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Everyone enjoys a meditative paddle in a kayak — few enjoy wrangling the boats to get there. The best inflatable kayaks can be a novel answer to the problem, and we’ve researched, inflated, and paddled a broad selection to narrow in on the 11 best inflatable kayaks today.
Our paddling experts come from varied backgrounds as kayak guides and product designers, and our testing didn’t let these kayaks off easy. For months we paddled across the West, plunking down rivers and traversing across bays to form a solid opinion on what makes these vessels worthy. From our do-it-all top pick, the Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Kayak, to more budget-wise choices like the Sea Eagle SE370, we think there’s something here for everyone.
And while it’s easy to dismiss inflatable kayaks as lesser watercraft, we found the following to be anything but. Improved hull design, novel materials, and undeniable low weights have brought some IKs within spitting distance of hardshell kayaks — which is no small feat. The following are our suggestions to anyone looking to get into one.
Our detailed Buyer’s Guide breaks down the finer points of inflatable kayaks into easy-to-digest sections, with little left out. If you’re deciding between a few different models, do your nitty gritty scale weighing and consult our Comparison Chart and Price & Value sections.
Editor’s Note: We updated our Inflatable Kayaks guide on November 7, 2024, to add the budget-friendly Sea Eagle SE370, as well as the AIRE Tributary Spud and ISLE Switch Pro SUP — both award winners that are fine-tuned for different water.
Most inflatable kayaks are sorely missing a backbone. Being supported by air, there’s not much to be done about the lack of structure, which in most craft leads to less-than-impressive performance. Not so with this kayak: Suffice it to say, the Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Kayak ($670) has a spine.
This kayak impressed with its sharp, V-shaped hull design, and it’s owed to the aluminum rib sections in the bow and stern — allowing it to cut through the water better than any other kayak we tested. Instead of floating atop the water, the AdvancedFrame rides more like a real kayak, and while maneuverability still isn’t the hottest, straight-line paddling was on par with many hard-sided boats.
Aiding that hull design is the material makeup of the hull itself, which is a triple-layer PVC design with a slick exterior that cuts down on drag. A full seven inflation bladders support the AdvancedFrame, including the internal/external bladders that make up the hull. This design is quite different from many other inflatables, which more often inflate independently.
The floor is a standard multi-chamber design, and while not a drop-stitch construction, it still adds a good amount of rigidity to the kayak. A covered deck design is also novel and makes the AdvancedFrame amenable to day touring where you might want to stash some kit away from splashes. The inflatable coming on the deck will even interface with a spray skirt.
What it doesn’t do, unfortunately, is drain very well, and with the absence of a drain plug, we found we had to strip the kayak down and let it dry for a day before packing it away. Annoying, to say the least.
Beyond the number of similar variations that Advanced Elements sells, similar kayaks to consider would be the Aquaglide Navarro, another touring-inspired design that also sports a full coverage deck. The drop stitch floor on the Navarro is more rigid than standard inflatables, but thanks to the aluminum supports, the Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Kayak out paddles it any day.
At just under $400, the Sea Eagle SE370 is a budget-friendly tandem PVC kayak that is the best bang-for-buck option we’ve paddled so far. This kayak is the same price as the Intex Excursion Pro K2 which previously held the award title, but after comparing the two, we’re giving the nod to the Sea Eagle for a number of reasons.
For one, pure burl-factor. Cheaper PVC inflatable kayaks run the risk of being flimsy, and while the K2 was tough enough, the SE370 is tougher, with a more robust build we felt less worried about beaching on shore. When we sent out two bulky wildland firefighters to test this kayak in the desert canyons of Nevada, it carried them both with ease.
That hits another high point: the additional weight capacity. Rated to carry an astonishing 650 pounds (more than any other IK we’ve tested), the SE370 can accommodate even three paddlers, though the tandem configuration is comfortable enough. The seats on this kayak are also leaps and bounds nicer than the inflatables of cheaper boats, and while they aren’t as supportive as foam back bands, the taller backs make the difference.
To be sure, the Sea Eagle is a bit of a bear to wrestle around, and while it’s a bit lighter than the K2, it’s still a chore to wrestle it back into the carry bag (we couldn’t quite get the zipper closed on most attempts). This is certainly the trade-off for going with a budget model, and if you don’t need the ability to carry two paddlers occasionally, consider the $539 AIRE Tributary Spud — a single-occupant craft that packs up a good bit smaller and is still great fun on flat water, though it was designed for rapids.
There are plenty of other budget inflatable kayaks on the market, but many are more reminiscent of pool toys. To be sure, the SE370 is not that. Sea Eagle has an earned reputation, and this spend-wise model benefits from the trickle-down from the brand’s higher-end options. If you just want to dip your toe into inflatable kayaks, this is the boat to do it in.
Yeah, we know. The Oru Kayak Beach LT Sport ($1,499) isn’t technically an inflatable kayak, but let us hit you with another revelation: it does everything an inflatable kayak does, but better. Nailing the same portable and compact metrics as pump-up options, this origami boat unfolds into a faster, more agile, and more capable craft that can’t be punctured. For many folks, the best inflatable may be foldable instead.
Compared to even the quick Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame, there’s no catching the Oru on a straight line in anything inflatable. The deep V hull design and long water line set this kayak off, and the slick exterior keeps drag to a minimum. Hard chines give this kayak a good degree of secondary stability, which allowed us to put the boat over on its side during hard turns.
Set up and tear down is faster on this boat as well, which unravels from a compact suitcase-sized rectangle into a full 12’ hull in less than 10 minutes. The new Sport iteration of the Beach LT adds a different hull closure system, and we found it added more rigidity and better waterproofing.
