Oru Lake vs Oru Inlet: Which folding kayak is right for you?

Oru Inlet folding kayaks.

Are you looking for a way to enjoy the water without lugging around a bulky traditional kayak?

Then a folding kayak might be the perfect solution for you. No roof racks needed!

Oru Kayak offers six folding kayaks, but we view two as great head-to-head options for single person flatwater kayakers: the newest Oru Lake Sport model (which is the upgraded version of the original Lake - a huge hit on Kickstarter, if you’ve followed the news) and the original origami kayak Oru Inlet design.

Both of these foldable boats are made to last, lightweight, compact, easy to store, have similar features, and are designed for a solo calm water kayaker.

But which Oru foldable kayak model is right for your needs?

In this article, we’ll compare these two Oru origami kayak models so that you can make an informed buying decision. We’ll share hands-on insights as a paying consumer of Oru kayaks – we own two Oru Inlets and a Lake Sport.

Oru Inlet in green folded next to the white/clear Lake Sport kayak model

Oru folding kayaks, photo source: Oru Company

We’ll also discuss key features like portability, stability, and storage capacity, as well as performance in different conditions.

By the end of this post, you should have all the information necessary to decide if either model is right for you and your flat water paddling adventures on the water.

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.

About the Oru Kayak Company

Oru Kayak is an outdoor gear company based in California that specializes in folding kayaks. Founded in 2012, the company has been pioneering the development of foldable boats for recreational use. Today, their products are used by over 80 countries around the world and have won numerous awards for innovation and design. They were recently acquired by Solo Brands.

Moreover, Oru Kayak has stated their commitment to sustainability - they only use recycled and renewable materials in their boats.

With an emphasis on quality, safety, and design, it’s no wonder that Oru Kayaks has become one of the leading brands in folding kayaks, helping to remove barriers for people looking to enjoy the great outdoors. The Oru Inlet kayak was even named as one of the “Best Inventions of 2019” by Time Magazine.

These outdoor brand foundations were also what encouraged us to buy a brand-new folding kayak from Oru two years ago (you can read our ultimate Oru Inlet review here).

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Our two Oru kayaks: Inlet vs Lake Sport, side-by-side

Comparing the Oru Lake Sport & Oru Inlet folding kayak models

Let's take a closer look at both models and their features.

Product feature highlights

Our Oru Inlet at Trillium Lake in Oregon

The Oru Lake Sport and Oru Inlet share several key kayak features:

• They are both made of lightweight, durable, long-lasting polypropylene plastic,

• They both fold down into a box-like shape for easy storage,

• Both models have a rigid internal frame for added strength and stability,

• Maintenance is the same for both kayaks,

• And both origami boats are perfect for beginning calm water kayakers.

Key differences between the Oru Inlet and Oru Lake Sport kayaks

• The Oru Inlet kayak is longer than the Lake model at 9’8” vs 9’0”. The difference is pretty minimal here, but in general, longer boats can cruise more efficiently in flat water, while shorter ones can take tighter and quicker turns in the water. (In the state of Oregon, you don’t need a kayak permit for either one).

• The Inlet has a higher carrying capacity of 275 lbs. vs 250 lbs. on the Lake model. While it’s only a 25-pound capacity difference, with the added 6” in length and capacity of the Inlet, this can be important to consider in regards to body weight, and gear needs (such as if you plan on doing an overnight or multi-day trip with your kayak or if you plan on bringing your dog on paddling trips).

• The Oru Inlet is slightly heavier at 20 lbs. vs 17 lbs. for the Lake Sport model. As a 40yo woman, I’ve had no problems with carrying my 20-pound Inlet, but that 2 pound weight difference can definitely make a difference if you’re carrying the folded kayak a bit of distance to the waterfront, or on a trail to a remote lake. Both of these kayak options certainly fall in the category of “lightweight kayaks” – 20lbs is about half the weight of a traditional kayak.

• Assembly time for the Lake is a couple minutes faster than the Oru Inlet. The Oru Inlet takes about 3-5 minutes to set up from folded box to full-size kayak boat, while the Oru Lake+ is estimated at 1-3 minutes assembly time. No tools needed!

• The Oru Inlet is a bit more expensive compared to the Oru Lake model. At the time of this posting, it’s about a $150 price difference. However, Oru Kayaks often has holiday sales and seasonal discounts on its products, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for any deals that might be available. (If cost is a barrier for you and you’re needing for a new, more basic origami kayak on a budget, the base Oru Lake model is about $300 cheaper than the Inlet).

[READ MORE: 5 key questions to ask yourself before buying an Oru kayak]

The Oru Inlet folding kayak on lakes and rivers in the Pacific Northwest

Boat specifications

In terms of design specifications, these lightweight folding kayak models are quite similar. The Oru Lake and Oru Inlet boats are both open cockpit, sit-in kayak designs, inspired by the art of Origami.

They both feature an adjustable footrest, making them suitable for shorter and taller paddlers (Inlet has a max paddler height of up to 6’2”, Lake+ up to 6’4” in height).

