Summer is finally here, and that means longer days and warm sun to soak up. One of the best ways to get the most out of your summer is to spend it on the water. And what better way to get out there than in the best inflatable kayak?
Table of Contents
Product FAQ
What Is An Inflatable Kayak?
Just like the kayaks made of heavy, inflexible plastic, inflatable kayaks give you unfettered access to the waterways.
Isn’t An Inflatable Kayak Less Sturdy?
Not at all! Inflatable kayaks are made to take on the water and are often reinforced in places to provide a higher quality product.
Why Should I Get The Best Inflatable Kayak?
When it comes to investing in a kayak, there are some factors to consider. Typical kayaks are heavy and bulky. Bringing your kayak to the water can be difficult, and you oftentimes need a car with the proper attachments to tie a kayak on top. And when it comes to storage? Well, who has the space for that? That’s why inflatable kayaks are such a great alternative. You can easily inflate it when you want to go out on the water, and just as easily deflate it when it’s time to stow away.
How We Reviewed
When it comes to finding the best inflatable kayak, there are a lot of great options on the market. To help you find the best kayak for you, we’ve gathered some of the highest rated inflatable kayaks on the market and will compare them based on key factors.
Overall Price Range
You can expect to spend somewhere from around $300 to $1,500 on the best inflatable kayak.
What We Reviewed
- Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Convertible Inflatable Kayak
- Driftsun Voyager 2-Person Tandem Inflatable Kayak
- Oru Foldable Kayak
- Sea Eagle 300x Inflatable Explorer Kayak
- Intex Explorer K2 Kayak
- Sevylor Big Basin 3-Person Kayak
- Airhead Montana Kayak
- Advanced Elements PackLite Kayak
- AIRE Lynx II Tandem Inflatable Kayak
Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Convertible Inflatable Kayak
No products found.
- Duffle Bag with removable shoulder straps and 2 Folding Seats
- Integrated Pressure Relief Valve in Floor
- Inflatable Coaming for Spray Skirt Attachment
Description
This is one of the best inflatable kayak options because it has built-in aluminum ribs that help to define the bow and stern and provide a framework for premium performance and improved tracking. This kayak is effectively puncture-proof because it uses three layers of material. It has adjustable padded seats that are extremely supportive and will give you hours of comfort while paddling. Plus, the three seat locations allow for paddling solo or in tandem. It comes pre-assembled at the factory and when it arrives, all you have to do is unfold it, inflate it, and attach the seats.
Price $$
Warranty
The manufacturer offers a limited two-year warranty.
PROS
- Allows for tandem or solo paddling
- Built-in aluminum ribs for improved tracking
- Three layers of material to resist puncture
- Extremely supportive and comfortable adjustable seats
CONS
- Some customers have complained about air retention
- Customers have experienced issues with the center seat slipping
Driftsun Voyager 2-Person Tandem Inflatable Kayak
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- INFLATES QUICKLY: The Driftsun Voyager 2 Person Inflatable Kayak inflates to a full size kayak (11′ x 35” x 16”) in…
- COMPACT & MANEUVERABLE: When deflated for transport this inflatable tandem kayak measures only 26”(L) x 16”(W) x…
- DURABLE DESIGN: Heavy-duty PVC Tarpaulin bottom provides durable protection from punctures, Double Threaded Boston…
Description
This option is one of the best inflatable kayak models available because it easily inflates to full size in less than 5 minutes with the included deluxe high flow double action hand pump, so there’s no need to go through the hassle of trying to find a great hand pump. This kayak easily deflates for transport, only measures 26 inches by 16 inches by 8 inches, fits nicely into the included carrying bag, and only weighs 27 pounds.
It’s super durable because it uses a heavy-duty PVC tarpaulin bottom so you don’t have to worry about punctures while you’re out on the water. It has double-threaded Boston valves that are guaranteed not to leak. There is a thick, tough coating of 840D coated nylon oxford on the fabric top cover to make it rip and tear resistant. The pointed nose bow and rocker profile give you superior performance in calm and choppy waters!
Price $$
Warranty
The manufacturers of this option for best inflatable kayak offer a 2-year warranty.
