Best Lightweight Kayak – Top 8 Light, Portable, Quality Picks For 2022

If you’re the type to drive around, see waters worth exploring, pull up, and launch your kayak, you must have one that you can carry single-handedly. Plus, weight can affect how much energy and force you have to put into your paddling strokes.

You’re more likely to use a kayak that’s easy to manage in and out of water. It’s as simple as that.

But is weight the only thing that matters? And more importantly, how do you pick the best lightweight kayak? 

Here’s everything you need to know on lightweight kayaks!

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In A Rush? The Winner After 41 Hours Of Research:

What Makes A Kayak Light?  

How do you determine if a particular kayak is lightweight or not? Where’s the weight limit that separates the heavy from the light? 

While there’s no exact definition of a lightweight kayak, I’d say that the focus should be on models that weigh 50 pounds or less. 

I am often asked questions like; what sit on top kayak weighs the least or what kayak weighs the least?

Sadly there isn’t a one size fits all response and is dependant on a number of factors.

On that note, here’s what makes a kayak lightweight. 

Inflatable Vs. Hard-Shell 

If you’d like to stick to a traditional kayak while keeping things light, a carefully picked hard-shell kayak can make it happen. Some outstanding hard-shell kayaks fall within the lightweight range – keep on reading, and you’ll see what I mean.

But that doesn’t mean that inflatables aren’t worth considering: 

When it comes to portability, ease of storage, and compactness, inflatable kayaks are pretty hard to beat. If you’re hoping to travel with your kayak and explore nature both on and off the water, you should look into inflatable options. 

Construction Materials 

You must decide on the type of kayak – hard-shell or inflatable – before you even start thinking about materials. 

Generally speaking, though, most lightweight kayaks are constructed using some type of plastic: 

• Hard-shell kayaks are usually constructed out of high density polyethylene, a type of hard, durable, and often UV-resistant plastic. Composite materials are also an option, although a far more expensive one. 
• Inflatable kayaks – which are more lightweight by design – are most commonly made of PVC. 

Dimensions (Length & Width) 

The bigger the kayak, the more it’s going to weight, regardless of the materials used in its construction. 

It’s as simple as that. 

When looking for lightweight kayaks, you might be tempted to go as compact as possible, but before you do, keep in mind that dimensions – primarily length and width – play into the kayak’s on-water performance: 

Long and narrow models are better suited for long-distance paddling, shorter ones are built for whitewater maneuverability, and wider ones typically offer the most stability. 

Plus, you have to check if the kayak’s size works for your body type – even if it means getting something a bit heavier. 

A word of warning, a small kayak doesn’t always mean a lighter kayak – I’ve seen plenty of 12 inflatables that weight less than a 8 foot hard-shell. But as a general rule of thumb, if made from a similar material then the smaller will also be lighter!

Best Lightweight Kayaks Buying Guide: How To Choose A Lightweight Kayak 

I wouldn’t blame you if you came here with the idea of merely picking the kayak that weighs the least and calling it a day. 

Sure, you’re going to want to stick to a specific weight limit. For instance, I’d say that 50 pounds or less should be comfortable enough for most paddlers. 

However, there’s more to it than a simple: 

How heavy is it?“ 

I mean, sure, you do expect the best lightweight kayaks to be… well, lightweight. But weight – and everything that determines it – aside, you also want it to be a comfortable, fully functional kayak. 

And what good is a lightweight kayak shell if it’s going to sacrifice on-water performance? 

That’s where the following factors come in as crucial for choosing a lightweight kayak. 

Let’s Talk Comfort: Always Look For Adjustability 

The main point is to shed as many pounds off your kayak’s weight – but not at the expense of comfort-oriented features. 

If you’re going to spend time in it, you want it to be comfortable. 

It’s even more essential if you plan on taking longer trips, where comfort turns into a matter of improved body support and better control over the kayak. 

The critical thing to look for here is adjustability: 

Adjustable seats, footrests, thigh braces – anything that allows you to get a more customized fit is more than welcome. 

If you’re on the bigger side like I am, you’re going to want to check how spacious the cockpit is. It’s beyond frustrating to get a kayak that you can’t – and I mean that quite literally – fit into comfortably because you’re too tall. 

Don’t Underestimate The Need For Onboard Storage 

To some extent, the amount of onboard storage is a matter of personal preference – as long as you don’t forget to factor in your kayaking habits. 

Sure, you want to keep things as light as possible. That doesn’t mean that you get to ignore the need for essential equipment and head out on the water with nothing but a life jacket/PFD and a paddle, though. 

Basics, such as food, water, a first aid kit, spare clothes, sunscreen, and the like, should always have a place on board your kayak. 

And where do you plan on keeping those if the kayak doesn’t offer any storage options? 

You probably won’t find multiple hatches or large tank wells on a lightweight kayak. 

At the very least, it should have a dry-storage compartment, some tie-down points, bungee rigging, and maybe some additional space behind or underneath the seat, though. 

Do Lightweight Kayaks Have Low Weight Capacity? 

Weight capacity is always worth looking into, whether you’re going with a 100-pound hard-shell or a 20-pound inflatable kayak. It’s a determining factor in how well the kayak will handle not only your weight but also the gear you bring on board. 

While this can vary drastically from one model to the next, going with a lightweight kayak doesn’t necessarily mean that its weight capacity will be compromised. 

Well, at least not as extreme as you might assume based on the lighter construction. 

Look at inflatable kayaks, for example: 

They typically weigh around 25 to 30 pounds, and can still go neck-to-neck with the much heavier hard-shells in terms of how much weight they can carry. 

Portability & Storage As Common Concerns

Surprisingly or not, the size and weight of an average kayak are common concerns would-be kayakers face when thinking about getting their first kayak. 

You have to think about the logistics of transporting it to and from the water, which often includes roof racks and kayak trailers.

Plus also remember there may be times where you may need to lift, carry and portage the kayak around hazards such as low-head dams.

Lastly, you have to have enough storage space at home; a full-sized kayak isn’t something that you put in the closet and forget that it’s there. 

That’s where a lightweight kayak shines – and, of course, inflatables blow hard-shells out of the water. 

Either way, make sure that it comes fitted with carrying handles, grab lines, T-handles, and, in the case of inflatable kayaks, a storage bag. 

Best Lightweight Kayaks Reviews & Recommendations In 2022

Best Lightweight Kayak – Final Verdict 

You likely narrowed your choice down to lightweight kayaks for reasons such as lack of available space, transportation-related issues, or the inability to manage a regular, full-sized kayak single-handedly. 

Either way, I hope that my best lightweight kayak showed you that you still have plenty of options, both hard-shell and inflatable ones. 

This time, my vote goes to the Pelican Maxim 100X: 

It’s sturdy and durable but lightweight – especially for a hard-shell – and offers excellent on-water performance. What’s more, it’s comfortable enough for prolonged paddling sessions, too. 

If you’d prefer an inflatable kayak due to storage issues, feel free to pick any of the models featured on my list. I’m sure that you’ll be more than happy with your choice!