Buying guide for best inflatable kayaks
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An inflatable kayak is compact when folded and can be stored in a car trunk, making it convenient to have handy when you go on any outdoor adventure. All you need to do is use a manual or electric air pump, and they’re ready to go, often within seconds.
Most inflatable kayaks are made with high-quality materials and are built to withstand punctures and damage from other hazards. You’ll feel safe and secure when riding in an inflatable kayak, and most can accommodate two or three people, meaning you don’t have to be alone.
The best inflatable kayaks offer high-quality construction, plenty of storage space for equipment and other belongings, adjustable seats and paddles. Our favorite is the NRS Star Raven II Tandem Inflatable Kayak. Its rigid build and feel give riders a greater sense of security, and there’s lots of room for storing gear.
Editors' picks
Best Under $200
Dimensions: 10'3" L x 3’ W x 1'8" H | Weight: 35 lb | Material: Vinyl | Number of Passengers: 2 | Weight Capacity: 400 lb
The Intex Explorer K2 Kayak is an excellent two-seat kayak for anyone who wants to traverse small bodies of water such as lakes and mild rivers, and it’s an absolute steal considering you can get one for under $200. It has an adjustable inflatable seat with a comfortable backrest and a spacious cockpit with plenty of extra legroom.
It has a weight capacity of 400 pounds, and the removable skeg allows for directional stability. You’ll feel secure and be highly visible to other boaters thanks to the kayak’s bright yellow exterior that’s easy to see from a distance. The Explorer K2 comes with everything you need to set out on your adventure, including two 86-inch paddles, a high-output air pump, a carry bag and a patch repair kit.
Great Value
Dimensions: 12'7" L x 3'1" W x 1'8" H | Weight: 44.7 lb | Material: PVC, laminate | Number of Passengers: 2 | Weight Capacity: 400 lb
This inflatable kayak is suitable for beginners as well as those with kayaking experience. It’s lightweight but has a rugged build that makes it resistant to abrasion, shock impact and sunlight. It’s also unaffected by oil, salt water and gasoline, and because it allows for high air pressure, it has a rigid exterior when inflated.
The total weight capacity is 400 pounds, and the high-pressure spring-loaded valves make it easy to inflate and deflate quickly. It comes with two skegs, one for shallow areas and one for deep water. It also features two built-in fishing rod holders, two adjustable bucket seats and a removable mounting bracket for other accessories. There’s plenty of storage space in the bow and stern for your bags and equipment.
Feature-Packed
Dimensions: 13’ L x 3'4" W | Weight: 50 lb | Material: Nylon, PVC | Number of Passengers: 1 | Weight Capacity: 400 lb
If you’re looking for a high-quality inflatable for less than $1,000, we highly recommend checking out the HO Sports Ranger 1. It has a rigid construction made from high-quality nylon for superior durability and a drop-stitch floor that doesn’t bend.
It’s a terrific kayak for those who like to take lots of stuff with them when kayaking, as it offers dual bungee storage zones on top and underneath the cover, so you’ll have plenty of space to keep all of your gear. The high-back seat has an ergonomic design for improved comfort, built-in pockets for storing valuables and a fishing rod holder on each side. Plus, it comes with a carry backpack with two shoulder straps for convenient transportation and storage.
What to consider before buying an inflatable kayak
Inflatable kayak length
Inflatable kayaks are available in many lengths and measured from front to back. Think about how you plan to use the kayak and you’ll have better success picking the correct length for your needs.
- Long inflatable kayaks glide easily through the water and are best for large bodies of water, such as lakes. A longer kayak easily accommodates two or even three people and lets you carry gear for overnight trips.
- Short inflatable kayaks are suitable for rivers and whitewater. A shorter kayak may only offer one seat, but you don’t have to work as hard to propel a short kayak as you would a longer one.
Portability, transportation and storage
The primary benefit of an inflatable kayak over a traditional hard-shell kayak is that it can be folded down and squeezed into a carrying bag or backpack. You can place an inflatable soft-shell kayak in a car trunk or carry it while riding a bicycle or motorcycle. By that same token, since an inflatable kayak folds down to fit in a bag after use, you can store it in a closet or a small space. Hard-shell kayaks occupy significant storage space in a garage or basement.