PROS
- Inflates to full size in 5 minutes
- Included deluxe high flow double action hand pump
- Deflated only weighs 27 pounds
- Bottom coated in heavy-duty PVC tarpaulin
- Double threaded Boston valves
- Thick coating of 840D coated nylon oxford on the fabric top cover
- Pointed nose bow and rocker profile
CONS
- Some customers have thought the material was cheap
- Some individuals found the kayak broke easily
Oru Foldable Kayak
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- THE ORIGINAL ORU KAYAK – Meet the boat making waves in the kayaking world and helping people everywhere connect with…
- FROM BOX TO BOAT IN MINUTES – Construct your kayak in under 5 minutes! Oru pioneered the Bay ST’s origami-inspired,…
- SLEEK, DURABLE, & RELIABLE – Although your kayak is small enough to carry when folded, it is most certainly mighty….
Description
This foldable kayak is possible the best inflatable kayak because its shape is inspired by origami. This top-tier kayak is best for getting out on calm waters, like lakes, rivers, and bays. This foldable kayak goes from box to boat in just five minutes, without the need for ahefty and time-consuming pump. It easily folds right up when you’re done adventuring! Oru kayaks go through extensive testing for durability and exceed U.S. Coast Guard recreational vessel requirements. It has an award-winning design that’s been featured on Shark Tank, Forbes, CNN, the Wall Street Journal, and Oprah Magazine!
Price $$
Warranty
Oru offers a full 12-month refund on this foldable kayak.
PROS
- Inspired by origami
- Perfect for calm waters
- Goes from box to boat in under 5 minutes
- No need for a pump
- Extensively tested for durability
- Exceeds U.S. Coast Guard recreational vessel requirements
CONS
- Some customers have complained about the light weight affecting the sturdiness
Sea Eagle 300x Inflatable Explorer Kayak
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- Exterior: 9’10” x 3’3″ / Weight: 30 Lbs. / Inflation Time: 5 Mins.
- Whitewater Rating: Suitable up to Class IV
- Capacity: 1 Adult or 395 Lbs.
Description
This is one of the best inflatable kayak options because it uses 1000 Denier Reinforced material and overlapped seams for premier durability. It can hold one adult, or up to 350 pounds and takes only 5 minutes to inflate. It only weighs 28 pounds. It has three chambers, the port, starboard, and floor, and uses 16 high capacity self-bailing drain valves. It’s suitable for up to class IV whitewater rating.
Price $$
Warranty
The manufacturer offers a limited two-year warranty on this inflatable kayak.
PROS
- Overlapped seams for durability
- Perfect for calm waters
- Only takes 5 minutes to inflate
- Has 3 chambers for optimal inflation
- Has 16 high capacity self-bailing drain valves
- Suitable for up to class IV whitewater rating
CONS
- Can only seat one person
Intex Explorer K2 Kayak
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- Comfortable for anyone: Kayak includes an adjustable inflatable seat with backrest; Cockpit designed for comfort and…
- Dimensions: Inflated size 10 feet 3 x 3 feet x 1 feet 8 inch; Maximum weight capacity: 400 pounds
- Directional stability: Removable SKEG for directional stability
This is one of the best inflatable kayak options because it’s so affordable! It has two adjustable, inflatable seats with backrests and a cockpit that is designed for comfort and space. The inflatable kayak can hold 400 pounds and has a removable skeg for directional stability. The bright yellow color is made for high visibility in case of an emergency. This is the best inflatable kayak for small bodies of water.
Price $
Warranty
The manufacturer offers a limited one-year warranty.
PROS
- Very affordable option
- Two adjustable, inflatable seats
- Backrests
- Removable skeg for directional stability
- High visibility
CONS
- Seam splits have occurred
- Some customers have complained about leaking air
Sevylor Big Basin 3-Person Kayak
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- Heavy-duty PVC construction is rugged for lake use
- Tarpaulin bottom provides durable protection from punctures
- Multiple air chambers allow another chamber to stay inflated if one is punctured
Description
This is one of the best inflatable kayak options because it seats three people! It’s made of heavy-duty PVC construction and is rugged enough to survive any adventures the water throws at you. The bottom is coated in tarpaulin for protection from punctures and rips. The kayak has multiple air chambers, increasing the overall safety of the kayak because if one chamber breaks, you still will stay afloat enough to get to safety.
