While the performance of even the best inflatable kayaks may not be as good as a hard shell kayak, they more than make up for any drawbacks with their ease of portability. With modern construction materials, inflatable or blow up kayaks can even be used for white water rafting and fishing. There are however, large differences between the various models. So, how do you decide which inflatable kayak is best for you? This guide will assist you in buying an inflatable kayak for your needs based on our comparisons of the top-rated brands. We evaluated them on stability, ease of inflation, portability, value and how easy they were to paddle in.

Best Inflatable Kayaks

For more of my kayak gear recommendations, have a look through these popular Outside Pursuits guide links: Electric Kayak Pump, Kayak Paddles, Life Jackets

Quick Answer: The Best Rated Inflatable Kayaks

1. Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Convertible Inflatable Kayak
2. Intex Excursion Pro K2 Inflatable Kayak
3. Sevylor Big Basin 3 Person Inflatable Kayak
4. Intex Challenger 2 Person Inflatable Kayak
5. Sea Eagle SE370 Inflatable Kayak Pro Package
6. Intex 68310VM Dakota K2 Inflatable Kayak
7. Driftsun Voyager Tandem Inflatable Kayak

Our reviews of the top rated inflatable kayaks with our comparison table and buying guide will help you choose the right one.

Inflatable Kayak Reviews

#1 Editor’s Choice – Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Convertible Inflatable Kayak

If you’re looking for an inflatable kayak that’s close to a standard hard shell kayak, the Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Convertible Kayak is for you. It has built-in, lightweight aluminum ribs that provide exceptional rigidity for excellent speed and tracking. The high back seats will have you paddling in comfort for hours on end. The 15 ft long kayak has low center of gravity for exceptional stability, and also helps make paddling easier. The 6 chambers gives you the ultimate in safety on the water. This kayak is suitable for anything from a day trip, and with the plenty of storage capacity for a week-long camping adventure. The Advanced Elements is also a great option for fishing, with its solid tracking, maneuverability plus bungee ties for storage.

The Advanced Elements kayak is constructed of three separate layers that provide the most puncture and leak resistance offered by any blow-up kayak. Like to take your furry 4-legged friend with you? The AdvancedFrame Convertible kayak will resist puncturing from the sharpest of claws! There’s plenty of room up front to lash cargo for long camping and fishing trips.

The AdvancedFrame is the only blow-up kayak I’m aware of with secure front and rear storage. They’ve even included a few rod holders if you want to try your luck at fishing. The included duffle bag holds the kayak in a compact package of 35 inches wide, 21 inches high and 12 inches long and weighs only 52 pounds, so it’s small enough to be transported in any car. The Advanced Elements kayak is a solid-feeling kayak that is as close as it comes to a standard hardshell kayak!

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#2 Runner Up – Intex Excursion Pro K2 Inflatable Kayak

When you’re looking for a convenient, portable kayak for recreation and fishing, the Intex Excursion Pro Kayak is definitely a solid option. It’s very stable with an I-Beam construction floor for rigidity. The Excursion Pro has been designed with angling in mind. Both the bow and stern have room for storage for all your fishing tackle. The D-Rings all along the interior provide plenty of attachment points for securing gear. There’s also a moveable mounting bracket for a GPS, fish finders or additional rod holders. The removable skegs provide good tracking, and adjustable foot rests allow for leverage to make paddling fast and easy. The bucket seats provide all day comfort for those long trips and can be moved to your desired location. When inflated, the kayak measures 12’7″ long and 37” wide, and will accommodate two people with a weight capacity of about 400 pounds.

There are 3 air chambers for safety, and the hull is made from a 3-ply PVC that resists tears and punctures, which is specially important if you fish shallow waters. Intex includes to 86” paddles and a high output inflation pump you get you on the water fast. You may want to consider an electric pump for fast, easy inflation.

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#3 Best 3 Person – Sevylor Big Basin 3-Person Kayak

Looking for something a little bigger? The Sevylor Big Basin 3-Person Kayak might be exactly what your looking for. It’s one of the few 3 person inflatable kayaks on the market. The first thing you’ll notice about the Big Basin is that it’s surprisingly stable, and tracks nearly like a traditional hard shell kayak. A lot of the tracking stability is because of the 2 directional strakes (essentially rudders) that keep you paddling straight, even if you’re solo.

