Come with modern construction, lightweight material, and conveniently foldable design, the inflatable kayaks become one of the most popular choices when people intend to go out for a river paddling, whitewater rafting, and even fishing. Due to such higher demand, there are more and more brands competitively manufacturing this type of boat, which is so confusing. That’s why I wrote this ultimate buying guide to help you, both newbie and the experienced, find out the best inflatable kayaks. Read on!
Table of Contents
Which Inflatable Kayak is The Best?
Best for Traveling: Advanced Elements Inflatable Kayak Best for 3-Person: Sevylor Big Basin Inflatable Kayak Best for Ocean: Intex Challenger Inflatable Kayak Best for Dog: Sea Eagle SE370 Inflatable Kayak Best for 1-Person: Sevylor K5 QuikPak Inflatable Kayak Best for Fly Fishing: Elkton Cormorant Inflatable Kayak Best under 500$: Intex Excursion K2 Inflatable Kayak Best for Fishing: Sevylor Coleman Inflatable Kayak Best for Whitewater: Sea Eagle 330 Inflatable Kayak Best for Beginner: Intex Challenger K1 Inflatable Kayak Best under 400$: Ztotop 2-Person Inflatable Kayak Easiest to Inflate: Driftsun Voyager Inflatable Kayak Best Sit-In Kayak: Intex Explorer K2 Inflatable Kayak Best for Tandem: Elements AdvancedFrame Inflatable Kayak
Inflatable Kayak Reviews
1 Person Inflatable Kayak
Advanced Elements Advanced frame Convertible Kayak
- 3-layer material for better puncture resistance
- Durable and lightweight
- Compact and foldable
- Decent trackability like a hard-shell kayak
- Adjustable cushioned seat for better comfort during hours sitting on the kayak
- A bit slow in speed
- Not suitable for a tall and big guy
Sevylor Quikpak K5 1-Person Inflatable Kayak
If you’re not a professional paddler, the Advanced Elements Kayak might be a bit pricey for you, right? That’s why I suggest a more affordable option – The Sevylor Quickpak. It’s my favorite choice of all the time when I want to paddle solo around my nearby lake. Just half the price of Advanced Elements Inflatable Kayak, but you will get an enclosed hand pump and a warranty from the manufacturer of no leak appeared on the boat, can’t expect more. My guess is, the 24-gauge PVC helps to cut down the cost significantly whilst the polyester cover and tarpaulin bottom delivers extra protection from abrasion and punctures. But what I like the most about this inflatable kayak is its weight capacity which fits nicely my essentials for a day pack, including a tent, a pump, food with clothes for a day, a filled dry sack hook for floating behind, a preventive paddle, 3L water bladder, some drinks, waterproof shoes, and an extra Class I PFD. Perfect!
- Assemble quickly – less than 5 minutes
- Lightweight, portable and durable
- The seat is also an easy-to-carry backpack system when not in use
- Affordable price
- Secure storage
- Easy to inflate or deflate thanks to the Double Lock valves
- Dry out quickly
- Easy to pack and spacious weight capacity
- Decently responsive maneuvering: paddle backward and forward or through rough rapids easily.