The cockpit of the Beach LT Sport is large — almost a bit too large, and while excellent for settling into, errant waves do find their way in. An optional splash deck is available, which we recommend for folks looking to stay drier. The seat and footrest in this kayak work in tandem to provide a good brace while paddling, and the upgraded gel cushion of the ‘Sport’ version is a worthy upgrade.
This folding kayak flips the script on packable kayaks, and while it’s tough to argue with the inherent buoyancy of inflatable kayaks, there are few metrics where the Oru isn’t arguably the better craft. Seriously consider this kayak if packability is a premium, but you aren’t a fan of popping your investment.
Many fishing kayaks can weigh upward of 100 pounds and require a cart to haul them to shore. Weighing half that much, the NRS Pike Inflatable Fishing Kayak ($995) makes a compelling argument for never hauling that much plastic again and is decked out with everything we need to get on the bite.
Fishable from a seated or standing position, the Pike is wicked stable thanks to the catamaran hull and drop stitch floor. The bow has a rigid insert that supports that center keel and keeps tracking far truer than the flat-bottomed kayaks we’ve fished from. The aluminum frame seat has you sitting up high and is adjustable to balance your weight.
The Pike comes with what has to be our favorite pump for inflation. It flips from a high-volume mode that pushes a full gallon of air to a high-pressure mode for topping off the boat. The kayak’s 3-chamber design requires 3 PSI in the tubes and 8 in the drop stitch floor, which really stiffens up the craft and supports standing like a SUP.
The standard rig on this kayak doesn’t leave much out, and there’s daisy chain rigging and bungee cord on the bow and stern, an EVA foam deck pad, and five YakAttack accessory mounts scattered across the deck. Bumping up to the ‘Pro’ version piles on all the YakAttack rod holders, fishing crate, and cupholders you could ask for, although at an extra $400.
We tested this kayak most rigorously during a recent opening day for trout, and while the lake we were in is frequented more by boats, we had the shallows to ourselves and made out like a bandit for it. When coupled with the Bixpy K1 motor, the Pike was unstoppable at motoring into weed beds where other boats dared to travel and set a steady clip for trawling across the lake.
Fish hooks and an inflatable kayak might not seem like the kind of mix that works out well, but we can report from experience: the Pike shrugs them off. Ideal for flat water, easy rivers, and even some saltwater angling, this kayak is the minimalist angler’s dream craft.
Large and in charge, the BOTE Lono Aero ($1,549) is a fully drop stitch design party barge, and one of the only inflatable kayaks on the market to support a pedal drive system. When fully kitted out, the APEX pedal drive and rudder on this kayak make it a super versatile watercraft.
BOTE is all about the drop stitch construction, which slings thousands of polyester threads between the sides of an air chamber and ensures even pressure distribution across the entire surface. In short, drop-stitch boats are far more rigid than typical air chambers, creating surfaces you can stand on without deflection.
The Lono Aero is the perfect application for this tech, and the 12.5’ long hull is supremely rigid when fully inflated — floating on top of the water like a SUP. In fact, this vessel may be closer to a standup paddleboard than a kayak and can be paddled either way. As such, maneuverability is high, and the Lono can be spun around like a top.
The Apex Pedal Drive ($900) is an optional addition to the Lono, but in our opinion, it’s what makes this kayak. Set into the port in the floor, the prop drive gets the kayak scooting along, and the included rudder means you can go hands-free for long transits or fishing. As a prop drive, there’s on-demand reverse, which we found valuable when backing out of tight spots while angling.
The high sides of the Lono keep wave splashing down to a minimum, and the elevated seat has you sitting up high in this kayak. We did find during our tests, however, that it has a great deal of windage due to those tall sides, and it was often tough to keep this kayak headed where we wanted if the wind was blowing strong enough.
While inflatable kayaks are tough, they also aren’t infallible, and our first Lono unfortunately had a leak pop up somewhere within the tube structure. BOTE’s 2-year warranty is robust, however, and within a week we were back on the water in a new unit. With more accessories than we know what to do with, and that excellent pedal drive, the Lono Aero is ideal for those who want the full package out on the water.
It’s pretty impressive what a seasoned paddler can do in a whitewater inflatable kayak, or “ducky”, as they are lovingly called. The AIRE Tributary Spud ($539) has been around for a minute, and earned an almost cult-like following that we got a taste of recently. Our verdict? The hype is real: this rubber duck can bash through some tough water.
We sent whitewater paddler Claire Barber down the class IV rapids of Oregon’s Rogue River to get the full measure on the Spud, and she reported high marks. “The Spud is remarkably stable for its diminutive size,” she says. “The boat is so small that it rides in and out of the troughs of waves almost completely before breaking through the crest — like a rubber duck.”
At just over 7′ long, the Spud is far and away the shortest inflatable we’ve tested and more akin to packrafts, but it trades maneuverability for weight capacity. The raft doesn’t boast any thigh straps, and as such hard edging while eddying out wasn’t as sharp, but that short waterline means you can whip it around in techy rapids where must-make moves can be the difference between lacing it and flipping.
The 1,000-denier vinyl construction is much more compact than PVC designs, and while the seat is pretty lo-fi (just a large inflatable cushion), it gets the job done. If we could have our way, we’d want a foam backband here for better control. Know that the Spud is better suited to more compact paddlers, and if you’re not that, check out the Tater — the same boat in all measures except length, width, and weight capacity.
