Inflatable kayaks have come a long way.
If you want to find the best inflatable kayaks of 2018, we’ve got a comprehensive guide that will break down the best options on the market today.
We’re here to point you towards best-selling, highly-rated inflatable kayaks that real-life kayaking enthusiasts believe in. You’ll be amazed at just how rugged these designs are. They manoeuvre well, track beautifully and offer so much comfort, convenience and portability.
Some of the kayaks that we’re going to look at are very affordable. Others are high-end designs, many of which come with truly impressive additional features.
We hope that one of these inflatable kayaks will be perfect for your tastes, requirements and budget.
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Best Economy Inflatable Kayaks
If you want a cheaper design, you’re not alone. Lots of people are interested in buying inflatable models which provide good quality and performance, without costing a bundle. To help out, we’ve found a trio of wonderful economy options. You should be able to order one online for around one hundred bucks…or even less.
When you choose one of these designs, you’ll get a lot for your money without breaking the bank.
Intex Challenger K1
Via Amazon
The Intex Challenger K1 is a great choice if you want a recreational kayak that’s fun, modern and sporty. It’s got bold graphics and bright colors, so it looks great. However, it has more to offer than attractive design. Available for well under one hundred bucks, it is the perfect inflatable kayak for beginners. It’s also suitable for more experienced users, as long as they plan to paddle through mild rivers and lakes.
If you want something for the cabin and for trips to the local beach, this is your model.
Designed for a single paddler, the K1 comes with a Boston pump. The pump will allow you to inflate your kayak fully in just minutes. As well, this design is so easy to assemble. Compact and light in weight, this stylish watercraft will give you so many options, as taking it from place to place will be a total breeze.
Crafted from tough vinyl and designed to deliver impressive performance, this durable kayak has a deck with a low-profile design, side chambers for extra stability, an I-beam floor which inflates and a skeg which is removable. The skeg helps to ensure accurate directional movement.
This kayak also features a comfy seat which is inflatable and adjustable. It comes with a nice backrest for added support.
When you order this model, you’ll be choosing a nine-foot kayak which has a weight capacity of two hundred and twenty pounds. This Coast-Guard-approved kayak has grab lines on each end and a net for cargo. You’ll receive a paddle made from aluminum (86-inch), as well as a pump with high output. This kayak weighs roughly 27 pounds.
Intex Challenger K2
Via Amazon
Sometimes, it’s fun to take someone along for the ride. If you want a two-person kayak, you’ll love this design. It offers all of the style and functionality of the Challenger K1, with an extra seat. When you select this model, you’ll be choosing a sleek and sporty two-seater which is easy to paddle…and supremely portable.
Perfect for recreational users, this design is intended for usage on easy rivers and lakes.
Equipped with a detachable skeg which assists with directional stability, the Intex Challenger K2 also offers a lot of other great features. For example, it’s made from ultra-rugged vinyl which resists damage from sunlight, as well as punctures. It’s also got bold graphics and colors which make it so easy for other people to spot while it’s on the water.
A brighter kayak is safer, because everyone will see you coming.
This inflatable kayak will hold up to four hundred pounds safely. It comes with a couple of eighty-four inch oars which are made from tough-but-lightweight aluminum. You’ll also receive a high-output pump and a patch kit for repairs with your purchase.
This kayak has the dimensions, 10’3″ X 3′ X 1’8″ and weighs 33,57 pounds.
Intex Explorer K2
Via Amazon
This yellow-and-black inflatable kayak seats two and it’s very comfortable for all ages and body types. It includes two inflatable seats with backrests. The seats adjust for premium fit. Boaters will have no trouble spotting this bright and sporty kayak while it’s on the water, which is good news in terms of safety.
Equipped with a detachable skeg that assists with directional stability, this model measures 123 inches in length by 36 inches in width by 20 in height.
If you’re in the market for a ten-foot kayak and you want a recreational style, rather than a sea kayak, then this model will be a smart buy. It’s ten feet and three inches long and comes with two eighty-six inch oars, a patch kit for repairs and a pump with high output.
Expect good tracking and maneuverability when you select this popular 2-person design from Intex. It’s perfect for easy lakes and rivers.
The weight maximum for this model is four hundred pounds and the kayak weighs in at just 31.13 pounds. Lightweight and easy to transport, this model is also a breeze to assemble. It’s Coast Guard-approved and features a grab handle and grab line at each end.
Best Premium Inflatable Kayaks
Budget kayaks have their place, but some consumers want more. If you’re interested in a higher-end design with more bells and whistles, you’ll benefit from checking out our top three premium inflatable kayak picks. These boats are loaded with impressive features and they are definitely built to stand the test of time. When you invest in a deluxe inflatable kayak, you may anticipate great performance and long product life, as well as plenty of good times on the water.
Hobie Mirage i11S Inflatable Kayak
Via Amazon
This elegant and streamlined inflatable kayak from Hobie is beautiful and so functional. We love its stylish, mango-and-slate color palette, as well as its hands-free performance. When you choose this model, you’ll be able to pedal wherever you want to go, rather than needing to paddle.
Ultra-modern, low-profile design and a drop-stitch hull which is inflatable and rigid make this designer kayak stand out. It weighs only 35.5 pounds, so it offers the ultimate in lightweight performance and portability.
