The Best Inflatable Kayak of 2023: Top 12 Tough and Portable Kayaks

Inflatable kayaks took the market by storm thanks to their compact and portable designs. 

I’m not talking about large pool floats here. I’m talking real, durable, functional kayaks that you can inflate and deflate whenever you want!

While they were once considered odd – and often ridiculed – novelties, in recent years technology has improved and inflatable kayaks have become the norm in the kayaking world. 

I know quite a few seasoned paddlers who decided to retire their hard-shells once they’ve found the best inflatable kayak – and today, I’ll help you pick one out, too!

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In A Rush? The Winner After 38 Hours Of Research:

Inflatable vs. Hard-Shell Kayaks: Which One’s Better? 

Before I start the second wave of the inflatable vs hard-shell war, let’s address the inflatable elephant in the room straight away:

Are inflatable kayaks any good? Are Inflatable kayaks safe? And, are Inflatable kayaks stable?

I’ll be the first to admit: 

As someone who’s only used a hard-shell, I was more than skeptical about the safety of inflatable kayaks. For the longest time, I considered them to be nothing more than glorified pool toys. 

“Pop-up kayaks” – that’s what I called them. 

I’ll also be the first one to admit that I was wrong. Seriously wrong. 

Inflatable kayaks can be as robust, safe, puncture-resistant, and durable as their hard-shell counterparts – provided that you know how to choose the right one, that is. 

I mean, there must be a reason why Navy S.E.A.L. uses inflatable boats in the most challenging conditions. And, why ducky kayaks are so popular when whitewater kayaking. That pretty much says it all. 

There might’ve been a time when inflatable kayaks were, indeed, nothing but glorified pool toys. Things started looking up in recent years, though, with manufacturers taking note of kayaking trends and stepping up their game. 

I’m not saying that there aren’t any differences between the two; there most certainly are. However, depending on your needs, the benefits of getting the best inflatable kayak could potentially outweigh those of a hard-shell. 

On that note, let’s take a quick look at the advantages of inflatable kayaks: 

• Lightweight construction that typically weighs around 25 to 30 pounds. 
• While they are lighter, they can often carry 600 pounds, making them an excellent choice for kayak fishing.
• A broader hull leads to improved stability. 
• They take up less storage space as they typically deflate down to the size of an average duffel bag. 
• Increased portability as a result of lightweight design and ultra-compact deflated size. 
• Good quality inflatable kayaks are generally less expensive than hard-shell watercraft.
• Inflatable kayaks are typically wider than hardshell kayaks and have thick, air-filled tubes that make them more stable and buoyant.

Choosing The Best Inflatable Kayak: Specs & Features To Consider 

Before you can experience the best of what these inflatable kayaks have to offer, you first have to know how to choose one. 

So, let’s dig right in!

Weight & Seat Capacity: Single Or Tandem? 

Besides the actual type of an inflatable kayak, which determines where and how you’ll use it, you also get to choose the kayak’s weight and seating capacity. Single and tandem kayaks are the most common options, but don’t be surprised to see kayaks with up to three people on board. 

It may seem like an easy enough decision that comes down to one question:

Do you plan on kayaking solo, or will you be taking a friend – or your dog – along for the ride?

Budget-wise, a two-person kayak is often a much smarter choice than two single ones. But here are other factors to consider here, the most important one being the kayak’s weight limit. 

Don’t make any assumptions about the kayak’s capacity: 

Even if a specific model is advertised as a two-person watercraft, it’s the actual weight rating that determines whether it’ll be able to support two grown adults. 

You also have to think about how a two-person inflatable kayak will behave on the water when only one person is sitting in it. While you may be able to move the seat to the center position, maneuvering could be relatively tricky. 

A tandem kayak is a great choice for dog owners who want to take their pooch with them. Your pup will be able to stretch out and sun themselves while still making room for your gear! If you have an extra small or timid pet, it might be best if they stayed close by in a single-person kayak.

Materials & Durability 

Inflatable kayaks don’t sound like the most durable option – or the safest one, for that matter. That’s what I thought, too. 

But as it turns out, the toughness and puncture-resistance of the materials used in the construction of inflatable kayaks can be pretty impressive – especially considering how lightweight and portable they are. 

Plus, they often feature multiple layers, air chambers, and air-tight valves for added security. 

There’s no reason to worry about them popping at a mere sight of a sharp rock. With the right choice of materials and quality construction, these things can take a beating. Although they aren’t completely puncture proof – but more will come with a material specific repair kit, and patching a leak is reasonably simple

There’s no reason to worry about them popping at the mere sight of a sharp rock. With the right choice of materials and quality construction, these things can take a beating.

Although they aren’t completely puncture-proof, there is no need to panic as most manufacturers include a material-specific repair kit. And, patching a leak is a reasonably simple task.