The whitewater specialization here means that the Spud is tougher to handle in flatwater paddling, making this more of a one-trick pony. But to be sure, this is the inflatable kayak we’d want to be in whenever the waters get rowdy.
Yep, another not-quite-inflatable kayak, but we feel the hybrid IK/iSUP ISLE Switch Pro ($1,395) is a worthy inclusion because it blends genres so well. There are a few other “slap a seat on it” SUPs out there, but none do it as well as the Switch Pro, which is just as able when paddled from the seat as when standing on it — maybe even more.
We took the Switch Pro on its inaugural voyage down about 100 miles of Georgia waterways, and all of it seated as we paddled with enough overnight kit to get us through. The weight capacity on the Switch Pro sets itself apart from the other ISLE SUPs we’ve tested, and the big difference here is ISLE’s use of “Airtech Pro Infinity Fiber” — a hyper rigid material used in the rails, deck, and hull.
Even loaded to the brim, we were able to haul the Switch Pro over downed trees, and the 23-pound weight made it easy to do. The seat on this hybrid craft was also seriously thought out. It sports a foam-padded highback and foot bolster to brace against. We found the paddle to be similar to the drop-stitch BOTE Lono Aero — hyper-maneuverable and riding high in the water — but the Switch Pro suffers far less from being pushed around by the wind.
Storage, obviously, is going to be the trade-off here, as well as taking water over the decks, which will happen with some frequency if the weather whips up. For this reason, we see the Switch Pro as more of a fair-weather craft, as well as one you’ll need to invest in. The $1,395 price tag is up there with Oru Beach LT Sport and Lono Aero, but considering the versatility, we think it’s justified.
In the end, we came away sold: “For me, this thing offers the best of all worlds,” says paddler Andrew McLemore. “It’s a SUP board for immersion in the environment. It has a kayak seat to make it more maneuverable. And its weight capacity rivals that of a canoe.” If your on-water needs frequently, the Switch Pro can be a killer option.
With room for two to tango, the Aquaglide Deschutes 145 ($700) is a 14.5’ tandem kayak that outperformed our expectations and did so while only weighing 25 pounds and packing down into its own backpack carrying case. If you were looking at a rotomolded kayak of the same length, you’d be looking at lugging around 70-odd pounds — point to the inflatables.
Unlike many similar designs, the floor of the Deschutes isn’t actually inflatable, which we came to appreciate: the lower center of gravity provided a more stable paddling experience, and the internal bolsters that run perpendicular provide all the rigidity. An EVA floor panel keeps things comfortable, and both paddlers have plenty of room to spread out.
The width on the Deschutes is a bit portly at almost 40 inches, but adjusting your paddle length to match will keep you from bumping the sides. Paddling this kayak tandem was a joy, and with a 600-pound weight capacity, there’s room for two, plus an overnight kit.
The Deschutes isn’t lacking in the durability department, either. “I’ve had zero issues,” says paddler Kyle Nossaman. “We bumped against downed trees, sharp rocks on banks, a few river bottoms, and even portaged a few times through thorny woods. There are a few scratches on the sides and bottom, but nothing more than cosmetic.”
When it comes time to wrap things up, the integrated drain plug in the floor makes it easy to dry the Deschutes (we’re not sure why this isn’t more universally adopted), and even as a tandem, the kayak packs down to be carried on your back. While there are other tandem inflatables on the market, the Deschutes 145 is certainly near the top.
Read Review: Half the Weight, Twice the Fun: Aquaglide Deschutes 145 Tandem Kayak Review
Hailing from the big-name packraft brand, the Kokopelli Platte ($899) is a capable little flatwater boat with a self-bailing design that can be opened or closed, depending on how rowdy the conditions are. We eagerly took the Platte out for a few test runs in the waters of the Salish Sea this spring and were immediately impressed with this kayak.
The generously sized duffel bag provided made packing and carrying a breeze, and the efficient hand pump had the kayak ready to go in under 10 minutes. While an electric pump could speed up the process even more, the included pump did the job effectively. Deflating the kayak was just as simple, and made setup and takedown quick and convenient for spontaneous paddling excursions.
Kayak guide Wil Henkel is just under 6’2”, and although he had initial concerns about the kayak length being a bit short, the adjustable seat made it quick to adjust for sizing. Due to the kayak’s short length, it is quite mobile on and off the water. After inflating, we found it lightweight and easy to move, thanks to its relatively small size, which allowed it not to feel so cumbersome getting down to the water.
Once on the water, the Platte showcased its agility and maneuverability. Its short hull made it incredibly nimble, especially in tight spots and when executing quick turns. However, we did notice that the kayak’s limited bow rocker made it prone to taking water over the bow in choppy conditions. We’ll note that the self-bailing kayak could stay dry even with water coming over the bow, paired with drain plugs. If you are unafraid of getting a little wet, this kayak can take some splashes without worry.
Despite these considerations, the Platte is a versatile option for leisurely paddling, lake exploration, or fishing trips in calm waters. Its compact size and light weight make it perfect for solo adventurers or those seeking a portable kayak for spontaneous outings. While it may not excel in challenging conditions like its hardshell counterparts, its convenience, and performance in milder environments make it a viable option.
Weighing in at less than 15 pounds, the Aquaglide Cirrus Ultralight 110 ($1,300) is easily the welterweight champ in our guide and doesn’t give up any paddling performance to get there. To put that in perspective, the similarly designed (but shorter) Kokopelli Platte weighs in at 24 pounds on the water — almost a full 10 pounds heavier.
