Gear Review: Wilderness Systems Tempest 165

--Product Information--
Product Name: Tempest 165
Product Brand: Wilderness systems
Best Use: Sea kayaking, kayak touring
Sizes Available / Specs: 165, 170

--Test Information--
Location of Test: Willamette River, Scappoose, Columbia River, and Oregon Coast.
Duration: 1 year ongoing.

--Ratings--
Value Rating: 8
Durability Rating: 8
Overall Rating: 8

Full Review: The wilderness systems Tempest 165 is a 16 1/2 foot long touring sea kayak. With a great amount of rocker for a sea kayak and exceptional gear capacity, the 165 is a high-performance boat that complements it's paddlers very well. Whether you are out on a multi-day tour or simply caving and waving in the surf, the Tempest handles all conditions with ease and a responsive hull design. The main difference between the 165 and the 170 is the cockpit size; the 165 has a larger cockpit than the 170. This is a design feature standard in most wilderness system boats with the half sizes having a larger cockpit then their even size counterparts.

The Tempest 165 and 170 both can be ordered as fiberglass boats eliminating some of the slight flex you'll experience during dynamic activities such as surfing or rock gardening. As an all-around touring boat I found the Tempest to be enjoyable while needing to stay in the half sized carpet as the whole number sizes are little tight for long legged or thicker paddlers.

"The Good" List: The Tempest is fast, turns quickly, and has a enjoyable amount of rocker for a touring kayak.

"The Not so Good List": It can be tight for those with longer legs or thicker wastes and lower bodies.

The Bottom Line: This is a great high-performance boat from Wilderness Systems that allows you to really accentuate your paddling style with a boat that will perform for you.