Repairs
Although a hard-shell kayak might be more durable, repairing a damaged inflatable kayak is much easier. There may be a stigma surrounding the build quality of inflatable kayaks, but they’ve come a long way in recent years, and most are exceptionally durable. They can bounce off rocks and are less likely to damage than a hard-shell kayak. If your kayak cover is punctured, you only need to use a patch repair kit included with most inflatable kayaks. Repairs for traditional kayaks can be more costly and may require professional services.
Weight capacity and riders
You should consider the weight capacity of a kayak as it’ll determine how many riders it can accommodate and how much gear you can take with you. Most inflatable kayaks have a weight capacity of 400 pounds and can accommodate two riders, but some larger kayaks have a 650-pound weight capacity and can accommodate up to three riders. However, it’s worth noting that three riders might feel crowded, and there will be much less legroom and possibly less storage space for gear.
Inflatable kayak features
Closed vs. open design
A closed-design kayak has an enclosed cockpit where you slide your feet and legs inside the kayak’s body. This design works great when paddling during cold weather to keep water off your legs, but it’s not as spacious as open-design kayaks.
An open inflatable kayak design means your entire body fits on the top part of the kayak. People can easily climb in and out of an open-design kayak, but splashing will soak your legs. Some open kayaks include a skin you can use to cover your legs.
Adjustable seats
If you’re planning on being out on the water for extended periods, ensure your kayak has comfortable, ergonomic seats. Also, you want to ensure that the seats are adjustable to accommodate your sitting preference, and if you want a footrest, you can find them on some kayaks.
Drop-stitch technology
Drop-stitch technology attaches an air chamber’s inner and outer walls with textile threads. This allows for higher air pressure without expanding the air chamber, which creates a more rigid structure. A kayak with drop-stitch technology will feel more secure, paddle more efficiently across the water and withstand hazards better than a kayak that doesn’t.
Skegs
A skeg is a fin that is attached underneath some inflatable kayaks. A skeg helps stabilize a kayak’s direction and keeps it from veering off course. The skeg and the kayak’s shape will determine how efficiently it glides over water and how consistent the directional stability is when paddling through choppy water.
Equipment
You’ll need some equipment before heading out on a kayaking adventure. Some kayaks come with a complete set of starter equipment, but most only come with an air pump and paddles. An electric air pump can inflate a kayak much faster than a manual unit, and do so effortlessly. You’ll also need a lifejacket for safety. Also, if you want to use your inflatable kayak for fishing, some models have fishing rod holders.
How we analyzed
Inflatable kayaks with user-friendly designs, durable materials and useful features are the ones that made it on our list of favorites. We evaluated dimensions, weight capacity and number of occupants as well as examined materials and noted the difference between short and long, open and closed designs. Because portability is a concern of consumers, we factored in weight and the ease of folding inflatable models for transport. Finally, we checked out customer feedback plus features and extras that inflatable kayaks may offer and factored in price to ensure each kayak on our list offered good value.
FAQ
Q. How much does an inflatable kayak cost?
A. There are many terrific options for casual kayaking in the $100-$300 range, while mid-tier models with a more rugged build usually cost $300-$600. However, if you want something with superior construction and design, plenty of storage space and high-quality equipment, you can expect to spend anywhere from $600 to $1,500.
Q. Do I have to worry about punctures with my inflatable kayak?
A. Inflatable kayaks are made from strong PVC fabric and sometimes have military-grade materials incorporated into their construction. They’re designed to be flexible but extremely tough and usually have multiple layers, meaning you’d have to puncture more than one layer to create a hole. Consequently, piercing the kayak during normal usage doesn’t occur easily, but it could happen if you’re not careful.
Q. How difficult is it to fold up the kayak for transportation?
A. As long as you remove all the air from the kayak, it will fold easily. Some people manually squeeze all the air out using the valves, but you can also use an electric air pump with a deflate function.
Q. Which parts of an inflatable kayak tend to show wear first?
A. Closely watch the areas around the kayak’s valves for leaks. You might also see leaks near seams in the material. Avoid dragging the kayak on the ground, whether inflated or deflated, as it can cause wear on the materials, which could lead to a leak.
