Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Expedition Elite

Size and Weight 

The AdvancedFrame Expedition Elite measures 13 feet / 396 cm in length, 32 inches / 81 cm in width, and weighs 42 lbs / 19 kg. With a folded size of 31 x 16 x 10 inches / 78 x 40 x 25 cm, it’ll fit easily into the back of your truck or your car’s trunk.

This isn’t the lightest kayak in the Advanced Elements fleet, and it weighs significantly more than a kayak of the same length, the Aquaglide Deschutes, which weighs a mere 21 lbs / 9.5 kg. However, at this weight, it is still easy to transport and handle the Expedition Elite as a solo paddler. 

Larry : Living In The Now

Capacity

The AdvancedFrame Expedition Elite has a maximum payload of 450 lbs / 204 kg, which makes it suitable for bigger paddles and all the gear. However, loading the kayak beyond 360 lbs / 164 kg might cause a significant decrease in performance in terms of speed and maneuverability.

This kayak’s capacity is similar to other inflatable touring kayaks like the Aquaglide Deschutes which allows for 400 lbs / 181 kg. 

Features

At the very tip of the bow is Advanced Element’s patented built-in aluminum rib-frame technology which keeps the nose incredibly rigid and allows the kayak to cut through the water effortlessly. 

PaddleTV

There is also a stiff plastic insert that gives the front more shape. The original Expedition has a low-pressure floor while the Expedition Elite’s main difference is the drop-stitch technology used on the floor. 

This means that the kayak can be inflated to way higher PSI, giving it superior rigidity over its predecessor and many other inflatable kayaks.

On the deck at the front is a rubber-lined carrying handle for you to lift and transport your kayak. There are a total of nine bladders in the Expedition Elite which give it a remarkably firm, rigid feel that is uncharacteristic of inflatable kayaks.

Larry : Living In The Now

The durable PVC that the kayak is made of gives this kayak its durability and allows it to take quite a beating without getting torn. 

On the deck of the bow is a bungee tie-down system with D-rings for you to secure the gear that you don’t mind getting wet. There is also an adjustable foot brace that can be secured on rungs inside the inner tube. 

Larry : Living In The Now

On the port side of the kayak are two hook-and-line fastener straps for you to secure your paddle while not in use. The inflatable coaming allows you to use a spray skirt to minimize the amount of splashing water getting into the cockpit. 

In the front of the coaming on each side are neoprene pads that protect your hands from abrasions, especially when you get tired and your hands get too relaxed and constantly rub against the sides of the kayak. 

The comfy seat is removable and adjustable fore and aft. It also has an inflatable lumbar support that can be blown up by mouth, giving you optimal comfort on long days, or even day after day! 

Larry : Living In The Now

Just behind the seat is a storage compartment with a Velcro cover that opens up to a clip and buckle section. Behind that is another area that can be secured by bungees and D-rings for you to put your smaller stuff.

At the stern, you’ll find a high–flow valve and the second carry handle to lift the kayak. Towards the very back you’ll find another aluminum rib frame and a plastic insert. 

Larry : Living In The Now

The Expedition Elite comes with a duffel bag with removable straps that you can clip on and off to transport the kayak easily when loading, hiking, or traveling. 

The original Expedition comes with a duffel bag with no straps, which can get cumbersome to lug around, especially if you need to hike a couple of miles from your vehicle to launch your boat. 

Performance

This kayak will make an excellent touring partner. The rigid construction and aluminum rib frame at the bow allow it to cut smoothly through the water at excellent speed.

At 13 feet long with an included fin, the AdvancedFrame Expedition Elite is designed to go in a straight line. It isn’t as maneuverable as the average play boat but this kayak sits low in the water which makes tracking a dream. 

It is easily paddled even on long days, and the seat with inflatable lumbar support gives you plenty of comfort which is crucial on multi-day expeditions.

The generous payload of 450 lbs / 204 kg can accommodate paddlers of almost all sizes together with the gear required for a challenging expedition like one in freezing cold waters. 

Its lightweight, durable design and integrated pressure relief valves round off this top-of-the-line vessel that lets you focus on tackling whatever waters you want without worry.

All in all, Advanced Elements has created a remarkable expedition kayak with the feel and performance of a hardshell but the portability and weight of an inflatable. Durable, easily paddled, and suitable for kayakers of all levels, the Expedition Elite is everything you’ll need in a multi-day touring craft.