Best Inflatable Kayaks: Top 10 Blow Up Choices in 2022
Picture this, you're kayaking on the most beautiful, blue, glassy lake in the middle of luscious, green trees surrounded by looming mountains in the most magical setting, and it's ruined by the cumbersome kayak you have to lump on top of your car at the end of the day.
Well, have we got excellent news for you. There is a way to have that beautiful day with minimum effort at the end of the day. Inflatable kayaks! They are easily transportable and can deflate in minutes at the end of your picturesque day.
That's why we've sifted through the best inflatable kayaks for you to view at your leisure!
Why Use An Inflatable Kayak?
Why would you possibly want to have a convenient transportable, durable, and comfortable inflatable kayak? It seems too good to be true!
The fact is inflatable kayaks are versatile. They are for the traveler, the backpacker, and the adventurer.
Inflatable kayaks are super transportable when deflated. They also tend to be really comfortable and can do everything regular kayaks can do. Although the inflatability may be offputting to those looking for a rigid kayak, they are made to withstand any potential damage, so there need not be any concern.
Pros and Cons of Inflatable Kayaks
Every product has it's pros and cons., When making a big purchase, you want to research extensively. In this guide, we've put together a list of pros and cons so that you can find the best inflatable kayak for you!
Pros
Transportable
I know we keep banging on about it, but these things are super easy to transport and don't require a lot of storage space should you be in a small apartment or car.
No roof rack is required
Not only will you save money on a roof rack, but you also don't have to fiddle with attaching the kayak to the roof. Simply throw it in the trunk and happy paddling.
Sturdy
Despite popular belief, these kayaks can be just as sturdy as some hard shell kayaks and should not be underestimated. The materials kayaking manufacturers use offer excellent rigidity and stability when paddling.
Packing
Some inflatables can pack everything, including the paddles (which break down into three pieces) into a backpack-sized bag, which is brilliant if you want to hike, then paddle then hike again.
Seats
The seats more often than not are adjustable to your personal inflation preference for maximum comfort. Some seats can be rigged using D rings on the sides of the boat too. This allows you to use a tandem as a solo or a solo as a tandem should you so wish.
Cons
Natural Elements
These boats can be more easily affected by the weather conditions on the water and the current underneath the boat.
Inflation
The inflation time needs to be added to the start of the trip and deflation at the end of the trip.
Drying
Before packing up, it is a good idea to dry every last bit of the boat as mold can quickly form in any packed up wet parts of the fabric. This can add time on, especially if the boat has lots of nooks and crannies.
Oars
The oars usually require construction.
Different Types of Inflatable Kayak
To figure out the type of inflatable kayak that suits your needs, you have to decide what kind of kayaking you will be doing.
Inflatable Whitewater Kayaks
Are you looking for the best inflatable kayak for whitewater paddling? In contrast to the touring kayak, these inflatable kayaks are built for stability. They tend to be wider and sturdy to reduce the chance of capsizing when tackling Class I to IV whitewater rapids.
Inflatable Recreational Kayaks
A recreational yak is perfect for a casual day trip on calm lakes, slow rivers, or up to Class I or II rapids. They are comfortable and make great boats for beginners or as a multi-purpose kayak.
Inflatable Touring Kayaks
These inflatable kayaks are designed for flatwater and paddling long distances. They have a skinny and sleek design for cutting through the water and can often come with rudders, skegs, and tracking fins to maximize control. Although inflatables can't be too harshly compared to hard shells with fantastic tracking, they do an outstanding job!
Inflatable Self Bailing Kayaks
A kayak with a self-bailing drain has self-bailing drain holes at the bottom of the boat to release any water taken on from splashes, waves or rain. This makes this kayak best for any whitewater paddling or ripping up rapids.
Inflatable Sit-In Kayaks
These inflatable kayaks have the same shape as a traditional hard shell kayak. You sit inside the cockpit, sometimes have less storage availability but sometimes have bungee cord storage areas on the bow and stern should you need to bring more gear.
Inflatable Sit-On-Top Kayaks
A sit on top inflatable kayak is self-explanatory really, instead of being seated in the traditional cockpit you are sitting on top of the kayak. These type makes the best inflatable fishing kayak as it enables maneuverability to switch sides with different fishing rods...which brings us to the next kayak type.
Inflatable Fishing Kayaks
Fishing kayaks can be sit-on-top or sit-in kayaks and are usually incredibly stable and structurally sound, to ensure anglers are able to stand and fish inside the kayak.
