Our latest AirKayaks video on the AdvancedFrame Ultralite inflatable kayak from Advanced Elements – weighing less than 20lbs.
At 10 feet 5 inches in length, the new AE3022 AdvancdFrame Ultralite has the same footprint and larger cockpit-opening as the longstanding AE1017 Sport – but at a significant weight savings.
The Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Ultralite’s hull is constructed from a lighter-weight ripstop material upper with a polyurethane tarpaulin underside. Left and right bladders are also made of a lightweight – yet rugged – polyurethane rather than PVC. Both bladder covers on the AdvancedFrame Ultralite feature open ends without a zipper, allowing the bladders to be pulled out for cleaning or replacement.
Instead of the traditional low-pressure PVC floor, the AF Ultralite sports a foam floor similar to that found in the Lagoon series. To compensate, the high-backed seat features a 1.5 inch EVA closed cell foam seat base.
The switch to open bladder cover, foam floor, polyurethane bladders and polyurethane tarpaulin hull provide most of the weight savings, making the AdvancedFrame Ultralite roughly 10 lbs lighter than the Sport, and nearly half the weight of the AdvancedFrame.
Other features include a thin aluminum bar riser and cross bar which together provide a pitched deck, allowing water to run off. A second set of bungee deck lacing is found on the rear deck upper.
The Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Ultralite will appeal to adventurous souls looking for a performance-oriented kayak with a more back-packable design as well as paddlers with physical disabilities requiring lighter-weight options and easier entry.
Also read our detailed writeup – Product Review: New AdvancedFrame Ultralite 17.5lb Inflatable Kayak from Advanced Elements
– which covers setup, features, specifications and performance.
To purchase or for more info, visit our Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Ultralite Inflatable Kayak product page at AirKayaks.com.