The Wilderness Systems Tempest 170 Kayak transforms coastal navigation through its responsive hull design, where ocean currents meet intuitive control. Experienced paddlers recognize its ability to glide effortlessly across open waters while maintaining course stability in shifting tides—a paradox of speed and steadiness that defies traditional sea kayak limitations. Its low-profile silhouette cuts through choppy conditions with minimal resistance, yet responds fluidly to precise edging techniques for tight maneuvers.
The craftsmanship reveals how the touring kayak harmonizes durability with agility, offering a platform that adapts to marathon expeditions and technical coastal traverses. For those who measure a vessel’s worth not by promises but by its resolve in the face of relentless swells, the Wilderness Systems Tempest 170 redefines what it means to master the sea.
- 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 (6/02)
Key Points of Wilderness Systems Tempest 170
Specifications of Wilderness Systems Tempest 170
| Specification | Detail |
| Length | 17’ (5.18 m) |
| Width | 22” (55.88 cm) |
| Weight | 57 lbs (25.85 kg) |
| Capacity | 325 lbs (147.42 kg) |
| Material | Rotomolded Polyethylene |
| Skeg System | TruTrak Adjustable Skeg |
| Seat | Phase3 AirPro Adjustable Ventilated Seat |
| Storage | 3 Watertight Hatches (Front, Rear, Day Hatch), Fiberglass Bulkheads with Rubber Seals |
| Deck Fittings | Perimeter Lines, Bungee Deck Rigging |
| Recommended Use | Coastal Touring, Multi-Day Expeditions, Rough Water Handling, Surf Zone Navigation |
| Skill Level | Intermediate to Advanced Paddlers |
Features of Wilderness Systems Tempest 170
The Wilderness Systems Tempest 170’s British-inspired hull merges agility with stability, featuring Phase 3 seating and TruTrak skeg for precise control. Expedition-ready storage and adaptive ergonomics cater to serious paddlers prioritizing performance across diverse marine conditions. Here are its standout features:
British-Inspired Hull Design
The Wilderness Systems Tempest 170 boasts a torpedo-shaped, round-hulled design inspired by British sea kayaks like the NDK Romany. This geometry prioritizes speed and secondary stability, allowing the kayak to slice through choppy waters while maintaining control during aggressive edging. Unlike traditional North American touring kayaks, its deeper cockpit and increased volume provide ample legroom for taller paddlers and extra cargo space for multi-day expeditions.
TruTrak Adjustable Skeg System
A defining feature of the Wilderness Systems Tempest 170, the TruTrak skeg system combats weathercocking by fine-tuning the kayak’s tracking in crosswinds or currents. Users praise its smooth deployment lever, though some note that saltwater or sand can jam the skeg cables over time. Regular rinsing ensures reliability, making it a critical tool for maintaining the course during long coastal paddles.
Phase 3 AirPro Ventilated Seat
Wilderness Systems Phase 3 AirPro seat sets a benchmark for long-distance comfort. The adjustable backrest and breathable mesh padding reduce fatigue during 14+ hour paddling sessions, while customizable thigh braces and hip pads lock the paddler into a secure, ergonomic position. A minor critique involves slight flex in the seat shell under aggressive edging, though most users deem it a fair trade-off for ventilation.
Expedition-Ready Storage
Three watertight hatches—front, rear, and a front-day hybrid—offer 13.5 cubic feet of storage, ideal for weeklong trips. Fiberglass bulkheads with rubber seals keep gear dry, though rough-water paddlers report occasional minor leaks in the day hatch. Perimeter bungee rigging and deck lines secure maps, pumps, or snorkels, while the open cockpit accommodates bulkier items like dry bags or camping gear.
Rotomolded Polyethylene Durability
Built for rocky shorelines and rough handling, the rotomolded polyethylene version weighs 57 lbs and resists dents and scratches better than composite models. While heat can temporarily soften the hull, it regains rigidity when cooled—a quirk that adventurous paddlers accept for near-indestructibility. Composite variants (fiberglass/Kevlar) trim weight but sacrifice the polyethylene’s ruggedness.
Rough-Water Performance
The Tempest 170 thrives in challenging conditions. Low primary stability feels “tippy” to beginners but rewards intermediate paddlers with confident secondary stability when leaned into turns. The kayak surfs smaller waves gracefully, though broaching can occur in large swells. Straight-line speed peaks at 5.2+ mph, outpacing wider recreational kayaks while retaining maneuverability for tight estuary navigation.
