If you have a keen interest in paddling through the rivers, want to explore various rivers and streams, then the inflatable kayak is one of the best outdoor kits to satisfy all your needs. Because of the advancement of technology nowadays the inflatable kayaks have been changed in terms of shape and functionality.
If you are an outdoor lover then this is the must-have accessories for you. Usually, it is made up of durable material to sustain in harsh conditions and extreme activities.
The inflatable kayaks are easy to carry due to its weight and size. It is compact and can suit your travels, hiking and many more activities with ease. It also doesn’t take much space for storage. And all these qualities make the inflatable kayak ideal and popular among the adventurous people.
5 Best Inflatable Kayaks Reviews
There is a huge demand for inflatable kayak these days. And you can also afford it as compared to the other types of kayaks. But we know choosing the best one for yourself is a difficult part every time. Therefore, we have reviewed some of the best available inflatable kayaks here so that it can be easier for you to find the best one.
1. Sea Eagle SE370 Inflatable Sport Kayak Pro Package
The Sea Eagle is the perfect option for sailing around a lake and spend your leisure time. it comes with a passenger capacity of three people and maximum up to 650 lbs weight. The total assembly and inflation time it takes is around 8 minutes.
It has the capability to resist any harsh conditions with is 38 mil hull. The hull is quite durable and you don’t have to worry about its strength.
It weighs around 32 lbs. the I-Beam construction feature of this inflatable kayak comes with rigidity. For speed and efficiency, there are two skegs in this kayak.
For your betterment, there are two removable and inflatable seats for three persons, along with front and rear rope handles as well as front and rear self-bailing drain valves.
It is also known as the best tandem inflatable kayak. It is a value for money inflatable kayak. The built material of this kayak is sun-resistant and salt-resistant. This is also the most popular and demanded inflatable kayak in this list.
2. Advanced Element Advanced Frame Convertible Inflatable Kayak
If you ever wish for a better solo inflatable kayak then this is the best one. The Advanced Element Advanced Frame comes with Aluminium ribs and a three-layer puncture resistant material to offer a needed strength to the kayak. It is also portable and comes with adjustable seats.
You can paddle this one all through the day without facing any sort of difficulty. The total weight capacity of this kayak is around 300 lbs. it also offers a dry storage compartment to store all your important belongings safely. Whereas, with the bungee deck, you can take hold of your required things quite easily.
This is also the best available kayak for fishing because of its durable material. The aluminum ribs of this inflatable kayak offer great protection to the kayak and also offer a good shape as well for better solidity.
With this kayak, you can change your seating as per your requirement. You can make it two-seater or make it with ample legroom and space for placing your belonging while being in the water.
Advanced Element Advanced Frame is quite suitable for the area where you want to cut through the water with speed. You can use the currents of the water through the aluminum frame. On the other hand, you can go with this inflatable kayak for white-water rafting.
It has also all the safety measures with it. It comes with the noticeable orange and grey colored pattern so that it can be spotted easily. The fellow boaters can also easily identify you and protect themselves from any sort of collision.
3. Intex Explorer K2 Kayak
For a great outing on the water, the Intex Explorer K2 kayak is one of the best options. You can add anything to this high capacity inflatable kayak to be in the water conveniently.
It comes with three different air chambers that offer a great amount of flotation. The six mesh pockets offer a good amount of storage option to you and you can sustain on water for a longer period of time. Intex Explorer K2 is an open style kayak and comes with an ability to accommodate two people at a time. There are the high side walls to keep you dry in any harsh conditions. It has all the requirements that furnish a great outing for you in the water.
It is quite suitable for exploring the strong rapids and quick moves. It goes well on rivers as well as lakes but you can try your hands on other adventurous environments too. For a safety measure the seats of this kayak come with adjustable back support, kit with paddles, a repair kit, a carrying bag as well.
It comes with high durability and the assembling time is too quick. The removable skegs provide good stability to this inflatable kayak. It furnishes two air chambers so you don’t have to be worried about any puncture situation. You can float your kayak easily.
