Airhead Montana
Rating
Performance: 4
Size/Weight: 5
Durability: 7
Setup: 7
Value: 6
OVERALL: 5.8
A wild ride for river runners.
Let's be honest, this kayak performs poorly on flat, calm water. It earned its spot on our list because it absolutely shines in whitewater conditions! Designed to sit high on the water with its curved bow and stern, it handles rapids and waves like a dream. But take it to a peaceful lake and you'll find it moves more like a bobbing tub than a proper kayak.
Comparison
Rank: N/A
Open Size: Thick and wide
Packed Size: Small
Weight: Heavy
Capacity: High
Best For: Choppy lakes and river rapids
Pros: Self-draining open design, simple to set up, dries fast, holds plenty of weight
Cons: Impossible to paddle straight, uncomfortable seat for all-day use
Verdict: Perfect for adrenaline-pumping whitewater adventures
Skip ahead to First Impressions, Setup/Packdown, Paddling Experience, or the Final Verdict, or check out how the Airhead Montana compares to others in our list of the Top Ten Inflatable Kayaks.
Specs:
Open Size: 9’2x35in
Packed Size: 26x18x8in
Weight: 27.7lbs
Capacity: 300lbs
Approx Price: $413.10
First Impressions
Right out of the bag, we noticed the sleek black underside made from tough nylon that looks like it can take some abuse without puncturing. The bright orange main body really pops on the water, making it easy to spot from a distance.
Some clever design touches stood out immediately, such as how the grab handles at both ends plus the middle sides make it simple for one person to carry when inflated. The neoprene elbow pads along the edges add welcome comfort during long paddling sessions.
Setup/Packdown
This kayak uses the typical three-valve system; floor first, then both sides. The included foot pump works fine, but you'll finish much faster with a better triple-action pump.
The air-filled seat base disappointed us, as we'd rather have a firm foam seat for better paddling support. After testing, we actually let some air out mid-paddle to reduce the bounciness.
Adjusting the footrest is straightforward with its velcro strap system. While not the lightest option, the multiple handles make transporting it to the water manageable. Being all vinyl, it dried quickly before storage, so there’s no waiting around like with fabric-covered models.
Paddling Experience
Now for the big issue.
Despite having four small built-in fins, this kayak refuses to go straight. Within the first few paddle strokes, it became clear we'd be fighting to maintain direction all day. Each stroke made the front swing sideways, wasting energy that should propel you forward. My larger test partner struggled even more with this.
On the plus side, it turns incredibly easily.
The short, wide shape prioritizes stability over speed. The curved bow and stern help it ride over waves, clearly designed for rougher conditions. We took it down some mild rapids (class II) where it performed surprisingly well and the tracking problems disappeared with the river's natural current. Just watch out for narrow spots where its width might cause issues.
One more thing; shorter paddlers like me (5'7") will need to stretch further to reach past the wide sides when stroking. That's the tradeoff for all that stability.
Final Verdict
The Airhead Montana shows smart thinking with its handles and comfort features. While the 840-denier nylon isn't the toughest material we've seen, it held up fine against rocks during testing. If whitewater adventures are your goal, this kayak delivers. For anything else, you'll probably want to keep looking.
Want to see how the Montana compares to other kayaks? Check out our list of the Top Ten Kayaks of 2025.
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.