Which Inflatable Kayak is Best for you?
Use this guide to choose an inflatable kayak to meet your needs
Check out information and actual user reviews for the most popular and best inflatable kayak on the market today.
Getting out on the open water is superb fun, great for family adventures, for fitness, and to help you simply get away from the hustle and bustle of every day life.
There are numerous types of kayak for all different purposes, though this page concentrates on inflatable kayaks, which of course, have the main advantage of being easier to move and store over solid kayaks.
There is a kayak for every person of any age, sex and ability so take a look below at what other inflatable kayak users had to say...and then choose the best kayak for you.
Photo credit: andydolman / Foter / CC BY
Reviews of Inflatable Kayaks
Sea Eagle 330 Inflatable Kayak with Deluxe Package - "Stands the test of time..."
The two-person Sea Eagle 330 kayak is designed to be easy--easy to carry, inflate, paddle, deflate, and afford. Constructed of puncture-resistant, extra-thick K-80 polykrylar hull material, the craft weighs only 26 pounds, yet is sturdy enough to carry up to a 500-pound load. This inflatable kayak measures 34 inches wide by 11 feet, two inches long, with a roomy interior measuring 13 inches wide by nine feet, six inches long. The boat has nine-inch tubes, I-beam construction, and high-frequency welded seams, and is rated up to Class III whitewater.
Intex Challenger K1 Kayak - "Perfect Inexpensive Kayak"
Challenger K1 Kayak is made of rugged SUPER-TOUGH vinyl made stronger for durability. High visibility graphics allow others to see you easily. The cockpit is designed for comfort and space and has an inflatable seat and backrest. US Coat Guard ID. Includes repair kit.
Sevylor Pointer Inflatable 1-Person Kayak - "Great boat for the money..."
Offering the same high-performance features as a traditional kayak but in an inflatable body, the Sevylor Pointer one-person kayak is made for performance and reliability. The Pointer is made of durable 20-gauge PVC, with an ABS structural frame that sheds water beautifully. As a result, the Pointer gracefully glides through whitewater, with a whitewater spray cover and apron to protect your lower extremities. The kayak also includes such rugged construction details as a pointed, rigid bow and stern, a flat bottom design, and an extra-durable fabric-reinforced bottom and sides.
What type of kayak do you have?
What type of kayak do you have?
Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Convertible Inflatable Kayak - "Fast but heavy..."
The AdvancedFrame Convertible Kayak from Advanced Elements is a fifteen foot kayak that offers the versatility of solo or tandem paddling. Using the optional single or double decks, you can convert your AdvancedFrame Convertible kayak into a solo or tandem kayak in a matter of seconds. Built-in aluminum ribs define the bow and stern and improve tracking while three layers of material offer ultimate puncture resistance. You'll stay comfortable on the water with the high support, adjustable padded seats. Easy to set up, just unfold, inflate, and attach the seats and you're ready to kayak.
Sevylor Tahiti Classic Inflatable Kayak - "Sevylor by name only...not the Sevylor as I remember it..."
The same kayak that twice traversed the entire length of the Amazon River, the Sevylor Tahiti classic inflatable two-person kayak is ready for adventures the world over.
The Tahiti kayak was released in 1963 and maintains a similar build after all these years. The kayak is durably constructed of heavy-duty 26-gauge PVC, with two air chambers for security and a tubular I-beam floor for stability.
Kayak Safety Gear
Sea Eagle 380x Inflatable Kayak with Pro Package - "Excellent kayak - don't be misled by other review..."
The Sea Eagle 380x Explorer inflatable kayak is as tough as nails and as rugged as the men and women who ride in it. A handy mid-size kayak that holds two to three people and up to 750 pounds, the 380x lets you rocket fearlessly down Class IV rapids, traverse miles of wilderness rivers to remote camping spots, or fly fish on trout streams that other fishermen can't access. Even better for travelers, the kayak deflates and stores in a handy carrying bag, so you easily haul it along on a small plane to impossibly obscure fishing or camping sites. There's no better kayak for true adventurers than the Sea Eagle 380x.
What do you mainly use your kayak for?
Sea Eagle 380x Inflatable Kayak
The Sea Eagle 380x Explorer inflatable kayak is as tough as nails and as rugged as the men and women who ride in it. A handy mid-size kayak that holds two to three people and up to 750 pounds, the 380x lets you rocket fearlessly down Class IV rapids, traverse miles of wilderness rivers to remote camping spots, or fly fish on trout streams that other fishermen can't access. Even better for travelers, the kayak deflates and stores in a handy carrying bag, so you easily haul it along on a small plane to impossibly obscure fishing or camping sites. There's no better kayak for true adventurers than the Sea Eagle 380x.
Sevylor Tahiti Fishing/Hunting Inflatable Kayak - "Durable Boat easily inflates/deflates..."
