The Best Inflatable Kayaks: A Complete Guide

Our overall best blow up kayak is the Intex Excursion Pro. It’s a great all-rounder at an average price point which you can see here.

Why buy the Intex Excursion Pro?

The Intex Excursion Pro can seat two, is great for fishing and can also cope with unsettled waters. This product from a top inflatables brand is Pro by name and professional by nature.

Our quest to find the best inflatable kayak for fishing begins with this Intex product.  Intex inflatable kayaks are generally regarded as some of the best in the business, and this one is no exception.

Those who plan to use their kayak for fishing trips will appreciate the integrated rod holders and mounting bracket for other fishing accessories.  

This kayak is made from ultra tough PVC, features high pressure inflation, plenty of storage and two bucket seats.  Plus, it comes complete with a pair of aluminum oars.

Pros:

• Durable
• Seats are comfortable
• Stable
• Easy to inflate and set up

Cons:

• Doesn’t have webbing to tie down extra gear

Advanced Elements is also pretty well known when it comes to inflatable kayak brands.  This Advanced Elements kayak is made for fishing, as it has a super sturdy drop stitch floor so you can stand up and reel in your catch. It also has 1″ rail mounts that you can add rod holders to.

A fishing kayak for one, this product also comes with built-in paddle holders, stainless steel d-rings and bungee deck lacing for gear storage.  It also includes a heavy-duty repair patch and a duffel bag with shoulder straps for easy carrying.

For user comfort there is an airframe seat with mesh paneling.

Pros:

• Mounting rails work well
• Stable and sturdy
• Lots of room

Cons:

• Inflating the floor is not the easiest

Instead of looking only at kayaks, why not consider an inflatable boat for fishing trips?

This great value Intex boat budget can seat up to three and carry a 790 pound load.  A high output pump is included, as are rapid-fill Boston valves and two aluminum oars.

This super strong, well-priced boat also has a tough PVC construction, plus a beamed floor to ensure durability.

Pros:

• Cheap Price
• More stable than a kayak
• Thick vinyl makes it durable for the price

Cons:

• Does sometimes lose a little air through the valves after a couple of hours – take the pump with you and top up while you’re in it.

When it comes to inflatable kayaks, Sevylor is another well respected name.  This one-man product is a good inflatable kayak for those going solo.

The backpack system makes carrying it to the water easy, then it can be set up in around five minutes.  

Various features help to ensure this model stays inflated, including a tough tarpaulin bottom, double lock valves, 21-gauge PVC construction and multiple air chambers.  There is also a backrest, drink holder, footrests and storage area with bungees.

Pros:

• Cheap price
• Durable
• Sturdy

Cons:

• Heavy when folded up

If you’re looking for lightweight inflatable 1 person kayaks, the Aquaglide Deschutes is a great option.  This 13-foot multi-purpose kayak weighs just 22 pounds, but has a 400 pound capacity. It includes paddle keepers, molded handles for easy carrying, and a quick release fin.

It also comes with a cockpit drain and Halkey-Roberts Valve adaptor.  User comfort, meanwhile, is assured by the quick release seat, adjustable footrest levels and adjustable seat positioning.

Pros:

• Very lightweight and easy to carry
• Stable and easy to handle
• Easy to inflate

Cons:

• The footrest is fixed to the floor, so can’t be adjusted easily

This Advanced Elements inflatable is one of the fastest one person kayaks out there. It has high pressured drop-stitch chambers that give it an extra boost of speed and durability.  It has high pressure relief valves for quick inflation.

This kayak comes complete with a battery-operated inflator for fast high-volume/low-pressure inflation, a dual-stage pump with pressure gauge, a removable tracking fin, and a repair kit.  It has an adjustable high back seat and foot brace for comfort.

Pros:

• The drop stitch floor is so stable you can stand up on it and use it as a paddle board
• It’s very sturdy
• Very durable

Cons:

• It’s heavy for an inflatable

This great value kayak is a definite contender for the title of top tandem inflatable kayak.  

