The 10 Best Inflatable Kayaks 2025
Inflatable kayaks are having a moment and it's easy to see why.
Most of us don't have room to store a bulky hard-shell kayak or a garage tall enough to keep one. Inflatables solve this by packing down small when not in use. Being lightweight and compact, they make water adventures way more doable, whether you're tossing one in your trunk for a last-minute paddle or carrying it to remote lakes and rivers. Some models even fold small enough for airline travel, perfect for dream vacations to tropical beaches (we can wish, right?).
Inflatable Kayak Comparison
Compare the specs or jump straight down to the inflatable kayak reviews.
Score
6.4
Size
7’10x”35in
Weight
4lbs
Capacity
250lbs
Price
$
If you're on the fence about whether inflatable kayaks are worth it, stop worrying!
Thanks to modern materials, the best inflatables now rival hard-shell kayaks in performance. High-end models use tough, reinforced fabrics that rarely puncture. The convenience and portability alone make them a fantastic choice, so check out our guide on picking the right inflatable kayak for more tips.
Ready to get one? We've got you covered.
We tested and picked ten top-rated solo inflatable kayaks under $900 to help you choose.
Got questions? Jump to our FAQ section.
Prefer tandem paddling? See our review of two-person inflatable kayaks.
Inflatable Kayak Reviews
Know what you’re looking for? Get straight to it:
Top Rated Overall: Aquaglide McKenzie 105
High Performance: Itiwit X500
Family Fun: Intex Challenger K1
Most Portable: Advanced Elements PackLite
A budget-friendly inflatable kayak that’s great for beginners, but has a few quirks.
The Connelly Nautic 9.5 is a simple, no-fuss kayak perfect for casual paddlers who just want to relax on calm water. It’s lightweight, easy to carry and sets up quickly, making it a good choice for spontaneous lake trips or lazy river floats. While it’s stable and beginner-friendly, its small cockpit and so-so tracking mean it’s not great for serious kayaking. If you’re looking for an affordable, portable option for occasional use, this could work, just don’t expect high performance.
Summary
Perfect For: Recreational paddling.
Pros: Lightweight and easy to carry, quick setup and pack-down, stable for beginners.
Cons: Cockpit is too small for many adults, doesn’t track well in open water, fabric stays wet too long.
Verdict: A good choice for casual paddlers who want a simple, portable kayak but not ideal for taller people or those who want better performance.
Rating
Performance: 4
Size/Weight: 3
Durability: 5
Setup: 5
Value: 4
OVERALL: 4.2
Where to get it
The V-shaped hull saves this budget-friendly kayak
At first glance, the Laxo 285 seems nearly identical to the Itiwit Cruising Kayak, with both being wide, fabric-covered models with similar sizes, weight limits and price tags. But the Laxo has one key advantage that improves its performance: its V-shaped bottom is made from inflatable tubes.
Summary
Best For: Casual paddling on calm lakes and rivers
Pros: Stays steady in the water, comes with a helpful fin system, quick to set up
Cons: Fabric covering takes longer to dry, doesn't feel very rigid, costs more than it should
Verdict: A decent mid-range option for beginners or occasional paddlers
Rating
Performance: 5
Size/Weight: 5
Durability: 4
Setup: 5
Value: 5
OVERALL: 4.8
A fun, bouncy little kayak that moves better than expected
Inflatable kayaks basically come in two varieties: budget-friendly and high-end. Naturally, you get what you pay for, and the cheaper ones won't give you that near-hard-shell performance of premium models. The Intex Challenger K1 falls into the affordable group, but that doesn't stop it from being a great, low-cost way to enjoy the water.
Summary
Best For: Relaxed paddling on gentle lakes and slow rivers
Pros: Comes with a fin you can take out for better turning, quick to set up and pack away, and super affordable
Cons: The vinyl material feels thin and might not last forever, plus it's a bit too soft for our liking
Verdict: Perfect for beginners wanting to try kayaking without spending much
Rating
Performance: 3
Size/Weight: 5
Durability: 4
Setup: 7
Value: 9
OVERALL: 5.6
A smaller, lighter hybrid that won't break the bank
If you like Advanced Elements' style but need something more budget-friendly, the Lagoon 1 is worth a look. While it's much shorter than their top models and doesn't go as straight, it folds down small, stays fairly light and holds up well over time.
