Your search for the best inflatable kayak ends here!
Listing down the ones I experienced myself and liked the most. Read this guide and get yourself sorted for the sea kayak that suits you the best.
The Best Inflatable kayaks
Bote Lono Aero
Bote is one of the only inflatable kayaks on the market that supports a pedal drive system. This kayak’s APEX pedal drive and rudder make it a super versatile watercraft.
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. So, you don’t have to worry about wearing a spray skirt.
Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Kayak
While most inflatable kayaks are missing a backbone, Advanced Elements offers that.
The aluminum ribs in the bow and stern give it an impressive, sharp V-shaped hull design, allowing for better cuts through the water. The overall design leads to exceptional tracking and speed.
The deck’s fabric is water-resistant. Those who prefer to invest in something more durable may like the Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame, though drainage and drying before storage require patience.
Sea Eagle SE370
While there are many tandem inflatable kayaks on the market, Sea Eagle is the best budget option. SE370 is tougher and more robust, so you won’t have to worry about getting out on the water.
This kayak can be used on both whitewater and flatwater. If you want to paddle with a partner, a Sea Eagle tandem is the one to consider. It can carry around 650 pounds of stuff.
It offers one-way valves, a thicker hull material, and durability on the water. It also features a removable slide skeg for improved tracking on open water.
While it’s easy to drain, it can be a full sport to put SE370 into the bag after you deflate it. I think that’s quite a trade-off for getting a model with a budget.
Oru Kayak Beach LT Sport
For many kayak paddlers, the better inflatable is the one that folds better. This folding kayak sets up faster and can be fully inflated from a rectangle into a hull in 10 minutes.
The cockpit of Oru Beach LT Sport is too large to settle easily. It provides ample space to carry around stuff without hassle.
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 for sure. Note that the seats aren’t comfortable enough for extended periods.
EZLite10
This inflatable kayak features an all-woven drop stitch, a new lighter, stronger DS material, and a rigid floor for superior performance. It delivers it all across the board.
New lever-action rods make removing rods & pedals quick and easy for compact storage.
The EZLite is loved for its portability. It is easy to carry, easy to paddle, and easy to store. It is just about the lightest and most packable solo kayak out there. The light weight does not compromise the quality, durability, or performance of this kayak, and this kayak paddles easily up to 5 mph and can reach six mph.
Aquaglide Deschutes 110 Inflatable Kayak
Unlike many similar designs, the floor of this sit-on-top isn’t actually inflatable. The lower center of gravity provides a more stable paddling experience.
The durability of Deschutes is to praise for; I got bumped into 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. My favorite thing to do is kayaking with Deschutes on calm or flat water.
When it comes time to wrapping, the integrated drain plug on the floor makes it easy to dry the Deschutes, and even as a tandem, the kayak packs down to be carried on your back.
Intex Excursion Pro K2
After Sea Eagle, this is my second recommendation for a budget model; it is lightweight and portable.
Sized for two, the Excursion Pro is made from standard 3-ply PVC, which is durable enough that you won’t have to worry about beaching the kayak on friendly shores.
The 3-chamber construction is pretty standard and inflated quickly enough with the included pump.
Being 12.5′ long, the Excursion Pro offers the best tracks pretty nicely, and a shallow or deep water skeg helps shore up that performance.
Are You Ready To Paddle?
I hope you have found your top pick by now. So, go ahead and get the one for yourself! Follow the safety precautions, and you’re good to go.
