Paddle Kayaks · Fishing
The Loon 120 sits right in the middle of Old Town’s Loon lineup, and for a lot of paddlers it is the one to get. Shorter and lighter than the 126, roomier and better tracking than the 106, and still carrying the excellent ACS2 seat.
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The Loon 120 sits right in the middle of Old Town’s Loon lineup, and for a lot of paddlers it is the one to get. Shorter and lighter than the 126, roomier and better tracking than the 106, and still carrying the excellent ACS2 seat. If you mostly cruise lakes and slow rivers, this boat checks a lot of boxes.
If you want to skip the reading and see what it costs right now, check the current price here.
Who the Loon 120 is for
This kayak is for the recreational paddler who wants one boat that does everything reasonably well. Day trips on lakes, slow rivers, and calm coastal bays. At 54 pounds it is the lightest of the three current Loon models, which makes loading it onto a roof rack noticeably easier than the 59-pound 126. The 12-foot length tracks better than shorter boats but still turns fine on winding rivers.
Compared to its siblings: the 106 is cheaper and easier to store, but slower and lower capacity. The 126 has the biggest cockpit and highest capacity, but weighs more. The 120 is the balance point.
Paddling performance
The redesigned hull has a sharp keel line that keeps the Loon 120 tracking straight without much corrective stroking. It glides nicely for a recreational boat and feels predictable in light chop. At 30 inches wide it is stable enough for a new paddler to feel confident, though you will not be standing up to cast in it like you would in a wide sit-on-top fishing kayak. That is not what this boat is for.
The ACS2 seat
Same story as the rest of the Loon line: the Active Comfort System 2.0 seat is the best part of this boat. Thick padding, under-leg support, flow-through ventilation, and adjustments you can work out without a manual. The Support Track foot braces are contoured and padded, so even barefoot paddling is comfortable. Thigh pads round out the fit. You can spend a full afternoon in this seat without the numb backside that cheap kayak seats give you.
Storage and rigging
The removable work deck in front of the cockpit is genuinely useful. It holds a tackle tray, water bottle, and camera, and includes a USB charge port (bring your own battery) for keeping a phone or GPS topped up. For the battery, I recommend the WattCycle 12V 100Ah mini LiFePO4 battery with Bluetoothit runs most 12V trolling motors up to 55lb thrust plus a fish finder, and it’s compact and light. The Click Seal stern hatch with bulkhead keeps a dry bag of clothes safe, and bow and stern deck bungees handle oversized gear. A paddle clip and drain plug are included.
Honest drawbacks
The 375-pound total capacity, or 321 pounds usable, is lower than the 126’s. Bigger paddlers with lots of gear need to do the math. Like all sit-insides, self-rescue after a flip takes practice, so learn it in shallow water first. And at 12 feet it is easy to handle but not the speediest boat on the lake, so it is not for someone chasing long-distance touring performance.
Old Town Loon 120 specs
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length | 12 ft |
| Width | 30 in |
| Weight | 54 lb |
| Total capacity | 375 lb |
| Usable capacity | 321 lb |
| Cockpit | 56 in x 22 in |
| Deck height | 15.25 in |
| Style | Sit-inside, paddle |
| Seat | Active Comfort System 2.0 |
| Hatch | Stern |
| Material | Three-layer polyethylene |
Frequently asked questions
Old Town Loon 120 Recreational Kayak FAQ
What is the difference between the Loon 120 and Loon 126?
The 126 is 6 inches longer, an inch wider, 5 pounds heavier, and rated for 450 lb instead of 375 lb. The 120 is lighter, easier to load, and a bit more nimble.
How much weight can the Loon 120 hold?
Total capacity is 375 lb, but usable capacity is 321 lb. That is what remains for you and your gear after the 54 lb boat is counted.
Is the Loon 120 good for fishing?
It works for casual fishing, but it has no rod holders. For dedicated fishing, Old Town makes Loon Angler versions with rod holders and an anchor trolley.
How do you power the USB port?
The port is charge-ready but the battery is not included. Add your own power bank and store it in the work deck compartment.
Where to Buy
If the Old Town Loon 120 Recreational Kayak sounds like your kind of boat, check the current price:
Also check out our reviews of the Old Town Sportsman AutoPilot 120 Fishing Kayak, Old Town Sportsman 120 Fishing Kayak, Old Town Sportsman PDL 120 Fishing Kayak, Old Town Sportsman BigWater PDL 132 Fishing Kayak, and Old Town Sportsman BigWater ePDL+ 132 Fishing Kayak.
For the latest colors, specs, and warranty details, see the official Old Town website for the Old Town Loon 120.