The cockpit has been designed by Intex to offer space and comfort, and the two adjustable seats have backrests.

A bright yellow color aids visibility, while the SKEG is removable for directional stability.  This kayak is ideal for use on lakes and small rivers and has a 400 lb capacity.

Pros:

• Good price
• Durable for the price
• Tracks well

Cons:

• It’s a little short for tall people

A great option for those seeking the best 2 person inflatable kayak, the Solstice Durango can be used by one or two persons.

There are two adjustable bucket seats, a carry bag, instruction manual, detachable skew and repair kit included.

This blue and white kayak has a strong 1000 denier nylon bottom and 840 denier, PU coated nylon top cover.  Cargo areas, complete with secure cords, are also located at either end.

Pros:

• Lots of carry handles and d-rings
• Tracks well
• tough bottom makes it good for dogs and if you hit a rock

Cons:

• A bit small if you’re both really tall

The K1 made our listings as one of the best single inflatable kayak options and the K2 is also one of the best 2 person inflatable kayaks around.

This sporty kayak has a streamlined design, high visibility and is made from ultra tough, UV resistant vinyl.  It comes with a high output pump for rapid inflation, two aluminum oars and a repair patch kit.

Pros:

• Cheap
• Good quality for the price
• Lightweight and easy to carry
• Easy to inflate/ assemble

Cons:

• Not super easy to deflate and pack up

If you want an inflatable kayak for three, take a look at the Sevylor Big Basin.

It is made from heavy duty PVC, and thus suitable for use on rocky-bottomed lakes.  With a 490 lb capacity it can comfortably seat 3 in the adjustable seats.

For puncture protection there is a tough tarpaulin bottom, while double threaded Boston valves ensure easy inflation.  Multiple air chambers and an airtight system also guard against leakage.

Pros:

• Wide beam makes it stable
• Easy to inflate
• Tracks well

Cons:

• Instructions not great (put the rudder in before you inflate it and know that the seat cushion inflates)

A kayak may not be your best bet when there are three or more people to seat – especially if you’re on a strict budget.

This great value inflatable boat by Intex can accommodate a family of small group and has an impressive 790lb capacity.  There are quick-fill Boston valves, a high output Intex pump and two aluminum oars included.

This tough boat has a beamed floor and puncture-proof PVC construction for strength and durability.

Pros:

• Good value for money
• Because it’s a boat, it’s more stable than most kayaks
• Good size for three people

Cons:

• The oars it comes with are not that great

If you want an inflatable sit in kayak for three people, this is a great choice. It has 3 air chambers that make it more stable and rigid. The seats are adjustable, removable and elevated for comfort.

There are carry handles, a bungee on the stern deck for extra storage and a drain plug so you can get rid of excess water easily.

It comes with three collapsible paddles, a repair kit and an inflation pump.

Pros:

• Easy to inflate/ set up
• Heavy duty/ durable
• Seats are comfortable

Cons:

• A tight fit for three tall adults

If you’re seeking the best inflatable sea kayak, then do consider the Intex Excursion Pro.

This super tough kayak is designed to stand up to ocean conditions like salt water, abrasions and impact.  Having built-in rod holders makes it ideal for sea fishing trips – as does the mounting bracket that can hold other fishing equipment.

This Intex kayak is made from tough laminate PVC and has two bucket seats plus storage areas.  It comes complete with aluminum oars and an Intex high output pump for quick easy inflation.

Pros:

• The seats are moveable (they have Velcro), so you can change configurations easily
• Comes with everything you need (other than a life vest)
• Easy to inflate and deflate

Cons:

• Carry bag is not the same quality as the kayak

This is one of Seyvlor’s toughest kayaks, making it suitable for ocean excursions as well as traversing lakes or rivers with a rough, rocky bottom.

