Last Updated on July 16, 2019 by Afsar
Wilderness Systems has been producing amazing kayaks for a long time. Their kayaks have been used in several types of kayaking like fishing, recreational, touring and more. The award winning Wilderness Systems kayaks are loved for their functionality, durability, and effectiveness on the water.
Excellent combination of stability, speed and manageability make Pungo 120 famous for year after year.
Today we are going to provide the review of Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 kayak. We hope that you will like the Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 kayak review.
Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 is a famous mid-sized kayak from the Wilderness Systems. Pungo 120 is one of the best selling kayaks by Wilderness System. One more reason to get the Pungo 120, right?
Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 kayak offers stability, speed, and other important features. It’s a great recreational, day touring and minimalist camping kayak. Check At Amazon
Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 Review
Notable Features
- Thigh and Knee padding
- Stern Bulkhead
- Rear storage box
- Bungee Deck Rigging
- Phase 3 AirPro
Notable Specifications
- Length: 12′
- Width: 29″
- Weight: 49 lbs
- Max Capacity: 325 lbs
- Cockpit Width: 22″
What Type of kayak is it?
Wilderness Pungo 120 is a recreational kayak to be used in river, lakes. This is specially made for flat water kayaking. Note, as this is a recreational kayak, the deck rigging is modest. By following the Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 Review, you will be able to understand whether this is the kayak you need or not.
Material and Durability
The material used to make Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 kayak is polyethylene. Even though this material offers great durability, it is economically good. This kayak can last for a long time if you take care of it properly.
Weight & Portability
Pungo 120 is a lightweight kayak. Thanks to the lightweight polyethylene material which makes Pungo 120 weighs only 49 lbs. As a result, it is super easy to move the kayak when needed. What’s more, the comfortable carry handles make it comfortable and easy to transport your Pungo 120 kayak.
What’s more, the comfortable carry handles make it comfortable and easy to transport your Pungo 120 kayak. The handle is made of soft rubber for good hand fill. Thus, you can get some comfort after paddling for a long time.
Stability
Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 kayak offers excellent stability. The kayak comes with a very spacious design and makes it easy to move if needed. The multi-chined hull design provides secondary stability to the users.
Usually, stroking on a kayak can affect the stability if you are one a casual kayak. However, the Phase 3 AirPro seating system offers better stability without limiting the stroke.
It is quite tough to tip over the Pungo 120 kayak. I mean it literally; the stability of the kayak is really excellent that it requires you to put some effort to tip it over. If you are afraid of tipping over the kayak, you should feel relaxed because it won’t let you down.
Tracking
The tracking is good if you are kayaking in Class I river. We have seen the kayak can take medium swells quite easily, and the tracking doesn’t slow down. The v-hull and the stern & bow design offers better tracking. What’s more, the flare in the bow allows the Pungo to take on waves quite quickly. Thus, you can understand that this tracks very well.
If you are kayaking for a long time, then you would know that maneuverability will be low if the tracking is high. Since this tracks well, the maneuverability also remains at an acceptable level. The maneuverability and tracking are in an optimum position for me.
Large Spacious Cockpit
One of the best features of Pungo 120 kayak is its large cockpit. This large cockpit allows you to get easily in or off the kayak. The removable kayak console allows you to get more space if need. If you are cruising around the lake and want to take a break, you can sit relax and do sightseeing also.
Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 is a great recreational and touring kayak.
Seat
Pungo 120 kayak comes with a very comfortable seat. If you want to take a rest and put the leg up, you can do that. It can be adjusted if you want. You can adjust the seat to forward or backward, down or up.
One portion of the seat can be pulled up and down to make your leg feel better. It offers comfort and reduces stress to the legs. The thigh and knee padding system make it even better to ride this kayak. However, you can get other kayak seats also.
SideLock XL foot brace
Many kayakers complain about the leg adjustment issue. Thanks to the SideLock XL foot brace system which allows quick and easy adjustment for leg length.
Storage
Pungo 120 kayak offers excellent storage capacity to the users. Thus, you can carry your necessary stuff like Dry Bags, fishing tackle boxes, etc there. Though the rear storage box is not entirely waterproof but prevents water from entering.
You can easily reach the rear storage while seated in the kayak. It is relatively easy to lock stuff in the orbix stern hatch with the lever lock. Just lock it once loaded and lock off if you need to take out the gear or stuff you put in the hatch.
The bungee deck rigging and the Kayak Konsole allows you to keep smaller gear. Thus, you can keep the smaller and necessary gear within your reach. A fisherman would love this to keep his necessary gears like portable fish finder. Besides these, you can keep other stuff like keys, snacks, mobile etc.
Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 is great for a day touring or minimalist camping kayak.
Best Kayak For River
As an avid kayaker, my heart goes with the Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 for river kayaking. Pungo series has been a good kayak for river using for a long time. Pungo has evolved throughout its lifetime. If you love to paddle on the river a lot, then this kayak should be a winner for you. I hope this Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 kayak review will make you love this kayak. I really do !!!
Pros
- The large open cockpit for easy in and out
- Multi-chine hull provides excellent stability
- Spacious design for comfort
- Comfortable ergonomic and rubber carry handles
- Thigh and knee padding with the sidelock foot brace system provides comfort
- Comfortable and adjustable seat
- Orbix Stern Hatch and kayak console for storage
- Bungee deck rigging for extra space via drybags
- Phase 3 AirPro seating system for comfortable and convenient seat adjustment
- The seat can be adjusted in forward / backward or up /down
- Leg lifter for comfort to your leg
Cons
- Many people confuse it with a long camping kayak, which it is not.
Final Verdict
Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 is a top-notch recreational kayak. If you want a kayak which tracks well, has ample storage, then this is a fantastic option for you. As this is a specially built for flat water kayaking, you can use this kayak on river and lakes.
The sturdy design, comfortable seat, excellent stability, and ample storage should be sufficient to prove you it as a fantastic recreational kayak. Personally, I am a big fan of this Pango 120 kayak, and my vote goes with Pango 120 kayak.
I hope this Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 Review helps you to take an appropriate decision. Life is short, go kayaking!!!
(39 votes, average: 4.05 out of 5)
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Afsar is an avid kayak blogger born near the coast. He has a passion for kayaking and started as a child. He has paddled in various conditions and locations and promotes responsible kayaking. Afsar’s blog is widely read, and they are a respected voice in the kayaking community, offering valuable content on kayaking trips, gear, tips, and tricks. Afsar collaborates with other bloggers and brands and continues to inspire others through their writing and social media.
This is the most detailed pungo 120 review I found on the web. Thaks sir pointing out the details. Getting one soon.
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