Top 16 Best Inflatable Kayaks: Easy & Much Fun

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!

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

Long gone are the day that I changed to the inflatable kayak for the first time, my desire was to find the one as close to the hard-shell model as possible as I’m a person who difficultly adapts something too strange. And this was my most satisfied! The built-in aluminum ribs in both the stern and bow are the biggest bonus to make the kayak’s trackability as decent as the hard-shell designs whilst slicing smoothly through the water like a knife. In other words, it looks and gives paddle-feeling no different from the rigid hard-shell kayaks, but way lighter and more portable. Another highlight is its triple layer material, nailing up its thickness and decent durability. Though speaking of speed, this one is a bit slower than the hard-shell kayaks, but for the price of less than $500, this is incredible. Highly recommend purchasing the Advanced Elements double action pump, life vest, and other needed accessories for the best safety. Together with the deflated kayak, it’s compacted enough to fit my car’s trunk, which I think I’ll get it out to further transport than my old hard-shell. So, I think I got my money’s worth!

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!

RAVE Sports Sea Rebel Inflatable Kayak

The best choice for novice paddlers because of not only its cheapest price out of the bunch but also the simple construction to easily use. Compact to carry, easy to inflate/deflate within just 5 minutes, enclose a hand pump and sturdy paddles. Particularly, beginners can get on and off the boat easily without fear of falling. Plus, ride smoothly on the water like a knife without tipping over. If you don’t get used to pumping the kayak by hand pump, my advice is inflating it at home, then tie to the back of your truck, drive to the kayaking spot and off for paddling. But take note that its PVC material with heavy-duty nylon cover is just suitable to paddle in calm water like lake or river. If you intend to ocean kayak, it’s essential to upgrade to another better version.

Advanced Elements Lagoon 1 Person Inflatable Kayak

I will buy this 1-person inflatable kayak again because of its exceptional versatility. Whether that’s a mild river, bay, lake, or ocean – as long as the water is calm, it performs phenomenally. And, like the previous Advanced Elements counterpart, this one nails up its built-in panels for decent tracking. Besides, is its quick inflating/deflating ability within several minutes thanks to the high-flow spring valves and twist lock. But to talk about my favorite specs, they should be the mesh pocket, the handles on both ends, the tie-downs, and the seat with backrest. Though it might take time to get on or off the boat, for the high quality, the freedom, the toughness, and the great construction, I still highly recommend it to you. Read more:

• • Top 5 Best Kayaks for Kids Reviews In 2020
  • Top 10 Best Fishing Kayaks under 1000 Review In 2020
  • Top 7 Best Recreational Kayaks Reviews In 2020

2 Person Inflatable Kayak

Intex Explorer K2 Kayak, 2-Person Inflatable Kayak Set

Though the Intex Explorer K2 Kayak takes around 15’-20’ in setup, it fits just right to me in person. Wide and spacious enough to fit my one-day packed essentials, gear, and equipment yet small enough to ably toss in the back of my car’s trunk. For big and tall guys, the good news is you can feel ease in this inflatable kayak, (just need to replace the included paddles by a bigger one to fit your hands). Other than that, the craft is okay. For around 70 bucks, its performance beyond my expectation – Hold up finely through mild rapids, comfortable adjustable seat, easy to install, well-working skeg, and great durability. If you’re looking for a budget option of inflatable kayaks, try this, you won’t regret!

Intex Challenger 2 Person Inflatable Kayak

The best thing about the Intex Challenger 2-Person Inflatable Kayak is its decent UV ray resistance that you just worry free of paddling it around for hours under the hot temperature in those summer days without risks of discoloring or wears. This model offers two sets: The single kayak and a deluxe pack including two paddles, one high-output pump, and one repair patch kit. Now, the question is, should you go for the single or the deluxe pack? Well, I myself chose the deluxe pack because I liked to think the included accessories and tools were on-set to be compatible with the kayak. For example, the high-capacity pump is super helpful when I need my boat inflated. Within 4-5 minutes, it’s ready to ride on the water. Or the patch kit, its glue works effectively though I rarely use it because the kayak itself is really high-quality, thick skin and great abrasion resistant. However, if you’re a tall and big guy, chances are that you should change the provided paddles for some bigger ones with better grip to fit your hands’ size. Other than that, the kayak performs phenomenally for its affordable price.

