Best Inflatable Kayak Reviews 2023

One of the most important factors that influences the price of an inflatable kayak is, of course, the material of which it’s made. For example, some kayaks feature a single layer of puncture-resistant vinyl and are obviously safe, but if you like to adventure in more dangerous waters, you might want to go for a kayak that features three or more layers of puncture-resistant materials. The latter kayak might cost more, but it provides more protection. Similarly, kayaks which can accommodate two people at once might be priced slightly higher than single-person kayaks.

To help you come up with a suitable budget, we found during our research that most high-quality inflatable kayaks cost between around $100 and $1,000, for a more sophisticated model. There are also numerous cheap inflatable kayaks which cost much less than a hundred dollars, but we advise you to stay away from them, as they are usually made of poor-quality materials. You’d probably like to use your kayak for a couple of years, so it is wise to spend a couple bucks more for a higher-quality product, don’t you think?

Especially if this is the first time you are buying an inflatable kayak, you need to keep an eye on several important aspects to ensure you are making a good decision.

• Size – Some kayaks are relatively small, with a length of around 150 inches, while others can go beyond 200 inches from one tip to the other.
• Capacity - This refers to the amount of weight safely supported by the kayak, and this can be up to 800 pounds in some cases.
• Materials - We already covered vinyl, but kayaks can be made of other stuff, such as polyester, Duratex and might have aluminum ribs, too.
• Color - Why shouldn’t your kayak be in your favorite color? The design of a kayak is important, and you can choose from multiple shades, from the traditional yellow, to black and white, and even red, blue, or green.

Keep in mind that today's kayaks also come with accessories that are highly useful for a better water sport experience. For example, some kayaks might come with electric pumps, allowing you to inflate your kayak in minutes; others might include paddles, detachable seats, and so on.

It is paramount for the inflatable kayak to be durable and resistant to serious wear and tear, while remaining lightweight and easy to maneuver. Although such products are inflatable, don’t think about them as party balloons, ready to pop at the first needle touch. They are actually made of durable materials, including heavy-gauge PVC, 600D polyester, which is known for its increased strength and resistance to wear and tear, vinyl and others. On top of that, manufacturers use two or more layers of these materials to ensure your kayak remains usable no matter what.

It is important to mention here that, in the package, you might also find a repair kit that can be used to patch up a damaged portion of your inflatable kayak according to the provided instructions. Therefore, in the rare case that your kayak gets a hole or damaged spot, you can fix it quickly and easily, so it won't be rendered completely useless by a sharp rock from the lake.

Some kayaks which are more sophisticated also come with two seats, which can be moved around and removed completely if necessary. In other words, you will still be able to take your uncle with you in the kayak, even if he is more than six feet tall and has long legs! Adjusting the seats forward and backward gives you ample space to customize your experience, and you can even bring lots of photography gear if you want to snap pictures of the landscape around you.

We also found a plethora of kayaks that have aluminum ribs and are basically preassembled at the factory. When you receive them, all you have to do is unfold, inflate and start navigating. Such kayaks might be more suitable for experienced people who are interested in having better tracking and increased speed when kayaking.

Most inflatable kayaks are designed to be used on lakes, but some of them are also suitable for rivers too. In the package, you might also find a foot pump, which helps you inflate the kayak, as well as a carrying bag, excellent for transporting your inflatable kayak. Keep an eye out for the warranty information when buying an inflatable kayak, as these products are usually backed by a warranty period of one or two years. Good luck!