The airtight system is guaranteed not to leak and there is a double threaded Boston valve for easy inflation and deflation. The adjustable seats can move to fit you and the spray covers help to block splashes so you and your group stay dry. This kayak can hold up to 490 pounds.
Price $
Warranty
The manufacturer of this inflatable kayak offers a limited one-year warranty.
PROS
- Heavy-duty PVC construction
- Tarpaulin coated bottom
- Multiple air chambers
- Airtight system
- Double threaded boston valve for easy inflation and deflation
- Adjustable seats
- Spray covers
- Can hold up to 490 pounds
CONS
- Issues with the keel
- Seams can burst
Airhead Montana Kayak
No products found.
- Airhead Montana Travel kayaks are Inflatable kayaks that are perfect for camping, vacationing, exploring remote areas,…
- Designed for lakes and moderate white water, this two person inflatable kayak is lightweight, compact, and portable
- All 3 air chambers are completely enclosed by rugged 840-denier nylon with UV and water-resistant coatings
Description
This is one of the best inflatable kayak options for moderate white water rafting. It has three chambers that are all enclosed with rugged 840 denier nylon thread. It is lightweight, compact, and portable. It has low drag and superior tracking because it utilizes four bottom fins. The kayak is a bright orange for high visibility. It uses a tubular I-eam floor for superior comfort as well as improved bouyancy.
There are two Boston valves for quick inflating and deflating. The bottom is covered by durable tri-laminate reinforcements and there are neoprene elbow guards for comfort. The stainless steel and nylon hardware won’t corrode with use. Plus, there are six D-rings at the bow and stern of the kayak for securing gear.
Price $
Warranty
The manufacturer of this inflatable kayak offers a limited one-year warranty.
PROS
- Great for white water rafting
- Three air chambers
- Uses 840 denier nylon thread
- Lightweight and portable
- Low drag and superior tracking
- Four bottom fins
- Durable tri-laminate reinforcements on the bottom
- Neoprene elbow guards
- Two boston valves
- Stainless steel and nylon hardware
CONS
- Some customers have said it is off kilter
- Misleading picture
Advanced Elements PackLite Kayak
No products found.
- The PackLite Outer Cover Accessory adds a tracking fin, an extra layer of durability, and the ability to skirt the kayak…
- Durable – Made of lightweight, ultra-packable and durable ripstop material.
- Storage – Features a series of forward D-rings for attaching the PackLite’s carry bag for easy access to small gear…
Description
This inflatable kayak is a high visibility bright red and has rubber molded handles for easy transportation. It has a mesh carry bag that also doubles as on-deck storage. The military style valves make inflating and deflating this kayak extremely easy. The kayak is made of eco-friendly material that is reinforced to be durable and sturdy with polyurethane construction and a welded perimeter seam.
Price $
Warranty
The manufacturer offers a one-year limited warranty.
PROS
- Rubber molded handle
- High visibility bright red
- Mesh carry bag
- On-deck storage
- Military style valves
- Eco-friendly material
- Polyurethane construction
- Welded perimeter seam
CONS
- Some customers say the material tears or rips
- Difficulty with the inflation valve
- Some people have had blown seams
AIRE Lynx II Tandem Inflatable Kayak
No products found.
Description
This top-of-the-line kayak uses Aircell System 2-layer construction and 14 mm inner urethane bladders. It also has double-zipper access and welded seams. It has a continuous curve rocker and three air chambers with Leafield B7 valves and two adjustable Cheetah seats that also have a storage pocket.
Price $$$
Warranty
This manufacturer offers a 10-year no-fault warranty.
PROS
- Aircell System 2-layer construction
- Double-zipper access
- 14mm inner urethane bladders
- Welded seams
- Continuous curve rocker
- Three air chambers with Leafield B7 valves
- Adjustable cheetah seats
CONS
- Some issues contacting customer service
What We Reviewed
If you are ready for a summer full of adventure, you need to get out on the water. And what better way to get out on the water than in the best inflatable kayak? Whether you want to experience the beauty of the water on your own or with a loved one, these inflatable kayaks are perfect for an exciting and fulfilling day on the water. Whether you’re ready to invest in a top-of-the-line model or a more affordable option, we’ve seen some great options that fit your style of life.For more product reviews, FAQs, and information on everything water sports, visit our website today!