The Best Inflatable Kayaks
Kayaking is a great way to get active and enjoy the great outdoors. But if you don't have a roof rack on your car, a hardshell kayak is out of the question. Fortunately, there are tons of awesome inflatable kayaks that can be carried to and from different adventures with ease. Inflatable kayaks are generally more affordable, too, so it's a win-win. We love our blow-up boats, so we decided to construct a list of the best of the best. In our search, we focused on three main questions: Is it safe, sturdy, and speedy in the water? Is it easy to blow up and deflate? Is the price fair? Our favorite option was the Intex Challenger, which inflates in a jiffy and feels stable in the water. But if you're looking for a 2-person option for fishing trips, the Intex Excursion Pro is unmatched. It even comes with built-in fishing rod holders, so you can trawl, paddle, and gab with your fishing partner for hours. Clearly, there's a lot to be said, so read on for more of our in-depth reviews.
Intex K1 Challenger Kayak
Large and roomy
Intex’s K1 Challenger is a durable, roomy kayak that’s a great option for any solo sailor looking to paddle around. Fully inflatable with two separate air chambers, the K1 offers stability out on the water, even when the waves get bigger. It’s made out of heavy-duty vinyl that’s durable enough to prevent punctures or accidental scrapes along the shore and can carry a max weight of around 220 pounds. The seat is inflatable, removable, and adjustable, and a cargo net at the front of the kayak conveniently provides additional storage. Grab a K1 Challenger for your next trip out on the water, and enjoy the comfort and relaxation that this kayak can bring.
Pros:
- For those looking for an inexpensive, quality kayak for casual trips, this is it. Between the low price and the supreme durability, this option checks all of our boxes.
- Typically the biggest downside with most inflatable kayaks is arduous inflation, but inflating this one is really easy and takes just minutes.
- This is also a great option for beginners since the wider base prevents it from tipping over.
Cons:
- You have to fold it in a specific way to fit it back into the tote bag, or else it won’t fit.
Intex Excursion Pro Kayak
Catch them all
Get to the fish you can’t cast to from shore with Intex’s Excursion Pro. Built for two people, this kayak still offers plenty of legroom and space for all of your fishing gear. It has two adjustable brackets where you could place a fish finder or mount a fishing rod holder, and the inflatable seats can easily be moved to fit your needs. This kayak is made out of a super durable laminate PVC with a polyester core, which helps prevent punctures or abrasions while still maintaining a lightweight design. It comes with two 86” aluminum oars for easy paddling to get those nooks and crannies where all the fish are hiding, and has two removable skews to help direct your kayak exactly where you want to go.
Pros:
- We love the adjustable seats, which are super comfortable, even during those long fishing trips.
- The Excursion Pro has excellent stability, so your gear won’t end up at the bottom of a lake.
- The floor-mounted footrests help with balance when reeling in a catch and paddling.
Cons:
- The fishing rod holders point inwards, so two rods at once may cross paths and touch.
Sea Eagle Inflatable Kayak
Plump and plush
Sea Eagle’s inflatable kayak is a large, plush boat that helps offer a more stable, calmer ride. With enough space to fit three passengers and additional luggage, this kayak is fantastic for quickly getting to the other side of a body of water, afternoon cruises around the lake, or a trip out to the ocean. It can hold up to 650 pounds safely and is supported by an aluminum shaft and high-frequency welded seams. One way inflation and deflation valves help control the airflow and make setting the kayak up and storing it afterward a breeze. If you’ve got a trio of adventurers or have a lot of gear to bring, grab a Sea Eagle inflatable kayak for your next trip.
Pros:
- This is definitely easier to get in and out of compared to most kayaks, even when scrambling up from in the water.
- We find that this takes less than 15 minutes to inflate using the foot pump, which is considerably quick for such a big kayak with a 650-pound weight capacity.
- The two rear skegs help improve tracking as you paddle, which is essential for cruising with two people paddling at the same time.
Cons:
- This has a much higher volume than is typical, so pumping it up takes longer.
Driftsun Rover Kayak
Built to last
Driftsun’s Rover is a durable inflatable kayak built to last. Made out of heavy-duty PVC and reinforced with a tarpaulin bottom, this kayak is made to withstand abrasions, punctures, and prolonged periods of use and sunlight. In fact, it’s Class III and IV whitewater rated, so you can be sure the Rover is ready for just about anything, whether that’s a trip down a raging river or just a relaxing paddle around the lake. It inflates to a 3-psi on the sides and 6-psi on the floor, helping maintain its structure and rigidity as you sail. For a heavy-duty kayak that you can rely on while you’re out on the water, choose Driftsun’s Rover.
Pros:
- This premium kayak inflates in just 10 minutes and deflates in even less time. We also love how large the tote is, which makes folding it up for storage a breeze.
- The kayak itself only weighs about 25 pounds, so it’s easy to carry around.
- The bottom is really durable and can handle scrapes and dragging.
Cons:
- If your budget is tight, this is not the kayak for you.
Driftsun Almanor Inflatable Kayak
Kayak in comfort
Driftsun’s Almanor inflatable kayak has comfort written all over it. With padded high-back seats, it helps provide extra support and comfort as you paddle. The seat is fully adjustable, and there’s plenty of legroom and storage space for your valuables. Using the included dual-action pump, this kayak inflates in around nine minutes and can hold up to 300 pounds. Better yet, it only weighs 23 pounds, allowing for easy transport not only when it’s deflated, but when it’s inflated as well. For a luxury inflatable kayak that offers great comfortability and support, grab Driftsun’s Almanor today.
Pros:
- This top-tier kayak tracks really well, especially with two people, so it’s ideal for cruising across lakes with speed and control. In fact, this kayak’s performance is comparable to hardshell kayaks, just without the weight.
- For those that don’t prefer the bounciness (and sweatiness) of inflatable seats, we recommend this one for its EVA-padded comfy seats.
Cons:
- Getting the skeg on and off requires some finger strength to undo the clip.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the inflation pressure of my kayak impact its use?
High-pressure inflation allows more structure and rigidity to a kayak’s walls, allowing it to be used in rougher waters and absorb more impact without tearing. They’re also capable of carrying heavy loads because of this rigidity, with some capable of carrying over 600 pounds. Low-pressure kayaks are often quicker to inflate, but won’t be able to withstand the same conditions that higher-pressure kayaks can survive and often can’t carry as much weight.
Why do most inflatable kayaks come with aluminum paddles?
Aluminum is not only a strong metal, but it’s also incredibly light relative to its strength. A light paddle is extremely beneficial, as a heavier paddle can often cause unwanted fatigue very quickly. Kayaks are meant to be light and swift across the water, and any materials that can be used to help reduce weight while still maintaining strength are super useful out on the water.
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