Sea Eagle SE370 Inflatable Kayak Pro Package

Bought the Sea Eagle SE370 as I wanted huger weight capacity and some more room for my legs. But this gave me more than what I could bargain for – the deluxe seat to relieve my back from painfulness during hours of sitting around, waiting for fish. Plus, its decent performance in both open ocean water areas and lakes really gains my trust for a sturdy, well-balanced and durable inflatable kayak. Though figured as a 2-person boat, I believe it can bear up to 3, which was proved by me through the 2-day fishing trip 3 months ago with my wife – Carla and Luke – my dear dog, not saying that we packed tons of essentials, fishing gear and equipment along. Under many weather conditions, from calm water with light winds and currents to the 2-3-foot swells and moderate currents, the skegs worked decently as my boat tracked really well in the wind and current. Based on such great highlights, I decided to take it out on the water next time with my family!

Sea Eagle 330 Inflatable Kayak with Pro Package

  If you’re in a tight budget, this Sea Eagle 330 – the “older brother” of Sea Eagle SE370 – comes at a more affordable price but still ensures many outstanding strengths. Typical of them is the large space that can fit snugly 2 adults around 5’8” or shorter and 1 kid/dog easily. Plus, two seats are adjustable, comfortable to deliver the best support to your back. But what impressed me the most is its puncture resistance that so many times I dragged it on a rocky beach, there’s still no issue to its skin at all. There are more, 500-pound weight capacity, competitive price for an inflatable kayak, 2 paddles, a carry bag, and a foot pump. By the way, the pump is perfect – just take me around 10 minutes to inflate the kayak utterly. Though this pump seems to have a deflation port, which I don’t find it much necessary, still appreciate that small improvement. Excellent value!

Driftsun Voyager 2 Person Inflatable Kayak

Rarely that the included paddles of a kayak package satisfy my standard like this Driffsun Voyager. They feature feather angle adjustment that I can paddle without getting any blister or pain like other brands. So precious! Other than that, is the comfortable EVA padded seats, the portable travel bag, the useful deluxe hand pump which helps me deflate my kayak only less than 5 minutes and the decent rear tracking fin that works as efficiently as the hard-shell boats’. In general, every single item in this package is amazingly useful and workable, which is something really uncommon happened to a picky paddler like me. So, it makes me feel so thankful that every penny spent on this kayak is actually well-worth.

Sea Eagle 420x Inflatable Kayak with Pro Package

This might be the most expensive inflatable kayak in this collection but don’t quickly feel discouraged just because we start with the high price first. There should be some certain strengths that are persuasive enough to urge me to hit that buy button. Does it make sense? And those two biggest bonuses are first, the sizable weight capacity and secondly, the exceptionally durable material. Though featured as a 2-person people, its generous space is bearable enough for me, my wife and my two kids. A one-day pack for four people isn’t a matter at all to it. That’s why I’d love to take them for a ride on our nearby lake on the weekend. But that’s not all about the Sea Eagle 420x, another highlight is its 1000 denier reinforced material with overlapped seams. I’ve heard a lot about this superbly durable and wear-resistant kind of material before but only until getting a chance to “abuse” it, my eyes are widely opened. Whether out at the sea or in Class IV whitewater rapids, scraping over the low-flying rocks, it gets no marks left or any signs of wears and tears. Though sometimes, it filled with water, this kayak dried out rapidly. My extra suggestion for those who love whitewater kayaking is purchasing an extra thigh strap because when tipping over too high rocks or tides, it’s risky that you will be thrown out of the boat.

