It’s possible that you have already decided that you’re in the market to purchase an inflatable kayak instead of the usual solid-but-hollow kayaks that you see out on the shore.
These inflatable models are much lighter than traditional kayaks, and they’re easier to store as well. They’re highly portable and they work very well if you don’t have a garage or much room to store outdoor equipment but you love getting out into the wilderness.
At this point, you may be wondering what the things are that you should consider when you’re making your purchase. You’ll want to consider several elements, including the number of people who will be riding in the kayak, the ease of transportation, the stability, the cost, and the overall build quality.
It’s safe to say that these are already easier to transport than regular kayaks, but some even come with storage bags that make them great for backpacking or stowing.
Now that you know the different things that to consider, take a look at your options in finding the best inflatable kayak below.
- Sea Eagle Inflatable Kayak with Pro Package
This is easily one of the most popular inflatable kayaks on the market. The design is similar to other kayaks that are made by the same brand, but one of the biggest advantages that this product has is it can move in a speedy manner. It has two seats, a self-bailing drain valve, three deluxe one-way valves, and a lashed-down inflatable spray skirt to keep you dry. It inflates in about eight minutes and costs $350.
Pros:
- Comes in Several Packages – You can choose your own seating options. You may choose a kayak that you can use solely on your own or one that you can use with your family.
- 3 Year Warranty – This is great for peace of mind if you’re worried about the durability of an inflatable kayak.
- Fast – This is considered very fast, especially when compared to other inflatable kayaks, so you can easily get from one place to another.
Con:
- Tracking– It may be a bit hard to stay on track and steer this, but this can still be remedied with the use of a skeg.
This is a nice cruising kayak. It’s not meant for rapid water conditions because of its flatter bottom, but overall the model is very durable—it can even withstand dog claws walking on it when fully inflated. The two-person model can also hold up to 650 pounds of weight, meaning it works well for larger people or for those times that you need to bring a lot of gear along with you somewhere. The warranty is excellent as well, so even if you do end up damaging this somehow, Sea Eagle works with you to get a replacement or repair so you can get back on the water. Although the price is a bit higher, it’s reflective of the quality construction and the large size.
- Intex Challenger K1 Kayak, 1 Person Inflatable Kayak Set with Aluminum Oars and High Output Air Pump
One thing that can be said about this product is it’s very eye-catching. You can spot this inflatable kayak hundreds of feet away. The durable material means it can be used well in lakes as well as rivers. There’s a cargo net for gear storage and the seat has a full backrest. The kayak comes with an aluminum oar, a hand pump, and repair patches for $70.
Pros:
- Quality – The great thing about this is that even though it’s an inflatable kayak, the quality is stronger than what people expect for the low price.
- Storage and Transport – It’s possible that there are times when you need to bring the kayak from one place to another. This item can be easily stored because it is really, really compact.
- Easy to Inflate – This kayak is smaller in size at 108 inches long, so it doesn’t take longer than a couple minutes to inflate it every time you want to use it.
Con:
- Seat is too small – While everything else about this kayak seems to be perfect for a lot of customers, there are times when they don’t feel comfortable because they can’t lean on the seat without it crumpling backwards.
This is a smart model for the budget-conscious kayaker. It’s not very large, so it works best for more petite paddlers, but the price is really hard to beat. This is not the inflatable kayak to get if you’re taller than say 5’8″ or weigh more than 200 pounds (it’ll feel like a pool float to you), but with those considerations aside, it’s great for smaller adults or even children. It’s very durable as well, but the paddle doesn’t seem to be, so plan to spend a little extra for a quality model.
- Coleman Quikpak 1-Person Kayak
This product is a one-person, sit-atop model that sets up in five minutes. It also features its own inbuilt carrying/backpack system; the kayak folds into the seat when deflated. The bottom has a double-thick tarp layer for added protection, and the patented Airtight System ensures air won’t leak or leave you stranded. This kayak costs about $215.
Pros:
- Great Design – If you’re searching for a kayak that can help you stretch your legs, you’ll love this because you’ll stay comfortable while you’re moving.
- Stable – There are times when people don’t want to choose inflatable kayaks because they tend to tip over, but this kayak is more stable than most and you’ll feel safe.
- Easy to Pack Up and inflate – If you’re searching for a product that you can easily inflate when you need to use it and deflate for easy carrying, this is the right product to choose because of the backpack.
Con:
- Design Holes – It seems that more than one customer had reports about holes in the item. Sometimes the kayaks shipped with the holes already there, and sometimes the material ripped while out on a trip.
This kayak works best on lakes or other bodies of water that aren’t too turbulent. Despite the durability levels advertised, this Coleman model is a bit more fragile when it comes to standing up against rocks or branches that may rip through the bottom. Despite this issue, this is one of the more comfortable models because you can sit directly atop it without your legs being constrained in any way. That’s likely the only reason you’d shell out the higher price for this aside from the awesome backpack carrying system.
- Advanced Elements FireFly Inflatable Kayak
If you’re searching for a kayak that’ll really allow you to get out and explore, this is it. It has unique, rigid outer panels that help improve tracking and durability, and the landing plate and tracking fin definitely increase performance. This is a model that you sit inside of, so it keeps you drier than the sit-atop designs. It costs about $240.
Pros:
- Portable – if you need an inflatable kayak that folds up very small, this is it.
- Compact – If you need to store it inside your home when you’re not using it, you’ll be happy with the compact size.
- Lightweight – Almost anybody can make this kayak move, whether your arms are strong or not so much so. The tracking details help with this as well.
Con:
- Not Enough Space for Storage – This is one kayak that can be used if you just want to relax somewhere. You may not be able to use it if you plan to travel with, say, camping equipment or fishing gear.
Overall, most customers love the FireFly, particularly because of its intelligent, ergonomic details that help improve its durability and ease of use. One small complaint is that there isn’t any back support on this in the form of an actual seat back; you just have to sit against the back edge of the craft. This may pose an issue if you intend to float along and relax or try to stretch out, but otherwise it might not bother you too much.
Summary
You may have a hard time choosing the right product with such great options, so check this out. The best kayak out of those listed above is the Sea Eagle. It’s very durable and has the option to take two people along for the ride, which makes it much more versatile. The price is the only downside. The second-best kayak that you can check out is the Advanced Elements FireFly. This is truly something that you can use for a long period of time because it’s made to stand up to some abuse. It does lose points for its higher cost and the lack of the seat back. Lastly, the Intex Challenger K1 Kayak is the third best. The quality is great and the price is exceptional, but its smaller size means larger adults won’t be very comfortable.
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