Inflatable Kayaks
If you already know what you’re looking for in an inflatable kayak and just want to compare makes and models, scroll down to the comparison table below. If you’re not sure what to look for in an inflatable kayak, then read the following sections.
How To Choose the Best Inflatable Kayak For You
The most common considerations when choosing an inflatable kayak include the type of kayaking you plan to do (including solo vs. tandem), ease of transportation, and cost.
Type of Kayaking
Inflatable kayaks are available in a very wide range of designs, from recreational sit-on-top kayaks to performance oriented sit-in kayaks, so the first thing you should determine is the type of paddling you expect to do. If you plan to paddle in places with much wind, waves or current, then you would be wise to spend a little extra for a performance oriented inflatable kayak. If you just plan to paddle flat water on your local lakes and rivers, then almost any inflatable kayak will be fine.
Solo, Tandem or Convertible
If you plan to have a partner for most of your outings and like the idea of sharing one kayak, a tandem inflatable kayak may be perfect. However, sometimes it’s nice to have your own boat so you can explore that little cove that your partner would rather skip. 
While you can paddle a tandem by yourself, it can be somewhat of a challenge to maneuver because you’re not sitting in the middle of the boat. A tandem-solo convertible is a kayak designed specifically to address this issue by allowing you to adjust the position of the seats.
Transportation
Any inflatable kayak is easy to transport, at least relative to any rigid kayak, but the size and weight of the deflated kayak can vary considerably. So if you want to be able to carry your inflatable kayak in a backpack, or on an airplane, then the packed size and weight will need to be taken into consideration. Weight can also be an issue if you plan to paddle alone because you’ll need to get the kayak into and out of your vehicle by yourself.
Cost
Since inflatable kayaks vary greatly in design and intended use, they also vary greatly in price. While cost is usually an important factor for most of us, it should definitely take a back seat to the other considerations discussed above. If the kayak you want isn’t in your budget right now, consider getting a less expensive inflatable kayak to start with even it means you may have to stick to less exciting waters. It’s better to paddle any kayak than to not paddle at all.
The Best Inflatable Kayaks
Tips: Click on a product name for more information. Then click on the Comparison tab to find the best price.
Make and Model Hull Material Length Width Weight Price
Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Inflatable Kayak triple-layer polyester with double PVC coating and aluminum frame 10' 5" 34" 36 lbs. $450
Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Expedition Inflatable Kayak> triple-layer polyester with double PVC coating and aluminum frame 13' 32" 42 lbs. $590
Bic YakkAir 1 Inflatable Kayak upper is solid, double layer fabric envelope around two urethane inner tubes; lower is a high-pressure floor with PVC skin and keel 10' 9" 35.5" 22 lbs. $799
Innova Helios Inflatable Kayak 1200-denier Nitrylon™ & LitePack™, or all-Nitrylon™; environmentally-friendly construction without PVC 10' 2" 28" 24 lbs. LitePack™
29 lbs. Nitrylon™ EX$749
Innova Solar Inflatable Kayak 1,200-denier Nitrylon™ exterior, LitePack™ interior; environmentally-friendly construction without PVC 9' 11" 30" 19 lbs. $749
Innova Sunny Inflatable Kayak heavy duty rubber coated 1,200-denier Nitrylon™; environmentally-friendly construction without PVC 12' 8" 31" 33 lbs. $999
Innova Twist Inflatable Kayak LitePack™ rip-stop polyester fabric with a coating of natural rubbers on the interior; environmentally-friendly construction without PVC 8' 6" 31" 16 lbs. $499
Tributary-AIRE Tomcat Solo Inflatable Kayak PVC-coated polyester and PVC-coated nylon I-beams 10' 3" 36" 40 lbs. $650
Zoik AlterEgo I Inflatable Kayak 1000 Denier PVC, removable skeg for improved tracking 9' 6" 38" 27 lbs. $549
Zoik RF Solo Inflatable Kayak 1000 Denier PVC, raised floor for improved tracking and efficiency 10' 6" 39" 36 lbs. $850
The Best Tandem Inflatable Kayaks
Tips: Click on a product name for more information. Then click on the Comparison tab to find the best price.
Make and Model Hull Material Length Width Weight Price
Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Convertible Inflatable Kayak triple-layer polyester with double PVC coating and aluminum frame 15' 32" 56 lbs. $660
Bic YakkAir 2 Tandem Inflatable Kayak upper is solid, double layer fabric envelope around two urethane inner tubes; lower is a high-pressure floor with PVC skin and keel 13' 5" 37.8" 33 lbs. $999
Innova Double Twist 2-Person Inflatable Kayak LitePack™ rip-stop polyester fabric with a coating of natural rubbers on the interior; environmentally-friendly construction without PVC 11' 9" 36" 23 lbs. $599
Innova Helios II 1- or 2-Person Inflatable Kayak 1,200-denier Nitrylon™ & LitePack™, or all-Nitrylon™; environmentally-friendly construction without PVC 12' 6" 30" 33 lbs. $899
Innova Sunny 1- or 2-Person Inflatable Kayak heavy duty rubber coated 1,200-denier Nitrylon™; environmentally-friendly construction without PVC 12' 8" 31" 33 lbs. $999
Tributary-AIRE Tomcat Tandem Inflatable Kayak PVC-coated polyester and PVC-coated nylon I-beams 12' 9" 38.5" 54 lbs. $785
Zoik AlterEgo II Tandem Inflatable Kayak 1000 Denier PVC, removable skeg for improved tracking 12' 3" 38" 38 lbs. $659
Zoik RF Tandem Inflatable Kayak 1000 Denier PVC, raised floor for improved tracking and efficiency 12' 6" 39" 44 lbs. $950
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