The main difference is all the fishing orientated extras like rod holders or extra storage for lots of fishing gear.
Tandem Inflatable Kayak
Tandem inflatable kayaks are 2 person inflatable kayaks. Like a tandem bike, you can make a solo sport more sociable by taking your best friend along with you. Who wants to be in a 1 person inflatable kayak when you can bring your best pal? Popular among these are tandem fishing kayaks.
Canoe Type Inflatable Kayak
These boats are for those who want to go out inflatable kayaking with a friend and prefer canoeing with a single side paddle, unlike the traditional kayaking two-sided paddle. One thing this boat will have is lots of space for storage and extra gear for weekend trips to hard to reach places.
Weight Capacity
Speaking of tandem kayaks, it is crucial to understand the weight limit if you don't want to get wet!
The weight capacity refers to the amount of weight the kayak can take on when fully inflated. For example, if you're tandem kayak can take 500 lbs, the average adult male weighs 200 lbs you can fit two adult males and up to 100 lbs of kit.
Materials
The materials are very significant to inflatable kayak manufacturers. They not only have to prove themselves to a market that hosts hardshell kayaks but have to make sure the materials they use are so durable that the sharpest rock doesn't puncture the boat. However, no matter how confident you are in your new boat, we recommend you prepare for the worst-case scenario and take a repair kit with you.
PVC
This stands for Polyvinyl Chloride is the most common inflatable kayak material. It's durable and usually held together with nylon to further increase its strength. It is relatively UV resistant but will begin to break down if left in the sun for an extended period of time.
Nitrylon
This material is more eco-friendly. It's a synthetic rubber, which is really tough and abrasion-resistant.
Hypalon
It is more resistant to UV than the others and even tougher too, but it comes at a price. Some inflatable kayaks use it as a top coating to save money and strengthen the design.
How to Choose the Right Kayak
It can be totally overwhelming sifting through all of the jargon and features offered in the different types of kayak but do not fret. We are here for you! Here is a list of things it would be best to consider when choosing from the best inflatable kayaks to find the right one for you so you can get out on the water.
Size
When you are looking for an inflatable kayak, we encourage you to precisely determine what size you need. For example, how many seats do you need? Will you be kayaking as one person or more? Do you require lots of storage, etc.?
Inflatable kayaks can come as a single and tandem or a trio, so should you want to be more friendly on your trips.
Weight
The point of an inflatable kayak is to be easy to transport, so the last thing you want is it to be super heavy!
Most inflatable kayaks weight around 30 lbs, and an average tandem kayak weighs around 40 lbs. Both are lightweight enough for one person to carry, which is more than you could say for a hard shell kayak.
Ideally, you want to get a lightweight kayak that one person is able to carry along with all the gear you intend on bringing.
Length
The length of a kayak can range from 10 to 15 feet or more. In order to find the right length, it's best to consider your height, the inflatable kayak's width, and your paddling experience. Keep in mind, inflatable tandem kayaks will be a bit longer, and therefore potentially heavier to carry.
Portability and Transportation
The greatest thing about an inflatable kayak is the ability to take it anywhere, and we mean anywhere! You can check it in on a flight, throw it in the back of a car, cycle to the lake with it on your back or take it hiking for hard to reach lakes you've always wanted to explore. They often come with a carry bag to transport from land to water, which makes it extremely convenient.
You don't need roof racks, extra kayak moving help, or a trolley to get it in the water.
Waterproofing
If you want to protect your gear from the water, you are going to nee a boat with water-resistant storage or one that is compatible with a spray deck. Alternatively, you can purchase waterproof dry bags, available in lots of different sizes to protect any water sensitive gear.
Paddle Stroke Effectiveness
Hardshell kayaks and inflatable kayaks require similar paddling styles. However, they move differently on the water, so the paddler can benefit in some cases from adjusting paddling techniques.
If you are a beginner, it would be useful to focus on the basic and paddling form and graduate to more techniques like draw strokes to maneuver the boat successfully on the water.
Durability
These boats are built with durability in mind, especially against punctures or tears. Some boats even have multiple air chambers to ensure in the unlikely event that the boats high-quality materials are punctured they won't immediately sink because the chambers will provide back up inflation.
