Intex Challenger K1 Review
Rating
Performance: 3
Size/Weight: 5
Durability: 4
Setup: 7
Value: 9
OVERALL: 5.6
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.
Comparison
Rank: #8
Open Size: Short and small
Packed Size: Small and light
Weight: Heavy
Capacity: Low
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
Skip ahead to First Impressions, Setup/Packdown, Paddling Experience, or the Final Verdict, check out how the Intex Challenger K1 compares to others in our list of the Top Ten Inflatable Kayaks, or see how we choose the best inflatable kayak.
Specs:
Open Size: 108x30in
Packed Size: 23x16x9in
Weight: 27lbs
Capacity: 220lbs
Approx Price: $109.99
First Impressions
The Intex Challenger K1 folds down small and light. We had no trouble fitting it in the car and carrying it to the water, though a shoulder strap on the bag would've been nice. Right away, we noticed the material feels like a pool toy with its thin vinyl that seems less sturdy than we'd prefer.
Unfolded, it's noticeably shorter than most solo kayaks we've tried. There didn't appear to be much structure to keep it rigid once inflated.
It has a cargo net at the front for small items like a dry bag, but the elastic is weak and we wouldn't trust it with anything valuable. Avoid putting anything heavy up there as this kayak doesn't need extra weight pulling the front down.
Setup/Packdown
The two main air valves are conveniently placed and inflation should be simple. But let's be honest, the included pump is terrible. It fell apart multiple times and barely worked. We ended up using our own pump and recommend you do the same (just make sure it fits the standard valves).
You also need to inflate the seat and the optional footrest by mouth. My testing partner, a big guy with strong lungs, blew up the seat quickly and skipped the footrest for more legroom. For me (5'7"), inflating both took about five minutes. The footrest helps shape the front, but it's just a fixed inflatable wedge with no adjustments. Even with it, my legs didn't have a great position and without it, I had nothing to push against.
Our concerns about the cargo net were justified, as it stayed loose even when the kayak was fully inflated. The seams also looked rough, like a pool toy. One nice touch: a plastic gauge helps check inflation pressure, which is handy for beginners.
Paddling Experience
The included paddle works fine and assembles easily. We used the removable skeg (fin), which made a huge difference, as without it, steering was nearly impossible.
Since everything is inflatable (no rigid parts or drop-stitch support), the whole kayak feels soft, like paddling a marshmallow. There's not much space inside, especially for my 6'4" friend. Going straight takes effort, and speed isn't happening.
That said, it's very stable. which is a big plus for casual paddlers. Being short and wide, it doesn't tip easily. It also turns well, so while straight-line tracking is weak, maneuvering near shore or exploring tight spots is easy.
Final Verdict
The Intex Challenger K1 isn't the most refined kayak. If you're serious about paddling, you'll want something better, but if the low price is what gets you on the water? Go for it. At the end of the day, a basic kayak is better than no kayak at all.
At this price point, the K1 delivers the best option we’ve found, and that’s why it’s made our 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.