Hobie Mirage iTrek 14 Duo

Size, weight, capacity

A fully inflated Hobie Itrek 14 Duo is 13 ft. 8 in. (4.17 m) long and 44 in. (1.2 m) wide. These dimensions give you a sleek and stable platform that is easy to move around on and get comfortable without feeling as though you’re going to tip.

A capacity of 600 lbs. (272 kg) is plenty for two adults to comfortably take to the water on the Itrek 14 Duo and even leaves you space for a cooler or spare equipment.

Inflatable kayaks are designed with transport and storage in mind. The hull of the Itrek 14 Duo weighs just 45 lbs. (20.4 kg), light enough to load up into the trunk of your car and take to the water. Fully rigged, this kayak weighs 73 lbs. (33.1 kg), easy enough for two adults to move to the water.

Features

The Itrek 14 Duo features a 500 denier hull design that utilizes drop stitch technology. This hull is built to withstand beach landings and to endure for years, so you can keep enjoying this kayak. Drop stitch technology allows you to inflate the Itrek 14 Duo up to 10 PSI, using the provided electronic pump and high-pressure hand pump included. This higher pressure gives the kayak a feel of a plastic hulled boat and improves stability and performance.

The hull of the Itrek 14 Duo comprises three chambers. This is not only safer, meaning that if you have a puncture in one chamber you still retain buoyancy, but gives the kayak its unique shape. The central area is flat and looks a lot like a SUP and this area gives the kayak its rigidity and performance. The two outer hulls look like outriggers and give this kayak enormous levels of stability.

The two aluminum framed seats are quick and easy to fit onto the kayak and have adjustable backrests so you can get fully comfortable. The mesh backs are designed to let your back breathe and to drain away any water that gets on board, so you can stay cool and dry all day. Just in front of both seating positions, there is an EVA deck pad, for extra grip and comfort while standing.

The Itrek 14 Duo features two Mirage Drives. These pedal-powered systems are fully adjustable so you can fit them to your leg length and save yourself from overstretching to reach. The efficient fins that propel you are designed to Flip-up if they come into contact with rocks or shallow areas. This prevents them from breaking and means you don’t have to stand and haul your drive out of the water to detach yourself from the lake bed.

A rudder system, controlled from the rear seat, gives you easy access to turning in tight spots or maintaining your course across the lake. This can be raised and lowered quickly with a single cord.

Hobie also includes a three-piece aluminum paddle so you can use this kayak without the Mirage Drives.

Performance

Hobie’s Itrek range is designed to give rigid kayak performance with the transportation and convenience of an inflatable. The Itrek 14 Duo is light enough to load up and carry to the water easily as a pair and inflates quickly to give you a solid and highly stable platform.

The outriggers and rigid feel central platform make it easy to launch and land this kayak and the heavy-duty material gives you peace of mind on rocky beaches.

Once out on the water, you appreciate just how comfortable the seats are. These full-framed chairs are supportive and keep you cool out on the water, even on long, hot days.

The Mirage Drives are really efficient and the push motion of pedaling, rather than a cyclical movement, is easier from a seating position too. It’s reassuring to know that your fins will raise if they come into contact with the ground, and you don’t have to panic in shallower areas.

The rudder does a good job of keeping you on the course, but can only do so much against the wind and this kayak will struggle in windy conditions. It’s also a shame that Hobie only includes one kayak paddle, but you’re likely to use the Mirage Drives most of the time anyway.