Comfort
Luckily the very nature of an inflatable kayak is they tend to be pretty comfortable because of their pillow-like bouncy castle feel. The seats are naturally adjustable most of the time as you are usually also able to adjust the air inside when inflating the kayak. You might also find that some inflatable canoes have adjustable footrests to provide maximum comfort.
Solo or Tandem?
You need to ask yourself, do you prefer a solo paddle and the clam feeling of relaxation? Or does the sound of silence make you want to flip your boat? If you intend on socially kayaking, it would be a good idea to invest in a tandem.
After all, a tandem is also usually much cheaper than purchasing two solo kayaks.
Extra Features
If you intend to fish in your blow-up kayak, you may be interested in the additional fishing features like rod holders or the capacity to mount a fish finder GPS. If not, there are also plenty of features to consider for the type of kayaking you're doing.
Rod Holders
Enables you to fish hands-free when kayaking
GPS Mount
Allows you to mount a kayak GPS system so you can find your way to your destination and back or a fish finder GPS to your boat so you can find the best place to throw out a line with the most fish.
Skeg
A removable skeg is an underwater fin system that ensures the boat to be better at moving in a straight line.
Extra Gear Space
You might need some extra storage space either in the cockpit of the kayak or at the front and rear. If you are going on an expedition or fishing with a lot of specialist gear this extra space will be essential.
Spray Skirts
To protect the boat from water getting in from violent splashes or untamed waves.
Pump
Most inflatable kayaks will come with their own inflation device, whether it be an electric pump or a hand pump, you'll certainly not be blowing it up with your lungs!
What Else To Consider When Choosing An Inflatable?
Ease of Setup
It's important to consider the ease of setup and deflation, what kind of water you will be kayaking on, and the safety and overall stability of the boat and also any ongoing maintenance.
Most kayaks are easy to blow up in under 10 minutes or so (once you get some practice in!), and deflation is usually less. Some kayaks come with an electric pump, which blows it up in no time!
Do You Plan on Paddling in Choppy Seas or Fast Currents?
The weather conditions should be considered as the water you are paddling on effects the shape of the boat you should be using. A short and wider boat is more rigid and best for stability and easy to maneuver, making it the best inflatable kayak for whitewater and the best inflatable kayak for rivers. At the same time, a longer and skinnier kayak is better for cutting across the water, making it best for speed.
Maintenance
You also have to consider the maintenance involved in having an inflatable kayak. It needs to be thoroughly dried every time it is packed away to avoid any mold forming, and it also requires cleaning if any moisture is missed. When you have to clean your inflatable kayak, do not use strong detergents as this will affect the waterproofing.
Repair Kit
For punctures and tears, some kayaks come with a specialized repair kit for those emergency situations. You don't want to be caught out without a repair kit when you get to the beach and discover a hidden puncture.
Our Best Inflatable Kayaks
So, we've considered the size, the shape, the weight, the features, everything, and the kitchen sink! It's time to look at the good stuff and get into these inflatable kayak reviews. Let's begin!
1. Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Convertible Tandem Kayak
Advanced elements have done it again, an excellent choice for a rigid, stable inflatable two-person kayak from a reliable kayaking company.
This advanced elements inflatable kayak has insanely good tracking aided by the aluminum ribs at the bow and stern, which could easily compete with a hard shell kayak. Still, the added bonus is this one is portable, unlike its hardshell competition.
The Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame is 15 feet in length and 32 inches wide, making for a kayak that can cut through the water and hold its own stability. As with lots of Advanced Elements kayaks, it hosts a PVC tarpaulin bottom, which aids it in gliding through the water and also aids in protection.
This Advanced Elements kayak is super comfortable and has multiple air chambers to make sure it's picture resistant. The weight capacity is 550 lbs, so plenty of room for two people and extra kit, and when it's packed up into its carry bag, it weighs 55.2 lbs. Although not the lightest inflatable kayak, the Advanced Element AdvancedFrame is an all-round great boat.
Weight 55.2 lbs
Capacity 550 lbs
Length 15 ft
The Sea Eagle Inflatable 380X Explorer is one of the best tandem kayaks on the market. It's comfortable, it's durable, and it has the capability of dealing with whitewater up to Class IV rapids.
The Sea Eagle 380X weighs 40 lbs and has a weight capacity of 750 pounds and is actually approved to take three passengers if you want to be extra social. However, suppose you are going out as a pair. In that case, you can enjoy the two comfortable seats provided while leaving plenty of extra storage space for additional gear or a cooler. If you are looking for a fishing kayak with lots of storage, this Sea Eagle is an excellent choice.
