pump includes multiple adapters for other SUP valves. The STAR Phase boards also come in three lengths: 102, 106, and 108. The traction pad is the very nice and grippy diamond tread pattern, and the two handles are comfortable and solid feeling (also wish they added one up front). Of course, other factors contribute to stability. The Portager is relatively light, so basic maneuvers with your feet planted are not too difficult. The Hobie is a great daily grinder with a no-fuss set-up, shape longevity, and flatwater stability. Why? Paddle North inflatable paddle boards exceed the status quo for portability and versatility. From next-gen tech to ingenious innovation, our weekly peek at emerging products examines the sometimes cutting-edge, sometimes quirky world of gear design. We do not put thought to screen without thoroughly evaluating a board, and even then we will often come back and update our reviews as we become even more familiar with the boards. Access all of the Moosejaw Reward Dollars you earn on every purchase. Three-quarters of the board is topped off with this cushion, which makes standing, sitting, kneeling, or practicing Warrior II Pose that much more comfortable. Now for its performance in the water. And, its slightly wider across to make room for gear on deck. If you weigh at or over 180-200 pounds or if you want to paddle with a dog, child, or partner consider a longer length and larger board. Recent updates on theMSL 106 include the brands flat bungee system on the bow, as well as an updated sidewall and material construction. The deck pad is covered in a layer dubbed Honey Fomb, which looks like honeycomb and feels like a therapeutic, thick yoga mat. The Portager is a fairly simple board with a clean wood grain aesthetic. The Conservation Alliance. Comes with a built-in pressure regulator (we love how this SUP includes that feature for long-term durability)! iROCKERs new Ultra Series takes the definition of lightweight and ups the ante this board was redesigned to be under 18 pounds. If you are looking to invest more in the sport down the road, consider browsing everything the brand has to offer. Even better, almost all inflatables (all the ones weve listed) come in a package: SUP, paddle, backpack, fin, pump. To us this is a good sign of solid construction and quality materials. Our team of experts is bringing you best camping gear reviews and buying guides. The Portager ($699) is very similar to the Loon (a hardboard, see below). Are you completely new to SUPing? It was right in line with the 11 Atoll, which we think is a good comparison board given they are both light-weight boards that lean more toward the touring side of things as all arounds. Its four tie-down points secured with a bungee is enough space to strap down a dry bag, shoes, and a water bottle for a day trip. I am in pretty good shape, but once I get it up to about 9psi (it requires ~15), I start to get a little fatigued. Click OK to extend your time for an additional 0 minutes. It weighs 17.5 pounds and has a capacity of 350 pounds. But its perfect for everyday paddling: afternoons at the lake and overnighters at recreation areas. For most people, thats a board that has a higher weight capacity to provide more stability and to accommodate riders of different weights (say, if youre sharing a board with your partner). Colorado-based Hala Gear is known for making high-quality, innovative SUPs. Updates for 2021: A patented retractable fin system keeps the fins safe and in check in faster-moving, obstacle-ridden waters. }, Right Now You Can Get an Extra 15% Off Select Clearance Styles with Code EXTRASAUCE, Some items available for immediate pickup. But, one of the boards I keep going back to is from NRS. The easy transport of The Portager allows you to go anywhere you want, and be ready to get out on the water in just minutes after arriving. Get FREE 4-6 Day Ground Shipping on all orders over $49.00. 9:00AM-6:00PM, Note: Call for Holiday Hours (closed Christmas eve through January 2nd 2022), 10538 E. Michigan 89 If you are looking for lightweight and stable, this board is it. They also self-seal, so there's no race to close it (losing valuable air pressure.). in other products and your order ships FREE! Paddle north calls them challenges on their website and they operate on the honor system (for now). The removable fin system is fairly standard, as is the shape, length, and width. The twin-fin configuration is easy to set up and works fine. In testing, this board performed really well. (Take the ever-popular NRS Earl Series as an example.). And while the bungee tiedown area is on the smaller side, there are plenty of other rigging points on the board. "Get it by" - For in-stock and ready to ship items, choose the your shipping speed at checkout to get your items by the "get it by" date. Here's everything you need to start packrafting right now. Paddle North is an interesting company focusing on a variety of on water activities. If you are looking for a longer board that puts stability and portability at a premium, and that costs under $1,200, this is a great option. If youre looking for a super-budget board, that comes with everything you need to get started, and if you plan to only casually SUP a few times a year. }, {id: '', name: '', image: '', type: '', components: {}, skus: []}, [], "shoppingListJSPDP", "0", "0"); The reason behind this is to improve durability of the deck pad, as they believe that larger deck pads tend to have durability issues with frequent rolling/unrolling of the board. We really like the inclusion of various fin sizes for different conditions. It has the same length (116) and fin setup, making it perfect for river touring, but with slight differences in shape and weight. eval("shoppingListJSPDP.updateShoppingListAndAddItem(serviceResponse);"); What they do have is useful and in line with their brands overall idea of being in nature without all the distractions. I plan on taking it out this weekend, so well see how it goes! It also has wheels which make it even easier to transport longer distances, and like we said the handle is nice and thick which is good for longer rolling journeys. The Portager is the highest performing inflatable paddle board on the market! We really think Paddle North did a great job in terms of the construction of The Portager. Be the first to see the latest styles, events and madness. It offered good maneuverability and a very comfortable deck pad one of the best Ive felt on an inflatable SUP. Paddle North offers a branded one but we are also big fans of iRockers current electric pump. In stores, provide the email address attached to your account to learn your balance and apply to your purchase. You then end up with popped seams and ultimately an unrepairable board. However, I do wish it had more D-rings and storage capacity on the board, maybe in the tail. Durability: This board is kid proof, dog proof, rapid proof and is very stiff. eval("shoppingListJSPDP.setItemId(catEntryId, productId);"); Pro tip: Lots of paddle brands offer interchangeable fins, as well as seat, strap, mount, and gear accessories for their boards. Theres no way to possibly rank all of the paddleboards on the market one after another especially when board models change so frequently over the years. All items we sell are eligible with the exception of gift cards or other items specifically noted. Minneapolis, MN. The bungee cords and their tie downs felt sturdy and well made as well. As always: buy the electric pump. One of our testers was able to strap his camera in a Pelican case to the 45-degree angled handles, which most SUPs dont have a nice feature for the gear you want easily accessible, close to your feet. Your email address will not be published. We've spent the last 15 years testing the best packrafts out there. Sharing in-depth conversations between the world's adventurers, athletes, and outdoorspeople, The GearJunkie Podcast is your inside look into the outdoors industry. Even after just a few paddles, it was hard not to love this board. Do you want to try it out before committing to a more expensive board? In talking with the company, it was clear that they set out to create paddle boards that reflect the mountain/woods/cabin culture that the founder (Peter Mogck) loves so much. This nose cuts the water and increases the boards speed and tracking performance. I feel like this is much more common with SUPs than other pieces of gear, but almost every brand will phase out or rename models after just a year. Its fast through the water and fairly maneuverable in low speed (low movement) kinds of turns. Another perk we appreciate the universal valve. Plainly put, this board performs great in a variety of conditions.