Is the Backwoods Expedition 85 good for beginners?

Yes. The wide 35.5 in beam gives strong initial stability, and the solo layout is simple to handle. Its short length makes it maneuverable, though it tracks less straight than longer kayaks.

Can it handle open water or the ocean?

It is best on lakes, slow rivers and sheltered bays. At 8 ft 4 in with a wide beam, it is not built for rough open water, surf or whitewater.

How many people does it carry?

It is a one-person kayak. There is room for the paddler and a small amount of gear, not a second paddler.

Does it come with a paddle and pump?

Check the specific package before buying. Aquaglide sells some models as boat-only and others bundled with a pump and carry bag, so confirm what is included.

How does it compare with a hard-shell sit-on-top?

It stores and travels far more easily and is more forgiving to bump and drag. A rigid sit-on-top will be faster and track straighter on long open-water paddles.

How do I store and dry it?

Deflate fully, rinse with fresh water after salt or sand exposure, and dry it completely before folding. Store it loosely packed away from direct sun to protect the material.

Where is the Aquaglide Backwoods Expedition 85 Kayak cheapest?

At Walmart, for $249.99, as of our latest check.

What do buyers say about the Aquaglide Backwoods Expedition 85 Kayak?

Rated 5 out of 5 from 3 ratings.

Aquaglide Backwoods Expedition 85 Kayak

Best price now

$249.99at WalmartChecked Nov 9

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Walmart

Aquaglide Backwoods Expedition 85 Kayak

Best price now

$249.99at WalmartChecked Nov 9

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Walmart

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Price facts

Last seen at $249.99 at Walmart on Nov 9.

Our take on the Aquaglide Backwoods Expedition 85 Kayak

The Backwoods Expedition 85 is a solo inflatable kayak measuring 8 ft 4 in long and 35.5 in wide. It is built for one paddler and packs down for transport, so it suits flatwater trips, sheltered bays and travel where a hard-shell kayak won't fit. Against rigid sit-on-tops it trades hull speed and tracking for portability, and against cheaper inflatables it carries Aquaglide's touring-oriented design. Owners of Aquaglide inflatables generally praise the drop-stitch floor stiffness and easy setup, while noting that wide inflatables feel slower and more affected by wind.

Best forSolo paddlers on lakes and calm baysTravelers and campers with limited cargo spaceApartment dwellers without room for a hard kayakBeginners who want a stable, forgiving platform

Pros

Inflates and packs down for car or closet storage
Wide 35.5 in beam gives good initial stability
Solo layout keeps the boat light enough to carry inflated short distances
Suits flatwater and sheltered coastal paddling
Aquaglide's inflatable construction is well regarded for durability

Cons

Short 8 ft 4 in waterline tracks loosely and is slow versus touring kayaks
Wide beam and high sides catch wind
Inflatable hulls demand careful drying and storage
Not suited to rough open water or whitewater
Paddler and gear capacity is limited compared with tandem or larger solo models

Aquaglide Backwoods Expedition 85 Kayak prices at every store

WalmartNew
In stockSold by My Quick BuyReturns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.
$249.99Free shippingChecked Nov 9
Visit Walmart

What reviewers say

Feedback on Aquaglide's inflatable kayaks centers on stiff drop-stitch floors, straightforward inflation and stable handling on calm water. Owners commonly note that short, wide inflatables track less precisely and feel slower than hard-shell kayaks.

What people mention

StabilityPraisedRiders describe the wide hull as stable and confidence-inspiring on calm water.
TrackingCriticisedOwners say short inflatables wander off course and need corrective strokes.
SetupPraisedInflation and deflation are reported as quick and simple.
PortabilityPraisedIt packs down small enough for a car trunk or closet.
SpeedMixedPaddlers find it adequate for relaxed trips but slower than rigid kayaks.
WindCriticisedThe wide, high-sided hull catches wind and drifts on open water.

About the Aquaglide Backwoods Expedition 85 Kayak

The Aquaglide Backwoods Expedition 85 is an inflatable kayak for one person.

Dimensions: 8 ft 4 in long x 35.5 in wide
Capacity: 1 person
Type: Inflatable kayak
Color: Multicolor

Specifications

color: MulticolorSource
size: 8' 4"L X 35.5"WSource

Questions and answers

Is the Backwoods Expedition 85 good for beginners?: Yes. The wide 35.5 in beam gives strong initial stability, and the solo layout is simple to handle. Its short length makes it maneuverable, though it tracks less straight than longer kayaks.
Can it handle open water or the ocean?: It is best on lakes, slow rivers and sheltered bays. At 8 ft 4 in with a wide beam, it is not built for rough open water, surf or whitewater.
How many people does it carry?: It is a one-person kayak. There is room for the paddler and a small amount of gear, not a second paddler.
Does it come with a paddle and pump?: Check the specific package before buying. Aquaglide sells some models as boat-only and others bundled with a pump and carry bag, so confirm what is included.
How does it compare with a hard-shell sit-on-top?: It stores and travels far more easily and is more forgiving to bump and drag. A rigid sit-on-top will be faster and track straighter on long open-water paddles.
How do I store and dry it?: Deflate fully, rinse with fresh water after salt or sand exposure, and dry it completely before folding. Store it loosely packed away from direct sun to protect the material.
Where is the Aquaglide Backwoods Expedition 85 Kayak cheapest?: At Walmart, for $249.99, as of our latest check.
What do buyers say about the Aquaglide Backwoods Expedition 85 Kayak?: Rated 5 out of 5 from 3 ratings.

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