Singlehandedly, kayaking changed me in my late teens when I was headed towards a path of destruction: it’s an amazing experience to paddle through tranquil waters, surrounded by stunning landscapes. However, to experience this, you need to be in the right kayak for you!
Foldable kayaks and canoes are near and dear to my heart because I’ve lived in an apartment most of my life and now a small home, so space has always been an issue.
I’ve owned all the Oru models for years now and have spent untrackable amount of time in each one of them and I bought my first MyCanoe a few months ago. Hey, testing kayaks and canoes is my favourite job and that’s why you’re here: to see which one is better.
MyCanoe vs Oru Kayak: Main Differences
These two brands are known for their high-quality, durable, and portable kayaks. But which one is the best bang for the buck? In today’s blog post, I’ll explore the differences between MyCanoe and Oru Kayak to help you make a well-informed decision before your next kayaking adventure.
Please keep in mind I’ve used the MyCanoe for around 25 hours over the last few months and the Oru for a countless number of hours over the last decade. Here we go:
#1. Portability
When it comes to portability, Oru Kayaks are pretty hard to beat. They’ve taken years to design these for portability and I’ve gotta say, these just might be the lightest kayaks I’ve ever carried.
These kayaks are designed to be folded up and carried around as easily as a backpack. They are perfect for people who want to take their kayak with them on hiking trips or those living in apartments with limited storage space, like I mentioned earlier.
In my experience, when carrying the MyCanoe, it feels a little heavier, bulkier, and awkward. It is still a portable option but it weighs about 10 pounds more than Oru Kayak.
I’m all about convenience so the Oru Kayak nails it for me in this department.
#2. Carrying Weight
When considering the weight of these kayaks, Oru Kayaks are incredibly lightweight and easy to carry. Most models weigh around 25 to 34 pounds, making them an excellent choice for solo paddlers and those who may need to carry their kayak a fair distance to the water.
MyCanoe, on the other hand, weighs around 52 pounds.
There is an obvious weight difference and to be fair, it’s because the MyCanoe is designed to be a canoe so a bit of heaviness is expected.
With that said, I’m a man of convenience and I also have a shoulder injury so the Oru comes in super handy on those days where I can’t carry heavy things.
#3. Weight Capacity
As for the weight capacity, MyCanoe excels. It can comfortably hold up to 440 pounds, making it suitable for two adults and some gear. This makes MyCanoe a better option for long kayaking trips where you need to carry a lot of equipment.
Oru Kayaks can hold between 250 to 400 pounds. This makes it ideal for solo trips or light paddling with a partner and minimal gear.
This is predictable as the MyCanoe is a canoe, weighs heavier, and can hold a lot more.
#4. Material
Oru Kayaks are made of durable corrugated polypropylene material that is lightweight yet strong. These kayaks are built to withstand extreme conditions but are also delicate and need some maintenance after each use.
Whereas the MyCanoe is made of high-quality puncture-resistant PVC material that doesn’t need as much maintenance as Oru Kayak. MyCanoe can be used in any condition without worrying much about damages.
My experience is that both are really well made. In fact, the first Oru I ever bought is still in pretty decent condition!
#5. Assembly Time
If you’re planning to go kayaking frequently, the time factor might be an important consideration.
While Oru Kayak takes about 10-15 minutes to assemble or disassemble, MyCanoe can be assembled in only 10 minutes or less, making it perfect for those who want to maximize their time on the water.
I would say that the MyCanoe is more straightforward to assemble than the Oru Kayak but it only took me assembling and deassembling the Oru 2-3 times before I got the hang of it and now, it’s pretty easy peasy!
#6. Design and Comfort
Oru Kayaks are known for their unique and innovative designs. Their hulls are reinforced, making them rigid and safe to paddle. However, due to their design, they might not be the most comfortable option for extended periods of time.
MyCanoe is designed to be spacious and comfortable, so you can enjoy your kayaking experience for longer and with more room to move around.
#7. Price
When it comes to price, MyCanoe is on the more affordable side. For instance, MyCanoe Plus 16′ ft frame series costs around $1,500 while the Oru Coast XT Kayak is priced around $2,800. However, the Oru Lake is priced around $1,500 and offers a lighter and more portable design than MyCanoe.
Oru Kayak has a higher price mainly due to its innovative design, which makes it a great option for those who are willing to pay extra for premium quality and advanced design. Every time I’ve purchased an Oru, I knew I was getting quality and performance.
Is the Oru Kayak More or Less Stable than the MyCanoe?
When it comes to stability, both MyCanoe and Oru Kayak perform well, but they cater to slightly different needs. Oru Kayaks are designed for a smooth, swift ride, making them more agile but also slightly less stable than MyCanoe. You will need to consider which Oru Kayak model fits your needs depending on what type of water you’ll be paddling in.
On the other hand, MyCanoe boasts remarkable stability, which can be attributed to its wider design. Its excellent balance makes it a suitable option for beginners or for those who plan to kayak in rough waters or windy conditions.
So, if stability is your top priority, MyCanoe may be the better option for you. However, if you value agility, speed, and lightness, an Oru Kayak would likely serve you better.
Which One of these Two Options is More Durable?
In terms of durability, both MyCanoe and Oru Kayak have their merits.
Oru Kayaks are designed using a custom polypropylene blend with a 10-year UV treatment, which enhances their durability and longevity. They are rated to withstand 20,000 fold cycles, so you can rest assured of their lasting performance despite regular folding and unfolding. However, the material, while sturdy, is somewhat delicate and requires careful handling and maintenance.
On the other hand, MyCanoe is constructed from a custom-made double-layer marine grade polypropylene material, making it robust and long-lasting. It can withstand the rigors of most water conditions. Its design, while bulkier, is straightforward and potentially less prone to wear and tear from assembling and disassembling.
If I’m being honest, both options are extremely durable so I wouldn’t base a decision on this solely. My MyCanoe is in great condition and my Oru kayaks have lasted years without any serious wear and tear.
Which One is For You: MyCanoe or Oru Kayak?
Hands down, the Oru Kayak is the winner here.
I love the performance of the Oru kayaks, how quick I can assemble and disassemble them, their sleek design, how well they track, and durability has been awesome. It’s absolutely one of my favourite kayaks!
In fact, with barely a $200 price difference, getting an Oru Kayak just makes sense.
With that said, if you’ve bought either kayak and want to share how your experience has been, please comment below 🙂
