With so many kayaks on the market these days, it can be a daunting task to figure out which purchase is the best fit for you and your personal requirements. Inflatable kayaks are simply amazing. They allow for convenient and easy transportation so that the user can solely focus on having fun on the water.

How do you know if the kayak is made from quality parts that are sourced appropriately and will actually function like the product description when it shows up on your door? How can you trust a company you have never even heard of and have zero experience with? Where do you even start with so many inflatable kayaks on the market?

Well, luckily for you, we have gathered a list of best inflatable kayaks on the market this year. When it comes to finding the best fishing kayak for you, there are many things to consider, such as your riding style, needs and of course, your budget.

The below list is a mixture of sizes, styles and prices, but the one thing they have in common is quality. We hope this dutifully researched information matches your prospective kayak dreams with the best inflatable kayak that you will cherish for years to come.

How We Chose Our Ratings

When we choose our top picks for a popular product online, especially on an important purchase such as the best inflatable kayak, we search for one key factor: transparency.

We only choose products that offer a completely transparent purchase experience, from the time you click “Search” in your Google bar, to the moment the product arrives on your doorstep. We value your opinions and finances and take the proper steps to ensure our best-ofs are truly the best.

Other key factors we considered when composing this list are previous customer reviews (product history), the product quality in correlation with the price (value for cost) and the company’s track record (customer service).

We hope this list provides you with accurate, well-thought out and valuable information to assist you in finding the perfect fit for a new inflatable kayak.

Best Inflatable Kayak: Top 5

1. Advanced Elements Straightedge

Advanced Elements knows what is going on when it comes to properly making inflatable kayaks. This Advanced Elements kayak is inflatable and specifically designed for bigger waves or calm waters.

The kayak is produced with a wide beam that offers the user a stable foundation so that you can focus on the adventure at hand. This inflatable fishing kayak is built with a multi-layer material, multiple air chambers and extra abrasion pads to make for any environment.

The kayak showcases multiple storage areas including a bungee deck and stainless steel d-rings. Personalize your straightedge with rod holders, a fish finder and other equipment that can make your life on the water more efficient and filled with fun.

The kayak is also equipped with paddle holders so that you never have to worry about where your paddles are when they are not in use. This highly-rated Advanced Elements kayak uses the company’s patented StraightEdge aluminum rib-frame mechanics for quality performance.

The kayak comes with a one-year manufacturer warranty that is an added bonus to those who purchase this angler kayak. The boat itself measures 9 feet 8 inches by 35 inches and weighs a relatively light 41 pounds.

Cost:  $649.00

Rating: 5/5

2. Intex Challenger K1 Kayak

The Intex Challenger K1 Kayak is the perfect fit for a beginner or someone with a lower budget. The Challenger offers a dynamically nimble and durable kayak made of a strong welded material with colorful graphics to add to the safety and aesthetics.

The cockpit of this affordable inflatable kayak is maximized for space and optimum comfort. The in-beam floors ad stability and durability for the rider. There is a grab line located on each end of the kayak and a cargo net for extra storage.

The Intex Challenger comes with an 84-inch aluminum oar as well as a repair patch and a Hi-output manual hand pump for convenient inflation. The body of the kayak weighs in at an astonishing 27.2 pound and has a 220-pound maximum capacity.

For added durability, the Challenger is made of a heavy-duty puncture resistant vinyl with two separate air chambers and an inflatable I-beam floor for rigidity. The Intex Challenger is ideal for those looking to begin their kayak adventures and whose main concern is affordability.

Cost: Starting at $59.99

Rating: 4/5

3. Sevylor Tahiti Kayak

Sevylor has been making extremely reasonably priced kayaks for years now and they have come to stand as one of the best inflatable kayak companies around. This extremely reliable inflatable kayak is the prime fusion of durability and comfort.

The Sevylor Tahiti kayak can hold a maximum of two people and a weight capacity of 400 pounds. The Tahiti offers premium comfort with its two built-in inflatable seats and body made of heavy duty 26-gauge PVC.

There are two air chambers for reliability and a tubular I-beam construction for extra stability. Two sprays cover protect riders from unwanted nuances and the kayak even features an optional skeg for maximum control.