The Oru Lake Sport is the upgraded version of the newest Lake foldable kayak (which garnered quite the buzz on Kickstarter last year…. You might remember it was originally branded as the Lake model, so we’ll use that name interchangeably in this article.)

The Lake Sport model includes an adjustable back rest, additional trim to the front of the floorboard, and a seat design that’s compatible with Oru seat cushion upgrade products (sold separately).

The Lake Sport offers a bit more customization and comfort over the base original Lake kayak model, which we think makes it a stronger head-to-head comparison against the Oru Inlet for which model provides the most value for its performance, convenience, and design features.

You really can’t beat the convenience of an Oru folding kayak. Our Flatwater Kayak Club team snapped this recent photo of the green edition Oru Inlet before assembly. See more photos of folded Oru kayaks here.

Convenience

When it comes to convenience, both the Oru Lake and Oru Inlet kayak designs are very easy to assemble and disassemble. Both models come with integrated carry handles and straps, making them easier to transport when they aren’t being used.

The Oru Inlet has a slightly smaller compact box, which may be important for city dwellers who are looking to store their folding kayak in a closet or under the bed when not in use, or if you have a small vehicle. (You can see photos of the Oru Inlet in my compact SUV here and the Oru Lake Sport in a 2 door Jeep Wrangler here).

Both origami kayaks are extremely convenient due to being lightweight, folding compact, and the ease of storing and transport. This has got to be my favorite part of my Inlet!

Performance

Both Oru models are designed for flatwater paddling conditions, with tracking, stability, and speed in mind. These calm water conditions are defined by Oru as “mirror-smooth lakes, rivers, and streams.”

At Flatwater Kayak Club, we often paddle in some light boat wakes, minimal waves, and slow-moving river currents as well here in the Pacific Northwest.

Kayaking with an Oru Inlet in Oregon

Durability

Oru Kayaks are well-made (with steps in the process that involve human hands in assembly) and the boats have been extensively tested to ensure that they last for many years of folding and unfolding.

The boats are made from a durable, lightweight plastic called polypropylene, with a 10-year UV treatment. The material is puncture and abrasion resistant, designed to hold up when sliding over rocks or bumping into obstacles.

As an Inlet owner myself, I can attest that mine has held up really well over the last two years. I had to replace the front fairings last summer, but that was an easy thing to do on my own, and Oru sells the replacement part on their website for a nominal cost.

Spring 2023 update: Going into year 3, the longevity of my original Oru Inlet was beginning to be a question mark. I sprung for the new green edition Oru Inlet, and I absolutely love it.

Kayak accessories

Oru offers a ton of kayaking accessories to support its folding kayak community, including the Oru Paddle (which I reviewed on another post), spray skirts, seat upgrades, repair kits, PFD life jackets, and more.

For a new recreational kayaker, it may make the most financial sense to buy an Oru Bundle option with your origami boat of choice, paddle, and other desired accessories, so it’s worth pricing everything out a la carte and as a bundle to see which approach is more cost-effective for you.

We bought our second Oru Inlet kayak (in the green edition) in April, 2023. It’s been a ton of fun!

Summary of Oru Lake vs Oru Inlet kayaks

At the end of the day, which Oru folding kayak is the best kayak option for you?

It really depends on your financial budget, body weight and height, kayaking experience, and design preferences.

If you need a bit more cargo capacity, interior space, are ok with a few more pounds in boat weight to carry, and you can sport the near-$1,000 price tag for the kayak alone, then the Oru Inlet is the way to go.

If pricing is a factor for you, and you really want the Oru Inlet kayak, stay alert to Oru kaya’s seasonal and holiday deals. I’d recommend signing up for their SMS (text) list. In 2023, Oru offered a discount code for Mother’s Day (15% off), Memorial Day (20% off site-wide), and a purchase perk for Pride month (June).

If you want the lightest, most affordable, and fastest-to-assemble Oru folding kayak option on the market, and are ok with a bit less space and cargo carrying capacity, then the Oru Lake or Lake Sport are the models to consider.

Update for 2024: I bought an Oru Lake Sport kayak! The plan is for my son to mostly use this lightweight, easy kayak model. We recently gave it its first spin on the Tualatin River. Read about our first Oru Lake Sport paddle.

Read the reasons why I bought an Oru folding kayak here and our article on how to assemble the Oru Lake kayak in about 1 minute.

Whichever model you choose, Oru Kayak offers a “Love Your Boat Guarantee” which allows for 30-day returns– and all of their folding boats come with a 1-year warranty.

Still thinking about your buying decision? Check out this article on 5 key questions to ask yourself before buying an Oru kayak.

More top viewed Flatwater Kayak Club resource articles:

Two-year review: Oru Inlet pros & cons

NEW green edition Oru folding kayak (see photos & videos)

Oru Inlet vs Oru Beach LT foldable kayaks

All our Oru folding kayak posts

How to choose a kayak that’s right for you

Canoe vs kayak: differences, pros & cons

Everything you need to know about flatwater kayaking

The best time to buy a recreational kayak

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.