- Paddles are heavy and leave some blisters on my hands
RAVE Sports Sea Rebel Inflatable Kayak
- Affordable price
- Durable and lightweight
- Simple construction for beginners to easily use
- Bundled in a portable carry bag – perfect for traveling
- Quick to inflate/deflate (within 5 minutes)
- Beverage holder and bag are attached to the removable seat
- Get on and off the kayak easily
- Ride smoothly and steadily
- Sturdy paddles
- 1-year warranty
- -> Perfect for lazy river and lake
- Not suitable for ocean kayaking
- Not suitable for big and tall guys
- Paddle might leave some blisters on your hands (Use a pair of gloves to fix this problem)
Advanced Elements Lagoon 1 Person Inflatable Kayak
- Versatile
- Decent trackability
- Durable, rugged and easy to carry around
- Spacious weight capacity (up to 250 pounds)
- Well-support seat, bungee deck lacing, and molded rubber-grip handles
- Quick inflating/deflating and easy setup
- 1-year warranty
- ->Perfect for flat water kayaking
- A bit struggling to get on or off the kayak
2 Person Inflatable Kayak
Intex Explorer K2 Kayak, 2-Person Inflatable Kayak Set
- Super cheap
- Durable and portable
- Huge weight capacity: 400 pounds
- Comfortable seat with an enclosed cockpit
- Ride smoothly in the water
- Dual valves – very secure and reliable
- Extra bright yellow color for better invisibility in case of emergency
- ->Perfect for mild rivers and lakes
- Take time to setup
- Lack of instruction
- Heavy (You should inflate it near the water if possible)
Intex Challenger 2 Person Inflatable Kayak
- Easily paddle
- Convenient patch kit
- Streamlined design with better invisibility with bright green color and uniquely sporty graphics
- Only take 5 minutes to inflate
- UV ray resistance, anti-abrasion for long-term durability
- Spacious weight capacity
- No control troubles or skid problems
- There’s no way to drain the water other than flipping it upside down
Sea Eagle SE370 Inflatable Kayak Pro Package
- Lightweight and fast (can be at top speed only after 3 strokes)
- Stable, balanced, great trackability
- Easy to set up and quick to inflate or deflate
- Comfortable seat with extra legroom
- Super spacious weight capacity
- A bit heavy and bulky
Sea Eagle 330 Inflatable Kayak with Pro Package
- Spacious weight capacity
- Affordable price and useful kit
- Comfortable, adjustable seats and foot pump
- Skegs work pretty well for tracking and speeding
- Take a short time to inflate or deflate
- Durable material and great abrasion resistance
- ->Perfect for whitewater kayaking
- Heavyweight
- Kayak is a bit tippy
Driftsun Voyager 2 Person Inflatable Kayak
- Inflate within 5 minutes
- Easy-to-carry hand pump
- Portable measurement and good maneuverability
- Durable, lightweight, and puncture resistant
- Perform well in both calm and choppy glasses of water
- Good at tracking and draining
- Comfortable seats
- Include essential, helpful tools
- Not fast
Sea Eagle 420x Inflatable Kayak with Pro Package
- Enlarged weight capacity and load capacity
- Super durable material to withstand the harshest abusing
- Quick inflation
- Versatile
- Dry out quickly
- Come in a pack with useful tools and gear
- Expensive price
3 Person Inflatable Kayak
Sevylor Big Basin 3-Person Inflatable Kayak
- Durable PVC material
- 3 comfortable adjustable seats enclosing bottle holders
- Good trackability
- Stable, lightweight and high-quality
- Three chambers with two Boston valves
- Extra storage space behind the back seat
- Two directional drakes
- ->Perfect for lake use
- There’s no bungee cord on the deck
Best Whitewater Inflatable Kayak
Advanced Elements Attack Whitewater Kayak
- Lightweight, portable, and durable
- Can stand rapids and rocks without punctures
- Extra thigh strap
- Spacious room for your gear and equipment
- Comfortable seat
- A bit expensive for a solo inflatable kayak
Best Inflatable Fishing Kayak
NRS Pike Fishing Inflatable Kayak
- Perform as solid and stable as the hard-shell kayak but way more affordable
- You can stand on it
- Useful hand pump
- Easy to inflate/deflate
- Low-maintenance
- Easy to fold back up and store
- 3-year warranty
- Removable skeg
- Easy to carry handles
- Comfy seats
- Easy to understand manual
Sevylor Coleman Colorado 2-Person Fishing Kayak
- Durable and resistant of abrasion as well as punctures
- Provide the airtight system
- Easily attach other gear
- Multiple air chambers and Boston valve
- Extra rod holders, paddle holders and Sevylor trolling motor
- Come up with mesh storage pockets for better carrying
- Too-low backrest
How to Choose the Best Inflatable Kayak
Types of inflatable kayaks
Inflatable kayaks come up with more types than you might think, based on some certain purposes of use and other elements. They actually are:
Self-Bailing Kayaks
This type of kayak is usually caught in many whitewater kayaking spots because of its specialized design for white water rafting or river rapids. The signature feature of self-bailing kayaks is the ports or holes on its bottom, playing the role of draining water when it splashes into it to save you from filling up with water. It’s also one of the cheapest models in this field, easiest to find in general stores, and the most popular choice for whitewater kayaking entertaining. However, due to its lack of a fin for tracking – something like plugs to let some water back in and keep the kayak itself balance in calmer water like lake or river. That’s why they don’t recommend this for such these areas of water.
Sit Inside Kayak
This traditional type is usually the most popular when people think of a kayak. As its name defined, it lets your lower body sit inside with an enclosed cockpit. Compared to the Sit on Top Kayaks, it’s way tighter and less comfy than.