It’s the 70-denier TPU material used that’s to thank here, which is much more like a packraft compared to the PVC typically seen in most inflatable kayaks, and even for a packraft that’s a pretty lightweight material. But unlike a packraft, the Cirrus paddles much more predictably in flat water, and quite a bit faster.
The hull design on the Cirrus has a bit more rocker in the bow and stern than flat-bottomed boats like the Platte, which helps it manage wind waves more easily. This also creates a fairly short waterline, which means this kayak pivots on a dime, but also won’t be the quickest of the bunch.
The drop stitch construction floor certainly has a good bit to do with the overall rigidity, and this hybrid design was one of our favorites to paddle. Adding a rigid floor to these types of boats greatly improves their handling and speed, as power isn’t lost and absorbed by softer air chambers.
We keyed in on the Cirrus Ultralight 110 as being the ideal inflatable kayak for anyone living the van life, or those into overlanding — where space is at a premium and the compact nature of the kayak shines. Many of these folks would likely also consider a packraft, but for purely flatwater use, the Cirrus is going to out-paddle any raft nine times out of 10.
While there are even cheaper inflatable kayaks on the market, we found they were all glorified pool toys and not up for the rigors of frequent use. At $398, the Intex Excursion Pro K2 isn’t cheap cheap, but that also means that this kayak won’t punch its clock prematurely. After the Sea Eagle SE370, this is our next recommendation for a budget model.
Sized for two, the Excursion Pro is made from a standard 3-ply PVC, which is a tough skin that while not the burliest out there, was durable enough to not worry about beaching the kayak on friendly shores. The 3-chamber construction is fairly standard and inflated easily enough with the included pump.
The seats on the K2 are, frankly, a bit lacking, and while adjustable fore and aft, and pretty squishy and don’t provide as much support as the EVA panel options seen in the Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame or Aquaglide Deschutes. Good enough for an afternoon, but all-day paddling might require a few more swim breaks.
Being 12.5’ long, the Excursion Pro tracks pretty nicely, and a shallow or deep water skeg helps shore up that performance. With two paddlers, you’ll need to perfect your tandem paddle strokes to keep it on the line, but even on strong-flowing rivers, we could maneuver where we needed to be.
While the Excursion is also available in a solo-piloted version, the price difference is minimal, and in our experience, this kayak paddles about just as well with one person as it does with two. The additional space is also a boon for toting around extra gear, or as in our testing, a well-mannered pup.
In the end, we settled on the Excursion Pro K2 as being second-best when it comes to a budget option. The Sea Eagle SE370 has it bested in a few different metrics (weight and durability included), but there’s something about a kayak you can wail on with impunity, and for the price, it’s tough to argue with the K2.
GearJunkie plays host to a flotilla of paddlers, and from sea kayak and whitewater guides to casual paddle-dippers, something we all know almost universally is a lack of gear storage space.
Some of us are van life aficionados, where space is tight, and carrying a kayak is often not feasible unless it’s inflatable, while others simply have hit the ceiling in their gear closets, or live out of apartments lacking a spare 12 feet of uninterrupted space. Inflatable kayaks provide an answer for these scenarios, and we tested them as they were intended to be used: paddled hard and put away wet.
Collectively, we’ve paddled to some far-flung locales, and even to places few have been before. Lead reviewer and Editor Nick Belcaster directed efforts for this review, and as mainly a packrafter, Nick knows the importance of a portable watercraft. His testing for this review saw him making runs between the San Juan Islands of Washington State, crossing high alpine lakes in the North Cascades, and navigating coastal rivers on the Olympic Peninsula.
Contributor Wil Henkel is no stranger to a paddle. As a sea kayak and whitewater guide, he has logged hundreds of miles in conditions ranging from mild to daring. His most recent foray saw him scouting and completing the first descent of a new river in Ecuador, where a lightweight boat was essential. For this review, his paddle craft got even lighter, and his testing is informed by a deep understanding of the finer points of kayak design.
Our inflatable kayak testing occurred over months of paddling, where we crowded the beaches and docks of our local lakes and shorelines with kayaks for both head-to-head testing, as well as more recreational pursuits. We aimed to test all facets of a kayak’s paddling: speed, maneuverability, stability, and comfort. Employing our friends and families in the quest, we gathered feedback from complete novices to near-pros, and from various body types.
Because inflatable kayaks also require some set-up, we spent a good amount of time familiarizing ourselves with inflation pumps, pressures, and, yes, even repair. Our testing also included the all-important ‘small apartment’ and ‘sedan’ tests, where the true portability and packability of these kayaks were weighed on the most accurate scales we could devise.
Inflatable kayaks are all about balance or compromise, depending on how you look at things. While inflatables rarely perform as well as hard-sided kayaks, they make up for it in their compact and lightweight designs, which is an asset all on its own.
Because of this, there’s an entire spectrum of inflatable kayaks for nearly anything you’d want to get into, and many designs lean further into a certain niche to provide the paddle you’re after. Consider the following before you jump into your next inflatable kayak.
A typical hardshell kayak will differ most greatly from an inflatable in overall performance. Its solid construction better translates paddling power and responds to weight shifting related to maneuverability. Its hull can be more aggressively shaped and edged harder, and it most typically rides lower in the water.
Hardshell kayaks are also more durable, as they can withstand repeated bonks and bumps on rocks and logs without worry. Seating can be more adjustable, and storage can often be within the kayak rather than on top.
Inflatable kayak designs are made to be lightweight and portable, and this is their greatest advantage over hardshell kayaks. Compressing down into large duffels, inflatables can be carried almost anywhere, and inflated once you get to the water.
