Topic: The Best Inflatable Kayaks of 2023 (Read 31 times)
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While not an inflatable kayak, the Oru Beach LT Sport is an origami kayak that folds into a boat. The packaging includes a QR code for an instructional video that is no good to you at a lake without cell service. But it was intuitive enough that I was able to successfully fold and secure the thermoplastic into a boat shape. The material feels durable enough to resist punctures and abrasion, but it is frightening to manhandle into origami.
The boat tracks beautifully with speed. It’s maneuverable and has a very co*fortable gel cushion seat. An open cockpit allows space for gear and stretching, but don’t rock the boat too much because without a fin or keel this boat is pretty tippy. The narrow design likely also contributes to the tippiness, but also why it paddles so well. However, the seamless deck construction means you’ll stay dry as long as you don’t dip the deck under. The all-black is a particularly se*y look and a rail system allows you to integrate accessories.
If set-up was relatively simple, folding it back into a 30-inch cube without instructions was nearly impossible. Actually, for me, it was impossible. I car-topped the half-constructed boat all the way home and had to watch the video (a couple times) and enlist a buddy to get it back into its storage shape. I wish Oru would include printed photo instructions, but if you practice at home first, you should be fine. You can fold it up yourself with some creativity. You have to kick in a section which is hard to do if the other side isn’t stable, but you could just push it up against a car or wall to hold it in place.
This boat is great for exploring. It’s a bullet on the water and doesn’t need to be babied in brush or shallow rocks. At 28 pounds it’s fairly light, and the 13-inch wide box is easy to store and transport. Plus there’s no deflating due to water temperature. Oru kayaks co*e with a 3-year warranty, which is pretty good considering they’re allegedly good for “tens of thousands” of folds.
The Zeppelin is a spacious and stable inflatable kayak with a lot of features. The deck is magnetic, using MAGNEPOD technology to secure the brand’s magnetic drinkware and speakers. Rac receivers allow you to add tackle or bucket accessories, though the options are limited. Velcro paddle straps and bungees on the deck help with organization and there’s plenty of room for gear.
The seat also has to be inflated, though it doesn’t take long. It sits pretty high off the deck and feels a little awkward though not unco*fortable. The paddle features a co*fortable and tactile grip and separates small enough to fit in the included backpack. I have broken some of the zipper tabs on the backpack, but the rest of the construction seems sturdy. At 15 PSI, you’ll want an electric pump to get it to the right air pressure. Hand pumping it is a real drag.
A packraft changes the floating game. First off, buy the pump. It weighs 6 ounces and has a 40-minute battery life. It’s incredibly useful for all kinds of inflatable things from your packraft to your sleeping pad. The inflatable seat can be filled up by mouth and attached with a strap and D-loop. With no fin, this kayak is very reactive, but with time you get the paddle stroke right so that you aren’t shifting as you paddle. The open deck means you can get splashed while paddling, but it also means you aren’t confined and you can really kick your feet up.
This summer I backpacked to some alpine lakes with this lightweight boat strapped to the top of my pack. It rolls up snuggly and the co*pression strap set is perfect for affixing to a backpack. The 201 denier floor and open deck makes it great for paddling with dogs, too. If you find yourself staring across a lake wondering what that waterfall or glacier looks like up close, a packraft will get you there. See a private beach you can’t access from land? Paddle there.
This packraft is bad ass. It’s technical. It’s durable. And it’s 10 pounds. There’s a cargo fly for you to store your gear, treating the boat like a giant dry(ish) bag. And it can handle class III rivers, dependent of course on your own skill. There’s an inflatable seat and backrest to keep you co*fortable on long trips, and I can extend my legs fully. If you’re looking for adventure, this will find it. I took this raft down a class II river and it handled incredibly. There was room for a Yeti Hopper and I kicked my feet up on top of the deck to enjoy the sunshine.
The floor is 840 denier and the pontoon is 210. Denier measures fabric thickness and I did not baby this boat. I pulled it on a rocky shore with a full cooler inside and hit rocks on my seat in shallow sections. I also rubbed against a wooden bridge during a rapid and was poked with stray sticks. Not a scratch on her. If you’re going for epic, this raft is it.
This is a co*pact and ultralight packraft that can handle class II rapids. If you’re looking to take a multi-day trip or traverse over water, there’s a cargo fly to store your gear. The backrest and seat are co*fortable. It co*es with a mesh bag for storage and packs up small. It’s quick and maneuverable, and I love the bright red. You won’t dread a portage quite as much as this boat is easy to move around. It features a spray deck and is co*patible with a spray skirt for whitewater. The only thing I disliked about this model was the inability to extend my legs. While hard whitewater kayaks are designed for the paddler to sit on their knees for increased control, it doesn’t bode well for a long journey.
I was unable to test the Hobie Mirage, but for anglers interested in exploring their peddle kayak options, Hobie is a reliable choice. Cast away while using your feet to control your vessel. This is a popular, lightweight inflatable kayak with a drive system. There are also some attractive features like an included electric pump, raised aluminum seat, cup holders, and a rolling bag.
Packrafts are different from inflatable kayaks in that they’re designed to be carried on your back or bike to or from your destination. This varies from long trips with white water to fishing an alpine lake or exploring an area from a new perspective. Canyoneers will sometimes rappel into a canyon and packraft out. The possibilities are endless with a kayak you can carry on your back.
These crafts are tailored for different classes of rapids and adventures. Features include self-bailers, spray decks, cargo storage, and more. Top brands like Alpackaraft and Kokopelli offer a dizzying number of boats with varying features, weights, and sizes. I included the packraft category in this article, because, in my opinion, if you’re going to invest in an inflatable kayak, you should be aware of all the options. Packrafts are smaller and lighter to carry and store, and faster to inflate. And top models like the Kokopelli Hornet Lite are co*fortable enough for a relaxed day, without taking up half your trunk space, which beco*es an issue with multiple vessels involved.
Inflatable Kayaks are more durable, spacious, and stable. They’re also faster. The decision co*es down to the body or bodies of water you frequent. If you’re floating the same rivers and lakes with access to your car, obviously the larger models will be more co*fortable and stable.
Hand pumps are great; they’re cheap, simple to use, and sometimes the PSI gauge works. But if you need to get above 9 PSI, you’ll be hurting for an electric pump. Even with the packrafts boasting a PSI of 1, the electric pump gets you to about half (which is honestly enough in flat water) and you’ll have to finish it off by mouth. Take into account how much time and effort you’re willing to put into inflation when choosing the best inflatable kayak.
Inflatable kayaks can be just as good as regular kayaks, meaning they track and maneuver just as well, and are stable. Depending on the kayaks, they can even be similar in weight. While, yes inflatable models can be punctured or torn, you can repair it. If you don’t have the space for a hard kayak, one of the best inflatable kayaks can be just as good.
The inflatable kayaks on this list that include a fin will be the most stable. This mitigates the side to side motion while paddling that can cause tipping.
Inflatable kayaks are easier to store and transport, making it easy to get on the water. If you choose a packraft, you’ll be able to explore more remote bodies of water.
Inflatable kayaks and packrafts pack down small and allow you to get your vessel to the water without towing or cartoping a full size hardshell boat. Each has their own pros and cons, but both enable you to get out on the water. Find the best inflatable kayak for you:
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