The Sevylor Big Basin is constructed of seriously heavy-duty PVC, plus a tarpaulin bottom to protect against punctures from rocks, sticks and other hazards. If you have a 4 legged friend, this is the best kayak for dogs as the thick PVC will resist their claws puncturing the material.

The Sevylor has 3 separate chambers for safety in the unlikely event you do suffer a puncture, it won’t be pretty but you’ll be able to paddle to shore. Remember, you should always carry a life jacket, one for each person. Even at a bargain price, it comes with some nice features like cup holders for each seat, and it has a decent amount of storage in the rear for a cooler or fishing gear. The seats adjust and are surprisingly comfortable. As a nice touch, it has splash guards in the front of the kayak to keep water out.

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#4 Best Value – Intex Challenger 2 Person Inflatable Kayak

Intex Recreation has decades of experience with making all kinds of inflatable products – most notably their air mattresses – so it’s no surprise they’ve created a blow up kayak. The Challenger K2 Kayak is constructed of their super-tough vinyl for extreme durability and resistance to leaks and tears. Made for a single or dual paddlers, this boat includes a high-pressure hand pump to inflate it whenever you’re ready to get out into the water. Deck rigging is also a highlight feature on this kayak, as it makes it easy to store personal belongings, additional layers of clothing if needed, or even a packed lunch in the kayak. This kayak can hold up to 400 pounds, so it’s ideal for kids of all ages, and adults alike.

The Intek K2 is an ideal kayak for exploring lakes and slower flowing rivers. The cockpit is good sized with an inflatable seat and backrest that will comfortably fit most people. This is by far the best budget blow up kayak. The Intex K2 meets all safety standards set by the Coast Guard while undergoing intensive stress testing to ensure safety. The K2 will give you years of enjoyment on the water, and it’s by far the best inflatable kayak for the money on our list.

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#5 Customer’s Choice – Sea Eagle SE370 Inflatable Kayak Pro Package

Whether you want to go down Class III rapids or take a leisurely paddle around a lake, the Sea Eagle is a perfect solution for your kayak needs. The rugged PolyKrylar hull is incredibly durable, so tough in fact there’s no reason to leave your furry best friend at home! The 38 mil hull will withstand the sharpest of claws and resist tearing or puncturing. The Sea Eagle weighs only 26 pounds but will carry up 650 pounds of passenger and cargo! The I-Beam construction provides a rigidity rivalling solid hull kayaks. It includes 2 skegs so that the Sea Eagle tracks well for maximum speed and efficiency.

Included are 2 inflatable, removable seats (3 person capacity), front and rear self-bailing drain valves plus front and rear rope handles for easy portability. The Sea Eagle deflates down to a small package of 31 inches high, 19 wide by 8 inches deep and transports easily with the included carry case. With the Sea Eagle you can go from the trunk of your car to being on the water in 8 minutes. 100 pumps of the high capacity foot pump and it’ll be fully inflated and ready to go.

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#6 Best Inflatable Fishing Kayak – Intex 68310VM Dakota K2 Inflatable Kayak

This is a thoughtfully designed kayak that has pretty decent tracking for an inflatable with its removable skeg. To start with, this kayak folds up small enough to fit into the integrated backpack. It has comfortable padded shoulder straps that make it easy to carry from the parking lot to the water. Use the included pump to get the job done, or an electric one of your own, and the double lock valves make inflating and deflating a breeze.

There’s a rear zippered storage compartment where you can pack food and gear, plus the front has plenty of room to tie down your belongings with bungee cords. The front and back of the kayak have carry handles to portage the kayak, or carry it from your car to the water. The 3 chamber design adds to the safety and maintaining its shape to aid in tracking. It measures just over 10 feet long by 3 feet wide and holds up to 400 pounds. The only real knock is the included 2-piece aluminum paddles aren’t super high quality, so purchasing more durable kayak paddles might be a good idea.