Because they float high on the water, inflatable kayaks are often more maneuverable than hardshell kayaks, which must contend with drag beneath the surface. Because of this, they won’t track as well, but a good tracking fin can remedy this.
Like regular kayaks, inflatable kayaks can also be specialized for a certain style of paddling or water, and identifying your needs is the first step in narrowing down the perfect boat for you.
Due to the lower-stakes paddling you’re likely to do in them, most inflatable kayaks are recreational boats, meaning they’re primed for an afternoon at the lake, a day cruising a lazy river, or poking around into the next bay on a calm ocean. These boats lean into the do-it-all ethos, offering enough ability to handle a surprise swell, and enough storage to pack away a shore lunch.
The BOTE Lono Aero might be the king of recreation, and with a laundry list of fun accessories (including a magnetic coffee mug), this kayak is a hoot to take out for the day. The Aquaglide Deschutes 145, Cirrus Ultralight, and Kokopelli Platte are similarly up for most anything and inflate quickly, paddle well, and store minimally.
Touring kayaks are meant for further afield paddling, and while this doesn’t have to mean turning out to sea for a month, a good number of inflatable kayaks are primed for whole day or weekend touring. These kayaks are very often longer to support a greater weight of equipment, as well as elongate their water lines to make paddling long distances easier.
The Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame is an excellent all-day tourer, and we even used it for a three-day overnight paddle (by spreading the group gear across a few boats). The V-shaped hull made for quick paddling, and the enclosed deck design kept things dry across 5-hour sessions in the saddle.
Inflatable kayaks and angling may not seem like they go hand-in-hand, but blow-up fishing kayaks are certainly a thing and to great success. With burly materials, accidental hook strikes simply bounce off, and the inherent stability involved makes for easy fishing while standing.
The wide profile and broad pontoons of the NRS Pike made it the fishing kayak to be in during our testing, and with a shallow draft and easy maneuvering, we were able to tuck this kayak into tight weed beds. The Intex Excursion Pro K2 isn’t half-bad at fishing, either, and even comes with a number of optional rod holders.
Rugged water can be a great place to break out the inflatables, as they pack on a great amount of buoyancy to keep you high in the foam and bumping off obstacles. Paddling edging often won’t be quite as refined as hardshell kayaks, but for pure fun, it’s tough to beat a ducky. Look for durable tube materials here, as you’re liable to be bouncing around on boulders.
The short length and high buoyancy of the AIRE Tributary Spud made it a killer craft for paddling up to Class IV rapids, and while it’s a smaller craft overall for taller paddlers, the tradeoff is in maneuverability.
The hull is the profile of the kayak itself, and the shape of the hull greatly affects the paddling performance and stability of your craft. There are four basic kayak hull shapes, with two commonly used in inflatable kayaks.
While inflatable kayaks won’t win awards for speed or tracking, they make up for it in stability and maneuverability. We wanted to challenge the balance of these kayaks and did so by rocking the boat, so to speak. In both flat water and rivers, we leaned these kayaks over until they flipped, noting how much we could get away with.
Most inflatable kayaks will have excellent primary stability — the balance felt when floating on still water. Because of their pontoon or flat hull designs, wide surface contact with the water keeps them from leaning too far over, and most inflatable kayaks will feel very stable to paddle around on flat water.
When water gets a bit rough, however, a different type of stability is needed, and that’s secondary stability. This is the balance a kayak has when put on its edge, and this can be a very effective tool for paddling in heavy seas, or in Class II or above whitewater.
An important component of this secondary stability is design lines known as chines, which run from bow to stern and separate the side from the bottom of the kayak. Because most inflatable kayaks use a pontoon design, these chines are soft, meaning they provide little edgability when leaned over. Lean too far, and you’ll dunk the thing.
The exceptions to the rule here are boats that pretend to be inflatable, and the Oru Kayak Beach LT Sport does have a defined separation between side and bottom, and a surprising amount of secondary stability. This stability allows it to shoulder waves better than most inflatables.
Of the inflatables, however, the Aquaglide Deschutes 145 was notable for being confidence-inspiring for even our most green paddlers, and the non-inflatable and low floor is to praise here. This kept paddlers solidly placed, and the wider beam prevented errant tipping.
Staying on a straight course is important for paddling efficiency, and an untamed kayak can be frustrating to get where you’re going. We challenged these inflatables side-by-side with hardshell kayaks to see just how straight they could track, as well as how far they could glide once we stopped paddling.
While most inflatables have rather clunky or bulbous bow shapes, the internal aluminum ribs in the Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame kayak form a sharp V-shape hull, which cuts through the water in the same way that many hardshell kayaks do. This helped the AdvancedFrame outpace any of our other tested inflatable kayaks.
The NRS Pike similarly has a rigid keel insert in the bow to form a V-shape hull, and combined with the long pontoon-shaped bottom and tracking fin, kept this kayak on the straight and narrow while paddling. The slick exterior PVC finish on this boat also undoubtedly decreased drag in the water, and kept it moving for a while after we stopped paddling.
Tracking fins make a significant difference in the tracking that a kayak does, and most often are affixed to the boat by a rail mount, making the fins removable for storage. Some smaller stability fins will be molded right into the bottom, and these little bite fins, such as seen on the BOTE Lono Aero or Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame, add some tracking ability but can’t be swapped out for different shapes and sizes.
Notably, the Kokopelli Platte has two tracking fins — one larger and one smaller — which we found aids in keeping the bow from waggling too much during paddling. We found this to be an issue on shorter boats such as the Aquaglide Cirrus Ultralight 110, which does sport a nice-sized fin but otherwise has a short waterline and pivots while paddling.