3 Person Inflatable Kayak

Sevylor Big Basin 3-Person Inflatable Kayak

Used to own one Sevylor Big Basin 3-Person Inflatable Kayak when we didn’t have our kids yet and couldn’t be more satisfied. Their heavy-duty PVC material played the best role to keep the kayak itself intact despite many times that we climb it over the Delaware River in the Poconos. There were full of light rapids with rocks there but this workhorse still carried both of us, with a lot of gear and equipment safely and joyfully without sitting water. 490-pound weight capacity of an inflatable kayak will be super spacious for two and enough for three people. Whether you’re slim, tall, short, or big, its adjustable seat is sure to fit yours. Plus, super lightweight and portable to carry around. One last bonus is its good trackability. Very satisfied!

Best Whitewater Inflatable Kayak

Advanced Elements Attack Whitewater Kayak

The Advanced Elements Attack is a heavy-duty inflatable kayak for a solo traveler taking whitewater kayaking adventure and is spacious enough for one person and his/her essentials for day excursions. Thanks to the 12” bow PVC covered both the bladders and Tarpaulin hull, its thickness is double-layered for more decent durability, which is my most favorite thing about this model. But the best of all is its superbly comfortable seat that won’t be a matter at all to you after hours of paddling and fighting with tides and rapids. Plus, I really appreciate its extra thigh straps.

Best Inflatable Fishing Kayak

NRS Pike Fishing Inflatable Kayak

For an inflatable kayak that performs as phenomenally as the hard-shell ones but just in half price, this is surely the best go-to option for professional fishermen. Not saying that aside from a kayak, the package also includes a pressure gage, a hand pump, and a repair kit – enough to readily get on the water. After several paddling on this kayak for fishing, what stays in my mind is its perfect stability that I can stand up and throw a lure to the water without staggering whilst the other kayaks hardly can. One last thing is no matter which waters I’m in, a muddy lake or waters full of moss, this kayak is still easy to wipe off, dried out quickly and easy to fold back up. Very convenient!

Sevylor Coleman Colorado 2-Person Fishing Kayak

But what if you’re on a tight budget? The Sevylor Coleman Colorado surely won’t deflate your wallet but still affords the needed specs of a good fishing inflatable kayak. Can’t believe that with around 500 bucks, you’ve got a boat crafted from 18-gauge PVC covered with 840D nylon cover whilst the bottom is made out of 1000D Tarpaulin– Two kinds of material that are considered as the top durable and wear-resistant out there. I got chances to test their puncture resistance through 3 fishing trips to Lake Shasta, Lake George, and the California Sierras. Surfed this kayak in 3 feet swells off the Malibu coast and there was no matter at all. Even while some other fishing kayaks kept tipping over the tides, mine was still incredibly stable. My favorite part is it floats like a silent stalker that fish never figure out somebody is upcoming to their hidden places. Good job!

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.

However, thanks to such that design, the Sit Inside Models nail up its incredible ability to keep your feet dried utterly, even in the roughest water. In other words, they protect you from the elements and splashing water as your feet aren’t exposed. It’s the best choice in whitewater paddling, choppy waters, or for a rough condition of cold weather. It will give a more delicate bungee system because of the space over the feet to work with. My recommendation is, go for an extra spray skirt.

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!

Usually, the weight capacity of inflatable kayaks will vary from 350 to 700 pounds. Next is the seating capacity, my favorite choice is a kayak with two seats, no matter I decided to kayak solo or with another person or sometimes, just with my dog. It’s because a two-seat inflatable kayak doesn’t cost much than a solo one, but giving you more flexibility. If going kayak alone, you can take advantage of another seat for a cooler full of beers or your fishing gear. If you usually go kayak with more people, just leverage the number of seats. But ideal, an inflatable kayak should go maximumly three seats to ensure the balance as well as its weight and length.

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.

However, some manufacturers include many tools for no purposes than taking your money, that’s why when considering, look for these items in the inflatable kayak package:

• 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.

However, in calm waters, it’s possible to allow the newbie paddler to seat on the back because, in this way, they get chances to gain more experience and confidence.

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.