Does the thought of paddling down the river or across the lake seem exciting? If you have a love for getting out on the water, get the ultimate waterborne experience with an inflatable kayak.
Inflatables offer you a different design to traditional hard-shell kayaks, allowing you to deflate them and pack them up for compact carry to your venue. There’s no need for roof racks and no heavy lifting involved.
Arrive at the lake or river, pull out the carry bag from the trunk of your car, and inflate in it minutes using a hand pump or electric air pump. Inflatable kayaks are affordable, and you get all the same benefits as a hard-shell model.
There are dozens of inflatable models available. Which one offers you the best choice for your watersports activities? This post reviews the best inflatable kayaks.
Contents
Our Top Picks
- The Best Overall Inflatable Kayak – Elkton Outdoors Steelhead 130
The Elkton Outdoors Steelhead 130 is our choice for the best overall inflatable kayak available. This model comes with compatibility for fishing, cruising, and touring. - The Best Premium Inflatable Kayak – Oru Kayak
The Oru Kayak is our choice for the best premium kayak. This model comes with an origami-style folding design, and it gained popularity through its appearance on the Shark Tank investment show. - The Best Budget Inflatable Kayak – Intex Explorer K2 Kayak
The Intex Explorer K2 offers you a tandem inflatable kayak at a great price. You get all the features of models costing four times the price.
Best Inflatable Kayak Reviews
Best Overall Inflatable Kayak – Elkton Outdoors Steelhead 130
If you’re looking for the best inflatable kayak available, we recommend going with the Elkton Steelhead 130. This inflatable comes as a complete package, with a collapsible paddle, a removable padded comfort seat, a two-way hand air pump, a handy travel bag, an adjustable footrest, and a removable skeg.
This kayak has a fishing-focused design, and it comes with a built-in rod holder to keep your hands free for paddling. This inflatable features a drop-stitch floor, allowing for a stable casting position inside the boat. We like the dry bungee storage at the front, allowing you to keep your GPS and fishfinder dry. You also have several universal mounting points around the kayak for your action camera.
The removable padded seat offers excellent comfort for those long trips, and it’s removable and machine washable. The Steelhead 130 comes with a rugged 1000D PVC material construction, ensuring that you don’t have to worry about punctures when coming across submerged objects.
- FIRST CLASS MATERIALS - Solid dropstitch floor for a solid bait-casting position. The Elkton Outdoors Steelhead Fishing kayak has a solid drop stitch floor that allows anglers to steadily stand and position themselves for better bait-casting.
- SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR FISHING - From its front bungee storage to its multiple universal hard mounting points, the Steelhead kayak is especially designed for fishing. Keep your rods, fish finders, action camera and other fishing essentials safe and dry in the bungee storage or attach them steadily in the multiple universal hard mounting points. It also has a padded seat to keep you comfortable while waiting for your catch.
- ROUGH BUILD TO LAST ROUGH WATERS - Features a self-bailing floor with well-positioned ports for water drainage in case of excess splashing. The Steelhead kayak has a 1000D Reinforced Layered PVC, so it safely bounces off against obstacles like rocks and logs.
- STRESS-FREE SETUP AND STORAGE - The package comes with a dual-action hand pump to inflate the kayak quickly. Deflate it just as easily and store it in the inclusive travel bag for grab-and-go convenience! It’s a kayak that lets you have a good time from start to finish.
- GUARANTEE ON WORKMANSHIP & MATERIALS - All Elkton Outdoors Kayaks come with a 1 Year Guarantee on materials, workmanship, and assembly + 30 Day No Hassle Returns
The adjustable footrests allow for a custom setup and positioning of the footrests and set to suit your height. There are carry handles at the front and rear of the boat, allowing easy launching and removal from the water.
This kayak is easy to inflate, thanks to the two-way air pump included in the kit, and it deflates in a few minutes, allowing for easy folding and packing into the handy carry bag. The collapsing paddle offers you a lightweight aluminum construction with plastic blades for durability.
There’s a removable skeg for the bottom of the boat, allowing you to keep your paddling on track in rougher water conditions. The kayak offers excellent maneuverability and handling, and its lightweight design helps you conserve energy when paddling.
