Inflatable kayaks are perfect for exploring new lakes and waters. Thanks to new materials and clever designs, these kayaks are now safer and more reliable than ever before.
Which inflatable kayaks are really any good?
To help you choose the right kayak, we compare the most popular models 2024 in our recommendations. Our Checklist shows what to look out for when buying. The best kayak is quickly found thanks to these tips.
Contents:
The best inflatable kayaks 2024 reviewed.
The following models are easy to transport, easy to store, have a long service life and very good customer reviews.
1. best high quality inflatable kayak
This kayak is 383 cm long, 92 cm wide and weighs around 22 kilograms. It is supplied with a fin, a pressure gauge, a repair kit and a waterproof transport bag.
- Comfortable seats
- Fast assembly
- Stable
- Heavy
- Sensitive
- Does not dry well after use
Why we like it: As the seats can be installed and removed independently of each other, it is possible to travel with a different number of seats. They have a high, adjustable backrest and are therefore comfortable even on long tours. The kayak is fully assembled and ready for use in around 15 minutes.
Recommended for: The boat is designed for up to 3 people and a load of 225 kilograms. Thanks to its streamlined design and wide bottom, which gives it stability, it can be used on lakes and rivers as well as on the coast.
2. best stable inflatable kayak
This boat measures 361 x 90 cm when inflated and is one of the lighter models at 12 kilograms. Thanks to its weight and the fact that it can be carried like a rucksack, it is easy to transport to the nearest swimming lake.
- Quickly assembled
- Small pack size
- Backrests not very stable
- Material sensitive
Why we like it: The kayak has a PVC outer shell, two side air chambers and a bottom chamber. It has a load capacity of 200 kg and is stable on the water thanks to its wide design. It has sprayhoods at the bow and stern to stow luggage safely.
Recommended for: This kayak is particularly suitable for families, as it offers space for two adults and one child. It can be used on lakes and rivers.
3. best kayak for 2 persons
This kayak measures 382 x 98 cm when inflated and weighs 21 kilograms. The scope of delivery includes two 2 seats, a transport bag and a pressure gauge.
- Easy to steer
- Tilt-proof
- Practical to transport
- Rather slow
- Hard to dry
- Zipper of the pack sack not very durable
Why we like it: The seats with adjustable backrests allow a customized seating position and increase comfort. The kayak has a removable and waterproof storage compartment to protect valuables from water damage, as well as additional pockets and straps for transporting luggage. Carrying handles on the bow and stern make it easy to launch the kayak.
Recommended for: The kayak offers space for 2 adults and additional luggage. It can bear a total load of up to 210 kilograms.
4. best kayak for 1 to 2 persons
The Gumotex Rush 2 is 420 cm long and 81 cm wide. With a weight of 15.5 kilograms and a pack size of 69 x 48 x 28 cm, the boat is easy to transport.
- Tilt stable
- Good running properties
- Dimensionally stable
- Expensive
Why we like it: In addition to the inflatable walls, the Gumotex Rush 2 has a drop-stitch floor. This guarantees not only easy transportation but also a very high level of stability. The footrests can be adjusted to suit the driver and the comfortable seats have a high backrest. Luggage can be transported in elastic nets.
Recommended for: The kayak is suitable for 2 people, but can be converted into a single-seater. It can be used for longer tours on rivers and lakes, but is also suitable for the sea and light white water.
5. best inflatable kayak for sea and lake
The red/grey kayak is 410 cm long and 75 cm wide. It weighs 16 kilograms and can be easily transported with a pack size of 68 x 40 x 30 cm. The base and the hoses are made of Nitrilon, an insensitive rubber material. The canopy is made of polyester.
- Fast
- Canopy protects against splashing water
- Price-performance
- Carrying straps uncomfortable for longer distances
Why we like it: The Gumotex Framura has a closed canopy, making it ideal for protecting luggage and paddlers from splashing water. As this is the fastest model of the Gumotex brand, it is particularly useful. The seat is still comfortable even after a long time on the water and can be adjusted. Plenty of luggage can be stowed in the large storage areas, the deck cover and the net.
