Think of a cheap inflatable mattress which is the same material that these ones are made of. This material is cheap and easy to manufacture therefore these kayaks will be by far the cheapest ones. I should also note that not all kayaks I put into this category are made of exactly the same material.
The Sea Eagle I have here is made of slightly thicker vinyl. And Intex Excursion Pro is a really interesting beast that I would like to dedicate a separate video to as it's made of some weird plasticky feeling material with a fabric base in it. It's trying hard to be category three but I would not put it in there. The second category is kayaks that are made of the same cheap vinyl but now it's encased in protective fabric. This makes them much more protected from the puncturing and UV light exposure.
This category is quite a populous but has one major disadvantage that first-time buyers usually don't think about. I'll talk more about it in-depth shortly. If the kayak looks like it has some fabric on the outside and has zippers that's a sure sign you're looking at a category 2 kayak. If you open that zipper you'll find the same cheap vinyl chambers inside. The third category is the kayaks made of thick single-layer materials like PVC and rubbers. These are the most durable materials and can withstand quite a bit of abuse.
These kayaks would be hard to puncture and would be more likely to have leaks around seams. I've taken boats of this type on white water and after rubbing against the rocks quite hard I could barely see any scratches on the bottom.
They are also more likely to last significantly longer than the other two category boats. I'd say that 20 years for these would be easy. Some of you now just want to hear what is the best brand and I can give you my general observations. Category one kayaks seem to be dominated by the brand who manages to make cheap yet surprisingly well-performing boats: Intex. The second category has many good players but Advanced Elements is probably dominating.
There is also Aquaglide and a bunch of others. The third category is led by Sea Eagle. Aquaglide has some go good boats in there and so does Hobie , although their pricing is a bit insane. Any of these brands are fine and they have more or less successful models. There's just one brand that I personally would stay away from altogether. I've seen a few of their kayaks, none of them were great but two were absolutely abysmal.
So I personally would not gamble with them and their name is Sevylor. They seem to end up sacrificing good design to win the price war. Also, common kayaks vary quite a bit by where you are in the world. In Europe, you have a whole bunch of other brands we don't really see here in the states, and vice versa. Now let's look at the common story of what people go through when choosing an inflatable kayak.
When I was researching inflatable kayaks for the first time I thought I was smart and I was going to pay a bit more and get a kayak that looks like it's really high performing so I could stick with it for years to come. It had an appropriate name too. Advanced Elements made me think I was going to be cool, modern, and outdoorsy if I got it.
And looking at their promotional videos, they made me think that they designed something great and unique. It was more money than some cheaper, less fancy sounding stuff but it seemed like I was getting a much better kayak. So I got it and I must admit, I was a bit disappointed when I discovered that their whole supposedly innovative design consisted of a couple of aluminum brackets. And then I discovered that when I opened the zipper on the fabric cover, I had those cheap vinyl chambers staring at me.
Oh and the kayak sagged when I sat in it. I felt like it was dirty secrets that were meant to be hidden. But the worst blow by far was when I discovered that drying this is a total and utter pain. This seems like the perfect time to talk about probably the most important topic that novice paddlers don't think about, drying your kayak.
I often get asked how long it takes me to inflate and set up a kayak and the answer is five to seven minutes, max! It's quite easy and joyful. What nobody asks about, and they really should, is how long it takes to dry and pack away a kayak. I will tell you that that part of the process is much more critical than the setup.
When you're getting the kayak ready you're enjoying the thought that you're about to be on the water. You're probably in nature and you're generally having a good time but when you come back all tired from paddling, the last thing you want to do is deal with your kayak.
But you have to. It is particularly bad for category 2 kayaks. For category 1 or 3 kayaks you just drain, wipe off, deflate and pack. Category 2 boats are almost impossible to dry fully because they're covered with the fabric that allows moisture in and they have multiple layers.
And they are quite prone to molding. Drying them when you get home might be required, which usually I assure you is the last thing you will be in the mood to do. If you're buying an inflatable kayak you might not have too much space to dry a boat, to begin with, so this is a big consideration. So as you might have deducted, my first kayak was a category 2 kayak and I have a bit of a prejudice against category 2 boats because of the drying issue.
