When you picture a kayak, chances are that you are thinking about a rigid kayak. The market for inflatable kayaks, however, has really exploded, with many people actually preferring the air filled boats to their hard shelled counter parts.
Inflatable kayaks are mainly constructed from a rugged PVC, and are usually sold with a hand, foot or electric pump as well as a patch kit for in the unlikely case that your inflatable kayak suffers a puncture or a tear.
Shopping for Inflatable Kayaks
Different Kinds of Inflatable Kayaks
Sit-On-Top Inflatable Kayak
A sit-on-top inflatable kayak is a kayak constructed with an open design. As the name suggests, you sit on top of this inflatable kayak! These inflatable kayaks are perfect for kayaking on more tropical waters as you would be getting wet.
Self bailing Inflatable Kayak
These self bailing inflatable kayaks are fitted with holes or ports that are usually located on the bottom of the kayak. These holes that help the kayak self bail or drain, make these inflatable kayaks great for white water river rafting, as kayaks tend to take on more water on white water.
Sit-In Inflatable Kayak
Again, as the name suggests, you will be sitting inside of this inflatable kayak. Better for colder climates and waters, you are much more protected inside the enclosed cockpit of this inflatable kayak.
Canoe-Style Inflatable Kayak
Canoe-style inflatable kayaks are characterized by their high seats and high walls. They are constructed with an open design.
Open-Style Inflatable Kayak
The open-style inflatable kayak is similar, but not the same as the canoe-style inflatable kayak, as they are both of an open design, but the walls of the open-style inflatable kayaks are not as high.
What Are the Pros and Cons to Buying an Inflatable Kayak?
As with anything, inflatable kayaks has cons as well as pros. Below we have thoroughly listed both, as to help you make the best decision for yourself!
What makes inflatable kayaks great:
- Because inflatable kayaks can be completely deflated, they take up very little space, making them very easy to transport and to store
- Another reason inflatable kayaks are so easy to transport, is because you can transport it deflated (many inflatable kayaks comes with bags you can carry them in) and inflate it when you reach your kayaking destination
- Inflatable kayaks are not as expensive as rigid kayaks
- Inflatable kayaks are actually constructed out of very sturdy and rugged materials, making punctures very unlikely
- Inflatable kayaks are well performing, as they track well and can actually reach very high speeds
- Inflatable kayaks are very lightweight, both when deflated and inflated. Being lightweight when deflated makes for easy carry, and being lightweight while inflated means that anyone, regardless of weight, height or strength, will be able to get an inflatable kayak into and out of the water
Some problems with inflatable kayaks:
- Inflatable kayaks are not able to carry as much weight as rigid kayaks
- Inflatable kayaks may not last as long as rigid kayaks, as they are constantly being inflated and deflated over the years, which does put some stress on the materials
- While inflatable kayaks are constructed with strong materials, there is always the risk of sustaining a tear or a puncture
- Inflatable kayaks are usually a bit wider than rigid kayaks are, which while providing stability, can take away from speed
Best Inflatable Kayaks on the Market
Below we have compiled a comprehensive list of the best performing and most well reviewed inflatable kayaks currently available.
1. Intex Explorer K2 Tandem Inflatable Kayak
The Intex Explorer K2 Tandem Inflatable Kayak has a maximum weight capacity of 400 pounds (or over 180 kilograms), meaning that it is able to comfortably and safely hold you, your kayaking buddy and all of your gear!
What we like:
- This inflatable tandem kayak comes with a removable skeg, which gives the kayak extra directional stability
- The bright yellow colour of this tandem inflatable kayak is actually a safety feature, as it makes you more visible to other kayakers on the same body of water as you, so as to avoid any collisions and making it easy to see you if anything goes wrong
- This inflatable tandem kayak is constructed of puncture resistant 30-gauge vinyl and UV
- The upturned head of this tandem inflatable kayak makes it very difficult for this tandem inflatable kayak to capsize
- The seats in this tandem inflatable kayak are adjustable for extra comfort
What we didn’t like:
- The paddles that come with this tandem inflatable kayak are not adjustable
- If you are taking this tandem inflatable kayak into rougher waters, you risk losing your skeg
2. Sevylor Big Basin 3 Person Inflatable Kayak
The Sevylor Big Basin 3 Person Inflatable Kayak is a recreational inflatable kayak constructed from heavy duty PVC, perfect for larger groups who want to enjoy kayaking together!