Overall, this inflatable kayak is a top choice for anyone, regardless of whether you enjoy fishing or you’re looking for a recreational kayak suitable for the lake or river. The self-bailing floor features drainage channels to keep the interior dry and prevent waterlogging. You get a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty with the kayak.
What We Liked
- Rugged 1000D PVC material construction.
- Complete accessory kit included.
- Fishing-focused design.
- Self-bailing floor.
- Adjustable seat and footrest.
Best Premium Inflatable Kayak – Oru Bay ST Kayak
If you want the best of the best when it comes to portable kayaks, we recommend going with the Oru Kayak. While not being inflatable, it uses an origami-inspired folding technique allowing for fast folding and compact storage in the carry bag.
The Oru Kayak appeared on the “Shark Tank” investment show, where one of the sharks decided to go in on the investment to produce the best inflatable model on the market.
You get a rugged PVC material construction that stands up to abuse from submerged objects in the lake or the ocean. This model is one of the few inflatables rated for ocean-faring use, and it has approval from the US Coast Guard as an approved vessel. You’ll get plenty of service life out of this inflatable, with over 20,000 folds before the material starts to wear.
The Our also features a specialized weather-proof and UV-resistant coating that lasts for 10-years, ensuring the white and orange colors don’t fade in the sun.
- THE ORIGINAL ORU KAYAK – Meet the boat making waves in the kayaking world and helping people everywhere connect with the water. Innovative, fold-out Bay ST is stable enough for beginners, but its contoured shape maneuvers stronger waters too!
- FROM BOX TO BOAT IN MINUTES – Construct your kayak in under 5 minutes! Oru pioneered the Bay ST’s origami-inspired, foldable structure, so you won’t spend forever setting up or waste time lugging around a boat!
- SLEEK, DURABLE, & RELIABLE – Although your kayak is small enough to carry when folded, it is most certainly mighty. Oru Kayaks undergo extensive strength and durability testing, rated at 20,000 folds and exceed U.S. Coast Guard recreational vessel requirements. Each kayak comes with a full 12-month warranty & 30-day money back guarantee!
- NO ROOF RACK REQUIRED - Fits into the trunk of a small car or our Oru Pack carrying case [sold separately] for easy transport when hiking, bicycling, and using public transportation. Your Bay ST is the most convenient, transportable kayak imaginable.
- AWARD-WINNING DESIGN - featured on Shark Tank, Forbes, CNN, Wall Street Journal, and Oprah Magazine, there are now more than 15,000 Oru Kayaks out on the water.
The front and rear of the boat feature a fairing handle for easy launching and beaching, and the bungee cords at the bow allow for easy storage of your gear while paddling. The zipper channels slide into the front of the boat, allowing for watertight sealing of the cockpit, and there’s a waterproof coaming skirt to attach around the seating area to prevent water from entering the kayak.
The cockpit of the Oru features adjustable ABS plastic footrests and a comfortable, removable seat pad with an adjustable backrest to suit any user height. The removable bulkheads give you all the space you need for your gear.
The Oru Bay ST weighs 28-lbs when inflated and can carry up to 300-lbs with ease. It’s the ideal choice for cruising on the lake, river, or ocean. When it’s time to deflate and go home, the Oru Bay ST packs away into a hard carry case that fits neatly into the trunk of your car, with a collapsing paddle that’s easy to stow away during transit.
You get a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty included with the Oru Bay ST.
What We Liked
- Construction with polypropylene materials for durability.
- Rust-resistant fittings and hardware.
- Suitable for ocean use.
- Folds to a suitcase size with compact storage.
- 10-year UV protection treatment.
- Rated for 20,000 folds.
Best Budget Inflatable Kayak – Intex Explorer K2 Kayak
Take a friend or your partner out on the water with the tandem Intex Explorer K2 inflatable kayak. This model is the best value for money in this review, with an astoundingly affordable price tag. While it’s a cost-effective boat, Intex is a leading inflatable brand with a great reputation for producing high-quality inflatables.
The K2 model features a tandem design, allowing for up to 400-0lbs of rider capacity. This model offers you the best value for money in this review. This model gives you everything you need for light recreational use in dams, lakes, and rivers if you’re boating on a budget.
