Enjoy Getting Out on the Water With the Best Inflatable Kayaks

Best Inflatable Kayaks Buying Guide

Kayaking is the perfect fun outdoor activity for beautiful summer days. However, the fun can get ruined at times by the extra effort it takes to store and transport the kayak itself. Inflatable kayaks are a great alternative to regular kayaks because they are a lot more portable.  They are much easier to move around with, and even though inflatable kayaks may not have the same level of performance as hard-shell kayaks, you can enjoy them for many of the same fun activities.

Regardless of your destination, you can easily stash a non-inflated kayak in your carrier bag and inflate it upon arrival. Likewise, if you don’t have enough space to store your kayak in your garage or shed, an inflatable kayak may solve your problem. All you need to do is deflate your boat between seasons of use, and boom; you now have a boat that is much easier to pack away.

There’s more that you need to know about inflatable kayaks before buying one. Read on to learn how to select one that is perfect for your needs.

The Questions to Help You Choose the Best Inflatable Kayak

Where do you plan to use the kayak?

Before you invest in a new inflatable kayak, you need to know the kind of places you’ll be visiting first. Is the body of water you plan to kayak a flat lake or a fast river? Do you plan to head to open waters such as a lagoon? Depending on the type of water you’ll be kayaking on, you’ll have different needs. If you plan on staying on calmer waters, there’s no need to choose a kayak that is designed for fast-moving waters. Likewise, if you want to race down rivers, don’t pick a kayak for fishing on a lake.

Who and how many people will use the kayak?

Your size matters a lot when purchasing a kayak. If you are taller or larger than average, you’ll need a bigger kayak with a lot more legroom and a higher weight capacity. I know I want to be comfortable when kayaking, so a short kayak with little legroom is out of the question for me. You, of course, don’t have the same body or build as I do; a smaller kayak may be perfectly comfortable for you. Whatever your size is, choose a kayak accordingly.

The size of the kayak is also determined by the number of people who will use it i.e. if it is a tandem or single seater. If you are not sure if you want to kayak alone or with a partner, it may be best to get a tandem inflatable kayak. Most tandem kayaks can be used alone if they are the right size, and thus are a great bet for those interested in tandem and solo kayaking. Obviously, if you know you’ll only go out on the water with a partner or only kayak alone, buy a tandem or solo kayak, respectively.

What are you going to use it for?

Like with location, the use of your kayak will dictate the shape and features of your kayak. If you plan on whitewater kayaking, you’ll want something shorter and more maneuverable than a standard recreational kayak.

You can, of course, some kayaks are multiple-purpose, but a kayak specifically designed for one task will be better at that task and overall be more fun. For example, you can fish in just about any kayak, but kayaks for fishing improve the experience dramatically. Fishing kayaks have storage spaces and specialized fishing kayaks, such as sit-on-top models, are great for angler fishing. Similarly, a canoe-style kayak is an appropriate fishing option as well. They are wider and allow you to move around easily, and carry lots of equipment and your catch.

Whatever you want to use your kayak for, consider if it is better to invest in a specialized boat or a general one. I personally would go with a general, unspecialized kayak since I plan on staying in calmer waters for my kayaking activities, but to each their own.

How comfortable is it?

Depending on the activity, you may be in your kayak for a long time; that’s why comfort is so important. Kayaks are sort of notorious for bad seats, but you can find an inflatable kayak with great seats out of the box. The price level of the kayak matters here, as you get what you pay for. Casual kayaks have comfier chairs than sport kayaks and thus are a great option for long trips out on the lake. You want a comfortable kayak that doesn’t hurt your back to use. In the worst-case scenario, ensure the seat is at least removable if it looks questionable so that if it doesn’t hold up to your needs you can swap it out later for some aftermarket seats. (Pro tip: If your choice is a seat with a high back, pair it with a seat-friendly life jacket. A bulky life jacket stuck between you and your seat is very uncomfortable.)

Kayaks should also not be a challenge to get into. If you, more often than not, have trouble getting in and out of a kayak, you may be better served by a sit-on-top kayak. They are significantly easier to get in and out of but are more prone to tipping because the center of gravity is higher. Practice getting in and out of the kayak several times to be sure you can do it without any problems.

What are the Types of Inflatable Kayaks?

Before we talk about kayak types, a brief word on kayak lengths. Kayak lengths range from about 6’ to 14’ or even greater. Generally speaking, short kayaks (between 8 to 12 feet) are more agile but slower and harder to paddle straight and work well for agile river paddling and or other nimble application. On the other hand, long kayaks (between 12 to 15 feet) are more efficient, faster, and easier to control. Additionally, they are generally more stable and have more room for gear. They’re the ones for you if you prefer long days of paddling or need more room for tackle and stability on open water.

Now that we know more about kayak lengths let’s talk about four common kayak designs below.

Sit-on-top kayaks

This type of kayak has no enclosed cockpit. Just like the name implies, you basically sit on top of the kayak. These kinds are appropriate for fishing because you have maximum bodily movement and can easily access your fishing gear and casting.

Self-bailing kayaks

These kayaks are commonly used for white water rafting and have holes in their hulls to drain water while you paddle. They are usually used in rougher conditions, but they do come with plugs for when you are in calmer water and don’t need to worry about capsizing. With this kind of kayak, there will usually be some water in the bottom of the kayak, hence why they aren’t good for those who want to maximize comfort

Sit inside kayak

This kayak model requires you to sit deep inside the boat. With this design, you will tend to stay drier because you are protected from splashing water and the elements. You’ll also have greater control over the kayak and less chance of tipping, but you’ll also be more restricted in terms of movements you can make inside the boat.

Canoe type

As its name implies, this kayak looks like a canoe. It typically features a wider design with higher walls and seats, giving you more space to move around. It is little wonder why this boat is a popular choice for fishing.

What Materials are used for Inflatable kayaks?

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

PVC is by far the most common material used by inflatable kayak manufacturers. It is sometimes bonded to nylon for extra tear resistance. Even though PVC is fairly UV resistant, you should avoid leaving PVC kayaks in the sun for extended periods.

Nitrylon

This material is more eco-friendly than PVC. It is a combination of nitrile synthetic rubber and natural rubber bonded to polyester fabric. Compared to PVC, It is very tough, puncture-resistant, and has better abrasion resistance.

Hypalon

Hypalon is a more UV-resistant material than PVC, but it is more expensive because it is not as easy to work with. The material is also more abrasion resistant than PVC or Nitrylon. Some brands of inflatable kayaks go above and beyond by combining PVC with a Hypalon coating.