Summary
Best For: Casual paddling on lakes or mild rivers
Pros: Easy to carry, smart design, folds up small
Cons: Wanders a bit when paddling, comes with an air-filled seat, requires different valve adapters, and the fabric cover takes extra time to dry
Verdict: A good value if you want the Advanced Elements quality without the high price tag
Rating
Performance: 6
Size/Weight: 8
Durability: 6
Setup: 4
Value: 5
OVERALL: 5.8
When the nearest water is two days’ hike away.
For ultra transportability, you can’t beat the insanely light PackLite. Weighing a mere 4lbs, it feels like you’re carrying nothing at all. Take it hiking, take it camping, take it to work to use on your lunch break, take it to Guatemala… this little beauty will let you get to places you’ve only ever dreamed about. Of course, to reach such a light weight you have to make sacrifices, and there are compromises in durability and handling… but you’d take them.
Summary
Best For: The remotest of remote water, travel. Best for flat water.
Pros: It’s really light. It also comes with an excellent repair kit and is stable for such a small craft.
Cons: Tracks poorly in a straight line, doesn’t seem particularly durable and isn’t suited to larger users (though its load capacity relative to its tiny weight is great compared to heavier models).
Verdict: If you prioritise lightweight above all else, look no further.
Rating
Performance: 3
Size/Weight: 9
Durability: 4
Setup: 9
Value: 7
OVERALL: 6.4
Your perfect partner for water adventures
This inflatable kayak gives you better quality than Intex's Challenger without breaking the bank. It keeps things simple with plenty of room, a comfy adjustable seat, foot brace and handy spots for fishing rods and your phone or camera. The smooth PVC glides surprisingly well and dries fast when it's time to pack up.
Summary
Best For: Relaxed paddling on calm water, fishing trips, or casual outings.
Pros: Stable, moves quickly, easy to control, great value and comes with paddles and a pump.
Cons: The PVC material might not last forever and the included paddle and pump could be better.
Verdict: One of the few fishing-friendly kayaks we recommend, this is a fantastic all-around choice for fun on the water.
Rating
Performance: 6
Size/Weight: 6
Durability: 6
Setup: 7
Value: 8
OVERALL: 6.6
Where to get it
The Reliable Workhorse of Inflatable Kayaks
Steady, tough, protective and good-looking... the Navarro has all the qualities you'd want in a trusty companion. This kayak is built to last. It sets up and packs away quickly, offers plenty of storage and stays rock-solid on the water. Comfort is a big plus too, with a covered deck and even a cushioned seat for extra coziness.
Summary
Best For: Calm lakes and mild rivers, making it a great pick for beginners.
Pros: Super comfy, extremely stable and made from top-notch materials that hold up over time.
Cons: Pricier than similar kayaks (snag it on sale if you can!), doesn't track perfectly straight and needs different valve adapters to inflate fully.
Verdict: Ideal for relaxed paddling trips and easygoing adventures on the water.
Rating
Performance: 7
Size/Weight: 7
Durability: 7
Setup: 8
Value: 6
OVERALL: 7.0
The ideal lightweight hybrid inflatable
Advanced Elements has been crafting quality inflatable kayaks for about two decades now, and they've consistently delivered. We've tested many of their models over the years and their AdvancedFrame Ultralight recently caught our attention. Staying true to their signature style of blending rigid components with inflatable ones, this kayak offers a satisfyingly firm paddling experience. What really makes it stand out from other Advanced Elements models and quality inflatables in general is its featherlight 17.5-pound weight.
Summary
Best For: Calm to moderately rough waters, leisure paddling, kayak camping adventures and traveling.
Pros: Exceptionally lightweight, steady in the water, maintains direction well, folds into a handy backpack and delivers loads of fun.
Cons: Requires some setup (multiple valves and a floor panel to install), needs time to dry before storing and has size limitations (if you're taller than 6'2" or heavier than 225lbs, this isn't the kayak for you)
Verdict: An excellent choice for smaller paddlers looking to explore off-the-beaten-path waterways.
Rating
Performance: 8
Size/Weight: 9
Durability: 8
Setup: 7
Value: 6
OVERALL: 7.6
A great budget-friendly option for speed.
The X500 looks and feels a lot like a hard-shell kayak, thanks to its V-shaped hull and stiff drop-stitch construction. It moves quickly and smoothly through the water, but don’t expect it to be super stable. Since it doesn’t have real fins, it wobbles a bit when you stop, but if you know what you’re doing and want speed, this is a good choice for a kayak.
