Table of Contents
Without any doubt, inflatable kayaks happen to be the future of your outdoor adventures. These are PVC boats with multiple layers. The kayaks have several air chambers as well to promote good buoyancy on water. They are pretty similar to the hard shell kayaks in terms of designs with the obvious difference being the inflatable feature. They have a bow, stern, and a paddle just like the conventional kayaks. The best and most modern inflatable kayaks have a similar performance to the hard shell partners. With inflatable kayaks, you will easily get onto the water with no concerns about boat storage. You simply get to your ideal watery location, unroll the kayak for inflation, and hit that water. Convenient, right?
In the market as of now, there are hundreds if not thousands of inflatable kayaks. Some clothing companies have also been branding their own as well. This makes it hard to truly vet all of them to choose the best. Below is a brief compilation of some of what our research team deemed the best inflatable kayaks on the market right now. This is based on customer feedback and reviews. Have a look!
Things to consider before you buy
Size: Inflatable kayaks have been made in different sizes allowing for one, two, or three paddlers. They are also made with a clear indication of the number of people that the kayak can accommodate. It, therefore, makes it necessary to have size a consideration when purchasing inflatable kayaks. As you are aware, there are different types of kayaking. If you, therefore, opt for overnight trips as well as fishing, consider getting something that has better internal space as well as storage.
Material: Based on the materials used on your inflatable kayak, you can tell whether you will have a successful kayaking experience or not. The bottom line, however, is that your kayak ought to feature durable materials. These are materials that won’t pop off easily at the sight of sharp rocks. At the same time, the kayak must be light enough for simple packing and transporting. Some good fabric options include PVC, Nylon, and Hypalon.
Comfort: It is possible to brag about the best-performing and fastest kayak in the world but if it isn’t comfortable, all the other things prove to be futile. Before buying an inflatable kayak, make sure that it is comfortable for you and your group. Some of the things to look out for include seats. These should be well-padded and have adjustable backrests for a comfortable sitting position. The other comfort feature is internal space. Depending on the number of people who will be in the kayak, ascertain that everyone will have free space inside.
Portability: Among the key benefits of inflatable kayaks is the ease with which they are carried and transported. However, some models are weightier than others which sets them apart. When purchasing an inflatable kayak, it is very crucial to keep this factor in mind. Better still, the inflatable kayak’s package ought to include a carrying bag. This will allow you to fold the kayak easily and pack it into your bag with ease. An inflatable kayak that comes with a hand pump and a repair patch will even be better.
Best Inflatable Kayaks Reviews
Below is a compiled list of reliable inflatable kayak reviews to help you identify which product matches your needs and budget. Notably, the products give you varying comfort levels depending on their respective prices. This article also gives you the Pros & Cons and Customer Reviews of every product for an informed purchasing decision. There is also a FAQs section to give you comprehensive information about inflatable kayaks before making your purchase.
Aquaglide Inflatable Kayak
This inflatable kayak perfectly combines length, stiffness, and light weight to bring out the best inflatable kayak. You will hardly tell the difference between this one and the hard shell counterpart. The kayak has been designed for effortless paddling and with portability in mind. It only weighs 18 pounds and the fact that it comes with a carrying bag guarantees that portability will be easy. You will also like the molded plastic carrying handles on the stern and bow which allow for comfortable lifting and carrying.
The inflatable kayak comes with quick-release seats and some adjustable footrests. Better still, there are Velcro adjustments for a personalized seat positioning. This kayak model is very concerned about your comfort. When it comes to its quality, you will be happy to learn that the kayak deploys high-quality materials which are puncture-resistant. Better still, it supports a weight capacity of up to 300lbs.
- It combines good length, stiffness, and a lightweight for effortless paddling
- The kayak weighs only 18 pounds for an effortless transportation
- Features quick-release seats and adjustable footrests for a personalized seat positioning
- The kayak supports a maximum weight capacity of 300lbs. and comes with a storage bag
- The footrest is too far to reach
ADVANCED ELEMENTS Convertible Inflatable Kayak
With this inflatable kayak, you are going to experience extreme durability. The kayak’s quality PVC Tarpaulin material has a polyester fabric that has been sandwiched by vinyl layers. For that reason, it creates a durable and very strong outer cover. It is also worth noting that the inflatable kayak has multiple air chambers. Its unique design partitions its main inflation chamber into 2 different air chambers. This is what offers optimum safety whenever you are on the water.
The inflatable kayak has an aluminum rib that helps to enhance the performance, safety, and durability of the kayak. All these happen while still keeping the kayak light in weight and very easy to transport. The combination of rigid panels, aluminum frame, and inflation chambers brings out the best maneuverability in this kayak. It also proves to be very easy setting up this inflatable kayak given that it comes pre-assembled from the factory. You simply need to unfold it, inflate and then attach the seats.
- It features 3 layers of materials for good puncture resistance
- Comes pre-assembled from the factory which makes it easy to set up
- Features high-support and padded seats for extreme comfort
- The inflatable kayak supports up to 550lbs. weight
- Their customer service is wanting
Driftsun Inflatable Kayak with Double Action Pump
First things first, this inflatable kayak has been made for two people. The other good thing about the kayak is that it fully inflates into a complete-size kayak in less than 5 minutes. This is facilitated by the deluxe and high-flow pump that has been included in the package. It, therefore, means that you will go from the garage to the trunk and get on the water within no time. When it has been deflated for transportation, this kayak will fit so well into the carrying bag. Furthermore, its light weight makes it easy to handle as it only weighs 27lbs.
