The Best Inflatable Kayaks

Buying Guide

As outdoor sports have grown in popularity in recent years, kayaks have become more popular than ever. Even before the pandemic boosted interest in outdoor sports, kayaking was experiencing steady growth year after year. By 2020, 4.3 percent of outdoor activities were focused on recreational kayaking.

But if you’re first learning about kayaking, it’s important to understand the various types. There is, of course, recreational kayaking, which has you simply navigating your kayak around lakes and ponds. A much smaller percentage of kayakers indulge in sea or whitewater kayaking, bringing a little more adventure to the sport. Then there are the kayakers who use it for fishing, giving them a far more affordable alternative to a fishing boat.

The big challenge when it comes to kayaking is maneuvering the boat itself. You’ll need a vehicle to transport it in unless you want to rent a kayak wherever you’re going. Some purchase a rooftop rack and tie it down. If you’re kayaking with a partner, you’ll need a way to transport more than one kayak. You’ll also have to transport the oars, which are much more lightweight but take up considerable space in a vehicle.

An inflatable kayak solves that problem easily. Simply inflate it once you get to your destination, then let the air out when you’re finished. Add a couple of collapsible aluminum oars to the mix, and you can safely transport your kayak in your trunk or the bed of your truck. The added benefit of this is that you can permanently store your kayak in your vehicle and pop it on the water anytime you have a little extra time near a waterway.

There is a downside to an inflatable kayak, though. Even more durable inflatables can be vulnerable to punctures, and if your inflatable kayak gets a leak, you could sink. Look for one built with tough PVC plastic and even a reinforced underside to help protect you while you’re on the water. You can also find inflatable kayaks with multiple air chambers that can serve as backup if you do suffer a leak.

• Inflatable kayaks often will offer a reduced capacity. Some can only support a couple hundred pounds. Pay close attention to this capacity, especially if you’re buying an inflatable kayak to use with someone else.
• Some kayaks come in bright colors like yellow. This has the benefit of making your boat easy to spot on the waterway, especially in low lighting conditions.
• You’ll need oars for navigating. If you’re choosing an inflatable kayak for its portability, it’s worth considering the portability of your oars, as well. Some expand and retract to make them easy to tote around.
• As convenient as inflatable kayaks can be for transporting and storing, you will have to take the time to inflate it when you arrive at your destination. An electric pump can help you save your energy for boating. But you can also find inflatable kayaks with hand and foot pumps that make inflation quick and easy.
• The seat of your kayak plays an integral role in your comfort level while you’re using it. Some seats are adjustable to help you find that perfect fit. Also pay close attention to the backrest to ensure it’s enough to support you while you’re boating.
• How you’ll carry your inflatable kayak comes into play, too. Some come with carrying bags that will hold the kayak and all its accessories. You can even find inflatable kayaks that come with backpacks, making them especially useful for backpacking or hiking.
• A reinforced bottom can make a big difference in a kayak’s durability. Some use tarpaulin to keep punctures to a minimum.
• It might seem like a small detail, but a cupholder will give you a handy place for storing your bottled water or coffee while you’re on the water. This will help you ensure you stay hydrated.