After testing out a few different carts over the years, I can finally say I have found the right one for me. The Wilderness Systems Kayak Cart is designed for big heavy kayaks and has made it much easier to get my kayak to the water.
Anyone that has an angling kayak knows the struggle involved with getting their kayak from the car to the water. With all the great angling features built into these kayaks comes additional weight. It’s not unusual to see angling kayaks weighing 80-100lbs and that is without any fishing gear! Luckily a great kayak cart can help!
Wilderness Systems Heavy Duty Kayak Cart First Impressions
A few years ago, after struggling with many different cheap kayak carts, I decided to upgrade to the Wilderness Systems heavy duty kayak cart. After taking it out of the box, I was impressed with how robust it felt. A few key things I noticed the first time I used the cart:
The cart is quite tall -- getting a heavy kayak on it requires planning. Watch this video for one good method to get your kayak on the cart.
The high setting works best for wide fishing kayaks - this height prevents the wheels from rubbing on the outside of the kayak.
The strap provided in the box wasn’t long enough for my kayak (Wilderness Systems Radar 135)
The best way to use the cart is to get the kayak’s weight balanced in the center of the wheels. This reduces the amount of work required to move the kayak around since all the weight of the kayak is on the wheels.
When loading the kayak on the cart after a day on the water, the wheels can be pushed under the cart while the kayak is still in the water. This way you don’t have to lift the kayak to get the wheels under the kayak (the wheels also float).
Wilderness Systems Heavy Duty Kayak Cart Pros/Cons
After a few years of use I was able to develop a pros and cons list based on my experiences with other carts.
Pros
- Versatile - is adjustable for many different width kayaks
- Easy to break down - fits in Wilderness Systems orbix hatch
- Able to be placed in center of gravity of kayak
- Wheels don’t rub on edges of wide kayaks
- Floats (huge help when placing under cart while in the water)
- Well built - not going to collapse under a heavily loaded kayak
Cons
- Foam padding not very durable
- Very big while assembled - needs to be broken down for transit most of the time
- Included straps are only 10’ long which isn’t long enough for many angling kayaks
- Expensive
Wilderness Systems Heavy Duty Kayak Cart Specifications
Wilderness Systems Heavy Duty Kayak Cart Summary
If you are sick of cheap kayak carts not working great for your kayak or just need an easier way to get your kayak, the Wilderness Systems heavy duty kayak cart is a great option.
One of the biggest advantages is being able to get the cart right under the balancing point of your kayak, reducing the weight you need to lift to wheel your kayak around. I really have enjoyed being able to load my kayak in the parking lot instead of having to walk all my stuff down the boat launch.
Overall, I have been very happy with mine and expect it to last for many more years. Go check it out at Aquabatics in Calgary or Edmonton.
Tight Lines!
Terran Bernhard
Aquabatics Ambassador
Instagram @Saskkayakangler
Facebook @Terranbernhard
AQ Outdoors Contact
Edmonton: (p) 780 463-4892 (e) info@aquabaticsedmonton.com
Calgary: (p) 403 288-9283 (e) info@aqoutdoors.com