The inflatable kayak also prides itself on a durable design with its heavy-duty PVC bottom. This is what offers protection against punctures and any form of abrasion. You will also need to note that it has dual-threaded Boston valves that guarantee that there will be no air leakage. It also prides itself on a tough nylon oxford fabric which is resistant to tear and rips. Comfort is also a guarantee for this inflatable kayak with its adjustable EVA padded seats. This helps to offer high-back support for the hours that you will be cruising.
- Comes with a dual-action pump for easy inflation
- Its lightweight design makes it easy to handle by a single person
- Features heavy-duty materials at the bottom which are puncture-resistant
- The package includes a carrying bag for easy storage and portability
- Takes long to dry for storage
Sevylor Quikpak 1-Person Kayak
If you are looking to get close to the water and feel the beauty of swimming in it, this inflatable kayak will easily facilitate that. It works the same ways as the conventional kayak only that this one deflates and folds up for storage. Talking of storage, you will appreciate that the backpack comes with a carry bag that has well-padded straps. This will effortlessly fit in any car’s trunk. Similarly, it inflates very easily in a setup process that does not take more than 5 minutes. When you get to the water, you will be able to paddle in a comfortable environment which allows you to easily stretch your legs more easily.
This kayak prides itself on a rigid floor and a flat bottom with a 3-chamber design. That greatly helps to keep the kayak in a solid shape on the water. It will also offer extra security in case you get snagged. It features a thick PVC bottom and dual-lock valves which make the inflation and deflation job very fast and efficient. You will also appreciate the fact that the backrest allows you to lean back as you enjoy the ride. Owing to the great quality of this inflatable kayak, it supports a maximum weight capacity of 400 pounds.
- The kayak sets up in less than 5 minutes
- It comes with seats that have backrests for ultimate comfort
- Its tarpaulin bottom offers durable protection
- Multiple air chambers to make sure that the kayak remains inflated
- Poor quality paddle
Intex Excursion Kayak Series
One of the noticeable features of this inflatable kayak is its super amazing quality. It features a tough laminate PVC with a polyester core. This makes it light in weight and at the same time, it remains highly resistant to damage from abrasions, sunlight, and impacts. Its high-pressure inflation offers extra rigidity as well as stability. It comes with high-pressure spring-loaded valves to guarantee fast and easy inflation and deflation. If you are therefore an outdoor adventurer and love spending time on the water, this kayak grants you comfort on the water.
The kayak features skegs that are easily removable for shallow and deep waters. It has also been made with 2 floor-mounted footrests and 2 fishing rod holders. From that, you can easily tell that this is a 2-person kayak since it also has 2 seats. Other accessories that have been included in this package include fish finders, a carrying bag, and a repair patch. We also have to mention something about the weight capacity and strength of this kayak. Despite having a lightweight design, you will also appreciate that the kayak holds up to 400 pounds weight capacity.
- Light weight material which is resistant to abrasion damage
- Features high-pressure valves for faster inflation and deflation
- The package includes a carrying bag and a repair patch
- Made in a strong design to support up to 400 pounds of weight
- You need to check for punctures during arrival
Explorer 2-Person Inflatable Kayak
One of the many things that you will like about this inflatable kayak is the fact that it is comfortable for everyone. The kayak features an adjustable and inflatable seat that has a backrest. This, therefore, means that you will be comfortable for as long as you will be on the kayak. It also comes with a cockpit that has been made for space and comfort. You will generally have space for stretching your arms and legs as well. The 2-person kayak has a good size upon inflation where it supports a maximum weight capacity of up to 400 pounds.
The other feature that you will like bout this inflatable kayak is the fact that it has a removable skeg that guarantees directional stability. You also have to appreciate its bright yellow color which helps with clear visibility in case of emergencies. It is, however, worth noting that the kayak has been made for those smaller water bodies which include mild rivers and lakes. Accessories included in this package include a hand pump and a convenient storage bag that facilitates portability.
- It has adjustable and inflatable seats with a backrest for ultimate comfort
- Made for small water bodies like mild rivers and lakes
- Its bright yellow color increases visibility during emergencies
- The kayak is strong enough to support 400 pounds of weight
- The major floatation chambers are the only ones with fancy valves
Conclusion
If you have been yarning to own a kayak but you lack space for a complete-size boat, you should not worry. There are so many things that you can do to enjoy kayaking. For instance, you can rent one whenever you feel that you want to have a good time on the water. This does not however sound good for people who hate the struggles of having to lift rigid boats on top of their cars. The solution to all these problems is pretty simple; inflatable kayaks. They are convenient in the sense that they roll up and fold easily to be stashed in the car.
In this case, they eat less space as compared to the conventional kayaks. Better still, they are less expensive in the long run compared to renting a kayak. Above, we have reviewed some of the inflatable kayaks you may want to consider. Simply skim through the list and place your order right away!
Leave a Reply