Article courtesy of PumpupBoats.com - Inflatable boat guides, mods, how-to articles.

Inflatable Kayaks are a great way to get out on the water. They offer many advantages over their hard-shell counterparts and could be the only choice for paddlers that require easy portability from the kayak.

There are loads of Inflatable Kayaks on the market, all with various features, designs, materials, etc.

With so many choices, picking one is hard!

No worries, I’ve gathered everything you need to know about inflatable kayaks on this page to help you choose the best inflatable kayak for your specific needs.

Let’s start with a list of the most popular inflatable kayaks. I will divide it into 2 sections: single-person kayaks and tandem kayaks

Best Single Person Inflatable Kayaks

Here are the best single paddler inflatable kayaks you can get in 2021.

This is one of my favorite day tourer kayaks.

Best Tandem (2-Person) Inflatable Kayaks

Here are 2021‘s best 2 person tandem kayaks.

This kayak might be familiar already, as it has a single paddler version as well.

This is another kayak that also has a single-person model.

Again, the Razorlite family of Sea Eagle kayaks has a smaller, single person version.

Types of Inflatable Kayaks

Before we get into the categories of kayaks based on design and usage, you should know that there are 2 main types of kayaks: 

In general, SOTs are a better option for beginners, and SIKs are suitable for intermediate and advanced paddlers.

There is a lot to be said about the advantages and disadvantages of each, which is why I recommend you read my article on sit-inside vs. sit-on-top kayaks.

Kayak Categories

Kayaks are manufactured differently and incorporate different features based on how they are used. There are many types of inflatable kayaks, some of them purpose-built for use under extreme circumstances.

While no single kayak can perform well in all conditions, you should get one that will do well for most of what you intend to use it for. Based on this, we can differentiate the following inflatable kayak categories.

Recreational kayaks

The most basic type of kayak is the recreational kayak. They come in sit-on-top and sit-inside versions and are an affordable way to get on the water.

They are suitable for recreational activities, like paddling on lakes and even slow rivers.

Day touring kayaks

Day touring kayaks carry a higher price tag than recreational kayaks but are of higher quality in general. They come in sit-inside and sit-on-top variations as well.

Day tourers are sleeker and are easier to control than recreational kayaks. They also offer some cargo space for your gear.

Touring kayaks

Touring kayaks are much longer than day tourers, which increases their speed and optimizes their tracking capabilities. 

You can go on extended journeys in touring kayaks, as they are more comfortable and offer more storage space.

If you are not 100% intent on going on long kayaking trips, though, you will be better off with a day tourer.

Whitewater kayaks

The body of whitewater kayaks is shaped in a way that helps you navigate through raging rapids, and their material is super durable to resist tears and punctures.

They do not have skegs, as it would be an obstruction.

Fishing kayaks

Fishing kayaks offer extra features that anglers need, like fishing rod holders, mounting pads, and mounting brackets.

How to Choose an Inflatable Kayak

When deciding on which inflatable kayak you should buy, the most important thing to consider is how and where you plan on using the kayak. Everything else falls into place based on this.

Before I got into details about the characteristics of inflatable kayaks and what features you should look for, watch this insightful video on how to choose an inflatable kayak.

Characteristics of Inflatable Kayaks

Inflatable kayaks have a few inherent characteristics you should know about.

How and where can you use an inflatable kayak?

You can use inflatable kayaks pretty much anywhere you would use any other small boat.

When choosing a kayak, a lot depends on the type of water you will be kayaking in. 

• Kayaking in flat water (lakes, ideal weather) = recreational kayak
• Kayaking in slow-moving rivers = Day touring or Touring kayaks
• Fishing = Fishing kayaks
• Multi-day trips = Touring kayaks
• Kayaking in the sea = Touring kayaks or sea kayaks
• Whitewater rapids = Whitewater kayaks

As I mentioned, you need to think about how you will use a kayak before you buy one. Many people who fall in love with kayaking have more than one kayak, since each type is suitable for a different purpose.