- EASY TRANSPORT – Lightweight and compact, this kayak is easy to assemble and, with the Boston valve, it inflates and deflates in minutes; paddles come apart and the pieces can be conveniently stored with the boat in the included carrying bag allowing you to take the fun of kayaking wherever you go
- READY FOR ADVENTURE – Explorer K2 Kayak is great for experiencing lakes and mild rivers with a friend, this kayak is sporty and fun with a streamlined design for easy paddling, with the bright yellow color and sporty graphics this makes the kayak highly visible in the water
- STABILITY – Made with rugged vinyl construction and built for performance, this sturdy kayak has an inflatable I-beam floor, a low-profile deck, and high-buoyancy side chambers for stability, comfort, and function; the removable skeg provides exceptional directional movement
- 2-PERSON CAPACITY – The Explorer K2 is a two person capacity kayak with a 400 pound maximum weight capacity. When fully inflated the kayak measures at 10.3 feet X 3 feet X 1.8 feet
- ADVENTURE ACCESSORIES – Includes two 86 inch kayak paddles, two inflatable seats with backrests, heavy-duty grab handles with grab lines, two quick-fill Bonston valves, high-output pump and one repair patch
The K2 features design and construction with durable, puncture-resistant vinyl and three separate air chambers, ensuring you never have to worry about sinking, even if you get a puncture. The boat floor features an inflatable I-beam design, bringing amazing stability to the boat, with no sag in the bottom.
The Boston valves on the K2 allow for fast and easy inflation, with a two-way hi-output air pump included with your purchase for rapid inflation. You get a carry bag for compact storage in the trunk of your car and two collapsing paddles.
The kayak’s interior features a self-bailing floor with draining valves and two removable, adjustable inflatable seats offering superior comfort for long trips. You get grab handles and dock lines on the bow and stern of the boat, with a removable skeg for the hull, allowing for easy tracking of the kayak in rougher water conditions.
The K2 comes with a US Coast Guard ID and a patch kit for repairing any punctures. Overall, you can’t beat the value of this inflatable when you consider the boat’s affordable price tag and performance.
What We Liked
- Very affordable.
- Puncture-resistant vinyl construction.
- Three air chambers.
- Accessory kit included.
- Easy setup and deflation.
- Ideal for families or partners.
Driftsun Rover
The Driftsun Rover is another high-quality inflatable kayak designed for two riders. If you’re looking for a tandem boat, the Rover is a great choice, provided you have the budget. It’s an expensive kayak, but it comes packed with features for loads of fun and utility out on the water.
The Driftsun Rover comes as a complete package, featuring removable adjustable footrests and seats, a two-way rapid air pump and Boston valves for fast inflation, removable skeg, and two collapsible paddles.
The kayak features design and construction with lightweight, durable 1000D PVC plastic and reinforced, layered side tubes that can take a beating from submerged objects without the risk of puncture. The hull features rugged Tarpaulin PVC, and If you experience a puncture, the layered pontoon design ensures there’s no sinking risk.
- 2 PERSON KAYAK: The Driftsun Rover 220 tandem kayak features a front and rear rocker profile, so you can maneuver and navigate through calm or rough water with less tracking. The foldable kayak inflates fully in 6 mins & seats 2 adults (600lbs max).
- WHAT’S IN THE BAG: Rover 220 inflatable kayak, 2 adjustable EVA padded seats, 2 adjustable aluminum kayak paddles, double action inflation hand pump, removable tracking fin & spacious travel backpack for all included kayaking equipment
- ULTIMATE COMFORT: Constructed with reinforced double layered PVC, this enables the 2 person kayak to handle obstacles in rough waterways. The high-pressure dropstitch floor boosts stability & sturdiness
- ADVENTURE READY: This folding kayak delivers unmatched stability in rough water compared to low-pressure kayaks for adults. Handles class III & IV rapids with speed and control. Features 8 self-bailing ports, tie-down points & front action camera mount
- SIT IN TANDEM KAYAK SPECS: Exterior 12.6ft (L) x 38in (W) x 1in (H) / Weight: 28 Lbs. / Capacity: 600 Lbs. 2 Adults + child, gear or a furry friend / Inflation Pressure: 3 PSI (side tubes) & 6 PSI (floor)
The high-pressure drop stitch floor on the Rover features drainage channels and eight self-bailing plugs to remove water splash from the interior. The boat’s overall design has a decent rocker to prevent splashing, and there’s a removable skeg for the hull for better tracking in rough water.