I don't want to sound all negative about Advanced Elements and will openly say that performance-wise their kayaks are quite good. They truly are among the best performing inflatable kayaks. If I were to do it all over again though, depending on my budget, I'd either jump on the category 3 kayak right away, especially a fully drop stitched one, It's a technology I'll talk about in a bit, or actually go completely the other way and buy one of the cheap category 1 kayaks.
So let's talk about category 1. These are great kayaks to have relaxed shorter paddles in good weather. If you're evaluating how much you will actually use a kayak, get one of these.
They are really cheap and you might score a used one for close to nothing. However, I would advise getting a good big manual pump and a good pedal if you feel like you will use it often enough. Usually what comes with them is not good on the pumps.
Many people assume that electric pumps are faster and easier than manual ones and that's usually not the case. Electric pumps need your car nearby, are really noisy, slow, and just annoying. This is the best double inflatable kayak for whitewater paddling and also a good option for leisurely kayaking or overnight trips. The Sea Eagle comes with enough cargo space to carry camping equipment and is able to handle weights of up to pounds.
We like that the kayak itself only weighs 26 pounds and packs down into a drawstring bag which can easily fit into a car or into plane luggage. It is also a good option for beginners too due to its wide and stable base and I-Bean construction. Overall, this is a well-priced inflatable kayak that is well suited to river adventurers and beginners alike.
This 2-person kayak is one of the best inflatable kayaks for all-around use on lakes, rivers, or streams. It features an incredibly lightweight and compact design. The upper part is made from a rip resistance D nylon-coated oxford fabric which will withstand most abrasions, while the hull is made from a heavy-duty PVC tarpaulin fabric. This may not be the most durable fabric but it is puncture resistant and keeps the kayak lightweight so you can easily carry it to and from your launching point.
The Driftsun Voyager features a V-shaped hull, raised bow, a removable tracking skeg, and side tubes for enhanced steering and stability. These make it suitable for use on both calm and windy days. This tandem kayak also comes at a very reasonable package price which includes accessories such as a repair kit, hand pump, removable rear tracking skeg, aluminium paddles, padded seats, and, of course, a convenient travel bag.
Though certainly not the highest spec inflatable kayak on our list, the Intex Explorer K2 Kayak allows beginner kayakers to enjoy occasional outings on the water without committing to a hefty investment.
However, when used and stored correctly, this easy to paddle 2 person kayak will go the distance for a good few years of occasional use. Taller folk may struggle with the lack of legroom and should stick to shorter outings. However, there is enough space behind the back paddler to carry food and gear for a day out on the water. The hull is designed for fast movement and rapid response.
It also features self-bailing drain holes so you can focus on paddling instead of floating, exactly what you need whilst taking on choppy water and river rapids.
When it comes to durability the Lynx II excels. Both the outer tubes and floor are made from a 2-layer denier outer PVC fabric and fitted with airtight welded seams for extra strength. The seats are fully adjustable and can be removed to make the Lynx II a roomy single kayak too. Considering that this Sevylor inflatable kayak is best suited to calm waters and lakes, the heavy-duty PVC tarpaulin provides plenty of protection from punctures and tears.
This inflatable kayak is also fitted with multiple air chambers for extra buoyancy. This ensures that the kayak will stay afloat even if one chamber is damaged. The integrated front and rear splash guards and air-tight system will also help keep your crew dry and happy! We like that the Sevylor weighs only 35 pounds despite being able to carry a weight of pounds. And we love that the double-threaded Boston Valves make inflating and deflating the kayak a painless task.
Admittedly, at only 12ft long this the Sevylor Big Basin inflatable kayak may feel a little cramped for 3 adults. However, this length does make the kayak easy for three people to steer and manoeuvre whilst the 3 ft base is wide enough to keep passengers from taking a dip with the fishes!
A superb choice for family paddling trips. Find the latest price on: Amazon Sevylor. At over 14 foot long, the Seawave , by Innova in the US or Gumotex in Europe, is the longest inflatable kayak on our list and also the most versatile.
