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Anyone taking their first curious looks into kayaking are often surprised to hear there are inflatable options.
The first thoughts go along the lines of “What?! I can pick up my kayak like a suitcase and carry it around anywhere? Take my money!”.
But then the excitement quickly fades and fears of rips, tears and punctures take over. Images of sinking kayaks and an unwanted panicked swim for land quickly dampen the positivity.
But the truth is, inflatables are very portable and can actually be incredibly durable.
And not only that, the good ones can track and move around just as well as many of the traditional hardshell kayaks on the market.
In this article, we’re going to take a look at the best inflatable kayaks around right now, and which one is suitable for you.
Quick Picks:
- Sea Eagle SE370 (best overall)
- Advanced Elements AE1012 AdvancedFrame (best value)
- Sea Eagle 380X Explorer (best tandem inflatable)
- Intex Challenger K1 (budget choice)
Top 12 Best Inflatable Kayaks Reviewed
1: Sea Eagle SE370K_P (Best Overall)
- Length: 12 ft 6 inches
- Width: 34 inches
- Weight: 32 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 650 pounds
An old favorite, the SeaEagle SE370K_P is a inflatable tandem kayak that is pretty durable considering it is one of the cheaper options on our list. It’s made from toughened polykrylar, and should be inflated in around 8 minutes.
This ever-popular choice does come with everything you need to get going. A double set of paddles, inflatable seats, and a pump (make sure you go for the pump package if you actually need this). All contained within a duffel bag.
The SE370 is designed for up to two people but has the capacity for a third, or a dog. It has a stable hull that can be great for beginners of all ages. The two molded rear skegs can make it easier to paddle in a straight line, particularly on flatwater.
It is a versatile boat that can be great for either one or two paddlers and it can even handle up to Class III rapids if you’re looking to hit some rivers. It can also be used for a fishing trip or a camping trip, with a high capacity and space for storing gear at the bow and stern.
This one earns top prize in our list of inflatable kayak reviews.
Pros
- Paddle included – ideal for getting out on the water straight away
- Versatile – can be good for solo or tandem trips on a range of water conditions
- Stable – good for beginners
Cons
- Paddle length – the free paddle may not ne long enough for shorter paddlers
> More on what we said about the SE370K here.
2: Advanced Elements AE1012 AdvancedFrame Kayak (Best Value Inflatable)
- Length: 10 ft 5 inches
- Width: 32 inches
- Weight: 36 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
The AE1012 has been around for a few years now. This popular sit-in inflatable has 3 layers of tough material to help guard against any damage or punctures. It’s durable enough to take class II rivers.
Both ends (bow and stern) have built in aluminum ribs to help shape the hull. This helps with tracking, along with the skeg, making your paddling life easier. Don’t worry, the ribs are pre-built, so you don’t have to actually fit and set these up yourself.
There are 7 chambers in total, helping to keep sinking disasters to a minimum.
There are zipper storage areas to keep your valuables safe and dry. Bungee cords can be used to hold down extra stored gear.
A repair kit, fold-away padded seat and a storage bag for transportation are included. Note that paddles are not included, so you need to pick these out for yourself separately.
You can optionally fit a spray skirt to keep the water out when you paddle along.
This is a compact yak that is designed to be easy to maneuver on smaller bodies of water with the rigid bow and stern helping to improve your speed on flatwater. It also features a drop stitch floor to increase performance and durability.
This AdvancedFrame kayak is for solo paddling trips on flatwater, and it won the budget option in our best 1-person inflatable kayak roundup. The high performance design may be more suited to paddlers with some experience rather than complete beginners.
Pros
- Aluminum rib frame – this helps create a more rigid hull to help with performance
- Multiple air chambers – this can boost safety and buoyancy in the event of a puncture
- Storage areas – this is good for securing gear for a camping trip
Cons
- Not ideal for new kayakers – the high performance design might not suit all
> Take a deeper look at the AE1012.
3: Sea Eagle 380X Explorer (Best Tandem Inflatable)