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#7 Best Inflatable Tandem Fishing Kayak – Driftsun Voyager Tandem Inflatable Kayak

The Driftsun Voyager is perfect for recreational use and for the fishermen out there, it’s a great substitute for a standard rigid kayak. Having comfortable and adjustable kayak seats, it can be used for all day paddling expeditions. Just because it’s inflatable, don’t assume it can be punctured easily. Being made from 600D polyester fabric, it would be rare to find any leaks. One of the drawbacks of many kayaks is the lack of storage, and while the Voyager may not have as much room as some rigid kayaks, it’s definitely close. The front of the kayak has a storage area along with bungee storage on top that will hold a lot of gear.

The stern has a pretty decent sized area for storage as well. I liked the side mounted paddle holders, so you can keep them out of the boat while fishing or taking a break. If you like to kayak in shallow rocky water or near oyster beds, you’ll appreciate the thick tarpaulin bottom that’s durable enough to protect it from abrasion and tears. The Driftsun Voyager includes 2 aluminum paddles, a high volume inflation pump, removable skeg and of course a carry bag. I’d have like to have seen it being used as a backpack, however, but this is a minor detail. If you’re looking for a quality blow-up kayak, you really can’t go wrong with the Driftsun Voyager.

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Inflatable Kayak Comparison Table

How to Choose the Best Inflatable Kayak

• Why Use an Inflatable Kayak?
• Advantages of an Inflatable Kayak
• What are the Different Types of Inflatable Kayaks?
• Materials
• Considerations 
• Conclusion
• FAQs

Why Use an Inflatable Kayak?

Before looking at the different types of kayaks that are available, let’s discuss why you might want to get one in the first place. This is likely due to two huge advantages: ease of portability and storage. I had the typical hard shell, sit on top kayak and at first, I did use it a lot. When I started kayaking, I used to transport it on top of my car with foam blocks. This worked at the time, but was a terrible solution in hindsight. The kayak would almost always shift around, and it was very difficult for me to lift the kayak on top of the car. They are very heavy, especially trying to lift it by yourself. Then, I noticed that the top of my car was being scratched by the bottom of the kayak rubbing against the paint.

So, I bought a trailer to transport the kayak. At first, this seemed like a great solution, as it meant no more lifting the kayak. The trailer wasn’t cheap, however, and then a problem arose: where do I store it? It took up a lot of room, and I don’t have a garage. After a while the trailer started rusting, then there was the cost of a tag and insurance, so I finally decided it wasn’t worth it. I sold it and bought a blow-up kayak instead.

Inflatable kayaks can be stored almost anywhere, no matter how small your house or apartment is. And if you travel by RV, even better! You can take it everywhere you go. You can literally pull your kayak out of your backpack, inflate it in minutes and be on the water before you can get a kayak off the roof of your car.

Inflatable kayaks can be used for just about anything that a hard shelled kayak can be used for, such as:

Advantages of an Inflatable Kayak

Lightweight

An inflatable is light enough to be carried by almost any one. They can be transported to the launch point in a backpack.

Storage

An inflatable kayak can be stored in a closet or shelf. They deflate to the size of a duffel bag, making them compact enough to store pretty much anywhere.

Versatility

With a blow up kayak, you can use one anywhere for almost any activity, be it fishing, touring or white water rafting. You can paddle in remote locations where taking a rigid, heavy kayak would be almost impossible to get to. Take it with you on a trip, check it in when flying, or fit it in your car’s trunk. No roof rack or trailer necessary!

Maintenance and Upkeep

With a blow up kayak, dings and scratches are a thing of the past. However, they are still susceptible to punctures so care must be taken to avoid sharp objects. A rigid kayak can be easy rinsed off and cleaned, while an inflatable must be folded up and packed away.

What are the Different Types of Inflatable Kayaks?

With inflatable kayaks increasing in popularity, there are more types becoming available with ever more features and more uses.

Self Bailing

This type of kayak has holes or ports on the bottom to drain water, just like a hardshell kayak has. This style is frequently used for white water rafting. I know, river rapids in a blow up kayak?! But they can handle it, I assure you. The ports on the bottom allow the water to drain out as it splashes into the kayak so it won’t fill up with water. .

