We get a lot of questions about folding kayak dimensions, ease of use for transportation, and requests for more trunk photos. In past posts, we’ve highlighted two Oru folding kayaks in a 2023 Winnebago Revel 4x4 camper van and the Oru Inlet folding kayak in the trunk of a Toyota RAV4 SUV.

So, continuing our series on how folding kayaks can fit in a variety of lifestyles, today we’ll be showing you photos of a 2024 2 door Jeep Wrangler SUV trunk and an Oru Lake+ Sport kayak. This is the most compact vehicle and trunk so far that we’ve tested against a folding kayak, so if you’re driving around a car with limited cargo space, check out these real life pics to see if a folding kayak is the right buy for you this year.

The challenge: Compact cars and adventure gear

Many adventure enthusiasts face a common dilemma: how to fit their gear into smaller vehicles. The Jeep Wrangler 2 door, a favorite among off-road and outdoor lovers, offers a rugged solution for adventurers but presents logistical lifestyle challenges with its limited trunk space. See our photos below of the trunk open, with the back seat in tact.

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Folding kayak specifications

Before diving into how the kayak fits, let's review the Oru Lake Sport’s kayak's dimensions when folded: 42 x 18 x 10 in. This is just about the size of a suitcase.

This collapsible kayak model is known for its compact design, making it an ideal candidate for tight spaces. It also weighs only 17 pounds, so it’s easy to lift, load, and haul out.

[Read more: Should I buy an Oru Inlet or Oru Lake kayak?]

The Test: Oru Lake Sport x Jeep Wrangler

We took the challenge head-on by attempting to fit the folded Oru Lake Sport kayak into the trunk of a 2024 2-door Jeep Wrangler.

Through a series of photos, we'll show you the step-by-step process, from folded kayak to successfully storing it in the Jeep's trunk.

Step-by-Step Fit Guide

Preparation: Clear the Jeep Wrangler trunk space of any other items to maximize available space.

Folding technique: The 2024 Jeep Wrangler Willys model has a folding backseat, which comes in handy for these exact moments, because a folding kayak like this doesn’t fit when the back seat is upright.

Fold down the Wrangler back seat, and collapse your Oru kayak. This will ensure the kayak fits as compactly as possible and you can transport the rest of your gear, like a PFD, paddle, and dry bag.

Load up: It’s easy to lift this 17-pound lightweight kayak into the Wrangler trunk. The Oru Lake Sport model fits as an angle (not directly straight in – it’s a tad bit too long for that). When loaded, there’s still plenty of cargo room for your favorite kayaking accessories within the small SUV trunk space.

This car and folding kayak combo supports the ability to spontaneously embark on paddling adventures without needing a roof kayak rack or trailer to haul out heavy, larger gear.

The Oru Lake Sport kayak and 2 door Jeep Wrangler prove you don't need a big vehicle for big adventures. This combination showcases the versatility and ease of folding kayaks, making them an ideal choice for outdoor enthusiasts with limited space.

We encourage you to explore the world of folding kayaks further (we own three!) with our collection of free online resources and see how an Oru folding kayak can transform your adventures.

FAQs about Jeep Wranglers and kayaks

About Flatwater Kayak Club

Flatwater Kayak Club is a leading woman-owned online platform dedicated to supporting beginner and intermediate kayakers in the Pacific Northwest. Our company founder, a former writer for The National Geographic Channel and a current ACA member, guides our mission with her passion for kayaking, nature, and storytelling.

This website is unsponsored by Oru, but it does contain affiliate links, meaning if you purchase through my link, I’ll receive a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting our small business!