A fishing-specific version of the kayak that twice traversed the entire length of the Amazon, the Sevylor Tahiti fishing/hunting inflatable two-person kayak is ready for adventures the world over. The Tahiti was released in 1963 and maintains a similar build after all these years. The kayak is durably constructed of heavy-duty 26-gauge PVC, with two air chambers for security and a tubular I-beam floor for stability.
The Tahiti is also extremely comfortable thanks to the specially designed inflatable seats, which offer ample back support. And hunters will love the kayak's camo color, which ensures low visibility in grassy marshes. Other features include two spray covers for protection, an optional directional skeg for maximum control, and a leak-proof guarantee from Sevylor.
Books about Kayaking
Whether you are just beginning to kayak or are a veteran, reading about the sport is a must to understand kayaking techniques, safety, and to find the best places to kayak.
Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Inflatable Kayak - "Great Recreational Kayak..."
A hybrid of a folding-frame kayak and an inflatable kayak, the AdvancedFrame kayak is built for performance and trackability. The hull includes built-in aluminum ribs that define the bow and stern to improve tracking. As a result, the kayak slices through the water like a knife, helping it rival the trackability of hard-shell kayaks. Long hours on the water feel like minutes thanks to the high-support, adjustable padded seat. Plus, the kayak is extremely tough, with three layers of double-coated ripstop material for added puncture resistance.
Sevylor Inflatable Sit-On-Top Kayak, 2-Person - "Good entry-level inflatable kayak..."
Portable, comfortable, stable, and durable -- the Sevylor Sit-On-Top Inflatable Kayak is a great choice for navigating your favorite waters and exploring new ones. The 2-Person Kayak measures 13 Feet1 Inch long by 3 Feet1 Inch wide, and holds up to 595 pounds. It Feets constructed of heavy-duty 25-gauge PVC, with dual-tracking fins for easier steering.
For storage, the Kayak features a recessed compartment with a secure cargo net. An 86 Inch aluminum paddle is included. Guaranteed not to leak, thanks to Sevylor Feets exclusive Airtight System, the kayak Feets Double-Lock Valves prevent accidental air loss and ensure quick, easy inflation and deflation. NMMA certified.
Do you have a single seat or tandem kayak?
Sevylor QuickPak Coverless Sit-On-Top Kayak - "A very cheap pool toy! A lawsuit waiting to happen!"
Cruise the local waterways in comfort without hauling along a full-size kayak with the Sevylor QuikPak K1 coverless sit-on-top inflatable kayak.
The QuikPak K1 sit-on-top kayak includes a dual-action hand pump for easy inflation.
Sevylor's inflatable kayaks and canoes contribute to people's wanderlust by slicing through lakes or whitewaters, letting boaters hunt for the day's catch or hidden waterways. The K1 kayak is one of Sevylor's grab-and-go kayaks, with an inflatable design that folds and stores in an integrated backpack storage system.
Waterpoof gear for kayaking...
When carrying equipment in a kayak, you will want to be sure it stays dry. There are some great products that help keep items like food and even laptops waterproof as you are going down the rapids.
Sea Eagle SE370 Inflatable Kayak with Pro Package - "Amazing for the money..."
Race down the river or cruise a mirror-smooth lake at dawn in the Sea Eagle Sport kayak. It holds up to 500 pounds, but weighs only 26. Easily portable, it carries two adults and gear, but can be transported and used by one adult alone. You can even bring your dog out on the water--the rugged PolyKrylar hull is tough enough to withstand dog paws and claws. The SE370 packs down to fit in a storage bag, but has cargo space for camping gear and other supplies. It can be used for paddling, fishing, yacht tending, or skin diving. You can even take it on the river as it can handle whitewater up to class III.
Sevylor Inflatable Colorado Hunting and Fishing Canoe, 2-Person - "The best canoe ever?"
Combining the stability, maneuverability, and seaworthiness of a kayak with the comfort, looks, and styling of a traditional North American canoe, the Sevylor Colorado hunting and fishing canoe is ideally suited for rough waters, lakes, ocean fishing, and diving. The Colorado is equipped with a raised bow and stern, with a design that's as close in shape, comfort, and styling to the North American Indian canoe as an inflatable boat can get. As a result, you and a friend will look and feel authentic as you cruise down the waterway. Construction-wise, the boat features a double-hull build made of durable 18-gauge PVC, along with a 420D nylon cover and a rugged, fabric-reinforced bottom.
NRS Bandit I Inflatable Kayak on the Salmon River
Inflatable Kayak Repair Kit
Eventually, you will need to patch your kayak, there are many kayak repair kits available just make sure you get the right size patch and if color matters a color to match your kayak.
Used Inflatable Kayaks
Finding a used inflatable kayak is sometimes cheaper than buying a new one. You will have to weigh the cost of repairing a used one with the warranty in a new one. eBay has a lot of great deals for new and used inflatable kayaks.
Best Inflatable Kayak Guide Review Info
Please note - The best inflatable kayak reviews above are real user reviews written by owners of the product in question. These reviews were originally posted on the Amazon.com website where they can be viewed.