Durability and safety

The durability of the kayak matters a lot when choosing an inflatable vessel. You may think inflatable boats are inferior in this regard to hard shell kayaks, but that is not true.

Consider that:

• Inflatable boats are in use by Navy SEALs and the Coast Guard
• Many whitewater enthusiasts prefer inflatables rated for whitewater rafting over hardshell kayaks.

Professional kayaks are suitable in adverse conditions because they are made from multiple layers of materials like rubber or PVC. For example, in case of a heavy impact against a cliff, a hardshell kayak might develop a crack. However, the air chambers of inflatable kayaks deflect the impact, meaning there is no damage to the kayak.

Not only that, they consist of redundant air chambers, so if any single chamber suffers a puncture, the other chambers still keep you afloat.

All these features ensure that they can handle the most adverse conditions with ease. You can definitely puncture them if you really try, but the better inflatable kayaks can take a real beating before showing any signs of use.

Of course, the quality of inflatable kayaks will vary in line with their price points.

But with that said, you should know that inflatable kayaks are more affordable than hardshell ones. Even the higher-end models won’t reach high-end hardshell kayaks’ price points. 

Material

An inflatable kayak’s durability depends a lot on what it is made out of, how it is made, and how thick the fabric is. 

The kayak can come in contact with sharp edges, underwater rocks, sticks, etc. on the water, and even during transport. Many people even take their dog paddling, which is fine, as long as the material can stand up to dog claws.

In addition to being durable, the material needs to be lightweight so that you can easily transport the kayak in a deflated state.

There are 3 main categories of kayak materials:

• Single-layer vinyl – inexpensive recreational kayaks.
• Fabric-covered vinyl – a step up, but the fabric covering the vinyl layer dries slowly.
• Thick, heavy-duty rubber or PVC – expensive, but durable.

In addition, advances in manufacturing technology is changing the way inflatable kayaks are designed.

The use of drop-stitch tech not just in kayak floors, but also for the body of the kayak is revolutionizing inflatable kayaks. Drop-stitched kayaks come very close to the rigidity, control, and handling of hard-shell kayaks, while retaining the convenient features that we love in inflatable watercraft.

Portability

One of the main reasons people opt for inflatable kayaks is that they are lightweight, and once you deflate them, they occupy very little space. This makes them easy to transport and store.

Once you fold them up and put them into their carrying case, they are no larger than a sleeping bag. Some kayaks fold up so small that you can even keep them in your backpack. 

If you don’t have much storage space at home or plan on storing it in an RV, inflatable kayaks are a great option since they do not occupy much space. 

Stability on the water

If you compare the design of the inflatable kayaks and the hard shell ones, you will notice that inflatable ones are a bit wider. The wider body structure means they are buoyant on the edges as well as in the middle. This buoyancy makes them very stable; you really have to work at it to tip one over.

Their added stability also means it’s easier to reenter an inflatable kayak from the water.

Handling

Handling, speed, and tracking (going straight) are where inflatable kayaks fall behind their hardshell counterparts.

This is due to their inherent design:

• higher sides
• more rocker
• hull design
• low weight

The handling of the more expensive inflatable kayaks is about as good as that of hardshell models. Still, cheaper inflatables are definitely more difficult to control and keep going straight.

The solution to this problem is to go with an inflatable kayak with a detachable or fixed skeg. It will increase the control which you have over your kayak.

Features to look for when choosing an inflatable kayak

If you’re on the hunt for the best inflatable kayak suitable for your needs, it’s a good idea to get one that has as many features as possible.

Here are the most useful features of quality inflatable yaks.

Cockpit size

The size of the cockpit matters a lot when choosing an inflatable kayak. For a short person, it might not matter that much. However, if you’re tall and the cockpit size is small, you will be cramped and uncomfortable. 

While adjustable seats can help, not even they will help if the cockpit is too small.