This Sea Eagle kayak is sturdy! It is constructed with a 1000 denier reinforced PVC, which makes it puncture resistant, to say the least.
The Sea Eagle Explorer also comes with a removable skeg that aids with the boats tracking in a straight line. While you can't expect it to be as smooth in the water as the hardshell kayak cousin, it is a pretty good alternative for an inflatable.
Weight 40 lbs
Capacity 750 lbs
Length 12 ft 6
Quik by name Quick by nature. The Quikpak K5 solo kayak is super quick to set up only takes a few minutes and really durable and puncture-resistant constructed from strong and stable 24 gauge PVC.
The Quikpak K5 could not be faster and easier to inflate and deflate. It also has multiple air chambers to prevent sinking in the case of a puncture, and the K5 is constructed with anti-leak protection.
It's 10 ft long, 2 ft 10 inches wide and weighs 25.5 pounds making it really easy and lightweight to carry. This is a boat with sturdy construction and an excellent simple boat for a solo kayaker.
Weight 25.5 lbs
Capacity 250 lbs
Length 10 ft
Hello, comfortable, spacious kayak! These Sea Eagle seats are luxury! They are so comfy you're not going to want to get out of the water.
The Sea Eagle SE370 is stable and balanced with excellent tracking ability and performs well under most weather and water conditions even though it's relatively lightweight at 45 lbs.
On top of that, there is so much space. You can stretch out, bring on lots of extra gear, or have a full five-course candlelit dinner on the cockpit! Ok, maybe not the last one, but the abundance of space could make it the best inflatable kayak for dogs or even best tandem kayak. That's right; if you prefer the company of the canine persuasion, this kayak is perfect for bringing along your fluffy little friend. No dog left behind!
Weight 45 lbs
Capacity 650 lbs
Length 12.5 ft
If you are looking for a fun, inexpensive, easy to inflate kayak, the Intex challenger could be the one for you. It's safe, it's lightweight and ready for a fun day trip on the water.
It's easy to set up and designed for a single paddler, but larger passengers may find the cockpit a tight squeeze and don't expect any extra gear storage space. The Intex challenger is lightweight, weighing in at 27 lbs making it easy to transport by yourself.
This is the best cheap inflatable kayak for a beginner on a budget if you intend to take it out for calm days trips on lakes and mild rivers, you get what you pay for.
Weight 27 lbs
Capacity 220 lbs
Length 9 ft
This Sevylor kayak is best for three people to enjoy. Equipped with comfortable seating, heavy-duty PVC construction, and a reinforced tarpaulin bottom. It has a small capacity for a three-person boat coming in at 490 lbs, so if you are filling all three seats, keep in mind the capacity!
It's also so lightweight for a tandem at 34.8 lbs, easy to carry on your own, or with your kayaking friends.
The three-chamber construction has all our concerns for punctures melt away, and just in case of some splashes, there are some convenient spray skirts on the bow and stern. While this boat is prepared for splashing, it is not meant for whitewater so best to keep it on the calm river and flat lakes!
Weight 34.8 lbs
Capacity 490 lbs
Length 12 ft 3 in
Want to take a look at tandem paddling at its most comfortable? The Driftsun Voyager 2 hosts seats with excellent back support, allowing you to paddle until your heart is content.
It's constructed with relatively durable materials such as 840 denier nylon and a PVC tarpaulin bottom. Still, while this boat is not equipped to fly down some significant rapids, it is more than ready to enjoy some recreational paddling.
It has a fast inflation set up time and can be easily adjusted for a solo paddler. It hosts storage at the front and rear for any extra gear and also spray skirts at the bow and stern. The removable skeg aids its tracking and all coming at the packed up weight of 27 lbs!
Weight 27 lbs
Capacity 450 lbs
Length 10 ft
Saturn? You may be wondering, "I thought they only did inflatable dinghies?" Well, look again! Saturn have also pierced the kayaking market and have come out with this rigid, rugged, and handsome monster raft. It is tough!
Perfect for ripping up the rapids with a friend, it's built from high-quality PVC and explicitly designed to take impact and say goodbye to abrasion. After all, the boat floor is 6 inches thick!
If you find yourself taking on water, don't panic! There is a handy dandy self-bailing deck drain to let the water and worries trickle away, and should you decide to rig some seats in the D-ring anchors make this kayak pretty adjustable. You can convert from tandem to solo or vice versa if you desire.
