The Aquaglide Chelan series is widely considered the "Gold Standard" of inflatable touring kayaks. If you have been browsing PaddleOutlet.co.uk and narrowed your choice down to this premium line, you have already made a great decision. These boats use Duratex™ construction (single-skin, quick-drying) and Drop-Stitch floors to create a vessel that paddles as stiff and fast as a hard-shell but packs into a backpack.
However, the Chelan comes in three sizes: the 120, 140, and 155. While they look identical, they serve very different purposes.
Here is a guide to help you pick the right size for your adventures.
1. Aquaglide Chelan 120: The Solo Adventurer
Best For: Solo paddlers who want speed, agility, and minimal weight.
The Chelan 120 is the dedicated solo boat of the range. At roughly 11'3" in length, it is compact and significantly lighter (approx. 28 lbs / 13kg) than its bigger brothers, making it a dream for solo paddlers to carry from the car boot to the water's edge.
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Who should buy it? The paddler who wants "me time." If 95% of your trips are solo and you want a boat that feels sporty, responsive, and easy to handle alone, this is it. It has plenty of capacity for you and camping gear, but it is strictly a one-person cockpit.
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Paddle Outlet Perk: It comes with one ProFormance seat, which includes an inflatable base and high backrest for all-day touring comfort.
2. Aquaglide Chelan 140: The Versatile All-Rounder
Best For: Couples who want a compact tandem OR solo paddlers who need extra room.
The Chelan 140 is the "Goldilocks" size—perfect for many. At 13'6" long, it provides just enough room for two adults to paddle comfortably without banging paddles, yet it remains compact enough to be managed by one person.
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Who should buy it?
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Couples: It’s a great, manageable size for two adults on day trips.
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Solo + Dog/Gear: If you are a larger paddler (6ft+) or want to take a large dog or fishing crates with you, you can remove one seat, move the other to the center, and enjoy a spacious solo luxury cruiser.
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Paddle Outlet Perk: This model ships with two seats, giving you the flexibility to switch between tandem and solo modes instantly.
3. Aquaglide Chelan 155: The Family Expedition Flagship
Best For: Families, larger couples, or long-distance touring with heavy loads.
The Chelan 155 is the beast of the fleet. At 15'1" long, it is designed for maximum stability and capacity (up to 600 lbs). It tracks (stays in a straight line) incredibly well due to its long waterline, making it efficient for long distances.
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Who should buy it?
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Families: This is a true "3-person" capable boat. It has room for two adults paddling and a smaller passenger (child or pet) in the middle.
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Tall Paddlers: If you and your paddle partner are both tall, you will appreciate the extra legroom compared to the 140.
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Paddle Outlet Perk: The Chelan 155 package on Paddle Outlet typically includes two adult seats PLUS a "saddle" seat for a child, making it ready for family fun right out of the box.
Summary: Which one do I choose?
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Buy the Chelan 120 if: You never plan to take a passenger and want the lightest, easiest-to-carry package.
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Buy the Chelan 140 if: You want the option to paddle with a partner sometimes, but also want a manageable boat for solo trips.
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Buy the Chelan 155 if: You need space for a child, a dog, or extended camping gear, and you prioritize maximum stability and room over compactness.
All three models feature the same Universal Accessory Mounts (for GoPros or cup holders) and MOLLE plates for clipping on dry bags, ensuring that no matter which size you choose, you are getting the full premium experience.
