Aquaglide Chinook 90 Review 2025; The Good, Bad, And Ugly Included

The Chinook 90 is the shortest open-cockpit kayak and it is best for short day trips. This kayak is designed for exceptional maneuverability on flatwater and slow-moving rivers. It has a compact 9-foot open bow layout makes it easy for paddlers to get on and off the boat. If you are on the lookout for a lightweight recreational kayak that is easy to set up and provides effortless transitions in and out of the water, the Chinook 90 is your best bet.

Key Takeaways

  • Aquaglide Chinook 90 will cost you $399.99 and you can buy it from Amazon or the Aquaglide website
  • It is a compact, lightweight recreational kayak and weighs only 19lbs
  • This kayak has an open cockpit so you can easily get on and off the kayak
  • Aquaglide Chinook 90 kayak has a core seat with a thick padded cushion so you will have a fatigue-free kayaking experience
  • It has Boston valves on each of the three chambers for easy inflation and deflation which is very convenient

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What Is The Aquaglide Chinook 90 Kayak?

The Aquaglide Chinook 90 is a compact, lightweight, and open-cockpit recreational inflatable kayak designed to enable paddlers to maneuver smoothly through tight spaces for fishing, paddling along the shore, or birdwatching.

This kayak has a durable construction that is puncture-resistant. It is also easy to set up and allows you to get on the water in minutes. The Chinook 90 is the perfect kayak for anyone looking for a compact yet functional kayak.

Who Is The Chinook 90 Kayak’s, Target Market?

The Chinook 90 kayak is meant for the small to average-sized paddler looking for a compact and lightweight recreational kayak that performs excellently. The kayak is also reasonably priced, and paddlers working with a tight budget can benefit from this kayak.

How Much Does The Aquaglide Chinook 90 Kayak Cost?

The Chinook 90 kayak costs $399.99 and can be bought from Amazon or the Aquaglide website. This kayak is well worth the price considering the quality of its construction and its useful features.

Features Of The Aquaglide Chinook 90 Kayak

1. Lightweight, Portable, And Ideal For The Small Paddler

The Chinook 90 weighs only 19lbs and is the shortest open-cockpit kayak from Aquaglide. These two features make the kayak lightweight, portable, and ideal for the smaller paddler.

2. Offers Excellent Stability And Maneuverability For Short Day Trips

The kayak is designed to be very stable and compact, making it have snappy maneuverability on the water.

3. It Has An Open Cockpit That Allows For Easy Entry And Exit From The Kayak

The open cockpit design allows paddlers to get on and off the kayak with ease.

4. Made From HexShell 600-Denier Ripstop Polyester, Making It Strong And Durable

The Chinook 90 is constructed using 600-Denier ripstop polyester, making it strong, durable, and resistant to puncture and UV damage.

a) It Has A Removable Floor That Makes The Kayak Easy To Clean And Durable

b) Features A Core Seat That Guarantees Your Comfort As You Paddle

This kayak has a core seat with a thick padded cushion and a supportive, breathable high backrest that keeps you cool on warm days. The seat is designed to offer adequate lumbar support and ensure you don’t experience any fatigue. It is also easy to install using quick-release adjustment straps and hook-and-loop closure strips.

Features Two-rod Holders That Come In Handy When Fishing

The chinook 90 comes ready for your fishing adventures. It has two-rod holders that keep your fishing rods in the water as you focus on paddling.

1. Has Boston valves on each of the three chambers for easy inflation and deflation

2. It comes with a quick-release weedless fin that improves tracking on the water

3. Features front and rear deck bungees and D-rings 

This kayak has ample storage options for its size. You can use the D-rings along with the bungees to secure your dry bags. The kayak also features seat storage pockets to keep gear you need to access easily and quickly.

5. Has paddle holders to keep your paddle in place when not paddling

The Chinook 90 has hook-and-loop closure paddle holders that come in handy when you need a hands-free experience or when accessing gear.

6. It comes with a duffel-style bag that can be used to store or transport the kayak

The kayak comes with a carrying bag as part of the package. This bag makes it easy to transport the kayak and can also be used for storage when the kayak is not in use.

Specifications Of The Aquaglide Chinook 90 Kayak

Brand Aquaglide
MaterialPolyester
Weight19lb
Maxx weight capacity250 lb
Colormulticolor
Seating capacity 1-person
Dimensions 9’ x 35”
Package includesKayak, seat, quick-release fin, storage bag, and repair kit

How Does The Aquaglide Chinook 90 Kayak Perform?

Stability, Maneuverability, And Tracking

The Chinook 90 kayak is a versatile recreational kayak that is ideal for flatwater and slow-moving rivers. This kayak has excellent tracking and stability even when the waters get choppy. Its compact size also makes it more maneuverable and can access those tight spots that other larger kayaks cannot get to. This kayak comes with a tracking fin that improves tracking on flat water. When the fin is attached, you will notice how easy it is to paddle in a straight line.

Aquaglide Chinook 90 Review

Comfort 

The kayak is comfortable to paddle on and is ideal for short-day trips. It has a seat with a padded cushion and a breathable high backrest that keeps you cool on warm days. You can fasten the seat using the hook-and-loop closure strips on the floor if you want them firmer. The kayak is best for average-sized paddlers, but even larger paddlers can still sit comfortably since the cockpit is open.

Overall, our rating for this kayak’s performance is 9 out of 10. It does an excellent job on the water.

Pros Of The Aquaglide Chinook 90 Kayak

1. Durable yet lightweight construction

2. Has excellent maneuverability on calm rivers and flatwater

3. Comes with a carrying bag for easy transport

4. It has an open cockpit for easy entry and exit

5. Ideal for beginners to gain confidence in the water 

6. Reasonably priced

7. Has paddle keepers and fishing rod holder for when you need a hands-free experience

8. Has carry handles on bow and stern for comfortable carrying

9. Comes with deck cargo bungees for secure storage of gear

Cons Of The Aquaglide Chinook 90

1. It doesn’t come with a pump or paddle

Final Word

The Aquaglide chinook K5 is a great inflatable kayak designed for paddlers looking for an open cockpit. It is lightweight and easily portable, and you can carry it with you wherever you go. It is also reasonably priced, making it a great beginner’s kayak and excellent for those on a budget. If you’ve considered getting this kayak, we recommend it and would encourage you to buy it.

References:

https://www.aquaglide.com/product/chinook-90/
https://www.rei.com/product/172504/aquaglide-chinook-90-inflatable-kayak

This is Rocky. I have been kayaking for the last 6 years and owns 5 kayaks (one Tandem, one Touring, and three fishing kayaks) and from different companies, especially from Intex. I love kayaking with my kids and dogs and I can’t but wait to go kayaking once I find the weather seems perfect.
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