Wilderness Systems Pungo 105

Size and Weight

The Pungo 105 is a 10’6” (320 cm) boat with a width of 30” (76 cm) and weighs in at 47 lbs (21 kg). The cockpit is 56” (142 cm) long by 22” (26 cm) wide.

The updated Pungo family includes 3 sizes of kayaks, of which the Pungo 105 is the smallest. The Pungo 120 is a 12’2” (371 cm) model offering a bit more space. Pungo 125 is designed for stockier paddlers. It offers the widest cockpit and a 12’6” (381 cm) long hull.

The smallest of the Pungo family, Pungo 105 is the most popular. It is designed to fit a variety of paddlers in a compact and easy-to-transport vessel.

RELATED: Best Lightweight Kayaks: Reviews and How to Choose

Capacity

The Pungo 105 is rated for 300 lb (136 kg) max capacity, which is pretty typical of a ten-foot kayak. For most kayakers, this will be sufficient to carry all the gear they need for a day on the water or even an overnight trip.

Those looking to sherpa a bit more gear can check out its older cousins, the Pungo 120 and Pungo 125.

Features

In 2019, Wilderness Systems remodeled the Pungo line, making it more comfortable and adding more features.

The body itself is a one-piece rotomolded polyethylene construction with a proprietary resin allowing increased carrying capacity in the hull. As with many Wilderness Systems models, the Pungo 105 also includes a replaceable skid plate. Sturdy handles fore and aft allow for easy transport while two sets of adjustable deck bungees hold any gear you need at hand while on the water.

Starting at your feet is the trademarked adjustable Slidelock XL footbrace system to fit all leg sizes. The cockpit lining includes durable rubber padding around the knees and thighs.

The kayak’s seat is currently rated as the most comfortable seat on the market- the acclaimed Phase 3 Airpro model consists of mesh-covered molded foam that drains well and is highly breathable. Leg raisers in the bottom cushion add extra support- and the top cushion raises, lowers, and adjusts forwards and backwards. The adjustment pins can be flimsy, so use caution! Keep an eye out- the Phase 3 Airpro seat is set to be remodeled in 2020.

In the stern, there is the Orbix watertight storage hatch that is capable of holding most overnight essentials in its roomy depths. The hatch latches can be finicky so use care with the small plastic pieces. The hatch latches include eyelets so you can use a suitcase-style padlock to secure valuable items.

One standout feature of the updated Pungo is the customizable molded dashboard. The dashboard includes two water bottle holders and two customizable trademarked ‘Slidetrax’ mounting platforms, so you can install your fish finder right next to your mounted rod holder.

The dash also includes a recess designed for the Wilderness Systems lithium battery (sold separately) to keep all your electronics charged.

Not enough storage? The dashboard also includes a removable dry box perfect for storing your phone or a quick snack on the water. The dry box latch seems to be made of the same material as the stern storage, so use a light hand so as to not break the plastic.

Perplexingly with all these features, the Pungo 105 lacks a built-in paddle holder. You’ll have to stow your paddle blade under the bungee system on the bow.

Performance

The new Pungo 105 has all the ease in navigation and superior tracking that its predecessor touts while adding features that boost speed and make the boat overall more hydrodynamic.

The redesigned hull puts it in the top of its class of recreational kayaks for speed and maneuverability. Novices and experts alike will find the kayak easy to navigate and flexible enough to do an all-day fishing trip one day, and a pleasure cruise the next.