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I have had the Wilderness Systems Zephyr 16' (in Sienna; poly) for two years now and love it! This kayak is perfect for storm-riding on those choppy, windy days with high surf. The well-balanced rocker of the boat makes it very playful in waves and very responsive to when put on edge. The Phase 3XP seat is THE best when it comes to kayak seating. I don't know how other company's boats that are waaay more expensive can have such crappy molded seats in them. I have some lower back problems and tend to get a tingling, numbness in my legs when in the cockpit for too long but not with this baby!

The outfitting is rather good for a "day tripper" as some would call it, though coming from a backpacking background I will say I can put 5 days of gear in the 3, low-volume storage compartments. It does take some creative packing and smaller gear, but it can be done! (multi-purpose gear is the key!)

The lines of this boat are very attractive, sexy in my opinion and the upswept bow helps you clear some breaking waves like a knife if you pack the weight in the bow. The skeg, while a bit noisy at times works rather well in cross-winds and keeps you tracking straight when it's actually needed, which isn't often.

I'd give the Zephyr a 10, but I think a bit more storage and sturdier foot pegs would make it perfect!