Equipped with a high-tech MirageDrive pedal system, the i11S also features comfortable and supportive Vantage seating. Perfect as a fishing kayak, this one-person design comes with a detachable fin for enhanced stability and tracking. Another great feature is its bungee cord cargo system. You’ll be able to store your fishing gear or cooler with ease.
Crafted from rugged, 1000-denier vinyl, this model includes a skid pad, so you’ll be able to stand up and fish if you want to. The dimensions of this superb kayak from trusted manufacturer, Hobie, are 135 inches by 39 inches by 18 inches. It’s an eleven foot design which offers so much bang for the buck.
We recommend it for anglers. It’s got everything you need.
Aire Lynx 2 Person Inflatable Kayak
Via Amazon
The Aire Lynx 2 is sleek, with minimalist design that is elegant in its simplicity. It’s an inflatable vessel which is ultra-modern. If you want a two-seater kayak which looks amazing and is a superlative river runner, you’ll love the Lynx!
With this all-in-one design, you’ll enjoy top-notch control, stability and maneuverability. It’s tough enough to handle creeks, sections of local rivers, overnight trips and big water. This high-end kayak offers more than recreational kayaks do. It’s perfect for those who seek out adventure in their boats. We recommend it for intermediate or experienced kayaking enthusiasts.
Crafted from bright-red, ultra-durable PVC, this inflatable kayak weighs in at just fifty-two pounds. It’s dimensions are 150 inches by 39 inches and it has a weight capacity of 475 pounds.
You’ll appreciate the Cheetah chairs in this model. They are so comfortable and they may be adjusted for superior fit. The seats have back pockets. Also, this kayak has a lot of lashing points, so you’ll find that storing all of your cargo is simple.
If you want world-class durability, performance and features, investing in this 12.5-foot kayak will be a smart decision.
Best Inflatable Kayaks with Additional Features
If you want extra features, you’ll have no trouble finding kayaks that include them. Today’s premier inflatable kayak manufacturers go out of their way to create styles that suit every type of consumer. We’ve found three wonderful kayaks that go the extra mile in terms of additional features. Whether you want a deluxe accessory package or a kayak which is perfect for fishing expeditions, you’ll find what you are looking for on our list.
Sea Eagle Fast Track Inflatable Kayak with Deluxe Accessory Package
Via Amazon
Adventure kayaking fans will love this two-seater inflatable kayak from Sea Eagle. It’s got the features that sea kayakers want and need, including rear and front spray skirts. As well, if offers plenty of storage. Just stash your gear under its elastic lace roping before you head out into open water. The hull of this design is resistant to saltwater and sun, so you’ll find that this feature-packed model is built to last.
Equipped with a high-pressure, drop-stitch floor which is separate and designed to provide excellent rigidity, this model also features inflatable kayak seats of premium quality.
When you order this kayak, which is best for serious kayakers, rather than recreational kayakers, you’ll be getting a tough boat with a 1000-denier base cloth that is woven in order to be extremely strong. There is a PVC coating on both sides which provides airtight, waterproof performance.
When you order, you’ll receive a couple of AB30 paddles which are four-part, packable designs. This kayak measures twelve feet in length and has a shipping weight of fifty-six pounds.
Elkton Outdoors 10′ Foot Inflatable Tear Resistant Fishing Kayak
Via Amazon
This ten-foot angler’s kayak is inflatable and seats two. It comes from a manufacturer which is known for its tough and rugged outdoor products. When you choose this popular fishing kayak, you’ll access a lightweight (around forty pounds) design which is crafted with care, from the most durable, premium-quality components.
Made from tough, 18-gauge vinyl, this design features a tarpaulin that is thick, as well as a cover made from rugged nylon. It’s also got comfy seats which are adjustable. Equipped with a couple of vertical rod holders and a group of 4 rod holders (trolling type), this model is perfect for anglers. Set up your rod just how you want to in order to go for the biggest catch ever. You’ll also love the 6 mesh pockets on this kayak. They make it so easy to store gear.
This model measures 118 inches by length by 35 inches in width by 16 inches in height. It comes with a host of accessories which are perfect for kayak anglers, including rod holders, 2-sided oars, a foot-operated pump, a couple of adjustable seats, a carrying bag and a repair kit.
Sevylor Coleman Colorado 2-Person Fishing Kayak
Via Amazon
This design from Sevylor Coleman is another exceptional fishing kayak that is jam-packed with impressive additional features. Weighing in at only 40 pounds, this inflatable kayak is made from 18-gauge vinyl and it’s perfect for lake fishing. Its tarpaulin base is 1000-denier, so it’s super-strong. Its cover is 840-denier nylon and offers superb puncture protection. This model features a variety of air chambers, so you’ll be able to stay afloat if one of the air chambers does get damaged.
As well, this kayak comes with an AirTight system. This means no leaks – guaranteed!
When you select this popular kayak, you’ll access quick-set rod holders from Berkley, which may be adjusted in order to make hands-free fishing a total breeze. As well, you’ll be able to fit a Sevylor trolling motor onto this design if you want to. This kayak includes motor fittings, so you’ll be primed to expand your angling capabilities anytime. This model also includes paddle holders which will keep your paddles out of your way.
You’ll get a pressure gauge and carry bag when you order. This attractive and sporty green kayak measures ten feet in length by nine inches in height by three feet and three inches in width.