Sevylor has created their unique Airtight System that guarantees your kayak will never leak. In addition to the Airtight System, Sevylor’s Tahiti features double lock valves to ensure simple inflation and deflation as well as working to avert accidental air leaks.

Cost: $139.99

Rating: 3.5/5

4. AIRE Tributary Tomcat Tandem

The Tomcat Tandem by AIRE offers a wonderful option for inflatable kayaks. Both the single and the tandem are great picks, depending on whether you are looking for a one or two person kayak. Available for $799.00, the Tomcat Tandem allows for quality performance at a reasonable price.

Using a heavy-duty PVC outer shell with double stitched seams and plenty of room for gear. The internal twenty gauge vinyl bladders make for an extremely durable inflatable kayak. You can use the Tributary Tomcat for lazy river days or longer backpacking trips.

In 2016, AIRE redesigned this model with an enhanced mesh drain system, D-Rings all over the boat including on the bottom of the boat, at both bow and stern, flip handles and a brand new logo on the sides of the kayak.

The Tomcat comes with two standard inflatable seats and plenty of foot room to make the ride as comfortable and spacious as it can be. The boat is also equipped with three air chambers and is self-bailing, making it extra safe and allowing for additional fortification for rougher waters. The AIRE Tributary Tomcat comes with a repair kit as well as a one-year limited warranty.

Cost: $799.00

Rating: 4/5

5. Innova Safari Inflatable Kayak

Innova Kayak is a distributor of popular European inflatable kayaks in the United States. They are manufactured by Gumotex a.s. in the Czech Republic. The company was started over 20 years ago and since then has been the leader in spreading inflatable kayaks throughout the country.

The Safari Inflatable Kayak offers a newer concept when it comes to inflatable kayak engineering. The Safari offers side tubes and a self-bailing floor to create one of the most durable and stable inflatable kayaks available.

The boat features an integrated hull that allows for surfing and turns carving performance similar to that of a hard-shell kayak. Eskimo rolling is more than a dream in an Innova Safari, with its built-in thigh straps. The boat itself weighs only 24 pounds, making for an extremely lightweight inflatable kayak.

The Innova Safari inflatable kayak comes highly rated from its customers and the results are in – the Safari makes for one of the most versatile and stable inflatable kayaks out there. Innova prides itself on producing boats so stable that you can stand in them.

Innova also uses only natural and synthetic rubber that is environmentally safe and 100% recyclable. The company also ensures that their boats will last for decades to come. If you are looking for a quality inflatable kayak that will last you for years and be able to trek in almost any water condition, the Safari kayak might be the one for you.

The Safari is made for all types of water – from placid rivers and ponds to whitewater and ocean surf. The boat showcases prime storage perfect for a dry bag or backpack for those longer few day excursions. A removable tracking fin is included with the Safari to make for amazing touring. Cost: 799.00

Rating: 4.5/5

Buyer’s Guide

We hope the above list helped you narrow down the best inflatable kayak for you whether you have been ready to make a purchase for some time or if your search for the best inflatable kayak has just begun.

As you can see, there are many options, brands, prices and features to consider when picking out the right inflatable kayak for you. We hope our list assisted in making your search easier and decision just a little easier. Before you make your final decision though, consider pondering the important aspect of your budget.

Budget is usually the biggest factor when deciding to purchase anything in life and can have an extreme pull in quality of the product you end up with. In regard to inflatable kayaks, the budget can span anywhere from $60 to well over $1,000 and there are quality choices in everyone’s budget frame.

If you are looking for more affordable options, the Intex Challenger K1 Kayak or the Sevylor Tahiti Kayak are both wonderful choices. If you have a little more to spend, definitely go with the AIRE Tributary Tomcat Tandem or the Advanced Elements Straightedge.

See You on the Water

No matter which inflatable kayak you pick, each one of these kayaks is taking you somewhere special. All of these inflatable kayaks are meant for outdoor adventure and can handle both raging waters and calm waters. We hope that you enjoy every adventure your new inflatable kayak will take you.

Happy kayaking!

Keyword:  best inflatable kayak