Because they require larger hulls to pack on enough buoyancy to stay afloat, inflatable kayaks often have taller sides than hardshell kayaks, and combined with their light weights and low water lines, mean these craft are susceptible to the effects of windage. We noticed this most significantly on the BOTE Lono Aero, which has tall sides, floats like a cork, and can be unruly to paddle in a stiff breeze.
The trade-off for less-than-stellar tracking is excellent maneuverability, which we can say every kayak in our lineup has. We tested this by spinning circles in these kayaks, noting how many paddle strokes were required to turn 360 degrees, and running them through a slalom course of buoys in our local lake.
Here, floating like a cork actually helps these kayaks, and with little drag beneath the water line, they skim across the surface with little to slow them down during a turn. While the V-shaped bow of the Advanced Elements AdvanceFrame aided it in tracking, it hindered it in our maneuverability testing, taking more paddle strokes to spin than other vessels.
The Oru Kayak Beach LT Sport suffered similarly, however, the additional secondary stability this boat has allowed it to edge into turns a bit better. The NRS Pike was also a little slower to come around, but did benefit from only having a V-shaped hull in the bow, while the stern was able to skid around with little drag.
Flat-bottomed boats with rising bows were the quickest to spin, and the Kokopelli Platte and AIRE Tributary Spud both whip around like a top. Longer boats like the tandem Aquaglide Deschutes 145 or BOTE Lono Aero took a bit more effort.
There’s a broad span between a pool toy and the $1,500+ investments at the far end of the inflatable kayak spectrum, and a good bit of that comes down to construction and build quality. With multiple seasons on some of these kayaks now, we’ve taken the kid gloves off and used these kayaks as they were meant to be used, and then some.
Punctures, obviously, are going to be your biggest concern, but thankfully inflatable kayaks today employ some rugged materials in their construction. Most typically, polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, is the material of choice for most inflatable kayaks, as it is a rugged and affordable material to produce, and can be patched easily.
Thermoplastic polyurethane, or TPU, is undoubtedly the future of performance inflatable kayaks. Much more often used in packrafts today, this material can be less durable than thick PVC but makes up for it by being much lighter and packable, significantly decreasing the stored size of watercraft built from it. Only the Aquaglide Cirrus Ultralight 110 in our testing is made from this material, and is one of the only ones on the market, in fact.
In certain boats, textile coverings are added to the hull designs to protect the tubes or add a drag-free finish below the water line. The Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame has both and is a very durable and quick kayak for it.
Simpler inflatable kayaks will be built with an air chamber design, typically joining two separate pontoons on the sides with an inflatable floor to form a 3-chamber boat. This accomplishes two things: When pressures increase in one chamber (say, from leaning on it), this isn’t transferred to the others, making for a more stable craft. And should the worst occur and one chamber punctures, you won’t have to go down with the ship.
The Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame is noteworthy for its dual bladder design in the hull, which combines an internal and external chamber to form the kayak. Not only does this help add rigidity to the hull, but it also hedges your bets against an accidental deflation causing a full-on sinking. With even one bladder entirely deflated, we could paddle around with ease.
A marvel of manufacturing, drop stitch construction allows for flat inflated surfaces with very high pressures, and it’s all thanks to a couple thousand strands of polyester. These strands connect the two sides of the air chamber and prevent it from bowing out from the pressure. Commonly used in iSUPs like the ISLE Switch Pro, this design style creates an almost hardshell-like surface and rigidity.
Hybrid designs that use a drop stitch floor and air-chamber hulls were some of the quickest in our testing, with better rigidity and power transfer being the cause. The NRS Pike is one such boat, and with a full-length drop stitch floor, it’s easy to walk along the entire length while fishing.
Inflatable watercraft manufacturers haven’t settled on a universal inflation valve yet; however, some are more prevalent than others. The Leafield C7 valves used on the NRS Pike are standard on whitewater rafts, and are even reparable to ensure a quality seal. Halkey-Roberts style valves are widely used on inflatable kayaks and standup paddleboards and feature a quarter-turn pin to switch from inflation to deflation mode.
More obscure valves include the proprietary spring valve found on the Advanced Elements boats. This valve operates similarly to other two-way valves but requires a special adapter to use on most pumps. These kayaks also feature common twist valves, which are used in low-pressure applications such as deck supports or seats.
Inflation pressures will vary depending on a number of factors, but the best rule is to follow the manufacturer’s specifications and don’t exceed them. Pumps with built-in pressure gauges are invaluable for measuring this, though some kayaks use an external screw-on gauge, like the Intex Excursion K2.
Because both sides of the structure are bound together, drop stitch construction inflatables can be pressurized to much higher pressures. The hull of the BOTE Lono Aero calls for an ideal pressure of 10-15 PSI, which makes it incredibly sturdy.
Finally, be mindful of changing conditions while paddling. When you first set your kayak in the water, it may become softer after a few minutes as the air in the boat contracts on contact with the cold water. A good way to get around this is by tempering your boat, which involves leaving it in the water (secured!) for a few minutes while you prep the rest of your kit, then topping off whatever pressure you may have lost.
It’s also important to remember that the inverse of this effect also occurs, and leaving your inflatable kayak on shore in the sun can increase pressures inside to damaging levels. If you’re going to leave your kayak for any extended period of time, dump some air to provide a cushion for expansion.