Summary
Best For: Paddling fast on calm, flat water.
Pros: Super firm drop-stitch build, sleek V-shaped hull for smooth gliding.
Cons: Pretty tippy, so you’ll want to keep up your speed and avoid sharp turns.
Verdict: You can find better-performing kayaks, but not at this price.
Rating
Performance: 9
Size/Weight: 7
Durability: 7
Setup: 8
Value: 9
OVERALL: 8.0
Where to get it
Easy-to-use kayak that does it all
It's hard to find anything wrong with Aquaglide's McKenzie 105 and trust us, we looked. This kayak works well in calm water, choppy waves and even whitewater. It's built to last and has lots of small touches that make paddling more enjoyable. Will it be as good as a dedicated whitewater kayak in rapids or as fast as a long touring kayak on flat water? No. But if you want one kayak that can handle almost anything, this is tough to beat.
Summary
Best For: Any kind of water, such as lakes, rivers, or mild rapids.
Good Stuff: Works everywhere, easy to control, lightweight, fast to set up and pack away, plus smart little details.
Not-So-Good Stuff: A stiffer drop-stitch floor would help and it doesn’t come with footrests.
Final Say: If you want a tough, high-quality kayak ready for any adventure, this is a fantastic pick.
Rating
Performance: 7
Size/Weight: 9
Durability: 9
Setup: 10
Value: 8
OVERALL: 8.6
Where to get it
And there you have it! Ten of the best inflatable kayaks out there. Still not sure how to pick? Read our guide on How to Pick the Best Inflatable Kayak. If you do end up getting one, head over to our How-Tos to get the lowdown on everything paddling, or check out our Destinations section to discover where you could take yours!
Inflatable Kayak FAQs
Should I get an inflatable kayak?
It depends on your needs, but for most people, a good inflatable kayak works great. They take up little storage space and are much easier to move around than hard-shell kayaks. They let you explore lakes, rivers and coastlines without needing a roof rack or tons of room to store them.
How much are inflatable kayaks?
Prices for solo inflatable kayaks range from budget-friendly (around $90) to high-end models over $1300. While cheap kayaks might seem like a good deal, spending a bit more gets you better durability and smoother paddling. Our review focuses on kayaks under $900, but there are excellent options above that price if you want premium features.
Are inflatable kayaks easy to paddle?
The best inflatable kayaks paddle almost like hard-shell ones, moving smoothly through the water and staying straight. Look for rigid materials like drop-stitch construction and if you're new to kayaking, pick a wider, more stable design with lower sides.
What’s the difference between a hard shell and an inflatable kayak?
Inflatable kayaks can be deflated and packed down for easy storage and transport, while hard-shell kayaks stay one size. Hard shells usually perform better on the water, especially compared to basic inflatables, but high-quality inflatable kayaks with drop-stitch technology can come close to matching their performance.
Is a folding kayak or an inflatable kayak better?
Both folding and inflatable kayaks have their pros and cons. Inflatable kayaks need to be pumped up and some take longer to dry if they have fabric covers. While they can get punctures, most have separate air chambers so you can still paddle back if one gets damaged. On the other hand, if a folding kayak tips over and fills with water, it will sink; something that won't happen with an inflatable. The best choice depends on what matters most to you.
Are inflatable kayaks easy to set up?
It varies by model, but many inflatable kayaks are simple to assemble, especially those with fewer air valves and matching parts. Most take 5–10 minutes to pump up, plus a little extra time to attach seats, fins, or footrests.
Do inflatable kayaks puncture easily?
Cheaper kayaks made with thin materials might puncture more easily, but high-quality inflatables use tough, reinforced PVC that's as durable as rescue boats and whitewater rafts. Most come with a repair kit just in case and their multi-chamber design means even if one part gets damaged, the others will keep you floating back to shore.
How long do inflatable kayaks last?
Budget kayaks won't hold up as long as premium ones, mainly because they're more likely to get punctures. To make yours last longer, always dry it completely before storing, keep it in a cool, shaded spot and avoid leaving it in direct sunlight.
Water & Outdoors reviews are written by our staff writers, who combined have over fifty years of experience on the water and outdoors. We may earn commissions if you choose to buy through a link you’ve clicked on our website, however this does not influence our reviews. For more information, please see our Editorial Policies.