Wilderness Systems Polaris 180T

Size, Weight, Capacity

The Polaris 180T is 17’10” (544 cm) long and 29” (72 cm) wide. It has plenty of length to carry speed and enough width to keep the paddlers stable in rough conditions.

At 85 lbs (39 kg), you’ll have a hard time carrying and launching this boat alone, but it’s a straightforward task for two people.

The maximum capacity is 550 lbs (249 kg), so the Polaris 180T can comfortably support two average-sized paddlers and all their overnight gear.

Features

Wilderness Systems pride themselves on the comfort of their kayaks. The Polaris 180T is no exception. Both the bow and stern paddler positions are fitted with the Phase 3 AirPro Tour seats. These extremely comfortable, honeycomb vented pads are covered with mesh material to allow airflow throughout your day on the water, keeping you cool and supported.

Both positions are also fully equipped with adjustable footrest systems and adjustable, padded thigh braces for comfort and optimal boat control.

Just in front of both cockpits there is a deck dry pod, perfect for storing small items you want to keep dry and handy throughout the day. Larger watertight hatches at the front and rear of the kayak have plenty of space to keep your gear. Foam bulkheads seal off the bow and stern compartments for both dry storage and safety. Another bulkhead separates the front and rear seating positions and adds even more flotation to the kayak.

Deck lines and bungees give you additional space to secure items you need access to throughout the day, but don’t mind getting wet.

A rudder at the rear of the kayak, controlled by the rear paddler, helps with course control in wind or river currents. The rudder can be raised and lowered from the rear seat.

To lift a boat this heavy you need some comfortable handles. Soft touch, ergonomic handles are fitted at the bow and stern of the kayak to make it easy to carry as a pair.

A V-shaped hull keeps this kayak tracking well through the water, but the width and flatter bottom under the seats makes the Polaris 180T extremely stable.

Performance

It’s unusual for a tandem touring kayak to focus so highly on comfort and control. Wilderness Systems have installed the same high quality outfitting they use in their solo kayaks into the Polaris 180T, meaning you can sit comfortably for long days on the water and paddle this boat progressively.

The huge amounts of storage space and high quality rudder system mean this kayak is perfect for pairs wanting to explore calm rivers and any open water.