You’ll like the Old Town Loon 120 if you want a comfy, stable 12-foot sit-inside kayak that tracks better than floppy rec boats, handles calm lakes and slow rivers well, and gives you practical features like an Active Comfort 2.0 seat with lumbar support, adjustable footbraces, a ClickSeal hatch, removable work deck and even a USB port; pack about 375 lb max for best performance, bring basic dry bags and a paddle leash, test fit the seat and footbraces first, and keep going for more details.
Some Key Points
- Stable, 12-foot sit-inside kayak with a sharp keel line for improved tracking on calm lakes and slow rivers.
- Comfortable Active Comfort System 2.0 seat with adjustable straps, lumbar support, and thigh pads for extended outings.
- Good day-trip storage: ClickSeal hatch, bulkhead, removable work deck, bow/stern bungees, and onboard USB charging.
- Best for beginners, anglers, and commuters seeking stability and comfort rather than high-speed touring performance.
- Durable triple-layer polyethylene construction with limited lifetime warranty; not ideal for ultralight or long-distance touring.
Quick Verdict: Who the Old Town Loon 120 Is Best For
If you’re looking to get out on calm lakes or slow rivers without fuss, the Old Town Loon 120 is a smart, no-nonsense choice that’ll get you paddling confidently right away; it’s a 12-foot, sit‑inside kayak built from tough triple-layer polyethylene, so it’s durable, tracks well thanks to a sharp keel line, and handles like a stable, efficient boat rather than a twitchy toy. You’ll want this if you’re a beginner angler who values simplicity, a city commuter seeking weekend escape, or someone craving freedom on water; bring a good PFD, a paddle, basic tackle, phone in the sealed hatch, and a bungee-tied cooler. The boat pairs well with other Old Town gear and accessories that cater to paddling enthusiasts and anglers, like Old Town kayaks designed for adventure.
Performance on Water: Tracking, Stability, Speed, and Load Limits
When you slide the Loon 120 into calm water and push off, you’ll notice it tracks straight thanks to that sharp keel line, so you can spend less time correcting course and more time enjoying the view or lining up a cast; that same hull shape also helps it feel like a stable, efficient boat rather than a floppy toy, though you’ll still feel more wiggle in chop or wind than you would in a longer, narrower touring kayak. You’ll like the balance between speed and stability, it moves well for 12 feet, handles wind handling decently, and offers useful maneuverability inlets near the cockpit; load limits matter, pack smart under 375 lb for best results. The Loon 120 is a great choice for casual paddlers and anglers looking for a reliable recreational kayak with solid value and water-ready accessories.
Comfort and Control: Active Comfort 2.0 Seat, Thigh Pads, and Footbraces
Because comfort starts with how you sit and where you brace, the Loon 120’s Active Comfort System 2.0 seat immediately feels like someone thought about hours on the water, not just a quick paddle, and that matters when you’re planning a long outing or want to avoid stiff hips on the way home. You’ll notice the ergonomic lumbar support, padded but firm, and you’ll tighten adjustable straps to fine-tune tilt and height, so you sit locked in without feeling trapped. Use the thigh pads for subtle edging, set the Support Track footbraces for leg drive, and paddle farther, easier. Solo kayaks are designed for one person use and focused performance on the water.
Storage, Accessories, and Day-Trip Practicality (Work Deck, Hatch, USB)
Having your seating and bracing sorted makes it a lot easier to think about what you’ll bring and where it’ll live on the boat, and the Loon 120 gives you several practical storage and accessory options that actually help you enjoy a full day out instead of fussing over gear. You’ll like the removable work deck for maps, a phone, or a compact cooler with day trip snacks, the ClickSeal hatch and bulkhead for waterproof storage of clothes and camera gear, plus bow and stern bungees and a USB port to keep devices charged while you paddle, simple, secure, and freeing. The Loon 120 is a great fit for reel yaks kayaks enthusiasts looking for dependable gear for water adventures.
Buy or Pass? Price, Warranty, Alternatives, and Final Recommendation
If you’re weighing the Loon 120 against other kayaks, think about how much use and what kind of paddling you actually plan to do, because that will steer whether its price and features make sense for you: the boat’s built to be stable, efficient, and comfortable for day trips or light overnight runs, it comes with a limited lifetime warranty that protects the hull and basic defects, and its removable work deck, ClickSeal hatch, and USB port give you practical on-water convenience that you won’t find on bare-bones recreational models. For price comparison, check similar 12-foot sit-inside boats, factor in accessories and transport, and weigh warranty details against resale value; if you want freedom to range farther with comfort and a proven hull, buy it, but pass if you need ultralight touring speed or minimalist simplicity. Wilderness Systems offers a range of kayaks and accessories that appeal to outdoor enthusiasts and paddling adventurers, making their lineup a useful point of comparison for features and fit on the water kayak lineup.
Some Questions Answered
Does the Kayak Come Pre-Rigged for a Fish Finder or Transducer?
No, it isn’t transducer prewired, but the hull is finder mountable so you can add gear easily; you’ll want to check for a flat transducer pad or install a scupper-mount or clamp-on transducer, route cable under the removable work deck or through a click-seal hatch, and seal connections with marine adhesive. Bring basic tools, silicone, and a short cable run, test on shore, then tune depth and angle before you head out.
Is There a Convertible Option to Switch Between Sit-In and Sit-On-Top?
No, it doesn’t convert to a true sit-on-top, but you can create a convertible cockpit feel by swapping to a removable coaming and using modular seating, plus a flip up deck for open access, if aftermarket parts fit your hull; check fit, weight limits, and drainage first, bring tools and sealant, and try the setup on calm water, because stability and warranty implications matter — want tips on compatible kits to start?
How Easy Is Car-Top Loading Without a Roof Rack?
Pretty easy, you can solo lift the Loon 120 onto a car roof without a rack if you plan, use foam blocks to protect hull and steady the boat, and brace the stern against the tailgate for leverage, then pivot the bow up and slide it forward; carry straps or a cam strap help cinch it down, bring a friend if the wind’s bad, and practice the lift a few times to build a smooth, confident routine.
Are Replacement Parts for the Active Comfort Seat Available Separately?
Yes — you can get replacement cushions and accessory straps separately, so you don’t have to buy a whole seat, and that keeps you on the water sooner. Check Old Town’s parts pages or contact a dealer for Active Comfort seat cushions, foam pads, and the strap kits, note part numbers, verify fit and shipping, and carry basic tools and spare straps when you paddle, so small fixes don’t ruin a day.
Can the Hull Withstand Extended Exposure to Uv/Saltwater Without Extra Care?
Not really, you shouldn’t leave it exposed long-term, because UV degradation and salt corrosion will slowly weaken the polyethylene and fittings, so rinse with fresh water after salt use, use a UV kayak cover or wax with UV protectant, check hatches, bungees, and drain plug for wear, and store shaded and elevated when possible, keeping sunscreen for gear and a rag to dry spots—those small steps buy you big longevity.
