Kayaking is a fun thing to do outside on warm summer days, but getting and storing the kayak isn’t part of the pleasure. If you want to avoid carrying a heavy boat around, an inflatable kayak is a great option. You can do a lot of the same things with an inflatable kayak as you can with a hard-shell kayak, even though they don’t always work as well.
It’s a lot easier to move around with an inflatable boat. You can easily pack it in your travel bag, so you don’t need a roof rack or trailer whether you’re going across town or around the world. Before you buy your inflatable boat, read this buying guide to learn what the best ones are.
1. Type of Kayak
Most people think of kayaks that you can sit in. Depending on what you plan to do, there may be other types of boats that are better for you.
- Sit-In Kayaks: Sit-in kayaks are what most people like because you’re sitting inside the boat, which keeps you safer from hitting the water. It’s also safer to sit in a kayak than in another vessel. A sit-in kayak is great, especially if you’re floating in cold water. This kind of boat isn’t great because it’s hard to get to your gear when you’re moving.
- Sit-On-Top Kayaks: The best kayaks for getting in and out of are the sit-on-top ones. The higher center of gravity makes them more likely to fall over, though. The seat in these boats isn’t enclosed, but it is sometimes set back. For fishing, these are better because you can move around more freely since you’ll be sitting on top of the boat.
- Self-Bail Kayaks: These are the best inflatable ocean kayaks. Because they don’t fill with water, they’re also great for white water rafting and other activities. Some kayaks have ports or holes on the bottom that let water drain out when it splashes into the kayak. Since some of these boats don’t have tracking fins, you shouldn’t use them on lakes.
- Canoe-Style Kayak: A canoe-style kayak is made to look like a canoe. It is different from other types because it has a wider seat and higher walls. They also make you feel safer and give you more room to move around. People who don’t like the idea of sitting on top or who want to fish from their boat also like these. The kayak that looks like a canoe gives you more room to store your gear and fish. For this kind of boat, you’ll probably need a longer paddle.
2. Length of Kayak
What you’re going to use the boat for will tell you how long it needs to be. When you want to be more agile and in charge of your kayak, shorter kayaks (up to 12 feet) are great for white-water racing. Long kayaks (those that are over 12 feet long) are often more stable, have more store space, and work better.
3. Material
Most inflated kayaks are made from one of these three materials, but some are made from a mix of two materials to save money and make the kayak last longer.
- PVC: The material that is used most often is polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This item is inexpensive, but it lasts a long time and doesn’t tear easily. It can stand up to UV light, but if you leave it in the sun for too long, it will get ruined.
- Hypalon: A lot of high-end boats are made of a material called Hypalon. It costs more than PVC but lasts longer and is better at blocking UV rays and extreme weather.
- Nitrylon: One bad thing about Nitrylon is that it’s heavier than some other materials. PVC isn’t as tough, but this material is better for the environment and lasts longer.
4. Comfort
Having a comfortable boat is important if you want to enjoy your time in it. A lot of that has to do with how the seats are padded. How comfortable you are can also be affected by how you have to sit to swim well. It might be easier to get comfy if the seat can be moved around.
5. Control / Handling
Researching inflatable boat reviews is important to find out how well your top choices work in different types of water. If you put your kayak on a smooth lake instead of a rough river, it will handle differently. A lot of things to think about depending on where you plan to use your boat. You should be able to answer these questions before you buy an inflatable kayak: Feels stable when you’re paddling? When it’s windy, how hard is it to control? Is there a fin, rudder, or skeg on it? When you try to steer the boat, how well does it respond? Is there a support to make it easier to control?
6. Ease of Setup, Tear Down, and Transport
Getting the kayak to, from, and back from the water shouldn’t be a hassle that makes you not want to use it. Making sure you know the right way to set up and take down the kayak is very important. Think about whether you like the carrying handles and the time it takes to inflate. With most power pumps, you can be kayaking in no time.
After your time on the water, make sure you’re happy with how easily the kayak packs up and can be moved back to your house. Also, remember that you’ll need to bring the paddle and maybe an inflatable pump. A holding bag that comes with most things makes it easier to move them.
7. Storage
If you plan to be kayaking for a long time, having an extra storage room might come in handy. If you’re only going to be gone for a short time, a small water bottle might be as much as you need. But if you’re going to be gone for a long time, you’ll probably want more space for things like food or a sealed dry bag.
8. Waterproof
Most importantly, make sure that your inflatable boat can keep water out. When you paddle in a kayak that soaks up even a little water, the drag and resistance will be higher.
9. Drainage System
If you get a kayak with scupper holes or a tank, you can drain water that you don’t need, keeping your boat from getting too heavy.
10. Durability
Your kayak will probably get a lot of bumps and bruises over the years, so it must last a long time. It’ll probably get dropped and hit rocks on the beach. It will also get banged up in your car and other places. Do not settle for a cheap boat from Costco; instead, make sure you buy a high-quality item.
A lot of kayaks come with repair patches, tools, and extra parts in case they get broken.
