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Wilderness Systems Tempest 170 | Sit Inside Touring Kayak

Free shipping on orders over $29.99

$2,069.00

$ 99 .00 $99.00

In Stock

About this item

  • Mid-sized paddlers will relish the performance of this award-winning kayak
  • Winner of sea kayaker magazine Reader's choice Award For "best day and weekend touring kayak"
  • Named "best beginners kayak: sea" - Outside Online, June 2012
  • Boat length: 17'
  • Boat weight: 57 lbs.
  • Sport type: Boating



From the manufacturer

Tempest spec sheet

Intentionally designed for paddlers of all sizes to take their sea kayaking prowess to the next level, the award-winning Tempest series delivers a signature performance like no other. The industry-leading comfort of the Phase 3 AirPro seating system combined with an unmatched capacity enables you to travel farther and achieve more, while the TruTrak adjustable skeg system allows you to seamlessly transfer from straight-tracking to supreme maneuverability.

The patented Phase 3 AirPro seating system is the core of what makes Wilderness Systems the world’s most comfortable kayaks; the Tempest's comfort, adjustability and luxury is built just for you.

Thigh Braces

Padded Thigh Braces

For added comfort and control, the Tempest comes with Thigh Braces to help you steer and navigate treacherous waters.

Phase 3 AirPro Seat

Phase 3 AirPro Seating

The most comfortable kayak seat out there. Fully adjustable. Mesh fabric covers honeycomb-vented, ergonomic 3D foam allowing for greater airflow to keep you cool while supporting the lower back.

Bulkheads

Integrated Bulkheads

With the sealed well covers and sealed bulkheads, the Tempest offers added buoyancy as well as dry storage for your expedition gear.

Recessed Compass

Bow Compass Recess

Navigation is key while exploring. The Tempest comes with an integrated Recess to mount your compass of choice.

Recommended Accessories

Meridian PFD Jacket

Meridian PFD Jacket

The Wilderness Systems Meridian PFD for adults is very comfortable for high back kayak seats. This PFD is a collaboration with Astral Designs, an industry leader in safety gear for paddlers. Perfect for anglers and touring paddlers alike, the Thin-Vent back offers breathability along the users back. This vest also features a quick-access knife tab, reflective trim, a storable drink holder, and foam construction is made from a lightweight and recyclable PE foam.

Apex Carbon Paddle

Apex Carbon Paddle

Well-suited to a variety of water types, the smooth hydrodynamic surfaces of the Apex’s lightweight foam core blades deliver crisp, clean and flutter-free strokes. Paddlers can customize both the length of the shaft and the degree of feathering with the simple flip of the lower-profile lever. Adjustability also enables family members of different sizes to use the paddle comfortably.

The Apex Rec/Touring Carbon paddle weights just 27 oz. and is the lightest option in the Apex series.

Xpel Dry bag

Xpel Dry bag

This innovative, versatile dry bag from Wilderness Systems expels unwanted air via a one-way waterproof valve for minimal pack size and can convert to a soft cooler with a Wilderness Systems freeze sleeve (sold separately). the roll-down style closure is dry and dependable and the full-welded seams offer durable and waterproof protection. Five lash-down points provided for easy anchoring on your kayak or boat. An oval-shaped bottom means this bag won't roll out of reach.

Orbix Round Hatch Pod

Orbix Round Hatch Pod

An innovative water-resistant kayak splash bag; custom designed to fit all Wilderness Systems round Orbix hatches. Made of durable polyurethane-coated 420D rip stop nylon it sits flush with the opening of the hatch for quick access to personal items throughout the day. Water-resistant zipper, water-proof materials, and fry-welded seams prevent leaks and keep splash and rain out. Not submersible. Compatible with 2015 & newer Wilderness Systems kayak models With round Orbix hatches.

All Tempest Kayaks are Proudly Made in the USA in Greenville, SC.

Tempest Kayak

smitvict
Reviewed in the United States on April 15, 2024
I own a collection of lake kayaks and stand up boards but am not an expert. This kayak is the fastest of anything I own. It’s fun. Primary and secondary stability are not an issue. I can just float along and feel very stable. You do need to insert yourself into it. I am 5 ft 10 in and 180 lbs. I fit snugly / comfortably. The skeg works great too, when it’s down even 50% the kayak runs true. It’s long so transportation needs to be thought through. I only need to go 300 ft so I opened the tailgate and put the kayak in the back of my Outback and held it with my hand. So, this isn’t a lake kayak for weekends, it’s a distance kayak and does a good job of it.
paraphillips
Reviewed in the United States on January 24, 2021
ordered 01/21/2021 1730 hours. delivered 0930 hours 01/23/2021. amazon warehouse "new/item will be repackaged". skeg inoperable due to prior freight damage, 5 minute fix.amazon delivery was wonderful. best bargain to date. thanxP.S. Great Kayak
shirley
Reviewed in the United States on September 24, 2020
The straps that hold the seat forward we’re not attached and when I attempted to do so the screws that held that in place were not long enough to accommodate the extra thickness of the strap and so a trip to the hardware store was in order .
Kenneth L. Kline
Reviewed in the United States on December 2, 2020
Comfortable, tracks well with retractable skeg, manageable weight, good secondary stability. Works well for 65+ male in gulf and bay waters, handles wind and chop well, I have never been on rivers with strong current or waves over a couple of feet.
Adam J Fletcher
Reviewed in the United States on December 15, 2020
Not for heavy use. Fine for most paddlers.I had Tempest before and liked it. I traded it out for a Valley Nordkap rotomold and glad I did. I decided to repurchase a Tempest because I found the hull speed faster and want to use it on future longer paddles.The trade off between my two boats, Nordkap and Tempest, is mainly about speed for durability, in my opinion.Nordkap RM is a heavy plastic that is more durable and perhaps stiffer than the thinner plastic Tempest. On the other hand the lighter Tempest is easier to truck top.Outfitting of the Tempest seems ergonomic, but again not so durable for the kind of kayaking and rolling that I like to do. I roll a lot and get out and reenter sometimes. Outfitting is more suitable for in the boat distance paddling. On first day, fabric covered thigh brace screw support came out and it is not obvious how to get it back in. I’d like to replace the whole seat and supports with something more simple and sturdy and durable if I could, although the ergonomic seat may prove its value in longer paddles. Maybe I will remove the thigh supports and cement glue some foam ones in in there place.The skeg seems to come out too far and I need to make the cord a little shorter. This is a possible QC matter.I think of the Tempest as A standard in sea kayaks and think the issues I have with it more relevant to the kind of rough paddling I do. The kayak and outfitting should be fine, if not really good, for most paddlers.
Osvaldo Miranda
Reviewed in the United States on November 23, 2020
Do not know if product was gouged and indented during shipping or if it was already like that. Don’t know if this will affect performance of Kayak when used. Will find out this coming weekend. I would not have expected product to be blemished from shipping; especially, for the price.
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