Deck Layout and Accessories
Perimeter deck lines and reflective safety patches enhance rescue readiness, while the ergonomic day hatch sits within easy reach for snacks or cameras. Optional add-ons like the Falcon Sail leverage the kayak’s deck fittings, though users caution against high-wind sailing due to mild deck flex. Pre-installed footpeg tracks adjust to accommodate paddlers from 5’4” to 6’4”.
Pros and Cons of Wilderness Systems Tempest 170
| Pros | Cons |
| Performance Hull Design: Combines British-inspired hard-chine agility with North American volume for rough-water handling and tracking precision | Weight: Polyethylene version weighs 57 lbs, making car-topping challenging for solo paddlers |
| Phase3 AirPro XP Seating: Adjustable hip pads, thigh braces, and ergonomic backband provide exceptional long-term comfort | Tight Cockpit Entry: Snug fit requires sliding in feet-first, complicating entry/exit |
| Expedition-Ready Storage: Three waterproof hatches and bulkheads support multi-day trips with ample gear capacity | Weathercocking Tendencies: Requires frequent skeg adjustments in crosswinds |
| Secondary Stability: Predictable on-edge performance for advanced maneuvers and rolling | Initial “Tippy” Feel: Low primary stability may unsettle beginners transitioning from recreational kayaks |
| TruTrak Skeg System: Enhances tracking in challenging conditions without rudder complexity | Skeg Vulnerabilities: Sand or debris can jam the skeg mechanism during beach launches |
Who Should Buy It?
Best For: Paddlers seeking a durable, versatile kayak for touring, rough conditions, and skill development.
Not For: Beginners prioritizing primary stability or those needing ultralight composites
User Experience and Reviews
| Positive Reviews | Negative Reviews |
| Praised for excellent secondary stability when edged, inspiring confidence in waves. | Feels “tippy” at first, requiring practice for beginners to adapt. |
| Phase 3 AirPro seat and adjustable thigh braces enable 14+ hours of pain-free use. | Skeg cables are prone to jamming from sand/salt, demanding frequent maintenance. |
| Sustains 4–5.2+ mph speeds, tracks straight in wind, and handles choppy seas well. | The rotomolded polyethylene version weighs 57 lbs, challenging for solo transport. |
| Rugged rotomolded hull survives rocky shorelines and heavy abuse. | Tight cockpit for paddlers over 6’ tall; requires seat adjustments for legroom. |
| Three watertight hatches (front, rear, day) fit gear for weeklong expeditions. | Seat shell creaks slightly during aggressive leans or edging maneuvers. |
| Versatile performance in surf zones, estuaries, and open-water touring. | Hull may temporarily soften in extreme heat or under prolonged stress. |
Is the Wilderness Systems Tempest 170 a good kayak for you?
The Wilderness Systems Tempest 170 excels as a dedicated touring kayak, offering seasoned paddlers a blend of speed, responsive handling, and expedition-grade storage. While its learning curve challenges novices, the kayak rewards skill development with unmatched rough-water performance and ergonomic endurance.
Weight and cockpit accessibility trade-offs reflect its specialized design, prioritizing open-water capability over casual use. For intermediate to advanced kayakers, this craft remains a benchmark in balancing precision engineering with real-world versatility.
FAQs About Wilderness Systems Tempest 170
Is the Tempest 170 suitable for tall paddlers?
At 6’2”, entry/exit requires sliding legs in first due to the snug cockpit design. While the Phase 3 AirPro seat adjusts for hip and thigh support, taller users may need to reposition the seat 2-3 inches aft for improved clearance.
How reliable is the TruTrak skeg system?
The skeg excels in crosswind tracking but is prone to debris jams during beach launches. Regular maintenance, flushing with freshwater, and manually clearing obstructions can prevent cable kinks.
Does the low primary stability make it unsafe for beginners?
While initially “tippy,” the Wilderness Systems Tempest 170’s secondary stability engages predictably when edged, making it forgiving for skill development. Novices should practice bracing and edging in calm conditions before tackling rougher waters.
Can the seat accommodate different body types?
The Phase3 AirPro XP seat features adjustable hip pads, 3D-molded foam, and a sliding backband to customize fit for paddlers from 120–300 lbs. Mesh ventilation and honeycomb airflow reduce fatigue during multi-hour sessions.
Is the polyethylene hull durable for rock gardening?
The rotomolded hull flexes on impact, absorbing shocks better than rigid composites. However, this flexibility may cause bulkhead seal leaks over time, requiring resealing every 2–3 years.