An inflatable kayak ain’t much if it isn’t comfortable, and we put in the hours in the saddle to find where each landed on the spectrum. Enlisting our friends and family, we had paddlers from ages 6 to 62 jump into each of these boats and provide feedback on seating and fitment comfort, as well as how adjustable they were.
The most comfortable seats in our testing were on the Aquaglide Deschutes and Kokopelli Platte, both of which are plush foam slings set into the cockpit and fastened with straps. We particularly appreciated that the seat in the Platte is fastened both fore and aft, which allowed for more fine-tuning to get the fit just right.
Seating in inflatable kayaks isn’t typically the most complicated or adjustable compared to hardshell kayaks, which have the luxury of hard-fastened mounting points and permanent seats. Some designs are fully inflatable themselves, though we didn’t find these the most supportive for long paddles. The Intex Excursion Pro K2 uses these types of seats, and while the added booster pad was a nice touch, they lacked the all-day support we were after.
Styled like many fishing kayaks, the aluminum frame and mesh seat on the NRS Pike is quite supportive and can be moved within the kayak to balance your weight out before being strapped down. The seat back itself folds forward for easier storage and carry, though it lacks much recline angle — something that can be nice to dial back for long transits.
The seat on the BOTE Lono Aero had us sitting higher than any other set-up, and is a full drop-stitch construction, just like the rest of the kayak. While this was an adjustable and stable seat, the pressure needed to inflate it made it fairly stiff for extended paddling. We found that you could underinflate it a bit to get a bit more cushion out of it.
Thankfully, inflatable kayaks are typically pretty light, meaning they can be carried easily either deflated or inflated. Commonly around 25-40 pounds, it’s simple enough for most people to single-hand carry these kayaks, and all come with some type of storage case or pack. In order to test these kayaks in this regard, we toted them dang near everywhere, from short beach approaches to a couple mile portage into an alpine lake.
Weighing in at under 15 pounds, the Aquaglide Cirrus Ultralight 110 is the lightest full-featured inflatable kayak we’ve paddled to date, and its TPU construction makes it far lighter and more packable than other PVC boats. This is the kayak we’d snag to pack into those hard-to-reach bodies of water.
Most of the inflatable kayaks we paddled otherwise were between 25 and 45 pounds, which is a weight off our shoulders, considering that most plastic kayaks start at 50 pounds and head north from there. The foldable polypropylene sheet construction of the Oru Kayak Beach LT Sport keeps it lighter than average at 28 pounds, and it’s easy to carry this kayak with the included shoulder strap. Oru also offers a backpack case for this kayak, which makes toting it around even easier.
The BOTE Lono Aero is certainly the heavyweight in our review, and at 51 pounds for the vessel, plus the added weight of the optional pedal drive and rudder assembles, it’s best to offload this kayak somewhere near where you want to launch. The storage duffel for the Lono is wheeled, thankfully, and we found it even navigated packed dirt trails well.
A compact packed size is one of the best reasons for jumping into an inflatable kayak, and our roof racks gathered dust while we tested these kayaks, shuttling them around in the beds of our pickups, the trunks of our SUVs, and during one ill-advised bike carry. While you’d be hard-pressed to get a hardshell kayak into your apartment, all of these kayaks tuck away into a gear closet.
As a single-seater, the Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame packs down to about the size of a piece of carry-on luggage, and while almost universally it’s tough to get an inflatable kayak back in the bag, this kayak made it easy on us and slipped back in every time. The Aquaglide Cirrus UL is similarly compact, and the compression storage bag used to carry it can also double as a dry bag while paddling. Smart.
The BOTE Lono Aero takes up the most space in our gear closets, and at 73 pounds packed in a 41” x 19” x 13” carrying case, there’s little chance you could get this boat aboard an airplane without paying the oversized baggage fee. The Lono was the only kayak in our tests that we weren’t able to carry on our backs, though the wheeled case was rugged enough to maneuver across paved lots.
Due to their frequently open-top designs, storage space on inflatable kayaks is often limited to what you can store atop these boats, either beneath bungee cords or behind seats.
As a touring-styled inflatable, the Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame kayak is the exception to the rule and tucks away storage space in both the bow and stern beneath the decks. These storage areas are minimal but are easily accessed through zippers in the decks. This kayak also offers some on-deck storage as well, in the form of a bungee system on the bow.
The covered bow and stern deck design is a common one, and the Sea Eagle SE370, Aquaglide Deschutes, Kokopelli Platte, and Aquaglide Cirrus all sport them. Like the AdvancedFrame these aren’t very waterproof areas, but are pretty secure for tossing a daypack or a dry bag. The deck covers on the Intex Excursion K2 are more for looks, and there isn’t too much space beneath them.
The large cockpit of the Oru Kayak Beach LT Sport will accept a good bit of kit behind the seat, and we could fit all of our fishing kit or lunch back here. The enclosed areas behind the bow and stern bulkheads is also surprisingly spacious, and during an overnight paddle we used these spaces to store bulky items such as foam sleeping pads. Know that these bulkheads aren’t waterproof, but also don’t accumulate much water.
Dedicated storage space on the BOTE Lono Aero comes in the form of a few bungee corded areas in the bow and stern deck, along with an opening for slotting in one of the brand’s Kula 5 coolers — a great option but an eye-popping $270. These cords work well to wrangle stuff sacks, and for smaller kits, the Lono has a couple of stash pockets for your sunscreen or sunnies.
Weight capacity is another important factor to consider, and there is more variability here. Notably, the AdvancedFrame can only carry 250 pounds, meaning there isn’t much wiggle room for additional gear for some paddlers. The Cirrus UL can tackle an extra 50 pounds on top of that, which gives a better buffer to be able to load on some heavier kit. Know that weight capacity includes yourself as the paddler, and plan accordingly.
