Why the TRAK 2.0 is the ultimate travel kayak

November 07, 2019

TRAK Pilot Nadja shares about her experience with traveling with the TRAK 2.0 kayak.

Setting the scene

I made a resolution at the start of 2019 - to travel as much as possible throughout the new year. Some of it was necessary (work-related engagements), the rest was simply based on the pure joy of exploring and spending time with friends around the world. After spending 8 weeks in Australia during the earlier part of the year, and having to lug around my NRS SUP and paddling gear, part of me looked forward to going on the next trip with just a backpack and nothing else. However, the new TRAK 2.0 entered my life soon after and changed everything.

Why the TRAK 2.0?

I first came across TRAK kayaks a couple years ago while looking for a folding kayak that satisfies my criteria for touring and sturdiness, as well as lightness and portability. Living in a tiny Berlin apartment, there is simply no way for me to store a kayak anywhere. My generally adventure-seeking self also wanted to kayak in other places around the world without constantly having to think about the logistics of getting my hands on one whenever I needed it on my travels. (Seriously, what good is a 6m kayak to you when you’re in Florida, and your kayak is waiting for action back home in Berlin?)

I had also just recently gotten back from working as a kayak guide in Australia doing day tours, multi-day tours and expeditions, and spent plenty of time in all kinds of different kayaks. Besides the actual kayaking and paddle experience I’d gained on that job, I’ve also learnt an alternative name for the trade: kayak carrier. I couldn’t wait to have my own gear and make that part more suitable for my needs as a 5’5’’ petite lady.

Enter the TRAK 2.0 – a recently launched kickstarter campaign for a revolutionary spin on the portable kayak. While the concept is new, the company isn’t. They’ve been making portable performance kayaks since 2006, and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on one! I loved the versatility, the choice of materials, and the packability and storability it promised. Another absolute selling point for me was the community of everyone involved. The creators were not just trying to build a great kayak, but also truly trying to engage and build a platform for kayakers to advance their skills. I was hooked.

In April 2019, it finally happened. The TRAK 2.0 made its way to my doorstep and into my hands, and with it came a world of adventure. After unboxing it, setting it up, and taking it for the initial test run, it became clear early on that I would miss out not bringing it along on my already planned trips for the rest of the year and finally doing what I always wanted to do in the first place – travel with a kayak.

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