Sit on Top

Just like a hardshell, the sit-on-top kayak doesn’t have an enclosed cockpit (as you basically sit on top of the kayak). This type is best for fishing because you have maximum movement for accessing gear and casting your lines.

Sit Inside

This is probably what comes to mind when you think of a kayak. With this style, you sit inside the kayak and there’s an enclosed cockpit. You’ll tend to stay drier in this model because you’re mostly protected from splashing water and the elements. It’s therefore best for rougher conditions of cold weather, and a spray skirt is also recommended.

Canoe Type

Just like the name implies, it looks like a canoe. This kayak features a wider design with higher walls and the seats are deeper in the kayak. You have more space to move around, and it’s a popular choice for fishing.

Materials

PVC: Polyvinyl Chloride is by far the most common material use in blow up kayaks. PVC is usually bonded to nylon for extra tear resistance. While it is fairly UV resistant, it will break down if left in the sun for long periods of time.

Nitrylon: This is a combination of nitrile synthetic rubber which is more eco friendly than PVC and natural rubber bonded to polyester fabric. It’s very tough and puncture-resistant compared to PVC, and also has better abrasion resistance.

Hypalon: Hypalon is more UV resistant than PVC, but is also more expensive because it’s not as easy to work with. It’s also more abrasion resistant than PVC or Nitrylon. Some of these kayaks save money by combining PVC with a Hypalon coating.

Considerations

What Are You Going To Use It For?

Are you going to use it for short paddles of an hour or two? Or do you plan on longer excursions of all day to maybe a week? Will you use it for fishing? Or maybe snorkeling or diving? If you plan on going camping with it, make sure you have enough room and weight capacity for cargo.

If you do plan to use it for fishing, some types are much better than others. The sit on top model is the best option, because you’re able to turn and move around easily for casting and accessing your fishing gear. The canoe-style kayak is another good option, since they’re wider and allow you to move around easily and carry lots of equipment – and hopefully your fish, too!

Where Will You Use It?

Are you going to use it in calm, flat lakes or slow moving rivers? If you live near a bay or the ocean, will you use it there? If so, you may want a sit-in kayak. What about white water rafting if you live near a river? Kayaks that work for flat, calm lakes are not going to be the best kayak for ocean use.

What is Your Height and Weight?

If you’re rather tall or heavier than average, you’re going to need a bigger kayak with a higher weight capacity and leg room. Make sure you look carefully at the specs and see if it will work for you. Don’t forget about gear and equipment you may take with you, as this is especially important if you plan on using it while camping.

How Comfortable Are You Getting In and Out?

If you think you may have trouble getting in and out of a kayak, you may be better served with a sit-on kayak. These are significantly easier to get in and out of. However, they’re more prone to tipping over because the center of gravity is higher. Be sure to practice getting back into the kayak to be sure you’re able to do it quickly and comfortably.

Do You Need a Self-Bailing Kayak?

As mentioned above, a self-bailing kayak has holes in the bottom for draining water while you’re paddling. When you have this type of kayak, there’ll usually be some water in the bottom of the kayak because of this.

Self-bailing kayaks are mostly used for white water rafting or in the rougher ocean. Most of them come with plugs when you’re in flatter water and don’t need to worry about draining water. If you have no intention of paddling in rougher conditions, then you won’t need this option.

Inflatable Kayak Specifications

Solo or Tandem?

Are you planning on kayaking by yourself, or with other people? If you’re not sure and want the option of having another paddler with you (or maybe even your dog), you may be best served to get one that’s designed for at least two people. When you want to go out solo, the seat can be moved to the center position by means of clips so you can attach the seat. There are kayaks that can fit up to 3 people comfortably, so this may be your most important consideration.

Pros and Cons

Tandem kayaks have a few advantages over single kayaks:

• Usually cheaper than two single kayaks
• More efficient than paddling two singles
• Can take a break while your partner paddles
• Opportunities to work together
• Easier to carry with two people

But they also have some downfalls to be aware of:

• You must have a partner all the time
• You must agree and cooperate
• You can’t explore the water on your own
• They’re quite a bit longer than most single kayaks

Kayak Length

Any good kayak roundup needs to at least discuss kayak lengths. You can get kayaks in lengths from about 6’ to 14’ or even more.