Inflatable kayaks can command the same range of prices that hardshell kayaks do (up to a point), but there’s a distinct difference between a budget inflatable and a high-dollar craft. Consider how often you’ll be using your kayak, as well as what your future needs may be when choosing which one to go with.
Budget inflatable kayaks typically range from $250-400 and will most often be single-seaters — though some, like the Sea Eagle SE370 ($399), are offered as tandems for not much more out the door. These boats will be constructed of PVC laid up in multiple layers to add durability, though they often won’t sport the water-resistant or slick fabrics that more mid-range kayaks will.
Be wary of inflatable kayaks offered for less than this, as our experiences have shown them to be less than reliable, and have lifespans that end before the year is up.
Mid-range inflatable kayaks like the Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame ($670) will go for around $600-1,000, and be better equipped to face a wider variety of water and paddling uses. The multiple air chamber design on the AdvancedFrame is undoubtedly more expensive to produce, but it yields a much more rigid and stable kayak. At $700, the Aquaglide Deschutes 145 nets you the ability to paddle with a partner, or single-hand if you like.
Bumping up the price a bit more allows you to have drop-stitch construction in your kayak, which can greatly improve performance. The Kokopelli Platte ($899) and NRS Pike ($995) both have drop stitch floors, and the paddle is much more responsive and faster for it. It’s good to note that some kayaks will even offer a drop stitch floor as an upgrade, which can allow you to get into a kayak for cheaper, and then add on the floor when you’re after more technical ability.
Anything above $1,000 should be considered high-end or specialized, and the ISLE Switch Pro ($1,395) is certainly specialized. Styled as an iSUP with an optional kayak seat, this versatile craft can be paddled in multiple different ways.
The Oru Kayak Beach LT Sport ($1,499) flips the script and does everything an inflatable can while unfolding to form a hardshell kayak. And the full drop stitch construction of the BOTE Lono Aero ($1,549) and optional pedal drive make this a premium option for paddlers who want the full experience, no options spared.
For those short on storage space or an effective way to transport hardshell kayaks, the answer is an emphatic yes! Even those with the space to store traditional kayaks will also find certain inflatable kayaks to be enjoyable for leisurely paddling where ultimate performance isn’t needed.
There are certainly things that inflatable kayaks do better than a full-on hardshell kayak, including packed size and weight. They also often float higher in the water, which can be an asset for paddling in shallow water. This also allows them to be turned quickly, and across the board, these kayaks turn faster than their hardshell cousins.
If you’re after absolute performance, inflatable kayaks may not be the best option, as they do give up some speed and tracking in their designs. But if portability is the primary concern, it’s tough to go wrong with one.
Generally, inflatable kayaks are not tippy, due to their pontoon hull designs and inherent high buoyancy. This is called primary stability, which is the even-keeled feeling of sitting atop the water, and all of the inflatable kayaks we tested had excellent stability.
Of the kayaks we’ve paddled, those with wider profiles and flat bottoms were the most stable, with the BOTE Lono Aero and Aquaglide Deschutes both being notable, but for different reasons. The Lono is pretty much an iSUP with a kayak profile above the water, making it supremely stable even to walk around on. The Deschutes, on the other hand, uses a non-inflatable floor, which drops the paddlers low and keeps the center of gravity where you want it.
While it’s easy to imagine dashing your inflatable kayak to bits on the rocks, most models these days are fairly durable — so long as you treat them correctly. During testing, we had no issues beaching these kayaks but were cognizant of what we were landing on.
Use care to avoid obstacles such as submerged limbs or rocks, as these could potentially tear your kayak if you hit them with enough force. And if you do develop a tear, most inflatable kayaks today come with a repair kit that will allow you to get back on the water.
Drying the inside of your inflatable kayak is an essential step in putting it away in storage, and should be done every time to ensure no funky smells or mildew has a chance to take hold. While some kayaks like the Aquaglide Deschutes and Cirrus UL sport integral drain plugs in the floor, these aren’t universal.
The best practices we’ve come up with through our testing are as follows: Begin by dumping any standing water out of your kayak and really give it the business with a good shake or three. Any water left you’ll have to go after, so save yourself the hassle. Then, open up any deck closures and remove any internal floors. Run a dry microfiber towel along the inside and be diligent about mopping up any liquid you find.
Once you’re satisfied with your work, it’s time to let the sun do its magic — or, in the absence, a well-ventilated room. Leave your kayak unrolled until it is entirely dry before putting it away, and it’ll be ready to go the next time you want to paddle.
While it isn’t the best practice, many inflatable kayaks can be left inflated for quick use, but there are some considerations. For one, know that air is constantly changing pressure based on the ambient temperature, and if left in the sun, your kayak may overpressurize and spontaneously blow a seam. If leaving your kayak inflated in the sun, let out a good amount of air so there’s room for expansion.
Another consideration is the damage caused by the UV from the sun, which will deteriorate your kayak, given enough exposure. Because of this, we recommend storing your kayak away from the sun if you choose to keep it inflated.
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Hailing from the hemlocks and hanging mosses of Washington State, Senior Editor Nick Belcaster is an adventure journalist following threads of stories across the West. Cruelly stolen from the alpine swales of rural Wisconsin at a young age, Nick made do ascending the snows and granite of the North Cascades while completing a journalism degree. A long stint on the Pacific Crest Trail in 2018 codified a life bent on sleeping on minor slopes and picking devil’s club out of his shoes.
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