You’ll like the Tempest 170 if you want a day‑touring kayak that balances stability, speed, and comfort without fuss. It’s roomy enough for a weekend kit, has a comfy seat and thigh braces for control, and tracks well on long pulls while staying lively for turns and waves. At about 57 lb it’s not feather‑light to car‑top, but it’s forgiving for newcomers and rewarding as your skills grow—keep going and you’ll find detailed handling notes and gear tips.
Some Key Points
- Balanced stability and responsive tracking make the Tempest 170 ideal for mid-sized paddlers on day trips and short overnights.
- Comfortable ergonomic seat and thigh braces reduce fatigue and allow efficient paddling on long outings.
- Hull design offers good glide efficiency, smooth edging, and playful handling in waves and currents.
- Practical touring features include roomy bulkhead storage, deck rigging, paddle storage, and built-in floatation.
- At about 57 lb, it’s not the lightest to transport and isn’t as fast as sleeker, long-distance touring kayaks.
Who the Tempest 170 Is Built For
Because it balances stability, speed, and comfort, the Tempest 170 is built for mid-sized paddlers who want a kayak that works well on full-day outings and short overnights. You’ll find it suits medium sized paddlers who crave manageable performance without fuss, letting you roam bays, estuaries, and sheltered coastal stretches with confidence. If you’re a coastal daytripping newcomer, this boat is forgiving yet rewarding as your skills grow, so you won’t feel stranded while learning. You’ll enjoy responsive tracking on long pulls, comfy gear space for a weekend, and a hull that invites exploration rather than intimidation. Wilderness Systems offers kayaks and accessories for outdoor enthusiasts seeking reliable performance and gear tailored to paddling adventures, including the Tempest series kayak models.
Hull, Cockpit, and Fit : What Affects Comfort and Handling
When you slide into the Tempest 170, you’ll notice the hull and cockpit were tuned to make long days feel less like work and more like a good walk by the water. You sit where seat ergonomics cradle your back without locking you in, so you can shift and breathe on long stretches. The hull rocker helps the boat respond to waves and quick turns while keeping forward momentum, and thigh braces let you lean and steer with subtle body moves. The cockpit coaming frames your space, shedding spray and giving a secure edge for paddling and resting your hands. Wilderness Systems designs kayaks with focused attention on recreational kayak comfort to suit paddlers who enjoy adventures on the water.
On-Water Performance: Stability, Tracking, Speed, and Maneuverability
If you want a boat that feels steady underfoot yet lively to steer, the Tempest 170 delivers that rare middle ground—calm enough to relax into on flat water, but responsive enough to play with waves and currents without feeling twitchy. You’ll notice confident initial stability when you load gear or stand briefly to adjust clothing, yet the hull lets you edge smoothly for turns. Tracking stays true with a modest skeg or careful strokes, and glide efficiency means you cover miles without frantic paddling. You can carve playful lines, cruise comfortably, and feel free to explore farther each outing. For paddlers shopping for sea and touring kayaks, Wilderness Systems offers a range of models and accessories to match different kayak performance needs.
Practical Features for Day Trips and Weekend Touring
A handful of thoughtful touches make the Tempest 170 a solid companion for day trips and weekend runs, so you’ll spend less time fussing and more time paddling. You’ll appreciate paddle storage that keeps your spare blade secure on the deck, ready when currents or wind force a change. The roomy bulkhead access lets you stash snacks, layers, and a small repair kit without hauling everything out. Deck rigging is generous and intuitive, so you can lash a drybag or water bottle within reach. Floatation compartments give confidence if you capsize, making freedom on the water feel easy and safe. Designed for solo adventurers, the Tempest 170 reflects Wilderness Systems’ focus on 1 paddler kayaks and practical touring features.
Pros, Cons, and Who Should Choose the Tempest 170
Because it balances stability, tracking, and comfort so well, the Tempest 170 is an easy kayak to recommend for certain paddlers: you’re likely to appreciate it if you’re a mid-sized paddler who wants something nimble enough for day trips yet capable of carrying a weekend’s worth of gear. You’ll like its predictable handling and roomy cockpit, plus respectable storage capacity for dry bags and a small cooler. Downsides: at 57 lbs it’s not the lightest to load, and if you crave ultra-fast crossings there are sleeker touring models or lightweight alternatives to contemplate. Pick it for reliable freedom on familiar waters. This model is part of a broader selection of kayaks and accessories designed for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy adventures on the water, including lifetime kayaks.
Some Questions Answered
Is It Suitable for Tandem Paddling?
No, it isn’t ideal for tandem paddling because the Tempest 170’s cockpit and weight capacity suit a solo paddler, not two. You’ll appreciate its stability testing and seating comfort for single-day freedom, but two people will crowd the hull, reducing tracking and safety. If you want shared trips, consider a wider tandem kayak designed for pairs, or test a solo plus small passenger only on calm water while keeping buoyancy gear and clear communication.
Can It Be Fitted With a Rudder System?
Yes, you can fit a rudder on the Tempest 170, and you’ll feel more confident on windy crossings. You’ll want a compatible kit and some basic rudder maintenance tips, like rinsing salt, checking cables, and greasing pivot points after trips. Practice control techniques in calm water first, using gentle strokes while steering with your feet, then try stronger corrections in chop. It frees your range and keeps navigation relaxed and precise.
What Materials Is the Hull Constructed From?
The hull’s made from composite construction, using fiberglass-reinforced layers over a foam core for molded durability, so you get a stiff, light boat that still takes knocks. You’ll feel the smooth, responsive ride on day trips, and the hull’s resilience helps when you beach or park on rocky shorelines. It’s built to free you to explore, and it handles like a confident, steady companion.
Are There Color Options Available?
Yes — you can pick from several color choices and finish options that let you express your style on the water. You’ll find classic solid hues, brighter high-visibility tones, and sometimes pearlescent or blended finishes that catch the sun. Choose a vivid color for safety and visibility, or a subdued tone for a stealthier look. Either way, the choices help you feel freer and more connected to your paddling identity.
Is It Compatible With Electric Trolling Motors?
Yes — you can fit a small electric trolling motor to that kind of sit-inside touring kayak, but you’ll want a lightweight model and a secure transom or bow-mount setup, and you’ll manage battery maintenance carefully to keep weight balanced. Protect the prop from rocks and weeds with a guard, and consider a soft battery box strapped low in the cockpit for safety. You’ll feel freer on longer days with these practical steps.
