We have reviewed the best inflatable kayak but before we get to the list we thought you should know the FLAWS that you need to know before you buy one.

• They require thorough drying most especially the small areas and if left for long time it can easily pile up and cause mold to grow
• It takes quite a bit of time to inflate, you have to do this either manually with a foot pump or by connecting  it up directly to your car’s battery with an electric pump
• They are more easily affected by harsh winds, the current flow, and other natural elements.
• Not as durable as hard shell kayaks but all the ones we reviewed comes with free quick repair patches 

Most guides do not talk about the drawbacks but it is important to know so you can avoid them, apart from the negatives there are many advantages of owning an inflatable kayak.

• Requires little to know storage space. (For those who rent an apartment or have a small storage area an inflatable kayak is  easily best option for you)
• For the most part,  they are just as sturdy as a regular hard shell kayaks designed with heavy PVC materials which go through rigorous testing  (you don’t have to worry about punctures).
• Customizable seats, they can be inflated to your preference
• Most of them come with free puncture repair kits, all the ones we reviewed come with this 🙂

Best Inflatable Kayak Reviews

Advanced Elements Expedition Kayak Review

If you’re looking for the best inflatable kayak on the market then it’s simply put as the Advanced Elements Advanced Frame is the one. The fifteen-foot kayak can be paddled solo or tandem and features an open deck design.

The kayak contains a cleverly designed internal folding aluminum frame that gives it the shape needed to slice through the water with incredible tracking and speed. The robust water-resistant outer fabric adds to the all-around durability and performance of the kayak.

It feels almost as fast on the water as a hardshell kayak! and is quite comfortable with its 2 adjustable padded back supports so no back pain on long journeys.

With this kayak, you need not fear punctures as it is made of strong materials and 3 reinforced layers to ensure no punctures.

Setting the kayak up is very straightforward. It takes about 10 minutes to fully set up, since the kayak comes PreAssembled at the factory you Simply need to unfold, inflate and attach the seats.  

Pros

Very Durable 3 Layers of material for extreme puncture resistance.

Comfortable high support, 2 adjustable padded seats

Simple to set up comes Pre-assembled at the factory

Extremely versatile 3 Seat locations allow for paddling by yourself or with your pet or another person.

Cons

No port for drainage so can be difficult to drain water from the kayak 

Kayak is quite heavy at 56lbs

ADVANCED ELEMENTS Lagoon 1 Kayak

The Advanced Elements Lagoon 1 kayak is one of the best budget/value options you can find on the market which is why it made our list. It is one of the few models with a built-in rigid bow and stern, it has an inner tube cover for increased rigidity and robustness.

With features like an inflatable seat rest, foam floor, paddle loops, and a tracking fin; this kayak is ideal for anyone who simply enjoys the water.

You can get an inflatable kayak that’s lightweight, durable, and resistant. What else can you ask for?

Pros

Very cost effect under $400

Built-in rigid panels on the bow and stern to improve tracking

lightweight  and easy to carry only 23lbs

Cons

Getting in the kayak can be difficult as it is very light 

not suitable for serious paddling 

Sea Eagle SE370 Inflatable Sport Kayak

The Sea Eagle SE370 is the best tandem inflatable kayak for touring that is immensely durable. With a 650 lbs weight capacity! you can fit a maximum of three people with huge amounts of space left for storage.

This kayak is ideal for still water and with the way the spray skirt has been designed it will allow the kayak to glide over the water without getting you soaked.

This Sea Eagle SE370 inflatable kayak is the one kayak to take for long trips, giving you peace of mind that your cargo stays dry.

This kayak has been built with sun-resistant materials which means that it can take on long periods of sun exposure and still look as good as when you bought it. 

It is also suitable for up to class 3 saltwater resistance which is fantastic. Now, you no longer have to limit where you take your kayak.

This inflatable ocean kayak even comes with a handy carrying bag which makes transporting it that much easier.

Pros

Can take up to three people and have plenty of room left for storage

Cleverly designed spray skirt to keep all your items dry

Designed with sun  and saltwater resistant material keeping your kayak look new and fresh 

Cons

Kayak is quite heavy at 65lbs

Does not come with an inflation gauge for the floor even though one comes for the side tubes

Intex Excursion Pro Kayak Fishing Kayak

This is the best inflatable fishing kayak under $500 we have another post that talks solely on fishing kayaks which you can check out by CLICKING HERE

This kayak is built with a 3 ply PVC puncture-resistant material to ensure it can withstand the wear tear of the rivers.

The Intex Excursion Pro also features two air chambers that give you a good sense of safety that even if the worst worse to happen you simply pop a hole in your kayak you can still stay afloat and get back to shore safely 🙂

3-Ply super tough construction employs a high molecular PVC that is unaffected by gasoline, oil, and Saltwater

The entire front of this sporty-looking kayak is a mesh cargo area to bring lots of gear along with you. Pack a couple of dry bags and set sail into the open water with peace of mind that you have a sturdy and reliable kayak.

Pros

3-Ply material employs a high molecular PVC that is unaffected by gasoline, oil, and saltwater

I-beam floor design for increased rigidity

Adjustable footrests and elevated seat cushion

Cons

Lack of legroom when both seats are installed

Does not come with an inflation gauge for the floor even though one comes for the side tubes

BONUS: Tips for prolonging the life of your inflatable kayak

• Let it dry directly in the sun for as long as possible after a kayaking
• Use an absorbent towel that soaks up all the water that  gets into your kayak.  Ensure that you wipe underneath the sides, top, and bottom of each compartment.
• Turn the kayak upside down to wipe off the bottom and let any excess water fall out of the top.
• If you go  kayaking in a place with lots of mud or seaweed, bring paper towels to clean up the mess BEFORE using the absorbent towel.

FAQ about inflatable kayaks

Q1. Are inflatable kayaks Durable?

Yes, most kayaks are made with 2 or 3 layers of heavy-duty PVC  to ensure they do not get punctures (all kayaks on our list are puncture-resistant)  and most are resistant to saltwater gasoline and oil.

As long as you buy from a trusted place and read the description of the kayak to make sure they are made of good quality materials then you are most certainly okay.

Q2. Are inflatable kayaks worth it?

Definitely, they are in most cases a cheap alternative and take little to no space at all for storage. If you need a kayak for a quick trip and want to save money and space they are worth it.

Q3. Are inflatable kayaks slower then hard shell kayaks?

Inflatable kayaks are slower than hard-shell kayaks and are not really known for speed there are a few models that are designed for speed but if it is the speed you are after then a hard shell kayak will always be much faster

Q4. How much do inflatable kayaks Weigh?

Most inflatable kayaks weigh between 20 and 80 lbs. The average weight for a solo kayak is 35lbs and the average weight for a tandem kayak is 60lbs

Q5. Are inflatable kayaks safe?

Yes, inflatable kayaks are extremely durable manufactures would not risk the lives of many kayaks by designing poor inflatable kayaks. Just make sure you buy from a trusted source.