Sit on Top Kayaks
However, if you feel such that construction is claustrophobic and less of movements, the sit on top kayaks are surely better. With this one, there’s no enclosed cockpit anymore, so, you will sit on top of the kayak, usually on a full-sized seat and backrest with your feet easily getting in and out. Based on such comfort and maximum movement, this is the most favorite choice of fishers because it allows them to cast or access gear whenever in need. However, I recommend you to only use this type of kayak in warm weather and calm water and ensure that you’re a skillful, muscular paddler.
Canoe Type
Another great option for fishers, but canoe will be more optimal for a group of 2-3 fishers and their fishing gear due to its flat bottom, high walls, deeper seats, and more storage space. Even, you can move around it. My advice for this type is going for the dedicated canoe paddles for better performance.
Standup Paddle Board
Though it’s not a true kayak, this type of kayak has become very popular nowadays because of its amazing versatility, like fishing, surfing, workout, rafting, and racing. Standup paddleboard figures like a general kayak with hardware or a seat to attach one. Thus, you can get the best of both worlds. Another highlight is its drop stitch construction, very durable and rugged for better rigidness.
Usage
Your plan to use a kayak is very important to list out and keep in mind clearly when choosing one, which is why I noted very detail for each type of kayak in the previous section. In general, the four most basic questions you need to ask yourself are:
- Do you intend to kayak solo or tandem?
- Which purpose are you going to use it for sea kayaking, fishing or whitewater paddling?
- Where are you going to use it: slow moving, or calm water?
- Are you going to use it for a couple of hours of paddling or longer excursions?
Weight and length of the kayak
If your kayak is just packed on the back seat of your car and then inflated when arriving at the kayaking spot with no need of carrying around, like hiking into the wilderness, weight isn’t a matter now. Otherwise, that should be taken into consideration! Unlike the hard-shell kayak, when it comes to the inflatable, you need to concern about its deflated weight and inflated weight. In general, a light model weighs around 17 pounds, but after inflating, it might be going up to 30 pounds. Is it okay for you to carry by yourself for far transportation? If not, go for a lighter one. The lighter, the easier to transport, the more you can use it. Now, in terms of the length of kayaks, it should be maximumly 14 feet. If going longer, its stability isn’t ensured. In many cases, a too long inflatable kayak, even it’s considered as the highest quality or the most expensive, will easily flip over. So, keep that number in mind.
Weight capacity and seat capacity
The same question while considering the weight capacity of a kayak – What are you going to use it for? How many people will be on that boat and how much gear you are going to carry. That’s really important!
Materials
Three common kinds of materials are:
PVC
Despite its harmful effects on the environment, PVC is the go-to material for inflatable kayaks because of many benefits. It’s cheap, lightweight, weldable, easy to fold and reuse. Usually, PVC is bonded to nylon for extra strength and tear resistance. But two things you should keep in mind about PVC inflatable kayaks are neither leaving it in the sun for a long time (because it’s not good at UV ray resistance or bears high temperature) nor letting it contact chemicals.
Nitrylon
Nitrylon is an eco-friendlier option for environmentalists due to the combination of nitrile synthetic rubber, coating a 1200D fabric. Moreover, it’s tougher, stronger as well as more resistant to punctures and abrasion than PVC. But the weakness is, it’s a bit heavier, which is why it’s usually used on the sides and the bottom of kayaks because these areas usually come in contact with the outer elements.
Hypalon
Last up is Hypalon and also considered as the most advanced kind of material. Compared to PVC and Nitrylon, Hypalon nails up its exceptional durability, strength, better resistance to UV rays and abrasion. Also, Hypalon is appreciated for its ability to retaining shape for entire life. In turns, it is super heavy and bulky to further transport. Besides, it’s considered the most expensive material. But thanks GOD, these days, there are many kinds of inflatable kayaks that’s combined bonded PVC with a Hypalon coating to cut down the cost significantly. Your height and weight Very essential to consider as you can imagine how uncomfortable it would be if a tall and big guy wraps himself in a small kayak, not mentioning his equipment and gear taken with him. So, particularly, in that case, you should go for the bigger size of the kayak with roomier leg space and weight capacity. Besides, ensure to look carefully at the features of the boat to find whether it works for you or not.
Accessories & package
Usually, when purchasing an inflatable kayak, there will be an enclosed package consisting of everything needed for you to readily get on the water. And, this is an economical option because it’s much cheaper than buying one by one separately.
