10 Best Inflatable Kayak Reviews 2021 – Buyer’s Guide

There is no doubt that inflatable kayaks bring hours of fun to millions of people every year. Whether you are an experienced kayak or family adventure on your first kayak trip, inflatable kayaking offers a safe and convenient way to spend some time on the water.

Inflatable kayaks come in various shapes and sizes, and this guide is designed to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision when purchasing an inflatable kayak.

One of the things that make inflatable kayaks so popular is the fact that they are very easy to maintain and set up. This video shows the simple steps involved in getting your inflatable kayak onto the water:

One of the first choices when it comes to buying a kayak is to choose whether between an inflatable and a hard shell kayak. There are many advantages to inflatable kayaks that make them the best choice for most people. Check out this paragraph comparing hard shell vs. inflatable kayaks for more information.

Factors to consider when comparing the different brands and types are portability, storage and ease of set up.

When you are out on a kayak trip you will almost certainly want to take some equipment and valuables with you and it is essential to choose an inflatable kayak that offers a waterproof and large enough storage compartment for your needs.

If you are looking for a cheap inflatable kayak it is important not to compromise too much on performance. Even if you are only going to be using the kayak for the occasional bit of fun it is still a good idea to buy one that performs well. Inflatable technology has certainly advanced in leaps and bounds but it is still a good idea to buy a good quality product.

1. The Sea Eagle SE370 Inflatable Kayak

The Sea Eagle SE370 Inflatable Kayak is a reasonably priced beauty. It is white in color, very lightweight and portable. It can be assembled in approximately 8 minutes.

This kayak can be used for several purposes, such as fishing, skin diving and rafting.

It can hold a maximum of three persons with a combined weight of 650 pounds. It can also be effortlessly deflated and folded with ease after use.

This kayak is NMMA certified, which means that it meets the NMMA Engineering Standards Department’s given quality standards, and that said department has deemed it safe to use.

The Sea Eagle SE370 has a built-in self-bailing drain valve, three pieces of the pro-one-way valve, and an inflatable skirt.

For better navigation, it has two skegs at the bottom and an I-beam construction floor so you can be sure that it is robust and can be maneuvered easily.

To complete the look, it has a firm grab line, pressure gauge and a repair kit to handle any instant fix. Because it is so handy, it can fit into any bag for storage.

The distinguishing feature of this product is that, unlike other kayaks, the Sea Eagle SE370 can be used by only one person. However, for maximum performance, it is suggested that three people should ride it for a better balance. Tracking is a breeze; it does not require much of an effort to move the kayak from one place to another.

2. Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Inflatable Kayak

The red-and-gray body of the Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Inflatable Kayak is a beauty, with a rigid shape that gives it a substantial advantage over other kayaks.

The Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Inflatable Kayak works like magic the moment it touches the surface of the water, cutting through the water perfectly like a knife in motion.

With its solid body composition, it can hold its own against any hardshell kayak. Its durable material and fine components make it one of the toughest kayaks in the market at present. This product can be inflated and deflated easily.

The Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Inflatable Kayak deserves to be acknowledged as strong and powerful. Maintenance is also very minimal because of its light and compact attributes.

It has been dubbed as one of the hottest kayaks to hit the market. The whole Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Inflatable Kayak package includes a carrying bag, a foldable seat, repair kit, and a user’s manual. It is 10 feet long, 5 inches wide, and weighs 36 pounds.

You have to choose the right paddle size to achieve comfort and ease while paddling. It is highly suggested that you use a longer paddle to enjoy the performance of this product.

The only downside to this kayak is that the red, topmost portion, which is made of thick nylon, is not waterproof. So before going in the water, make sure you spray it with a waterproofing product. But despite this minimal inconvenience, the Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Inflatable Kayak has gained the approval of kayak enthusiasts.

3. Sevylor QuickPak Covered Sit-On-Top Inflatable Kayak

Sevylor QuickPak Covered Sit-On-Top Inflatable Kayak is simply amazing.

Cruise the local waterways in comfort without hauling along a full-size kayak with the Sevylor QuikPak K3 covered sit-on-top inflatable kayak. The word kayak was originally translated to mean “hunter’s boat”.

Sevylor’s inflatable kayaks and canoes contribute to people’s wanderlust by gracefully slicing through lakes or whitewater, letting boaters hunt for the day’s catch or hidden waterways.

The K3 kayak is one of Sevylor’s grab-and-go kayaks, with an inflatable design that folds and stores in an integrated backpack storage system.