What we like:
- This inflatable three person kayak is fitted with spray covers which work to keep you dry
- This inflatable three person kayak is also fitted with a Boston Valve, which Makes inflation and deflation quick and easy
- This inflatable three person kayak is built with a patented Airtight System, which prevents leaking
- The seats in this three person inflatable kayak are all adjustable for extra comfort
What we didn’t like:
- This three person inflatable kayak is not sold with a pump or paddles, meaning that you would have to buy all of these separately, adding to the cost
3. Sevylor Coleman QuikPak K5 Inflatable Kayak
The Sevylor Coleman QuikPak K5 Inflatable Kayak is a seriously rugged inflatable kayak. This inflatable kayak is constructed of 24-gauge PVC, and features a tarpaulin bottom, as well as a polyester covering.
What we like:
- This inflatable kayak is very puncture resistant
- This PVC construction of this inflatable kayak makes it very sturdy out on the water
- This inflatable kayak is incredibly lightweight, weighing only 25.5 pounds (or just under 12 kilograms), making it a breeze getting in and out of the water
- This inflatable kayak is really quick and easy to inflate and deflate
- This inflatable kayak has a lot of storage space
What we didn’t like:
- There is not a lot of legroom in this inflatable kayak, making it a little uncomfortable on longer paddles, especially for taller kayakers
- The paddle sold alongside this inflatable kayak is not very strong
4. Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Kayak
The Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Kayak is a high weight capacity (225 pounds or just under 103 kilograms) solo, grey and yellow boat, specifically built for a great ride on whitewater.
What we like:
- This inflatable kayak is fitted with self bailing holes, to easily and automatically rid the boat of any water it may take on
- This inflatable kayak is constructed from double layered 840 dernier PVC Tarpaulin, making it incredibly puncture resistant, great for whitewater rivers!
- This inflatable kayak is fitted with a rear cargo storage hold that is self draining
- When deflated, this inflatable kayak fits into a backpack and weighs only 33 pounds (or 15 kilograms), making it very easily transportable
What we didn’t like:
- The warranty on this inflatable kayak is only valid for a year
5. Rave Sports Sea Rebel Inflatable Kayak
The Rave Sports Sea Rebel Inflatable Kayak is a quick inflating kayak that has a weight capacity of 200 pounds (or just under 91 kilograms), making it a great solo inflatable kayak!
What we like:
- The seat on this inflatable kayak is adjustable and has extra storage space in the back of it
- The bright yellow color of this inflatable kayak is a safety aspect
- This inflatable kayak is fitted with a PVC tarpaulin bottom that makes gliding quick and easy
- This inflatable kayak is attached with four handles which are foam filled, making for easy carrying once it is inflated
What we didn’t like:
- Some reviewers of this inflatable kayak has commented on how they found the seats difficult to maneuver and a bit uncomfortable
6. Advanced Elements FireFly Inflatable Kayak
The Advanced Elements FireFly Inflatable Kayak is an inflatable, but is fitted with rigid panels that define the stern and the bow of the kayak, that vastly improve tracking.
What we like:
- This inflatable kayak is really lightweight and is very easy to transport
- This inflatable kayak is a good recreational kayak for beginners
- This inflatable kayak weighs only 16 pounds (or just over 7 kilograms) when inflated and can hold up to 225 pounds (or just over 102 kilograms)
- This solo inflatable kayak is incredibly affordable, one of the reasons it is such a good choice for beginners!
- This inflatable kayak is fitted with a tracking fin and a landing plate that makes for great performance out on the water
What we didn’t like:
- There is not really any back support on this inflatable kayak
After going through this list, you will be sure to find the exact inflatable kayak that you’re looking for!