This model offers you a Class IV rating suitable for use in river rapids. If you’re heading out for a weekend of whitewater fun at the rapids, this boat deflates in seconds, offering you compact storage in the carry bag included with your purchase.
The luxurious, removable, padded seats offer full adjustment to rider height, with adjustable footpegs for a comfortable fit. The high-back support of the seats reduces paddling fatigue, and this kayak comes with two collapsible paddles for the riders.
You get corrosion-resistant hardware throughout, along with reinforced carry handles for easy launching and landing, and the rear of the boat comes with a dedicated action camera mounting for your GoPro. This model is for adventurers who need a kayak that offers top performance and maneuverability for the rapids. It delivers a fantastic kayaking experience for beginners and advanced riders.
What We Liked
- Durable Tarpaulin hull.
- Multi air chamber design.
- Adjustable seats and footrests.
- Dedicated camera mount.
- 600-lbs load capacity – best in class.
The AquaGlide Navarro 110 offers you the perfect touring package for solo adventurers. This kayak features a hex-shell pontoon design for ultimate puncture resistance and durability. The hull stands up to submerged objects, and the multi-core design of the hull and pontoons ensures you never have to deal with a sinking risk when striking submerged objects.
The front and rear of the kayak feature drag handle for easy carry, launch, and retrieval of the boat from the water. The 11.4’ length offers you a 250-lbs load capacity for the heaviest riders and their gear. The kayak bow comes with a bungee cord system for storing your gear while paddling and dry zipper compartments for your electronics.
- With its high level of comfort and confidence-inspiring straight-line tracking, the Navarro 110 is the ideal inflatable kayak for year-round, all-weather solo paddling with the added performance benefit of a drop-stitch, hard-bottom floor.
- Dimensions: 11’ (335 cm) L x 35.5” (90 cm) W x 14.5” (37 cm) H x 10.5″ tube diameter.
- Capacity: 1-person | 250 lb. (113 kg) max weight.
- Best For: recreational 1-person touring and all-around use.
- Hull Weight: 27.3 lbs / 12.3 kgs
You get a molded handle and D-ring attachment, along with a paddle-keeper securing the paddle when you want to stop and take some photos or relax for a minute before continuing your journey. The cockpit features coaming, allowing for the addition of a splash tarp to prevent water from getting into the boat in river rapids and when out on the ocean in rougher water conditions.
Inside the cockpit, we find a self-bailing floor with drain plugs and an adjustable footrest and seat, along with backrest adjustment to suit rider height. We feel that the AquaGlide offers you excellent performance in all water conditions, including the ocean. You get optimal tracking thanks to the removable skeg on the hull.
The only drawback to this model is it doesn’t come with any accessory package. That means you’ll have to buy your pump and paddle separately, increasing the amount you’re going to spend on your setup. However, you get a boat designed for high-performance touring, and it’s a great option for intermediate to advanced kayakers.
What We Liked
- Suitable for ocean use.
Airhead Montana Kayak
The Airhead Montana Kayak brings you another mid-range inflatable kayak for two riders. This tandem setup is a great choice for beginner and intermediate riders looking for a boat that can handle almost any water condition. You get a design suitable for use on class III rapids, allowing for easy maneuverability and navigation, thanks to the four removable skegs on the boat’s hull.
The Airhead Montana comes with a pontoon design featuring a triple-core system to prevent sinking risk. The hull and pontoons feature design and construction with durable 840D nylon materials and a UV-resistant coating, ensuring the color doesn’t fade under the sun.
The hull of the Airhead Montana features design and construction from tri-laminate reinforcements, and there’s little chance of submerged debris causing a puncture. You get stainless steel hardware for corrosion resistance and six D-rings around the bow and stern for securing your gear.
- Airhead Montana Travel kayaks are Inflatable kayaks that are perfect for camping, vacationing, exploring remote areas, and cruising yachts
- Designed for lakes and moderate white water, this two person inflatable kayak is lightweight, compact, and portable
- All 3 air chambers are completely enclosed by rugged 840-denier nylon with UV and water-resistant coatings
- Made with Neoprene elbow guards for comfort when paddling and a stretch net in the bow and 6 D-rings at bow and stern for securing gear
- Bright orange inflatable kayak for safety and visibility on the water
This 12′ touring model comes with a spacious interior and a tubular I-beam floor to prevent sagging while enhancing the tracking and buoyancy of the boat. There’s a threaded drain hole in the self-bailing floor to keep you dry and front and rear splash covers to keep water out of the kayak.