The interior of this inflatable kayak is made with black material so it can acquire the heat and sail through the sun quite easily. It is not good for children due to its fixed oars.
Intex Explorer K2 kayak is the best choice for beginners, they can use this in no time and get much fun without any issues.
4. Intex Challenger K2 Kayak
Intex Challenger K2 is made with durable vinyl and it is puncture resistant. It comes with two air chambers, so you can use your kayak in any critical conditions. The UV resistant finish of this kayak makes you sustain under the sun without any difficulties.
It is one of the cheapest inflatable kayaks and good for single use and double use. It comes with a sporty look and you can use its front area for keeping your belongings and all sorts of gears. The Intex Challenger K2 is the best option for peace of mind. It is also robust and reliable in the water.
The total weight capacity of this kayak is around 400 lbs and weighs around 33 lbs. It is a tandem kayak and much ideal for slow flowing water areas. This inflatable kayak comes with a rigid floor. It features a cargo net, 84-inch aluminum paddles, pump, and patch kit.
You don’t have to worry about the leakage or tears due to its high-quality vinyl material. You can use its cockpit which is furnished with well sized expandable seats along with backrest. Intex Challenger K2 goes well with anyone with ease.
You can enjoy being on the water due to its all appropriate safety measures. It is equipped with all the safety standards required for the users. Enjoy your time with this inflatable kayak and have the best time.
5. Sea Eagle 330 Inflatable Kayak with Pro Package
Sea Eagle 330 is an excellent inflatable kayak and you can use this for a tandem as well as solo use. If you want to spend a peaceful day on the water, then Sea Eagle 330 is the best option for you.
It is quite durable and quite suitable for all those adventurous people. You can take this for going through the sea as well as to experience the white water. Sea Eagle 330 is good for all the curves and waves.
This inflatable kayak is quite easy to set up and you can also inflate it within a few minutes. It comes with an easy carrying case to take this kayak during your travel.
The Sea Eagle 330 inflatable kayak comes with inflatable spray skirts, a foot pump, two seats, and a carry case. For fishing and white water rafting Sea Eagle 330 is the best option.
It weighs around 26 lbs and has a width of 34 inches and a length of 134 inches. It only takes around 6 minutes to pump the kayak up. This kayak is suitable for intermediate users and furnishes all the best features with good quality.
It can accommodate 500 pounds easily and carry two adults. The built material of this kayak is a 33mm Polykrylar hull I-beam construction and high frequency welded seams. This is also one of the best inflatable kayaks in this category.
You can use this for your recreational use and class 3 whitewater rafting. It is free from any sort of accidental leakage and comes with three chambers such as port, starboard, floor, and three air valves.
Best Inflatable Kayaks Buyer’s Guide
How to Choose the Best Inflatable Kayaks
Before choosing the best inflatable kayak you should have to consider below factors.
- Price
The budget should be the most crucial feature that you have to look out for while choosing the best inflatable kayak. First of all, just calculate your budget and then go for the best one. But don’t go for pricing alone; check the features of a kayak as well. Choose a decent one for yourself.
- Usage
After the price factor, the next thing you have to consider is the type of usage. It is also crucial to know how you are going to use the inflatable kayak. Usually, an inflatable kayak is used for fishing, paddling or enjoying in the sea. So at the outset define the mode of usage and then only consider the best one for yourself.
- Material
The inflatable kayak uses PVC type material, Nypalon, and Nitrylon material. The PVC is most commonly used for a kayak. These are low-priced and quite easy to patch. But it doesn’t go well with high-temperature conditions.
Whereas the Hypalon type kayaks come with a coating of polyester or nylon. It is the most durable material for a kayak. It is suitable for UV rays and last for a longer time, but comes with a high price tag.
On the other hand, the Nitrylon type kayaks are the eco-friendly ones and puncture resistant. It can sustain all the UV rays and high temperatures as well. It is affordable as well.
So consider all the above facts about the materials used for a kayak and go with the best one that suits your budget and need.
- Weight
A lightweight inflatable kayak is not furnished with all the crucial features. The weight is crucial for the activities like hiking. If you are looking for an inflatable kayak for hiking then go with the lighter ones. But you can’t expect all the latest features with this.