Recommended for: Whether sea, inland waters or lakes, the touring kayak is ready for the terrain. It can be loaded up to 180 kilograms.
More articles you might find interesting:
- Fishing kayaks
- one person kayak
- 2-seater kayak
- Folding kayaks
- Canoes
- Kayaks
- Packrafts
- Inflatable boat
- Sea kayak
- Sit on top kayak
- Touring kayaks
- Hiking kayak
Inflatable kayaks in the test: These features are important
- Application: If you want to use your inflatable kayak for white water and rapids, you need a model with a self-draining bottom. This floor ensures that water can flow out of the hull. On calm waters, the bottom is a disadvantage, as a little water always remains at the bottom.
- Weight: Weight is one of the most important considerations before buying a kayak. Make sure that the kayak is light enough to be carried by one person.
- Length: Inflatable kayaks should be no shorter than 3 m and no longer than 5 m. On average, they are around 3.5 m long. This ensures sufficient stability in the water while comfortably accommodating two people.
- Load capacity: The usual load capacity of inflatable kayaks is between 150 and 350 kg. To avoid any wet surprises on the water, make sure that the kayak can carry enough weight.
- Handling: A transport bag is practical for transportation when packed. Handles on the kayak are practical for transportation in the assembled kayak. Also make sure that the kayak is easy to assemble and disassemble.
- Materials: The material must be extremely strong and durable to withstand water, wind and weather. At the same time, it must be flexible enough to be easily folded and transported. Inflatable kayaks made of Nitrylon and PVC have proven their worth.
Accessories: Check what is already included in the scope of delivery and what you may still need to order. In most cases, the rudder and air pump are already supplied.
A pressure gauge is also useful for testing how high the air pressure in the kayak is. If it is too high, there is a risk of it bursting, but it should not be too low either, so that the boat can offer sufficient stability.
Did you know? Inflatable kayaks are very different from hard-shell kayaks. It is therefore important to know the differences between the features ” to the kayak buying guide.
Also interesting: ” The best kayaks at a glance.
Bestsellers: The most popular inflatable kayaks on Amazon
(**Last update 2024-09-16)
FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers
Content
- 1 What is an inflatable kayak?
- 2 Can you inflate a kayak with high pressure?
- 3 How do you fold an inflatable kayak?
- 4 How do you repair an inflatable kayak?
- 5 How long do inflatable kayaks last?
- 6 How expensive are inflatable kayaks?
- 7 Where can you buy inflatable kayaks?
- 8 How safe are inflatable kayaks?
- 9 What is the maximum load capacity of inflatable kayaks?
- 10 Which is better an inflatable kayak or hard shell?
- 11 Which is the best inflatable kayak?
- 12 What alternatives are there to inflatable kayaks?
- 13 Is there a Consumer Reports or Which? test on inflatable kayaks?
What is an inflatable kayak?
Can you inflate a kayak with high pressure?
How do you fold an inflatable kayak?
How do you repair an inflatable kayak?
If your PVC kayak does not come with a repair kit, we recommend the 1-2-3 REPAIR set for PVC repairs, for example.
After cleaning the patch, apply adhesive to the patch and press it down for a few minutes. Done.
How long do inflatable kayaks last?
How expensive are inflatable kayaks?
Where can you buy inflatable kayaks?
Many specialist retailers also sell their products via Amazon. We provide a good overview and comparison of kayak purchases in our recommendations.
How safe are inflatable kayaks?
What is the maximum load capacity of inflatable kayaks?
Which is better an inflatable kayak or hard shell?
The advantage of air kayaks is their small pack size and therefore excellent mobility. In addition, air kayaks are somewhat more stable than kayaks with a hard shell.
Which is the best inflatable kayak?
What alternatives are there to inflatable kayaks?
Is there a Consumer Reports or Which? test on inflatable kayaks?
*Price includes VAT, plus shipping. Customer reviews, prices, delivery times and costs may change in the meantime. By linking to selected online shops and partners, we may receive a small affiliate commission. There are no additional costs for you.
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