The pontoons come with drag handles for easy carry at the bow and stern. One of the boat’s unique design aspects is the neoprene elbow rests. These rests prevent that friction burn you get when paddling and contacting the plastic pontoons.
You get a complete accessory kit included with the kayak. There are two paddles, a rapid two-way air pump, and a carry bag ready to transport your kayak to any location in the trunk of your car. We like the high-visibility orange color of the pontoons, making it easy to identify the kayak in misty conditions.
What We Liked
- Durable tri-chamber hull with 840D nylon construction.
- High-viz orange pontoons.
- I-beam floor for stability.
- Four removable skegs for optimal tracking.
- Neoprene elbow guards to prevent friction burns.
Sevylor Big Basin
Sevylor brings you some of the most affordable inflatable kayaks without skimping on design features and quality. This inflatable 3-seater kayak is a great choice for touring and a fantastic way to spend time with family or friends on river outings or at the lake.
The Sevylor Big Basin features a heavy-duty 1000D nylon hull and pontoons, providing resistance to any submerged rocks or debris that present a puncture risk. The multi-chamber design ensures that you never have to worry about sinking. The I-beam design of the floor provides exceptional stability and sag resistance, with better tracking for rough waters.
- Heavy-duty PVC construction is rugged for lake use
- Tarpaulin bottom provides durable protection from punctures
- Multiple air chambers allow another chamber to stay inflated if one is punctured
- Boston Valve is double threaded for easy inflation/deflation
- Adjustable seats move to fit you; Carry handles make it easy to carry in and out of the water
The Sevylor Big Basin features a removable skeg of fantastic tracking in rough water. The bow and stern come with an oversized carry handle for easy launching and retrieval of the boat. The boat comes with Boston valves for fast inflation, with a total inflation time of 12-minutes using a two-way handheld air pump to inflate this 12.5′ boat.
This model comes with spray covers for the front and rear of the kayak, keeping the water out of the boat in mild rapids on rivers. If water does enter the paddling area, you get a self-bailing design with drain plugs to keep you dry.
The boat’s interior features three adjustable seats and footpegs, with an adjustable backrest to reduce paddling fatigue. You get plenty of storage in the bow and stern, but there is no option for dry storage.
One of the disappointments with this model is that you don’t get any accessories, so you’ll have to buy your paddles and air pump separately. This inconvenience adds to the cost of the boat, and there’s no carry bag included with your purchase.
What We Liked
- Suitable for three passengers.
- Ideal for river adventures.
- Heavy-duty hull and pontoons.
- Multi-chamber inflatable design.
- Adjustable seats and footpegs.
Sevylor Quikpak
We finish our review of the best inflatable kayaks with another Sevylor model. The “QuikPak” is the perfect inflatable for the beginner kayaker. This model comes with a sit-on rather than a sit-in design, making it ideal for cruising the lakes and rivers on fishing trips.
The Sevylor QuikPak features design and construction with durable 21-gauge PVC and a triple chamber design to eliminate sinking risk. The Tarpaulin hull stands up to submerged debris, and the double-lock valves offer rapid inflation of the boat in less than 10-minutes.
This kayak is different from other models in this review. It offers you a sit-on-top design instead of sitting inside the boat. The footwells suit riders of all heights, and you get a removable, adjustable seat and backrest for ultimate comfort out on the water.
- 5-minute setup lets you spend more time on the water
- Easy-to-carry backpack system turns into the seat
- 21-gauge PVC construction is rugged for lake use
- Tarpaulin bottom provides durable protection from punctures
- Multiple air chambers allow another chamber to stay inflated if one is punctured
The front of the QuikPak features bungee cord webbing to store your gear, and there’s plenty of storage room in the bow. The bow and stern come with drag handles for easy carrying, launching, and retrieval of the boat, and there are two paddle clamps on the pontoon for holding onto your paddle or fishing rod.
