With the rise in demand for a solution, many kayak manufacturers started making inflatable kayaks that solve a lot of the hardshell ones’ problems.
However, if you’ve been around the inflatable kayaks market enough, you’ll know how complicated and different such items can be. With so many products in the market, you can get easily confused and even overwhelmed.
Best Inflatable Kayaks
Here’s a list of our top 5 inflatable kayaks that you can find in the market.
Intex Challenger K1 Kayak
Kicking off our list with one of the most reputable names in the industry. Intex has put their 55 years of experience in inflatables to create excellent quality inflatable boats at competitive prices.
The Challenger K1 kayak is one of their best sit inside kayaks. The Challenger series is offered in two models: the single-seat K1 model and the double-seat K2 model. This allows you to choose freely.
The Challenger kayaks come in a snazzy and streamlined design to allow for maximum performance while paddling. Additionally, the eye-catching green graphic makes the kayak stand out among the crowd and become highly visible in the water.
The inflatable kayak is made of heavy-duty and durable polyvinyl chloride. This gives the inflatable kayak strong resistance against punctures and UV light. The durability of the construction ensures the safety of the kayak in conditions like a lake or a calm river.
Moreover, the kayak is supplied with a rigid I-beam floor for added stability in water. The kayak’s cockpit is highly comfortable, which allows you to stay in the kayak for long times without fatigue.
It comes with a cargo net so you can secure your gear, comfy inflatable seats with backrests, an 84-inch aluminum oar, a patch kit, and its own manual pump. This adds to the kayak’s convenience, as you won’t need to buy extra accessories.
Despite being only about 27 pounds, the kayak can still bear a maximum weight of 220 pounds.
Pros
- Spacious and comfortable cockpit
- Nimble and sporty design
- Good value for money
Cons
- Requires manual water draining
Advanced Elements Convertible Inflatable Kayak
If you’re looking for an inflatable kayak that’ll score on every test, then you should check Advanced Element’s best creations. The AdvancedFrame Convertible inflatable kayak is as close as it gets to a hard-shell one.
The inflatable kayak stands at 15 feet, making it long enough for excellent cruising and dexterity in whitewater kayaking.
The AdvancedFrame comes with built-in aluminum ribs that enhance the kayak’s bow and stern structure. It also helps in improving the paddling and tracking while slicing through the tough conditions of the water.
The kayak is made of 3 layers of high-quality synthetic rubbers. This gives it an extreme level of durability and thickness, which allows the product to pass the test of time and harsh weather.
The main highlight of the kayak is its amazing convertible feature. You can attach different conversions to turn the standard open deck style to a double-seat or a single-seat kayak in a matter of seconds.
Another great feature on the inflatable kayak is in the bottom construction. When you inflate the kayak, it offers a patented BackBone technology, which utilizes drop stitching to allow for an extremely rigid build.
With the powerful build and comfortable seats, you can use the inflatable kayak for long hours without discomfort or back pain. The kayak comes pre-assembled from the factory, so all you have to do to get it started is to inflate it and attach its seats in any of three different locations.
Pros
- Highly rigid and durable with triple-layer material and aluminum rib
- Feels like a hard-shell kayak with its excellent trackability
- Extremely adjustable with the convertible seats
Cons
- A bit costly
Intex Explorer K2 Inflatable Kayak
The second appearance for Intex products on our list, which reveals a lot about the quality of their products. Similar to the Challenger series, the Explorer K2 also offers excellent Intex qualities for remarkably low prices.
While this inflatable kayak is considered comfortable for all people, I think that taller and bigger builds will heavily appreciate this one. The kayak expands to wide dimensions when it’s inflated.
The kayak also comes with big and comfortable inflatable seats with backrests to enjoy long hours of kayaking fun. The kayak is able to hold a maximum weight capacity of 400 pounds.
The kayak features a removable skeg to allow for a more stable direction while using the kayak in smaller bodies of water, such as mild rivers and lakes. However, the kayak can hold up well through breezy rapids.
The Explorer K2 inflatable kayak comes with 3 separate air chambers to allow for a stable straight ride. Moreover, the kayak also comes with the patented I-beam technology, which also adds to its stability in the water.
One of the downsides of this kayak is that it didn’t come ready. Although it takes a solid 10 minutes to assemble it, the process is straightforward and clear.
Since the kayak inflated to a huge size, it takes a decent amount of air. I noticed that the kayak is a bit heavy when it’s inflated, this feature is great while in the water.
However, it’s a bit tedious to move around with its heavyweight. My advice is to inflate the kayak around the shore where you’re going to use it. Factoring in how affordable this great kayak is, there’s nothing to complain about.
Pros
- Great for big and tall people
- Excellent for a budget purchase
- Highly stable with removable skeg and separate air chambers
Cons
- Takes a while to assemble
Sea Eagle 370 Pro 3 Person
Whether you’re looking for a family inflatable kayak to enjoy a lake, or you want to go on a tough class III whitewater kayaking, the 370 Pro has got you covered.
The inflatable kayak is astonishingly spacious, with a maximum weight capacity of 650 pounds. This means that it can take three people on board comfortably with their gear.
Despite the enormous capacity, the Sea Eagle weighs less than 32 pounds. It’s portable and easy to take anywhere you go without a problem.
The 370 Pro inflatable kayak features a super powerful 1.5-inch polykrylar hull material. This extra-thick and durable material is resilient enough to withstand paws and claws.
With this excellent endurance, you can also take your pets with you on the boat safely. In addition to whitewater rafting, you can also use the kayak for fishing with friends, paddling, or yacht tending.
The inflatable kayak also boasts tough skegs that can power through the harshest weather conditions such as wind and moderate current waves.
Despite being heavy and bulky, it’s very stable and easy to maneuver with its 2 aluminum oaks. The kayak also comes with a draining port to get rid of the water quickly and easily.
Pros
- Large and stable to fit 3 people
- Perfect for class III whitewater kayaking and fishing
- Easy to set up
Cons
- Quite heavy
ADVANCED ELEMENTS Lagoon 1 Kayak
Last but not least, if you’re interested in a snug 1 person sit-inside kayak that’s perfect for nimble kayaking through lakes, bays, and mild rivers, then allow me to introduce the Lagoon 1 kayak.
This kayak delivers exceptional performance in any calm water body. Similar to AdvancedFrame, It also features sturdy built-in panels on both the bow and stem. This helps in improving the kayak tracking and provide a hard-shell kayak experience.
Additionally, you can get this small kayak ready in no time. It comes with high-speed valves that inflate and deflate the kayak in a flash. It can achieve this with its high-flow spring valves that come with a twist lock.
One of the highlights of this inflatable kayak is its molded rubber handles, which allow for a tight grip and great control of the kayak. Moreover, the product is equipped with a comfortable seat with a backrest and bungee deck mesh pocket.
The kayak is built to hold a maximum weight capacity of 250 pounds. It also comes with a 1-year warranty.
Pros
- Super lightweight and easy to set up
- 1-year warranty
- Durable build
Cons
- Designed for just up to 250 lbs.
About the author: Chris loves the outdoors and has developed a love of gadgets and inflatable toys, from kayaking and paddle boarding to relaxing in his hot tub at home. The founder of WhichInflatable and has been the editor for 7 years.
Which Inflatable is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
