Cajo User Care: storage, cleaning, safety, and warranty

The universal care guide for every Cajo watercraft — rigid kayak and inflatable. Covers cleaning after use, short-term and long-term storage, minor dent and scratch fixes, inflatable usage rules, "know your limits" safety frame, and the warranty terms (lifetime limited on rigid hulls, 2-year on inflatable material). Sourced from the Cajo Brand Book.

This is the universal owner's care guide — applies to every Cajo watercraft (Outpost 100, Outpost 128, Terra 116, Highlander 100, Highlander 120, Highlander 140T) and the major accessories. Sourced from the Cajo Brand Book that ships with every order.

From the founder: "From day one, I wanted Cajo to be shaped by actual anglers, not boardrooms. That's why we built a think-tank of hundreds of kayakers and let their needs guide every decision. The result is a lineup that feels intentional, rugged, and ready for conditions you can't predict." — Josh Thomas, Founder, Camino Journey

Settle into the journey.

Built for the journey

CAJO stands for Camino Journey — a representation of the path we all take in the great outdoors, a journey that symbolizes exploration, adventure, and personal growth. It's about forging your unique path, embracing the call of nature, and finding your true self along the way.

Made by kayak anglers, for kayak anglers. At Cajo we don't chase trends or stack features just to fill a brochure. We solve real problems that show up when you're soaked, tired, and pushing through a headwind. Every detail is there because we've needed it ourselves.

Care & maintenance — rigid kayaks (Outpost 100, Outpost 128, Terra 116)

Draining — Drain any water after use and let the kayak ventilate fully before storage.
Cleaning — Use mild soap, fresh water, and a soft, non-abrasive brush. Vinyl/UV protectant is fine. Do not use automotive waxes or harsh chemicals.
Minor dents — Usually correctable with heat. Place the kayak in direct sunlight for 24 to 48 hours, then let it cool in shape.
Light scratches — Consider them a badge of honor. But if you must, use a hair dryer on low heat and keep it moving to lightly reflow the surface. Scratches will fade.

Kayak storage — rigid kayaks

Proper storage keeps your kayak in top condition for peak performance.

Do:

For short periods, store the kayak on its side or flat on a level surface.
For long-term storage, support the hull evenly along its full length to prevent warping.

Don't:

Store your kayak in direct sunlight.
Tighten straps too tightly — it can distort the shape.
Use the carry handles to support the kayak for storage.

Care & maintenance — inflatables (Highlander AirTrek series)

Cleaning — Clean the board after each use with freshwater and mild soap.
Keep it dry — Dry the board completely after each use, especially before storing, to avoid mold damage.
Frequent use — Use the board frequently. Long-term storage may cause adhesive failure. Drop-stitch boats are built to be used, not warehoused.
Regular maintenance — Regularly inspect the board for punctures or tears and repair if necessary. See the Highlander patch and repair guide.

Inflatable usage rules

Always:

Ensure the board has been inflated and has maintained pressure for a minimum of 24 hours before long trips.
Secure seat, paddle, and parts to the board.

Never:

Use an air compressor to inflate the board — it over-inflates and voids warranty.
Drag the board. Sharp objects may puncture it.
Leave the board in direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.

Full inflation walkthrough: Highlander AirTrek inflate, paddle, deflate, pack.

Know your limits

Every Cajo is built for serious water, but your skill matters more than the boat.

Know your skills. Be honest about your ability. If conditions feel beyond your comfort or experience level, stay on shore.
Know your boat. Use your kayak as intended. Most kayaks are built for protected waters and moderate currents, not heavy surf or whitewater unless specifically designed for it.
Adventure smart. Build skills on purpose. Take a class, paddle with experienced partners, and practice new techniques in controlled conditions.
Wear a PFD. Wear a properly fitted, Coast Guard approved PFD every time you're on the water. Keep it on, not stowed.

Warranty information

Every hull we make is designed to earn trust on the water. Each detail is engineered for durability, performance, and the kind of reliability anglers count on. If something ever falls short of that promise, we'll take care of it.

Built with intention. Backed with confidence.

Lifetime limited warranty — Covers any manufacturing defects that may impact the performance and quality of the kayak hull (rigid kayaks: Outpost 100, Outpost 128, Terra 116).
2-year warranty — Covers the material of inflatable products (Highlander 100, 120, 140T).
5-year warranty — Covers the Traverse Pedal Drive against major defects.

For the full warranty terms (conditions, what's not covered, claim procedure), see How to file a warranty claim and Cajo warranty overview.

Stay connected

caminojourney.com — store, support, blog
Camino Journey Kayak Facebook Group — the owner's community where rigging photos, fishing trips, and on-water conversations actually happen
@caminojourney.co on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube

Download the full PDF

The Cajo Brand Book PDF is a printable version of this article with photos and full graphic layout. Useful for dealers, gift recipients, and anyone who wants a physical reference.

[PDF download link will be populated once the Brand Book is uploaded to Shopify Files.]