Unlike the Big Basin model, the QuikPak comes with a full accessory kit. You get a two-way rapid inflation pump, a collapsible paddle, and a carry bag included with your purchase. The carry bag features a backpack design for a comfortable carry, Velcro straps for securing your gear, and a webbing pocket for your wet gear.
The Sevylor QuikPak offers you high-performance and quality design, and it’s the ideal boat for first-timers or intermediate-level kayakers looking for an affordable model.
What We Liked
- Very affordable.
- Accessory kit included.
- Rugged materials and excellent puncture resistance.
- Multi-chamber design eliminates sinking risk.
- On-top seating design for fishing.
- Comfortable, adjustable seat.
Other Best Selling Options
- EASY TRANSPORT – Lightweight and compact, this kayak is easy to assemble and, with the Boston valve, it inflates and deflates in minutes; paddles come apart and the pieces can be conveniently stored with the boat in the included carrying bag allowing you to take the fun of kayaking wherever you go
- READY FOR ADVENTURE – Explorer K2 Kayak is great for experiencing lakes and mild rivers with a friend, this kayak is sporty and fun with a streamlined design for easy paddling, with the bright yellow color and sporty graphics this makes the kayak highly visible in the water
- STABILITY – Made with rugged vinyl construction and built for performance, this sturdy kayak has an inflatable I-beam floor, a low-profile deck, and high-buoyancy side chambers for stability, comfort, and function; the removable skeg provides exceptional directional movement
- 2-PERSON CAPACITY – The Explorer K2 is a two person capacity kayak with a 400 pound maximum weight capacity. When fully inflated the kayak measures at 10.3 feet X 3 feet X 1.8 feet
- ADVENTURE ACCESSORIES – Includes two 86 inch kayak paddles, two inflatable seats with backrests, heavy-duty grab handles with grab lines, two quick-fill Bonston valves, high-output pump and one repair patch
- SUPER-STRONG – SuperStrong enhanced molecular formulation PVC provides superior strength and durability, ensuring high impact and abrasion resistance
- LOW PROFILE DESIGN – The Challenger K1 has a streamlined low-profile design that is perfect for easy paddling in lakes and mild rivers
- COCKPIT SEATS – Built with removable and adjustable seats, the cockpit design is spacious and comfortable, providing plenty of room for your legs and gear
- REMOVABLE SKEG – Attached to the underside of the kayak, the removable skeg provides directional stability, making it easier to maintain a straight and steady course while paddling
- 1-PERSON CAPACITY – Inflated size is 9 feet x 2.6 feet x 1.1 feet with a weight capacity of 220 pounds and easily foldable to be put in the carry bag that allows for easy transportation
- 5-minute setup lets you spend more time on the water
- Easy-to-carry backpack system turns into the seat
- 21-gauge PVC construction is rugged for lake use
- Tarpaulin bottom provides durable protection from punctures
- Multiple air chambers allow another chamber to stay inflated if one is punctured
Inflatable Kayak Buyer’s Guide
We put together this buyer’s guide to give you everything you need to know when buying an inflatable kayak.
Handling
The handling of the kayak is critical to the experience out on the water. You’ll need a boat offering you good “tracking” of your paddling path without drifting away in the current. Models with detachable skegs on the hull allow for the best tracking of the kayak, even in rougher water conditions.
You’ll need a boat that is responsive to paddling and turns well. The kayak should have a minimal drag in the water, reducing paddling fatigue on long touring trips. The kayak should also feature good stability on the water and an I-beam floor that prevents sagging in the hull.
Comfort
The comfort of the kayak is another top priority when choosing your boat. Look for models with adjustable seating and backrests. When you’re paddling for hours, lack of support for your lower back will tire you out fast, leaving you stiff and sore the following day.
Look for models with adjustable seats and footrests, allowing you to customize your paddling position to your height. Some models also feature padded or bucket seats to improve the fit and comfort around your lower back and reduce paddling fatigue.
Ease of Set-Up
One of the best parts about owning an inflatable kayak is its convenience in transporting the boat. However, you’ll need to inflate it before every use.
So, it’s a good idea to choose a boat that’s easy to inflate., Look for models that come with two-way air pumps included with your purchase. These pumps offer you rapid inflation of the kayak in around ten minutes, with little effort.