1. Advanced Elements Advanced Frame Inflatable Kayak
The Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Inflatable Kayak is the right mix of performance and portability. This 10′ 5″ x 2′ 10″ x 11.5″ boat weighs 36 pounds and can hold up to 300 pounds. It can glide through water like a hard-shell kayak because its bow is rigid and its frame is reinforced with metal. The triple-layer polyester and double PVC coating on this boat makes it last longer. The cockpit is 3′ 7″ x 1′ 4.5″ and has a lot of space for storage on longer trips. The kayak can be taken with you in the carrying bag that comes with it and rolls up into a size that is 2′ 6″ x 1′ 5″ x 10″. The Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Inflatable Kayak is a great choice if you want an innovative kayak that works well.
- Best Use: Flatwater
- Size: 10’5″ x 2’8″
- Weight: 36 lbs
2. STAR Raven II Tandem Inflatable Kayak
The STAR Raven II Tandem Inflatable Kayak will become your new best friend if you love thrilling waves. The padded seats on the best inflatable whitewater kayak let you and a friend enjoy the best of the waves. The hook-and-loop fasteners on the floor keep the seats in place, and the adjustable seats connect to D-rings in the boat for easy setup and storage. The boat is made of PVC, and the welding technology makes it last a long time. When the drop-stitch floor is inflated to 8–10 psi, it gives you a stable and comfy place to stand on the water. It’s 12′ 2″ x 3′ 2″ and weighs 38 pounds when it’s filled. This STAR Raven II Tandem Inflatable Kayak works great whether you want to go down rapids with a friend or go on a multi-day trip by yourself. You can even pack extra stuff like a tent or a camping cooler and still have a great time.
- Best Use: Flatwater, Whitewater
- Size: 12’2″ x 3’2″
- Weight: 38 lbs
3. STAR Rival Sit-On-Top Inflatable Kayak
An inflatable fishing boat called the STAR Rival Sit-On-Top is thought to be the best. For easy casting, paddling, standing, and sitting, the 12′ 6″ x 3′ 2″ kayak has a deck that is 6″ thick and can be inflated to 8 to 10 psi. There is more steadiness and better tracking with the 9-inch inflatable side tubes. There is a welding technique in the PVC kayak that helps it keep air in, last longer, and be less likely to wear down. There is a fin that can be taken off and a drain port with a screen under the seat that lets water off the deck. Assorted accessories like rod cases, anchor locks, fish finders, and more can be attached to the five Scotty® Mount Bases. That STAR Rival Sit-On-Top Inflatable Kayak will be great for your fishing trip.
- Best Use: Flatwater, Fishing
- Size: 12’6″ x 3’2″
- Weight: 31 lbs
4. Advanced Elements PackLite Inflatable Kayak
For hiking or kayaking in remote areas, the Advanced Elements PackLite is the perfect choice to throw in your backpack. It can also be put in your luggage for a trip. The kayak is only four pounds, 7′ 10″ long, and 2′ 11″ wide. It compacts to 11″ x 11″ x 5″. A polyurethane coating covers ripstop polyester, and it can hold up to 250 pounds. The three-chamber system promises to be very reliable and stable on the water. It has a rubber-molded handle and D-rings for securing things. A mesh carrying bag, an inflatable seat, and a fixed kit are all included. An ultra-portable kayak like the Advanced Elements PackLite makes it easy to move all over the world with it.
- Best Use: Flatwater
- Size: 7’10” x 2’11”
- Weight: 4 lbs
5. Intex Explorer K2 Inflatable Kayak
Getting around on the water in the best inflatable boat for two people is fun and easy. The Intex Explorer K2 Kayak is made for lakes and rivers that aren’t too rough. Comfort was thought of when the seat was made. Both the seats and the skeg can be adjusted and taken off. This kayak is made of heavy-duty vinyl that won’t tear easily and has three air tanks. The floor is an inflatable I-beam that makes it rigid. This kayak can hold up to 400 pounds when it is filled and measures 10′ 3″ x 3′ x 1′ 8″. It weighs about 30 pounds. It comes with two 7’2″ paddles, a pump, and a bag for moving them. The Intex Explorer K2 kayak will make sure you have a great day on the water.
- Best Use: Flatwater
- Size: 10’3″ x 3′
- Weight: 30.60 lbs
FAQ’s
Q1. Why choose an inflatable kayak for water adventures?
You can take inflatable boats with you anywhere, store them easily, and use them in a variety of water conditions. They are great for people who want an easy-to-carry and small boat for activities outside.
Q2. Are inflatable kayaks durable and puncture-resistant?
A lot of inflatable boats are made of strong materials like PVC or Hypalon, and they often have extra layers that make them even harder to puncture. Following the instructions for good care and use helps them last longer.
Q3. Can inflatable kayaks handle different water conditions?
Of course. The best inflatable kayaks are made to handle different types of water, from calm lakes to calm rivers and even light whitewater. Always look at the product's details to make sure it works for what you want it to do.
