7 Best Inflatable Kayaks of 2024

The Advanced Elements line of inflatable kayaks comes pretty close to the speed and maneuverability of a hard-sided kayak. That’s thanks to the built-in aluminum hull, which gives more of a smooth glide against water. It also features three layers of material with a tough waterproof fabric shell as the outer layer.

Assembly is quite easy too — just inflate it, attach the ergonomic seat and you can set off on the water. When you’re done, you can pack it up in the carrying case. There are seven inflatable chambers to keep the boat afloat and will ensure that a pop in one of the chambers doesn’t lead to the kayak sinking. However, there isn’t a drain valve in the main cockpit, which could lead to a bit of water gathering during rougher waters.

At a quite affordable $100ish price point, this pick comes with two aluminum oars and an air pump to inflate the kayak. The seats are also inflated and can be adjusted for a more comfortable ride, and the thick edges make it harder to flip as well.

It’s made of a durable polypropylene material but probably isn’t safe in rougher rides: it is a bit bouncier and inflated compared to our top pick, so it’s ideal for stiller waters as a casual paddle between two people. And despite being made for two, it only holds 400 pounds, so be mindful of that before hopping in.

Though it’s meant more for advanced 'yakkers, the BOTE is multifunctional working as a single-rider kayak, or the seat can be removed so it functions as a standup paddleboard. It’s made with fishers in mind, too, with a sit-top design and option for a fishing pole holder and cooler attachment to store your catch of the day. But these additions must be purchased separately.

It also includes a center fin for maneuverability, a removable foot bar for extra stability, a paddle, a repair kit, a hand pump and travel bag. This kayak is a bit heavier than other inflatable kayaks, but it is well warranted with all of the features. Plus it features four inflated air chambers for both security and solid movement on lakes and rivers.

This kayak was built for two. Made with 1,000 denier-reinforced heavy-duty PVC material and overlapped seams, it may be one of toughest kayak on our list and claims to be suitable for everything from casual paddling to Class IV whitewater kayaking. Aside from being incredibly scratch- and tear-resistant, it has a removable blade that hangs from a slot in the hull (also known as a skeg) that can improve tracking and maneuverability.

Inflation time can take up to eight minutes, ​​but it does come with everything you need to get moving, including paddles, a pump and a carry bag. It also has a weight limit of 750 pounds, meaning it could theoretically hold two adults and a small child if needed.

Setting up an inflatable kayak on your own can be quite daunting, but the Sevylor QuickPay is compact enough to carry as a backpack and comes with a pump and paddle as well. The brand claims it takes as little as five minutes to inflate it on your own, and it’s made of durable 24-gauge PVC material and has a tarpaulin bottom to prevent punctures.

In the case a tear does happen, there are multiple air chambers to still keep the kayak inflated. The included bungees and D rings allow for simple storage and other equipment to be attached. The weight limit is on the lower end, but that allows it to be lighter for carry.

Although it’s technically not inflatable, the origami-style folding kayak from Oru is a worthy contender. I’ve personally used the Beach LT model to transport a kayak on a golf-cart-only island, and I found that it was both smooth on marshy water (even in rising tides) and incredibly easy to transport.

Made of double-layered, custom-extruded polypropylene, there are perforated folds that allow the kayak to fold into the carrying case — the top piece becomes the cockpit and it holds both the seat and paddle within the "case." It has additional bells and whistles such as an adjustable footrest and backrest and cockpit handles for stability. Folding and unfolding it can be a bit of a challenge at first, and new users may want to practice at home with tutorial videos before winging it by the water.

More adventurous kayakers can still take advantage of inflatable kayaks such as the Driftsun Rover. It’s specifically designed to handle Class III and IV rapids with good speed and control, featuring self-bailing ports, tie-down points and there’s even a front action camera mount if you want to capture the action.

You can feel secure in this option, too, with reinforced double-layered PVC that can stand up to rough waterways sans tears, and the high-pressure drop stitch floor adds additional stability. It should be noted that because it is an inflatable kayak, it can get more easily stuck on obstacles compared to hard-sided options.