First Impressions of Oru Kayak Shoulder Strap
The Oru Kayak Shoulder Strap promises to be the answer to a frequent question Oru Inlet owners ask: how to make portaging this already portable kayak even easier? Oru Kayak, a company renowned for its innovative folding kayaks, offers this accessory to enhance the carrying experience. The strap aims to free up your hands and distribute the weight more comfortably.
I live near a series of small, interconnected lakes, perfect for exploring in a kayak. However, getting to these launch points often involves a short walk across a parking lot, down a grassy embankment, or even a brief trek through the woods. This is where a shoulder strap becomes invaluable.
My initial unboxing experience was simple and straightforward. The Oru Kayak Shoulder Strap is a single, black strap – no frills, but seemingly robust. The material feels durable, and the buckles appear to be of decent quality. It’s lightweight, which is a plus.
Compared to some generic kayak carry straps I’ve seen, the Oru Kayak Shoulder Strap is specifically designed for the Inlet. Unlike trying to rig up a universal strap, I appreciate the promise of a perfect fit and balanced weight distribution. It’s also a bit simpler than investing in the full Oru Inlet Pack, which is overkill if all I need is a shoulder carrying option. This seems a smarter and more economical solution for me.
My first impression is cautiously optimistic. I was hoping for something that genuinely improves the portability of my Inlet without adding unnecessary bulk or complexity. The Oru Kayak Shoulder Strap seems promising, but the real test will be its performance on the water’s edge.
Real-World Testing: Putting Oru Kayak Shoulder Strap to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Oru Kayak Shoulder Strap at my local lake, a popular spot with a moderately challenging carry from the parking area to the water. The route involves a short, slightly steep grassy slope, which can be slippery, especially after rain. This provided a good initial test of the strap’s utility.
The strap was easy to attach to the Inlet’s existing handles. The Oru Kayak Shoulder Strap immediately felt more comfortable than carrying the folded kayak by hand. The weight distribution was noticeably better. The hands-free aspect allowed me to navigate the slope with greater confidence, keeping my balance and using my hands for stability.
There were no immediate issues after the first use.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a couple of months of regular use, the Oru Kayak Shoulder Strap is holding up well. I use it at least twice a week. There are no visible signs of wear and tear on the strap itself or the buckles.
I’ve used it in both dry and slightly damp conditions, and the weather-resistant material seems to be performing as expected. The strap still looks and feels like new. Cleaning has been minimal; a quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove any mud or dirt.
Compared to simply lugging the Inlet around without the strap, this accessory is a game-changer. The Oru Kayak Shoulder Strap has proven to be a worthwhile addition to my kayaking gear. It significantly improves the convenience and comfort of transporting the kayak.
Breaking Down the Features of Oru Kayak Shoulder Strap
Specifications
The Oru Kayak Shoulder Strap, manufactured by Oru Kayak, is a simple yet effective accessory. It is designed specifically for the Oru Inlet Kayak. The strap comes in black and weighs in at 16 ounces. The strap’s length is 11.8 inches.
These specifications are crucial for understanding the strap’s intended purpose. The lightweight design ensures it doesn’t add unnecessary bulk to the already portable Inlet. The dimensions are suitable for comfortable shoulder carrying.
Performance & Functionality
The Oru Kayak Shoulder Strap excels at its primary function: making the Oru Inlet easier to carry. It evenly distributes the weight of the folded kayak across your shoulder, freeing up your hands for other tasks. This is especially useful when navigating uneven terrain or carrying other gear.
The main strength of the strap is its simplicity and effectiveness. It is easy to attach, comfortable to wear, and significantly improves the portability of the Inlet. A minor weakness could be the lack of padding on the shoulder strap. While the weight distribution is good, extended carries might benefit from additional cushioning.
The strap meets my expectations for a simple, functional accessory. It makes carrying the Oru Inlet significantly easier.
Design & Ergonomics
The Oru Kayak Shoulder Strap features a straightforward design. The material appears to be durable nylon webbing with sturdy plastic buckles. The weight is minimal, contributing to the overall portability of the kayak.
The design is user-friendly. There’s no learning curve involved. It clips quickly and easily to the existing handles on the Oru Inlet.
Durability & Maintenance
The Oru Kayak Shoulder Strap seems built to last. The material is weather-resistant and the buckles are sturdy. With proper care, it should provide years of reliable service.
Maintenance is simple: just wipe it down with a damp cloth as needed. There are no complex parts that require special attention.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Oru Kayak Shoulder Strap is a standalone accessory. It does not come with any additional items. It is also not customizable, per se.
However, it is compatible with the Oru Inlet Pack. This allows for the option of further protecting the Inlet during transport while still using the shoulder strap. No other customization is necessary.
Pros and Cons of Oru Kayak Shoulder Strap
Pros
- Significantly improves portability of the Oru Inlet.
- Frees up hands for carrying other gear or navigating difficult terrain.
- Durable and weather-resistant construction.
- Easy to attach and use with no learning curve.
- Lightweight design adds minimal bulk.
Cons
- Lack of shoulder padding could be an issue for very long carries.
- Relatively simple design; those looking for advanced features may be disappointed.
Who Should Buy Oru Kayak Shoulder Strap?
The Oru Kayak Shoulder Strap is perfect for Oru Inlet owners who frequently transport their kayak short distances. It’s especially useful for those who need to navigate uneven terrain or carry other gear. Casual kayakers who value convenience and ease of use will also appreciate this accessory.
Anyone who exclusively transports their kayak via car or only needs to carry it a few feet might not find the Oru Kayak Shoulder Strap necessary. Also, those expecting a heavily padded or feature-rich carrying system should look at the Oru Inlet Pack instead. There are no must-have accessories or modifications required, as it is designed to work seamlessly with the existing Oru Inlet.
Conclusion on Oru Kayak Shoulder Strap
The Oru Kayak Shoulder Strap is a simple yet highly effective accessory that significantly enhances the portability of the Oru Inlet. It delivers on its promise of making it easier and more comfortable to transport the kayak. For just $22.22, the price is definitely justified.
I would absolutely recommend it to any Oru Inlet owner who values convenience and frequently carries their kayak. It’s a worthwhile investment that makes a noticeable difference in the overall kayaking experience. Get yours today and make those portages a breeze!