When you arrive at the river, just unpack and inflate the kayak and you’re ready to go.

Despite the inflatable build, the K3 is extremely tough, with an inner hull made of heavy-duty, cold-resistant PVC material and double I-beam construction. The boat’s electronically welded seams and super-durable fabric reinforced bottom also add to the K3’s longevity, with an AirTight system that’s guaranteed not to leak.

Best of all for regular kayakers, the K3 is seriously comfortable, with a soft sit-on-top seat and a built-in footrest.

Other features include a stretch cargo net for handy storage, tracking fins for improved steering, a dual-action hand pump for inflation, a heavy-duty polyester deck, integrated carrying handles, and a mesh carry/dive bag.

Equipped with Double Lock/Mini Double Lock valves that lock in air two ways, the K3 kayak is certified by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA).

Overall, for the price that they charge for these, you will find no better inflatable kayaks. Sure there are better ones out there, but you will have a lot more for just a slight increase in capabilities.

4. Intex Explorer K2 Kayak

If you are searching for a high-quality full kayak for your boar journey. I have the best solution for you. You can choose this kayak blindly. It has a lightweight and comfortable structure.

It is made of heavy materials. You can use this product on a family holiday. I think after acquiring all knowledge about this kayak you chose to buy this kayak.

Most people using kayak always recommend this kayak for its safety and comfortability. It needs a very short time for deflation and inflation. And it is very handy and convenient to carry.

The removable skeg is an important part of this product. It has two comfortable adjustable seats. It has a repair kit for urgent repair and handles. It always contains an air pump always with it.

It is highly appreciated for reliability and comfortability. It has enough place for extra storage. Some buyers are tested its quality and working ability they support this product with full of satisfaction.

Features of Intex Explorer K2 Kayak

The manufacturer of this kayak is very well renowned. And this is the best product for this company. It has a very low price and very high quality. Here we discuss some features of this product.

It makes your vacation very funny. Because it has those kinds of features to bring fun to a place. It is very economical. It is very easy to carry. It has a very attractive design. I think you are thinking about safety then I suggest this product. If you think about comfort then I suggest this kayak.

5. Coleman Colorado 2-Person Fishing Kayak

6. Sea Eagle 330 Inflatable Kayak

This edition of the Sea Eagle 330 Inflatable Kayak comes with a deluxe package, which is more than most inflatable kayaks can say.

If there is one word to describe this Sea Eagle, it is easy. And they mean it.

It’s easy to paddle, to upkeep, to inflate and deflate, not to mention to afford. It’s a very resistant vessel as it was built with a 33 millimeter K-80 Polykrylar hull.

This doesn’t make it a hard-to-carry kayak though, as it only weighs 26 pounds and can carry up to 500 pounds (Two large people and any gear you want to take with you).

Another great thing about the Sea Eagle 330 Inflatable Kayak is that it’s suited for anyone who can carry 30 pounds of weight, as it was created for people who like to travel both by themselves and with a partner.

Yet it’s so compact that it can be packed down into a small storage bag so you don’t have to worry about any extra space limitations in your car. It’s perfectly suited as well, for fishing, skin diving, or yacht tending.

If you’re an avid rafter, this type of kayak can handle up to a class three whitewater. Definitely not bad.

 Features and Specifications

7. Tributary Tomcat Tandem inflatable kayak

The Tributary Tomcat Tandem inflatable kayak is a versatile model that is designed either for solo or tandem paddling.

This kayak is built with heavy-duty PVC, double top-stitch seams, and 20-gauge vinyl bladders. These make for a solid and resilient kayak in the AIRE, Inc., lineup of trusted inflatable watercraft.

The stability of this kayak combined with the ample space and adjustable seating make this a good inflatable kayak for fishing. The 18 cargo loops are helpful in securing fishing tackle when paddling.

The PVC fabric used for the hull of the AIRE Tomcat 2-Person Inflatable Kayak has a Denier weight of 30/500 while the fabric for the flooring has a Denier weight of 32/1 000. 

Specifications:

The Tributary Tomcat Tandem inflatable kayak continues in the fine tradition of Aire products. In its price range, it represents one of the best buys in regards to all-around performance and durability and is one of our top-rated inflatable kayaks.

8. Intex Challenger K1 Kayak

The Intex Challenger K1 Kayak has a low profile design made for slow-moving rivers and lakes.

It’s ruggedly made of super-tough 30-gauge vinyl for extra strength and durability.

It has an adjustable seat and a streamlined design for easy paddling and is built for just one passenger.