Portability
An inflatable kayak is easy to transport. Most fold up into dedicated carry bags. Toss the bag in the trunk and drive home without the hassle of lifting it onto the roof racks and tying it down.
Most inflatable models weigh less than 40-lbs when inflated, making them easy for a single person to carry to the shoreline without any assistance.
Durability
Your inflatable kayak should come with a durable PVC or Nylon cover for the pontoons and a Tarpaulin hull. These materials are tough and rugged, and it takes a lot to pierce the hull. As a result, you can expect a safe experience out on the water and no sinking risk for the kayak.
Value
Inflatable kayaks come in a range of prices, from $150 to $1,500. However, they are considerably more affordable than hard-shell kayaks, and you’re sure to find a kayak that meets your budget.
What are the Pros and Cons of Inflatable Kayaks?
Inflatable kayaks have plenty of advantages over traditional hard-shell models. Here are some of the top reasons why you should consider purchasing an inflatable over a hard-shell kayak.
Pros of Inflatable Kayaks
Lightweight Design
The inflatable kayak weighs between 20-lbs to 40-lbs when fully inflated. Contrast this to traditional hard-shell models weighting double that, and you’ll see why it’s a favorable option. Most models come with handles on the sides, allowing you to pick them up with one hand and carry them to the water.
A hard-shell model usually requires two people to move it to the water, and that’s an issue if there’s no one around to help you remove it from the roof racks. You might end up mishandling the boat, causing it to crash against the floor, damaging the hull.
Compact and Portable
Deflate the boat and fold it away in its carry bag when you finish for the day. Toss it in the trunk and drive home. With hard-shell models, you’ll need roof racks and tie-downs to secure the boat to the vehicle.
Hard-shell models also require dedicated storage at home in your garage or driveway, and you’ll need to find the space. With an inflatable, the boat folds up into the size of a suitcase, allowing you to store it out of the way anywhere in the home.
Almost Unsinkable
Inflatable models come with double or triple inflation chambers. So, even if you hit submerged debris that manages to pierce the out hull, there are one or two chambers that continue to float the boat. Many people think that the puncture risk is not worth it, and they should choose a hard-shell model instead.
However, if you strike the hull on a hard-shell kayak, you could wind up with a crack that causes water to enter the boat. Hitting a rock underwater might be all it takes to crack the hull and cause the kayak to sink.
When it comes to repairing a puncture, you can do it yourself in minutes with a basic repair kit from the manufacturer. With a hard-shell model, you’ll have to take it in for professional repair, costing you money and time.
Affordable Price Tag
Inflatable kayaks are way more affordable than hard-shell models. Typically, you’ll save around 60% of the cost of a hard-shell with an inflatable. Most inflatables average about $500. A hard shell can be three or four times thins price.
Stable on the Water
Modern inflatable kayaks are very different from the inflatable boats you had as a kid. These kayaks feature I-beams in the flooring, preventing the bottom of the kayak from sagging in the water. As a result, you get effortless planning across the water.
Hard-shell models usually have a deeper draft in the water, adding more friction to the hull and making paddling harder. With an inflatable, you sit higher in the water, reducing the drag and the effort required to propel the boat forward.
Very Versatile
Most inflatable kayaks come with versatile use for a good time out on the lake or the river. There are several designs of inflatable kayaks that even stand up to the intensity of Class IV rapids.
You have the option of choosing the boat that’s right for your water activities. If you don’t see yourself challenging the rapids, you can get a kayak specifically designed for use on the lake or the ocean.
There are fishing-specific designs featuring rod-holders and plenty of storage and touring models with coaming to keep the splash out of the boat. Whatever you intend on doing out on the water, you’ll find there’s an inflatable kayak to suit your interests.
Cons Of Inflatable Kayaks
Performance
Inflatable kayaks have come a long way over the last two decades. Today’s inflatables offer you a much better experience when paddling compared to the dingy inflatables we all knew as a kid. However, they lack the cutting action of the hard-shell models, and the performance of inflatables differs between manufacturing brands and models.
However, all the kayaks listed in this review bring you outstanding performance and handling on the water. The integration of hull skegs improves tracking of the boat, and the shallow draft makes them easy to turn and paddle.
Time to Launch
The time to launch is also a factor. Hard shells are ready to launch, and provided you have someone to help you take the boat off the roof racks; you’re ready to go as soon as you arrive at the shore.
