What better way to explore your waterways than with an inflatable kayak? Utilizing a speedy setup and breakdown is a key feature when you’re traveling on a road trip or have limited storage space in your home. Inflatable kayaks come in different materials, from vinyl to 18-gauge PVC construction, and can be used in whitewater rafting, fishing, touring, and for recreational purposes. Depending on the kayak, you will find models that have key features, like adjustable back support, aluminum framing, and more. If weight is a concern, look for lightweight construction and easy compact features.
What to Consider
Depend on your activity of choice, it's important to think about the shape and size of the kayak to best suit your needs. For example, if you're looking for a kayak to fish, you'll probably want one that's wider and offers more stability. If you're looking to go whitewater rafting, you'll want something that's more durable and made for rapids. Naturally, a slimmer and longer model will move more quickly through the water than a wider pick.
Another element of inflatable kayaks to consider is the amount of time it will take to dry out your kayak after a trip on the water. The kayak's material plays a big part in this. Stay away from kayaks that have a fabric coating on the outside that encloses the inner material with a zipper. Water will seep through the fabric between the layers and might not fully dry—even after months of air drying.
How We Chose
Our list of the best inflatable kayaks includes a mixture of budget and higher end options. We surveyed the market and considered reviews from verified customers from sites like Amazon and REI, where important features like weight, size, features, and construction were discussed. In order to narrow the list down to a selection of six products, we consulted a variety of experts, from outdoor bloggers to long-time kayaking hobbyists. Here are the inflatable kayaks that we recommend, from hardcore whitewater rafting options to calm, lake kayaking picks.
1AdvancedFrame Convertible Tandem Inflatable Kayak
ADVANCED ELEMENTSrei.com$699.00
Getting from your point A to B adventure is seamless with this inflatable kayak, which is built with low rubber handles for easy transport and also equipped with removable seats that has an adjustable, inflating back support for comfort on the water.
“My go-to choice for inflatable kayaks is the Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame because of its durable structure and ability to cut through the water like a hard shell,” says Raul Mercado, owner at Camping Helper, an outdoor gear review site. “It does have some considerable weight at about 33 pounds, so you won't want to lug it around all day. However, the aluminum frame helps it stay sturdy enough to use for long distances.”
When packing for your trip, note that you will need to use an air pump on the kayak, which is not included.
2Sea Eagle 370 Deluxe 3 Person Inflatable Sport Kayak
SEA EAGLEamazon.com$319.95
For those that seek an adrenaline rush on the water, the Sea Eagle Inflatable Kayak was built to withstand 650 pounds of body weight from up to three riders. Large l-beam tubes on the bottom of the kayak that create a durable floor as well as improve speed and tracking when in motion. Weighing only 32 pounds, the Sea Eagle has two moveable kayak seats as well as a pair of paddles, foot pump, and a carry bag.
An Amazon user says, “I bought a Sea Eagle 370 package as an intro to kayaking for my wife and I. We have been extremely impressed with this boat and highly recommend it to anyone who wants an easy intro to the sport or to a more experienced paddler who wants the convenience of an inflatable.”
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3Intex Explorer 2-Person Inflatable Kayak Set
INTEX$106.01
The most affordable two-person inflatable kayak on our list, this pick from Intex is made to use in lakes and mild rivers. It comes with two aluminum oars, an air pump to inflate the kayak, and the seats are adjustable for ultimate comfort on the water. The weight capacity is 400 pounds.
One reviewer on Amazon commented on the stability of this kayak if you hop out to swim in the water. “Re-entering is easy and it won’t flip,” the reviewer said.
4Driftsun Rover 220 Inflatable Tandem Kayak
DRIFTSUNamazon.com$999.00
Perfect for an on-the-go lake adventure, the Driftsun Rover 120/220 is a two-person kayak that is light and portable and fits adults that weigh under 600 pounds. The inflatable kayak is an easy, 28 pounds of carry weight when rolled up to a compact size. Included in the shipment are two adjustable aluminum kayak paddles, a double-action hand pump, rear tracking fin, and a travel bag.
One Amazon reviewer said, “This kayak is wonderful. It’s made of very heavy-duty material. The bottom is so solid you can stand up in it. It was so easy to get in and out of. The seats are easily adjustable you can put them just about anywhere you wanted. Easy to convert from two-seater to one seater."
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5Intex Challenger K1 Inflatable Kayak
INTEXamazon.com$146.99$90.99 (38% off)
We love the bright blue and green color of this inflatable kayak—you'll stay visible no matter where you are on the water. The company utilized a rugged and durable vinyl material that helps to prevent punctures as well as damage from sun rays.
“I love this kayak since it is very light,” says Sean Harris, managing editor of Swing Coaches, a directory of nationwide golf coaches. “It's fast to inflate, deflate, and it is safe and sturdy. My dog rides with me and I never worry that his nails may puncture the kayak.”
6Aquaglide Chinook 100 Inflatable Kayak
AQUAGLIDErei.com$499.95
A calorie-burning river adventure with a reward of lunch at the end? Say no more with the Aquaglide Chinook 100 Inflatable Kayak. The product has extra room for gear and lunches at the head of the kayak so you can make a day out of a water trek.
The kayak rolls up into a complimentary duffel bag for a lightweight 23-pound carry and comes equipped with Boston valves used to inflate and deflate the chambers.
If you have a second person you’d like to take with you, there is an extra seat for a combined weight of 400 pounds.
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7Sevylor Coleman Colorado 2-Person Fishing Kayak
SEVYLORamazon.com$519.99$339.05 (35% off)
When you need a reliable vessel for pulling in fish, then consider the Sevylor Coleman Colorado 2-Person Fishing Kayak, which has multiple air chambers that will stay inflated even if one is punctured. For hands-free fishing, you can utilize the kayak’s adjustable Berkley Quick Set Rod Holders.
“The Sevylor Coleman Colorado is our top pick hands down for the best inflatable kayak,” says Rick Wallace, Founder of Tackle Village, a fishing gear review site. “It's built from extremely durable materials and is well constructed and has two seats plus extensive room for storage. For those who fish, it has four rod holders and a mount for an electric trolling motor.”
8Grabner Inflatable Whitewater Kayak
HYPEredbeardsailing.com$2,200.00
For those that seek an adrenaline rush on the water, the Grabner Inflatable Whitewater Kayak was built to withstand medium level whitewater rapids. Made of rubber boat skin, the product is extremely compact: It folds down to 6% of its size.
Grabner boats are versatile in that they can be used with paddles, rudders, or a motor—depending on the model—so you're ready for whatever type of water is calling—river, whitewater, lake, or sea,” says Alex Caslow, owner of Red Beard Sailing, a company that sells kayaks and canoes.
Water in your seat is no problem here, as the Grabner whitewater kayak comes with a closed deck to combat water seepage.