Short kayaks (8-12 feet) – are more agile but slower and harder to paddle straight.

Long kayaks (12-15 feet) – are more efficient, faster and easier to keep in a straight line.

Longer kayaks tend to have better stability and more room for gear. They’re often chosen for long days of paddling or kayak anglers who want more room for tackle and stability on open water. Short kayaks are great for agile river paddling such as whitewater or other nimble application. Your average blow up kayak will probably range somewhere between about 9-15’ with 10-12’ probably being the most common option out there.

Small vs Large Rocker

While length and materials that make a kayak are important, let’s consider the “rocker” of a kayak. If you’re a paddle boarder, then you’ve probably heard the term rocker. A boat or stand-up paddle board (SUP) that has rocker is turned like a banana. When set flat on the ground, both the bow and stern are lifted off the ground. Almost every kayak will have some form of rocker. Rocker aids in steering because the bow and stern have less material submerged. So when a paddler starts trying to turn the boat, there’s less resistance to the turn.

Having more rocker is desirable in rougher water as it will cut through the water better, with water less likely to get into the cockpit. With touring kayaks, having less of a rocker is preferable. Flatter touring kayaks leave more of the boat underwater at the bow and stern, which aids in tracking and keeping the boat in a straight line. And when you’re paddling for long distances, we want to minimize the amount of zigzag of the kayak.

Conclusion

If you’re new to kayaking, here’s a complete How to Kayak for Beginners Guide, and if you’re still not sure on what type of kayak to get, see my ultimate buyer’s guide. While most blow-up kayaks come with paddles, you may still want to upgrade to purchase a better, more durable and efficient paddle. If this is something you’re interested in after reading our article, check out our guide specifically for kayak paddles. Also, don’t forget a fish finder if you’re going to take yours out on a fishing trip. I hope this guide was helpful for finding the best inflatable kayak to fit your needs!

FAQs

What is the best inflatable kayak to buy?

Our pick for the best inflatable kayak is the Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Convertible Inflatable Kayak, and we delve into further detail about why it’s our Editor’s Choice above.

What is the best 2 person inflatable kayak?

The award for the best 2-person blow up kayak goes to a product from the well-known brand Intex, the Excursion Pro K2 Inflatable Kayak.

How much do inflatable kayaks cost?

As you probably noticed on our list of recommendations above, the prices of inflatable kayaks vary greatly. Sometimes more popular brands come with a heftier price tag, but thankfully this isn’t always the case (like our #4 pick from Intex, the best value on our list!). In general, blow-up kayaks can range from $170 all the way to $900, but they’re most commonly found around the $300 mark.

Are inflatable kayaks safe?

These types of kayaks are no more or less safe and user-friendly than traditional kayaks. Punctures and leaks in a blow-up kayak can still occur, so take extra caution particularly when paddling through shallow waters, where sharp rocks may be beneath the surface.

How long do inflatable kayaks last?

In general, most blow-up kayaks have a lifespan of 5-10 years, depending of course on how well you take care of yours.

Recent Updates

January 12, 2023: Verified availability of all products.

March 30, 2022: Assigned awards to each product. Included FAQs to address popular consumer queries.

How We Researched

To come up with the top inflatable kayaks we researched a variety of sources for reviews such as REI, Dicks Sporting Goods, Cabelas and Backcountry along with our own personal experience. We also consulted online magazines for product research and reviews to get as much unbiased information as we could. To help weed out fake reviews we used Fakespot.com to make sure we only looked at genuine reviews.

With so much quality gear available, we had to narrow it down based on what we felt were the best options for the price. The author, Casey Fiedler has been an avid kayaker and leads kayak camping trips during the summer months in his native state of Michigan. To help narrow down the selection he used his personal experience along with recommendations from kayak tour guides and rental shops. After extensive research, we came up with our list to help you choose the right one for you.