On the downside, all the extra protection comes with a weighty price. The weight, this is not a light kayak to carry. At 50 lbs, you'll be glad you brought a friend to take turns.
Weight 50 lbs
Capacity 700 lbs
Length 13 ft
Are you looking through inflatable kayaks on the market in search for a comfortable yak with proper back support, well look no further!
This inflatable kayak is suitable for fishing, long trips, and recreational kayaking. This is all because of how comfortable you will feel in its sling seat with adjustable backrest, complete with a waterproof zip on the back to hold all your immediate essentials.
The sea rebel does not rebel against tracking straight using it's three bottom fins and comes with its own hand pump for easy setup and also a carry bag and a paddle.
It uses a rugged and tough PVC and hosts a reinforced bottom to ward off any abrasion or puncture scares. Also, on top of that, it's so lightweight and transportable coming in at only 22 lbs! So light to carry!
Weight 22 lbs
Capacity 200 lbs
Length 8 ft 6 in
Sea Eagle kayak inflatables, you've done it again!
The brand Sea Eagle takes great pride in this kayak as it is the first and only inflatable kayak using solely Drop Stitch Technology.
It uses 3" drop stick material on the floor of the inflatable kayak and 4" drop stick fabric on the sidewalls of the kayak. This makes it super durable and buoyant.
The Sea Eagle 393RL has an adjustable flex brace that has ergonomic footrests, which can be adjusted quickly and efficiently, accomodating all sizes of paddling enthusiasts.
It has a high-performance rating coming with a removable skeg, an ergonomic tall comfortable seat back, a four-part performance paddle (ideal if you enjoy alliteration), and a carry bag backpack for transport and storage.
A high-performance kayak with a high-grade design!
Weight 35 lbs
Capacity 500 lbs
Length 12 ft 10 in
Common Questions & Answers
1. What is the best inflatable kayak to buy?
One that's safe and fitting to the type of kayaking you'll be doing.
2. Are inflatable kayaks worth it?
We understand why one could be skeptical about inflatables, but for convenience and transportability alone, they are fantastic and shouldn't be underestimated!
3. Are inflatable kayaks more stable?
In a word, no. A kayak's stability depends on the boat's width and rigidity, and while inflatable kayaks can be stable enough for fishers to stand up on due to their wide frames, a hard shell kayak will always be more stable.
4. Are inflatable kayaks safe?
Yes, they go through rigorous testing to gauge what kind of water they can be put on and what weight capacity they can take, and there are lots of measures in place to avoid accidental deflation.
5. Are inflatable kayaks any good?
Yes! They are excellent if you don't have somewhere like a garage or storeroom to store a full-blown hard shell kayak, or if you want to tackle multi-terrain expeditions.
6. How durable are inflatable kayaks?
Pretty damn durable! These kayaks need to be durable to provide any competition with hardshell kayaks on the market. They use sturdy materials to ensure they can compete!
7. Are inflatable kayaks good for fishing?
Yes, there are many options for inflatable fishing kayaks on the market complete with rod holders and extra storage.
8. How do you get into an inflatable kayak?
First, put your paddle beside the kayak so you can reach it once you're inside. Secondly, lift yourself inside the kayak trying to keep most of the weight in your hands, then maneuver yourself inside the boat paying attention to keeping your weight in the center.
9. Do inflatable kayaks pop easily?
No. These kayaks are built for purpose. The materials should ward off any potential hazards and sharp objects easily. However, in the unlikely case, they do pop, puncture, or tear most kayaks should come with a repair pack you can use to patch up.
Our Top Pick!
So, we've read all the best inflatable kayaks reviews, crunched all the numbers, did all the math, and concluded what the best all-around inflatable kayak is.
Our pick is the Sea Eagle 393RL RazorLite Inflatable Kayak Pro Package! For its innovative drop stitch technology, as well as its ergonomic design.
It gives so much. It's super-fast, it's super sleek and cuts through the water like a sharp knife through a big old lake of butter. Not only that, but while you're smoothly slinking through the water, you can be as comfortable as possible in its tall seat backs and adjusted footrests.
Not only that, but when you're done enjoying the comfort of your kayak, it is light and convenient too pack up and pop into its own backpack to hike off into the distance until you discover the next lake.
This is an excellent kayak for high performance, ergonomics, and innovation. Well done, Sea Eagle!