This kayak comes with a paddle, pump, footrest, carrying case, and a patch kit.

The rugged Intex Challenger K1 features a big comfortable cockpit for easy entry and exit and its seat and backrest are inflatable. It comes with an 84-inch collapsible aluminum paddle with rubberized hand grips.

And it also has an inflatable I-beam floor to provide more comfort and rigidity.

It holds up fine in strong winds and mild waves and navigates perfectly in the water.

There’s a good bit of space behind the seat to store items as well as in the front where the feet go in, and it does include an inflatable footrest to help maintain proper posture.

Also, rather than using the supplied pump, it’s much better to use an electric pump.

We found inflating this kayak doesn’t take more than four minutes with its multiple air chambers.  It’s a breeze to transport and store in a small, cloth travel case about twice the size of a briefcase.

At 25 pounds, it is relatively lightweight. The bungee cord storage area in the front is great for carrying a fanny pack, water bottle, sandals, spare paddle and the like.

Also, there’s more storage space behind the seat.  Maneuvering the kayak is very easy and it’s great for river use. There are two small plastic skegs, just about the size of an open palm, under the boat to add a little directional stability.

The skegs are at the center of the boat, which allows a kayaker to rotate easily while still maintaining a fairly consistent non-zigzag rowing pattern.

This kayak is made for slow-moving waters and lakes, so never plan of taking it into strong ocean current or white water rapids. If you expect it to perform like a 500-dollar kayak, it won’t. However, it tracks really well on rivers and lakes without any problem.

In fact, it’s ideal for beginners in kayaking as it’s among the best inexpensive inflatable kayaks to start your water adventure with.

9. Advanced Elements FireFly Inflatable Kayak

The Advanced Elements FireFly Inflatable Kayak has various unique features for improved durability and performance.

It’s great for individuals who want an inflatable kayak that can be conveniently transported anywhere including on their back.

Whether you’re floating rivers or paddling lakes, this compact kayak can be easily used. The bow and stern of the FireFly have fixed rigid forms for efficiently cutting through waters and keep you on course.

The compact Advanced Elements FireFly is ideal for family adventures on the water. It’s relatively easy to set up as it offers Twistlok valves and a high-flow Spring valve.

Both the landing plate and tracking fin improve tracking performance while its unique outer cover offers durability in a very lightweight design.

The FireFly is totally portable and can be taken anywhere in the trunk of the car or can even be checked on board an airplane. It takes just minutes to inflate and is very easy to carry. It performs very well in the river and rides the wakes of boats with ease.

If you’re into going out to the lake with the kids, then the Firefly is a very useful way to enjoy the water. It has rubber-molded handles, a mesh pocket, bungee deck lacing, a tracking fin and advanced inflation valves.

If you are a beginner in kayaking, the Advanced Elements FireFly Inflatable Kayak is an ideal choice. Although it will not likely meet very high expectations, it’s really fun to paddle. It’s an affordable way to enjoy the water. With exceptional quality and sturdy build, it will last longer than you can expect.

10. AIRE Lynx Inflatable Kayaks – The Best All-Around Kayak?

AIRE Lynx inflatable kayaks are made by AIRE, Inc., and come in three models; Lynx I, Lynx II, and Super Lynx. Several of my friends claim that the Lynx series may be the best all-around, multipurpose, inflatable kayak.

The Lynx series of kayaks are very well constructed. They are made from Preconstraint PVC material that is patented by Ferrari; as well as urethane AIREcells (thermo-welded air holding layers) for extra protection and durability.

The Lynx is designed for up to Class Three rivers. The fabric and construction techniques allow Aire to back this product up with a ten-year warranty. That’s something that is hard to find in the kayak market be it inflatables or hard shells and to me that is impressive.

The length and width of the Lynx kayak are perfect for most users without being a cumbersome and increasing drag in the water. The Lynx 2, designed as a two-person kayak, is still rather short for a tandem at just over 12 feet but provides for a roomy feel and ample cargo space.

Another thing that I like about the Lynx series of inflatable kayaks is that it is available in six different colors. I know this is a rather cheesy point but I don’t want my boat to look like every other kayak on the river.

The Super Lynx inflatable kayak is a perfect kayak for camping or fishing. The 600-pound load capacity and 37-inch width provide ample space and comfort for both. It gives you room for your cargo and your legs.

Aire Lynx I

Aire Lynx II

Super Lynx

The Aire Lynx series of inflatable kayaks are some of my favorites. They are well constructed with a ten-year warranty, have ample room and handle well in different conditions.