- Paddles
- Pump
- Life vest
- Rod holders (for fishers)
- Removable skegs
Your budget
With so many types of kayaks out there, and also a variety of models, sizes, materials, and manufacturers, the cost of an inflatable kayak is quite different. Might can you find some as cheap as 90 bucks whilst some other exceptionally decent ones can price between $150-$1000. Based on my experience, a full package of the inflatable kayak (with tools) will cost around $500. So, consider your budget and choose one.
IV. FAQs
1. Are inflatable kayaks durable?
Despite three major kinds of materials, inflatable kayaks, in general, are durable as or even more than the hard-shell ones. They’re thick, strong and tear resistant, which is also the reason many people go towards the inflatable kayak rather than the rest.
2. What is a kayak skeg?
A skeg, or a fin, is literally a retractable blade figuring similar shape as the rudder. However, rudder pivots from side to side while a skeg doesn’t. It is usually dropped out of the boat in its “stern” or rear. It is controlled to move upper or deeper vertically via a slider that is mounted to your thigh to deliver more direct connection between paddler and their kayak rather than a rudder-equipped model. But for more control, you will need a rope or cable connecting the slider to the skeg blade. This is a great assistant on those windy days when you want to improve the kayak handling.
3. Where is the Best Place to Sit in a Tandem Kayak?
Actually, there’s no certain answer to this question because you need to consider 3 things first: The body weight of each paddler, how many people on that kayak, and who is the more skillful paddler. Why? – you might ask. Let me dive more deeply into each factor to give you a better explanation. First off is the body weight. On a 2-person inflatable kayak, the even load is a decisive feature for how good performance of the boat. However, it’s usually uneven so, in such case, let the heavier person sit on the back. But on those windy days, remember to invert that order – the heavier will sit on the front. Next up is the number of people on a tandem kayak. If there’s just one, you should remove one seat and adjust yours to the center of the boat because there, you can have the ideal performance out of the kayak with ultimate control. If such that thing isn’t possible then try my second advice – sitting in the back of the tandem kayak whilst putting your gear and equipment on the front to distribute the weight evenly. However, don’t go in the opposite direction – the front – because it’s where you’ve got less control. Now, how about bringing your dear dog or younger brother or kid? It’s best to keep them seated in the kayak bow and you sit on the back. That position is the best to know what’s going on to both your boat and your partner during the adventure. Finally, the reason I ask you to pick out the more experienced paddler is, this person will take the role of steering the boat whilst directing it.
4. What is the best inflatable kayak under $500?
If you intend to kayak solo, my recommendation is the Sevylor Quikpak K5 1-Person Kayak. For a tandem inflatable kayak, on top of the line, it is the Intex Explorer K2 Kayak. Now, for a family of three people, the best 3-person boat reward belongs to the Sevylor Big Basin 3-Person Kayak. Next, the most suitable option for struggling whitewater paddling is the Sea Eagle SE330 Inflatable Sports Kayak Pro Package, and finally, the Sevylor Coleman Colorado 2-Person Fishing Kayak is my top pick for fishermen.
5. What is the best inflatable boat?
Seems an easy question but hard to answer because there are a lot of paddlers with different requirements and preference. To pick out the most suitable inflatable kayak for each of them, it’s essential to consider all the mentioned features above as well as find out answers for the four questions I’ve listed out on the Usage Part:
- Do you intend to kayak solo or tandem?
- Which purpose are you going to use it for sea kayaking, fishing or whitewater paddling?
- Where are you going to use it: slow moving, or calm water?
- Are you going to use it for a couple of hours of paddling or longer excursions?
Until you find out the best answers on your own, I can assure you that it’s super easy to know what is the best inflatable kayak for your needs.
6. Can dogs go in inflatable boats?
Absolutely yes! As long as your dogs are trained to sit stably and calmly when the boat goes on the water, and your inflatable kayak is crafted from durable material that can bear scratches by your dogs’ nails, it’s possible to have them with you.
Wrap up
Kayaking is a great outdoor water sport to refresh your mind as well as challenge yourself to explore and conquer all struggles throughout any adventures. Choosing the right inflatable kayak, on the other hand, adds more joyfulness to them. Hope this ultimate guide is helpful for you to find out the best inflatable kayak out there to be the best workhorse during your paddling time.
Robert R. Acevedo
Wow! Such an awesome post.This is a great article thanks for sharing this informative information. I am a regular reader of your Blog and I love every piece of information you share here.Inflatable Kayak is really cool.I used it.I bought a in last year..It works really good..i enjoy it…