Advanced Elements Lagoon 1 (AE1031-O) Kayak Reviewed

With so many kayaks on the market, it can be hard at times to find new ways to praise or critique them. As you shop for kayaks online, one after the other, they can all start to blend together. Kayak companies know this, and good ones work extra hard to imbue their latest offerings with something that can make them stand out from the pack.

So what can be said about the Advanced Elements Lagoon 1 to help separate it from the other inflatable options on the market? Let’s take a look.

Features of Advanced Elements Lagoon 1 AE1031-O

Among the most important features offered by the Advanced Elements Lagoon 1 are:

A few things become clear from that product features list, not the least of which being that this kayak is definitely on the smaller and lighter side. On the one hand, that’s one reason why you won’t be taking this kayak out on the roughest rivers out there, but on the other hand, it’s also a reason why this kayak ranks as one of the better options for travel. Twenty-three pounds is incredibly light, and can easily be carried by just one person – and that’s without figuring in the grip handles, which make it even easier.

With that lightweight nature comes a risk for durability issues, but then that’s what the repair kit is for. Still, you shouldn’t worry too much about suffering tears and punctures because of the durable PVC material with tarpaulin to boot. The small size makes this a snug one-person kayak, but that’s a foregone conclusion given the cockpit and 250 lb weight capacity, and with the padded seat rests, it’s at least a comfortable ride.

Removable skegs are becoming a more common fixture with inflatable kayaks, and it’s a welcome feature here that helps this kayak track better than it would otherwise.

What Do Users Say?

One of the most important things to consider when purchasing a kayak is how it will perform out on the water, which in turn means sparing a thought as to what kind of waters you’ll be tackling (or paddling through) in the first place. Just as you wouldn’t take a tiny sailboat out into a maelstrom, you wouldn’t want to take a lightweight kayak into rougher waters.

Stability

Such is the case with the Advanced Elements Lagoon 1. While it is a stable kayak and can handle well enough, users have noted that it is best suited to calm waters. Like many inflatable kayaks, it does best when it is on flat water in calmer conditions. When faced with rougher winds and waters, inflatable kayaks can often be “pushed around” by these adverse weather conditions. While inflatable options are better at fighting back against the elements than they used to be, you still don’t want to take this kayak rapid-ing or down a fast-surging river.

Portability and Inflation

The price point for this model is excellent and, paired with its portability, one of the prime reasons for purchasing it as a travel kayak. In fact, it’s lightweight and foldable enough to pack up in a suitcase for plane travel. If you have ever booked a kayaking trip that’s a decent distance from your home, you’ve probably wondered about how to get your kayak there. Packing a kayak in or on top of your car can be enough of a hassle, but if you’re flying, this can be especially difficult – and costly, given the high rates for such large and specialized cargo. As a result, the impeccable portability of this unit is a lifesaver, and probably a money-saver for trips as well.

If you are looking for a kayak that’s easy to inflate, deflate, take with you on the road, and won’t cost much, this may be the option for you.

Durability and Paddling

At the same time, the kayak is fun and easy to paddle, the paddling quality isn’t on par with more advanced models. In fairness, that’s not what this kayak seems to be going for, since it appears to pitch itself more in terms of accessibility and travel-friendliness, and if purchased for those reasons, you shouldn’t be disappointed, and users thus far haven’t been.

The PVC laminate is more than durable enough, doubling down on that point mentioned above and reinforcing the idea that while this is definitely a lightweight kayak, it isn’t a flimsy one. In fact, there’s actually another inner cover that adds some stiffness to the hull and provides an extra layer of protection.

Comfort

Most owners have also responded positively to the comfortable seat back. If you’re going to spend hours on the water, you want to be comfortable, and that’s been the case for most users so far.

One thing you’ll want to be careful about is underinflation. Users have noted that this can happen if you aren’t careful when using at least a 12V electric pump.

Finally, the bungee lacing provides ample space for gear storage.

Here you can check a video overview by Dale Mr. D Simmons:

Pros and Cons

In Conclusion

Our rating: 4.5 / 5

For such a small kayak, there’s a lot to love about the Advanced Elements Lagoon 1 AE1031-O. It is incredibly easy to inflate, deflate, carry, and pack up, making it one of the most portable inflatable kayaks out there and a good pick for an inexpensive travel kayak given the price as well. It is reasonably durable and, as long as you avoid rough waters, can perform reasonably well for a kayak of this kind.

All of those factors help distinguish this kayak as one to consider for vacationing in particular.