A five-minute set-up time means you can get out there quickly and the backpack carry system cleverly turns into a seat.  There are built-in spray covers to protect you from splashes while moving about on the surface of the water and secure, bungee strap storage areas for your kit.

Pros:

• Good quality for the money – thick bottom
• Zip in apron is good for sea spray
• Very stable

Cons:

• The included paddle isn’t that comfortable

This impressively designed kayak is suitable for use in bays, lagoons, lakes and rivers.

Although inflatable, it has the benefit of rigid panels to the front and rear to improve control.  This helps you to steer though ocean waves while staying on course.  The kayak is designed to get you out on the water quickly and simply.

With the product you can enjoy the advantages of a hard shell kayak without the usual weight and bulkiness.

Pros:

• Comfortable
• Easy to inflate
• Durable

Cons:

• Not ideal for strong wind because it’s so light

Advanced Elements specialize in kayaks offering the portability of an inflatable product with the performance of a rigid model.

This AdvancedFrame kayak has 3 layers of puncture-resistant material and aluminum ribs to improve tracking, even in rougher conditions.  There are even landing plates welded on to reduce the risk of puncture during beaching.

This kayak sets up in a few minutes and is light and portable enough to take anywhere.

Pros:

• Well-made
• Sits well on the water and tracks well, making it easy to paddle
• Easy to inflate and deflate

Cons:

• A little small for very tall people

This is one of the best inflatable kayaks for whitewater use, as it has an extremely tough construction.  Unlike others, it can also seat three.

A heavy-duty PVC build and strong tarpaulin bottom mean it can stand up to the most rugged conditions.

This kayak features double threaded Boston valves to make inflation and deflation faster and simpler.  Carry handles make it easy to move around, while spray guards protect against splashing.

Pros:

• Good size
• Stable
• Easy to paddle

Cons:

• The seats could have more back support

This kayak does not come cheap, but the quality of the build is incredible.

It is made for challenging conditions, with front and back spray skirts and a Whitewater Class II rating.  The base is made from tough 1,000 denier cloth while a separate rigid floor improves strength and control.

The package includes a carry bag, inflatable seat, skew, four-part paddle and repair kit.

Pros:

• Tracks well even when windy and choppy
• Drop stitch floor makes it durable and stable
• Comes with spray skirts

Cons:

• Not the cheapest option

This kayak is a great all-rounder, making it suitable for pet owners as well as those who wish to travel as a small family.

The extremely strong construction includes a tough tarpaulin base and heavy-duty PVC material.  As it can seat three there is ample space inside, and it is easy to maneuver due to the built-in carry handles. Splash guards also protect you and your pooch from sea or river water spray.

Pros:

• Stable and durable good for dogs
• Tracks well
• The valve can leak a little over time (get a handpump so you can top it up)

Cons:

• Better with longer paddles

Are you taking your pet to the waters along with you?  Then once more the Intex Excursion Pro is one of our recommendations.

This tough kayak is suitable for rough seas and can cope with impact, making it the ideal choice for dog owners.

There are storage areas as well as two seats, giving you plenty of room to play with.  Intex have designed this kayak with ultra-strong laminate PVC, so it’s able to withstand doggy claws too.

While not as tough as the previous two, the Intex Explorer K2 is great for those with canine companions.

It has two seats, for starters.  Add to that the spacious, comfortable cockpit, plus a highly visible design.

There is a removable SKEG to aid directional stability and it can cope with up to 400 lbs in weight.

This kayak offers very good value for money and is ideal for use on small rivers or lakes.

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James Ian has traveled to 82 countries and all 7 continents.  He has visited all of the main national parks in the United States, as well as many national monuments and state parks.

He has rafted through the Grand Canyon; rappelled down slot canyons near Zion and Arches; hiked among the hoodoos in Bryce and the enormous trees in Sequoia; admired the waterfalls in Yosemite and the colored hot springs in Yellowstone; seen moose in Grand Tetons and seals in the Channel Islands, and much more.

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