START PLANNING A BIG TRIP
The oversize Delta has the most internal storage and highest paddler-weight capacity of any kayak currently on the market, and handles well even when fully loaded. Thanks to its fully rockered hull, soft chined sides that wrap into a vertical wall, and the boat’s sheer length, I was able to nimbly slice through whitecaps that I was convinced were going to buck me. 18’6″, 59 lbs; deltakayaks.com
Bonus: Gas-pedal-style foot pegs let you steer and brace independently. And it comes with a five-year warranty.
Bummer: It’s an unwieldy load on land.