It boasts a spacious design that can accommodate one, two or three paddlers, thanks to the adjustable seating options. It can also be fitted with a spray deck for one or two people, to offer a seaworthy kayak that keeps paddlers and gear dry and contained. Features include adjustable foot rests, inflatable seats, carry handles, safety ropes on the sides and a drain opening at the stern. It also comes with a backpack carry case and a removable tracking fin.
As well as its excellent tracking and speed on long distance trips, we really love that this premium kayak is constructed with Nitrilon that is tough and durable and a more environmentally appealing alternative to PVC. Find the latest price at: Gumotex Innova. Whichever of this superb selection of inflatable kayaks you choose, be sure to enjoy your time on the water in safety.
Originally from the UK and currently based in Turkey, Beth Carter is a full-time adventurer, former scout, and vegan traveller. On the odd occasion, you might even see her sitting at a keyboard, coffee at the ready, typing about her latest outdoor pursuit. Search Cool of the Wild Start typing Get eco-smart! Summary of the best inflatable kayaks Disclaimer: We use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases. Size Our list of the best inflatable kayaks includes options for one, two and even three paddlers.
Portability One of the main benefits of inflatable kayaks is how easily they are to transport. Material The material of inflatable kayaks is fairy key to their success and popularity. Here are your fabric options: Hypalon: Durable and strong. Resistant to UV rays, chemicals and extreme weather. It is found on high end kayaks, but not as abrasion resistant as PVC. PVC: Cheap, abrasion resistant and durable. Has questionable environmental impacts, though. Nitrylon: Stronger, more durable and more eco-friendly than PVC.
But also heavier. Stability Most inflatable kayaks are relatively stable in the water and are good for beginner kayakers. So to heighten the chances of it being comfortable, consider the following: Seats Kayaks with adjustable seats add to comfort levels as they can be moved back or forward in the kayak to suit your preferred position. Carry handles Used to transport a kayak to and from the water, handles are essential features.
Seats To provide comfort and support when sitting in your kayak, a seat with a backrest is really important. Splash guards Some inflatable kayaks have guards at the front and back of the hull that help to keep stored items dry, as well as you! Carry bag As mentioned, a carry bag is kind of an essential feature of an inflatable kayak, and most kayaks will come with one.
Foot rests Foot rests are designed for both comfort and to gain more control over the kayak. Many inflatable kayaks have detachable skeg. This is a piece of triangular plastic that attaches to the bottom of the kayak to help prevent the boat from being effected by crosswinds and crosscurrents.
Which one you choose will totally depend on your needs, your budget and how much time you plan to invest in kayaking. To begin searching for inflatable kayaks see our Top 5 Inflatable Kayak Reviews. Subscribe to our newsletter for paddling tips, latest reviews, epic videos and discount codes.
Intex Challenger K1 Review — Ultra cheap, portable and fun! Step 1 — Try Kayaking First If you have already experienced kayaking then you do not need to worry about this step.
Paddling a kayak can be quite different than paddling a canoe and you can easily experience kayaking in two ways: Go out with a friend who already owns a kayak or see if you can borrow their kayak for the day… this is especially helpful if they own an inflatable kayak.
Rent a kayak for a couple of hours — Depending on where you live, it may even be possible to rent an inflatable kayak. Step 2 — Take a Kayaking Lesson By signing up for a kayaking lesson you will learn some excellent and useful safety tips as well as different kayak strokes. Step 3 — Watch YouTube Videos and Read Reviews Although some local kayak stores do carry inflatable kayaks, they usually do not carry all of the models. Without actually seeing the model in person, the best way to get a feel for it is to: a Look for pictures and reviews online such as on our website!
This is a great way to see regular people using their inflatable kayaks and can give you the most real life experience without actually being there with the kayak yourself.
Step 4 — Compare the Specs Once you have read the reviews and seen pictures, you can go to our Inflatable Kayak Comparison Charts and really compare the specs of each model. Questions to Ask Before Choosing Your Inflatable Kayak If you are now sure that an inflatable kayak is right for you then you will need to ask yourself these 4 questions: 1.
Paddling an Inflatable vs. Get Your Kayak Groove On! Email Address. Yakgrips Kayak Paddle Grips Review. Widgeon Creek paddle adventure.. Mountain reflections and a beautiful early Spring.
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