On that note, the three most commonly used materials that offer the right balance of toughness, puncture-resistance, and low weight are: 

• PVC – Despite being a not-so-eco-friendly material, PVC – or polyvinyl chloride  – is the most common material for inflatables. It’s lightweight, easy to fold and manage, and doesn’t cost a fortune. It’s often bonded to another material, typically nylon, for extra strength and tear-resistance.  However, high temperatures, UV rays, and PVC don’t mix well. 

• Nitrylon – A combination of synthetic nitrile rubber and 1200-denier polyester fiber – is a much more eco-friendly option. Moreover, it’s more robust, more reliable, and much more puncture- and abrasion-resistant than PVC.  Nitrylon is relatively heavy, though. It’s mostly used for the bottom and the sides, rather than the entire kayak. 

• Hypalon – The most advanced – and most expensive – material out of the three, Hypalon is exceptionally durable, resistant to abrasions and UV rays, and retains its shape rather well. 

It’s used as the primary construction material only in high-end inflatable kayaks. Cheaper models may still feature Hypalon, but only as a PVC coating. 

Kayak’s Dimensions, Weight & Portability 

The number one reason many consider an inflatable over a hard-shell is the ability to pack up the kayak in a bag when you’re done paddling for the day. 

I mean, try tossing a 15-foot hard-shell kayak in the trunk for a quick trip to the beach. 

Yeah, it’s not happening. 

Don’t assume that, because they’re generally more portable than the hard-shell alternative, the kayak’s size and weight shouldn’t be a concern. I’d say that these factors become even more crucial when you’re choosing the best inflatable kayak: 

You know what to expect from a hard-shell already – but with inflatables, every foot, and pound counts. 

Length-wise, 10 to 12 feet is the average for inflatable kayaks – but you can go as short as 8 feet and, depending on what you need, as long as 15 feet. Shorter kayaks are generally more agile, while longer ones offer improved stability and a bit of extra room. 

A few inches won’t matter much, but two feet – or more – can make quite a difference. 

As for the kayak’s weight, 25 to 30 pounds is considered the average – but this is entirely up to you. 

How much weight are you comfortable carrying to and from the water? 

What About Necessary Extras? 

Inflatable kayaks usually come with everything you may need to get on the water – right out of the box. For instance, most models come with a pump, paddle, and a removable seat, which, in theory, is more than enough to get started. 

But there are a few more extras that may come in handy: 

• Storage Compartments – Depending on how and where you’ll be using your kayak, storage space could potentially be a make-or-break feature. Most inflatable kayaks will feature storage compartments, either inside or on top, but you can always add cargo nets and gear loops. 
• Carry Handles – Handles are one of those essential features that you don’t think much about until you need them. How else will you carry the kayak to and from the water, if not with handles? They can be located on the ends or the sides of the kayak; either way works fine. 
• Carry Bag – Even if you end up with an inflatable kayak that doesn’t have handles, this is the one extra that you can’t go without, period. A carry bag with either handle or shoulder straps is non-negotiable, as it makes transportation more convenient and acts as storage for the kayak when it’s not in use. 
• Detachable Skeg – Many inflatable kayaks will also feature a removable skeg – a piece of plastic that looks like a tiny fin, attaches to the bottom of your kayak, and helps you steer straight, regardless of the wind and currents. V-shaped hulls don’t need this type of stabilization, but flat-bottomed ones do. 

How To Use An Inflatable Kayak: Do’s & Don’ts Of Inflatable Kayaking

Even if you’re a relatively experienced paddler, if you only ever used hard-shell ones, the chances are that you have a few questions about how to use an inflatable kayak. 

As much as it has its advantages, an inflatable kayak handles differently than a hard-shell one – and an adjustment period is unavoidable. I’d like you to keep two things in mind: 

One, we’ve all been there. 

And two, there’s no reason to worry; you’ll get the hang of it pretty fast. 

That said, here are a few do’s and don’ts that will hopefully make this adjustment period a bit easier: 

Best Inflatable Kayaks: Top 12 Inflatable Kayak Reviews & Recommendations

Conclusion – Best Inflatable Kayaks

I’m not going to lie; taking these inflatables for a test ride was tons of fun! 

More importantly, though, it gave me a chance to assess their strengths and weaknesses and determine which model deserved the title of the best inflatable kayak. 

On that note, my vote goes to the Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame.

The hybrid construction that falls somewhere between an inflatable and a folding frame kayak is not only a unique but mind-blowingly sturdy design. The AdvancedFrame’s advanced frame – it’s a lousy pun, I know – takes the structural integrity of an inflatable kayak to a whole new level. 

The kayak’s handling and tracking – a common problem with inflatables – are more than satisfactory thanks to this well thought out design. 

And with a 300-pound capacity, onboard storage space, and an adjustable padded seat, it’s roomy and comfy enough for extended trips!