- Length
If you are in need of a stabilized kayak then you have shortened the length. It also gives you a good balance. But you can use this for sole use. In this case, if you are looking for an inflatable kayak that can accommodate two to three people then consider a longer one.
- Storage
You have to consider two types of storage. The first one is how much storage your kayak takes so that it can be easy for you to take during your outings. On the other hand, if also have to watch out for the storage it offers. When you go for paddling or fishing you do need all your belongings, foods and gears with you. So there should be ample storage space to keep all those things. So after checking the storage areas choose the best inflatable kayak.
What are the Types of Inflatable Kayaks?
There are mainly five types of inflatable kayak that have huge popularity among the adventure lovers.
- Self Bailing Kayaks
The Self Bailing kayaks are mostly used for white water rafting. It comes with holes or ports on the bottom of the kayak which can drain the incoming water. But these types of kayaks are not suitable for lake or slow flowing rivers due to the absence of fin which is used for tracking.
- Sit on Top Kayaks
The Sit on top kayak doesn’t have an enclosed cockpit. You have to sit on the top of the kayak. These types of kayaks are quite good for fishing as it offers all the movement to use the gears.
- Sit Inside Kayak
These types of kayaks are quite popular among kayak lovers. You can sit inside the kayak with this kayak and it also possesses an enclosed cockpit. You can also stay drier due to the protection against the splashing waters. It goes well in the harsh conditions.
- Canoe Type
Canoe types of kayaks come with a broader design along with higher walls. The seats of these types of kayaks are much deeper as compared to other types of kayaks. You can move freely in this kayak and it is suitable for fishing.
- SUP Kayak
SUP kayaks are suitable for paddling and many popular ones across the world. These the stiff ones and let the paddles of this kayak stand up during the paddling process.
Advantages of an Inflatable Kayak
It is always good to know about the plus points of a certain product before choosing the best one. If you are deciding to go for an inflatable kayak, then you can find a lot of advantages. And you can also have an idea of the reason for so much popularity for an inflatable kayak. You can also turn on to one without a second thought.
- Lightweight
The inflatable kayaks are lightweight and built with light materials. You can transport these types of kayaks quite easily during your travel and outings. It can be accessible to all kinds of people as well.
- Storage
The inflatable kayaks are usually 10 feet long. But the best part of this kayaks in terms of storage is, you carry without any difficulty. So it takes very less space and doesn’t offer any stress for its storage. You can put it anywhere. It can accommodate your smaller spaces in the car or in living apartments as well.
- Take Them Anywhere
With an inflatable kayak, you have the number of option to explore. You can take them anywhere you like. Due to the portability and inflatable option you can pack it in your travel bag as well. It also comes with a carry case so it is quite easier to store. There are no issues to take this with you during your travel as well.
- Versatility
Inflatable kayaks are the most versatile ones. It is good for lakes, slow water as well as white water rafting. So it makes the inflatable kayaks most popular as compared to the other types of kayaks. As we said, it is also easy to store and carry.
- Maintenance And Upkeep
The inflatable kayaks come with almost zero maintenance. They are the stiff ones and not affected by the harsh conditions. They are susceptible to puncture but with the available repair kit, you can mend it in no time.
But you have to take care of certain things. You have to store it in a dry condition. The wet ones can build up the fungus and other sediments inside your kayak and there will be a chance of degrading. So always store it after drying completely.
- Security
Always deflate your inflatable kayak and store it with utmost care. Always keep it secure during your transportation so that you can use this without having any difficulty. Security to your inflatable kayak is highly essential.
Conclusion
An inflatable kayak is a quite cheaper and good substitute to the hard-shelled kayaks. You can use these types of kayaks for a number of options. Here we have reviewed the best inflatable kayaks, and hope it will be a good guide for you to find the best one.
Keep this in your mind that while choosing the best type of kayak, keep an eye on the purpose of yours. With a good inflatable kayak, you can enjoy being on the water and carry out your goals quite effectively, so choose accordingly and wisely.