In that case, the solution is to go with a tandem kayak (2-person) if you’re paddling solo or a 3-person model if you’re paddling with someone else. They are bigger and will have enough space for you and your gear.

It is well worth it to opt for a large kayak to get that extra space. It can save you a lot of discomfort in the longer run. Moreover, such kayaks are perfect for overnight camping trips as well. 

Storage space

The amount of storage space it offers is essential if you plan on carrying gear along. 

You can store gear in many ways on a kayak if it has the following features:

• Cargo nets on the deck,
• Storage compartments in the cockpit,
• Hatches,
• Hooks and loops you can tie things to.

You have to decide which storage methods you prefer and choose a suitable kayak to fit all your gear on a kayaking trip. 

Ergonomic carrying handles

All kayaks need carrying handles to move them around, but not all handles are created equal. You have to not only look at the handle design but also the padding of the handle. 

The positioning of the handles also matters a lot. The kayak should have ergonomic handles on both ends and should be easy to carry.

Seat design

Ideally, it is best to choose an inflatable kayak with adjustable seats, which allow you to position the backrest in a comfortable position. You can also set the elevation of the seats in some cases.

Additionally, the seat should provide proper back support. In that case, you will not suffer from back pain after a long kayaking trip. 

Seat padding is not an issue on inflatable kayaks, but you should still ensure the seat is properly formed and padded for many hours of pain-free paddling.

The seat design, its adjustments, and padding will determine the comfort which it provides.

Effective splash guards

If you’re looking at sit-on-top kayaks, it is good to choose one with front and rear splash guards. These can ensure that the gear in the storage compartment and the storage space remains dry. 

It will also reduce the amount of water that gets into the kayak.

Sturdy carry bag

Whether you like it or not, your kayak will probably be deflated and stored most of the time. That is why you should choose a kayak, which comes with a proper carry bag, as it is the most secure way to store the kayak. It will also ensure that the kayak gets stored in a small amount of space.

The carry bag should be of excellent quality, so it does not tear. It will have handles, of course, but having backpack-style straps is a big plus when you need to carry it on longer distances.

Comfortable footrests

Footrests keep your feet and legs supported, which is vital for proper paddling form. They also help keep your legs in a comfortable position. 

Some inflatable kayaks don’t have footrests, meaning you need to place your feet in between the hull and side tubes. It works but is not ideal.

The best inflatable yaks have adjustable footrests so that you are comfortable throughout the trip.

Skeg

A skeg is nothing but a plastic fin that is attached to the bottom of the kayak. While it might seem like a small feature, it can help you immensely out on the water.

I have an entire article about inflatable boat skegs here.

In short, skegs help in controlling the kayak and increase paddling efficiency. You can tackle crosscurrents as well as crosswinds more effectively with a skeg. 

You absolutely need to have at least one skeg on an inflatable kayak.

Drain plugs

The best sit-on-top inflatable kayaks have drain plugs (scupper holes) that you can open and close as you need. They allow you to drain the excess water which enters your kayak. 

Scupper holes are significant for whitewater kayaking, where water splashes onto the deck. They also make it easier to correct a flipped kayak.

Setting up and packing away

Inflation usually is not an issue with inflatable kayaks. They have a set number of air chambers, and you have to inflate them in order. It takes no longer than 10 minutes.

Here is a detailed article on how to inflate kayaks.

Deflation is a bit trickier, but interestingly, nobody asks about it. You should pay attention to 2 things:

• The air valve should allow a lot of air out quickly. Look for boats with “check valves” like the Boston valve or the Halkey-Roberts valve. They make inflation easy as they do not let the air out, but at the same time, a simple twist will open them up to quickly deflate the boat.
• Kayaks that have fabric covering the vinyl are harder to dry. You never want to put a damp kayak into storage, as it will mold. If you don’t have time to dry your boat right after use, you need to open it up and let it dry completely at home.

Inflatable Kayaking FAQs

Here are answers to many common questions you might have about the world of inflatable yaks. If you have any other questions, please leave a comment below.