Inflatables require you to inflate the kayak before launch, adding to the time you spend prepping for your trip. However, the addition of Boston valves to most of the models in this review means that you get rapid inflation times, preparing the boat for launch in under ten minutes in most cases.
Sure, inflating the boat using a handheld air pump is a hassle. However, you can reduce the effort involved by purchasing an electric air pump that plugs into the 12-volt outlet in your car for effortless inflation and faster filling times. These pumps only cost a few dollars, and they are readily available online and in stores.
Waves and Wind
The only real drawback of the inflatable kayak is that most models don’t suit use on the open ocean. The waves can end up swapping the boat, and the lightweight design of the kayak makes it prone to being pushed around by the wind.
However, a few models, like the Oru Bay ST Kayak, offer you a boat that’s suitable for use on the ocean. The only issue is that ocean-going kayaks typically fall into the top of the price range, and you could end up spending anywhere from $1,000 to $1,500 on a sea-faring inflatable kayak.
Longer Dry Time
One of the drawbacks to owning an inflatable is that you’ll need to dry it completely before packing it away in the carry bag.
If you pack the boat away while wet, it likely results in mold growing in the folds of the kayak.
However, you always have the option of packing the boat away wet and leaving it out on the lawn to dry when you return home.
Don’t Forget the Safety Gear!
Regardless of whether you have an inflatable or a hard-shell kayak, you’re going to need to take the same safety precautions out on the water.
Always Tell Someone Where You’re Going
If you’re going out for a solo tour around the waterways, tell someone where you’re going and when they can expect you to return. If you don’t show up on time as planned, the person can call for a rescue team to start a search for you.
PFDs
It’s critical that you take a PFD (Personal Floatation Device) with you out onto the water. Whether you’re barreling down rapids or cruising across calm waters on the lake, there is always the possibility that you could end up in the water.
A PFD helps to keep you afloat, preventing you from drowning. If you’re knocked unconscious during a capsize, you could end up floating face-down in the water. If you’re wearing a life jacket, it floats you right-0side up, keeping you alive until rescue arrives.
Signal Flares
If your GPS gives up on you, you could end up getting lost in the waterways, especially in the mangroves around Florida. Every waterway looks the same, and you might not be able to find your way back. A signal flare helps you call for emergency assistance when stranded, letting the search party know where to look.
GPS/ Phone
Keep your GPS and phone charged before you hit the water. The last thing you need is your battery dying on you in an emergency. Keep your phone on flight mode and in a waterproof bag, securely stowed away on the kayak.
Inflatable Kayak FAQs
Q: Are inflatable kayaks safe?
A: Yes, inflatable kayaks are just as safe as traditional hard-shell models. In fact, they might be even safer. There is no chance of the kayak knocking you in the head causing a concussion as you would get with a hard-shell model.
Q: Where do I launch an inflatable kayak?
A: You can launch an inflatable kayak like a traditional model. They are easy to carry to the shoreline and launch from the dock. You don’t need to worry about launching from a boat ramp, as the lightweight design of the kayak makes for easy carrying from the car to the shoreline.
Q: Can I leave my inflatable kayak inflated?
A: We recommend that you deflate the kayak after every use. Keeping the kayak inflated over the winter means that the cool air will decompress the air inside the boat if you pump it up during the summer.
As a result, you might start encountering problems with the valves and seals around the boat. If you’re planning on going back to the river or lake the following day, then you can leave it inflated. However, you’ll need roof racks and tie-down straps to carry the boat home.
Q: Can I use my inflatable kayak in the river?
A: Yes, you can use your inflatable on the river. You don’t have to worry about piercing the hull on submerged debris. All the models in this review come with dual or tri air compartments and durable Tarpaulin hulls. So, if something does manage to pierce the hull, you don’t have to worry about sinking.
Best Inflatable Kayak – The Verdict
After reading through our reviews on the best inflatable kayaks, it’s time to bite the bullet and make a decision. If you’re on the fence about the right kayak for you, why not go with one of our top picks?
- Best Overall Inflatable Kayak – Elkton Outdoors Steelhead 130
- Best Premium Inflatable Kayak – Oru Kayak
- Best Budget Inflatable Kayak – Intex Explorer K2 Kayak
