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Kayak is a type of small watercraft that’s narrow, which allows it to move faster. The kayak was invented many centuries ago by the indigenous people from the subarctic region, who used them for hunting. The days when kayaks were used as hunting vessels are long gone. Today, the main purpose of owning a kayak is to have fun.
Kayaking is one of the most interesting outdoor activities. Not only does it bring you closer to nature, it also gives you a whole-body workout. Another reason why kayaking can become your favorite hobby is the fact that it doesn’t require too much equipment. Apart from the kayak, you will need a paddle and the safety equipment. Of course, you will also need to find the right spot where to exercise your new favorite activity.
If you live near the sea, or a river/lake, you got nothing to worry about. Simply take your kayak and the following equipment and enjoy yourself. But, what about those who don’t live close to the water? Carrying a kayak for several miles is going to be very difficult. Wrong! You can take your kayak anywhere, of course, under the condition that it’s an inflatable kayak!
Perks Of Owning An Inflatable Kayak
When the kayak is not inflated, it takes up only a bit of space. What this means is that you will be able to tuck it in your suitcase or even a handbag. Apart from being easy to carry, inflatable kayaks are also great for being easy to maneuver.
As these kayaks are inflated with air, it means that they will flow even better than the traditional wooden kayaks. Still, you might not be able to go as fast as you would in a wooden kayak. This might seem as a downside for some, but this fact also means that you won’t get too tired kayaking.
With wooden kayaks, you need to row vigorously in order to keep the balance. That’s not the case with best inflatable kayaks – they will keep you in an upright position, even if the waves are strong. So, knowing all this, you’re probably eager to get one of these for yourself. But, before going to shopping, there are some things that you need to consider first, starting with what kind of kayak is best for you.
Motorized Or Manual Kayak?
You like spending time on the water, but the physical part of kayaking is what’s keeping you away. If this is the case, a motorized kayak is what you need. A motorized kayak will allow you to enjoy the ride, without a need to break a sweat. Getting this kind of kayak is also recommended for the newbies who aren’t totally sure of their kayaking abilities. If you’re currently learning how to kayak, a motorized kayak will give you a push whenever you need it.
On the other hand, if you want ‘the real-deal’, feel free to get a manual kayak. In order to move it around, you will need a paddle. Whether you’ll go far and how fast with your manual kayak depends solely on your physical condition.
Where You’re Planning To Use The Kayak?
Another thing to consider before buying a kayak is where you’re going to use it. It’s not the same using a kayak on a quiet lake and on a raging ocean or speedy rapids. So, make sure to choose accordingly. If you’re an extreme-sports lover, you will need extreme equipment. In this case, you need a highly-durable kayak that won’t burst or deflate when you need it the most.
The best ocean kayak is the one that’s made of tough materials, resistant to the powerful force of the waves. The materials also need to be resistant to sea salt. On top of everything, the best sea kayak needs to have UV protection, as you’re probably going to spend a lot of time exposed to direct sunlight.
Traditional Or Sit-on-top Kayak?
Whether you should get a traditional or sit-on-top kayak depends on your level of experience. Having the skills to keep the kayak in the upright position is not enough. You also need to be familiar with self-rescue techniques in case you flip over.
If you’re not yet that good a kayaker, perhaps buying a sit-on-top kayak is a better solution. In this case, if you flip over, you will just need to swim over to the kayak. Another advantage of this kind of kayak is that it provides you with a better view, which can be very useful if you’re using it for fishing.
The downside of sit-on-top kayaks is that they’re unstable compared to traditional kayaks, especially in restless waters. So, if you’re planning a kayaking adventure in rapids, stay away from sit on top variants of kayaks.
Which Other Accessories Do You need?
When choosing an inflatable kayak, you need to pay attention to see whether a pump is included in the package. If it’s not there, don’t forget to get one! Our advice is to go with an electric pump, as using a manual pump to inflate the kayak is going to take too much time. Still, it’s important to mention that manual pumps are usually several times cheaper than their electric counterparts.
A paddle is an essential part of the equipment. You will need it regardless of the type of kayak. Even if you get a motorized kayak, you will still need a paddle, for just in case. The best kayak paddle is not that hard to find. It needs to be tough and durable, yet ergonomic and lightweight. Another good news is that the best kayak paddle usually does not cost too much. In fact, it comes free in the package with some inflatable kayaks.
You also need to buy the safety equipment, including the safety helmet and inflatable vest. The vest is particularly important, as it will push you to the surface if you flip. Speaking of flipping, there’s a part of kayaking equipment that can eliminate flipping completely. We’re talking about kayak outriggers! These days, you can find superb outriggers that are easy to install and do not cost too much.
How Much You’re Ready To Pay For An Inflatable Kayak?
Kayaking does not have to be an expensive activity. In fact, the only time you need to spend money is when buying the kayak. The fact is that buying the kayak is something that most people do once in a lifetime, make sure to make the right choice. You need to find the very best inflatable kayak, even if this means paying a bit extra.
Still, you can be certain that making such a purchase will not get you bankrupt. After all, the offer is huge, so choose the one with a reasonable price. But, pay attention that it has all the features it needs in order to be called the best inflatable kayak.
List Of Features Best Inflatable Kayak Needs To Have
When searching for the best inflatable kayak on the market, there are some things you need to pay attention to. Here is a list of essential features each good kayak needs to have:
- Plenty of legroom – the kayak needs to be comfortable, as the whole point of kayaking is to have a good time!
- Easy to inflate – the kayak needs to be easy to inflate and the whole process should not take longer than 10 minutes. In the best-case scenario, the kayak would have a pump included in the package.
- Tough and durable materials – it needs to be tough to burst, even if you slam into a rock. The material also needs to be resistant to sea salt and UV radiation.
- Easy to repair – if the kayak bursts in one spot, it must not mean the end of it. Instead, you need to be able to fix it in a matter of minutes. That’s why some inflatable kayaks come with quick-repair kits.
- Easy to transport – the whole point of inflatable kayaks is that they can be deflated, when you need to transport them.
- Easy to maneuver – most inflatable kayaks are easy to control, although they’re not as fast as traditional variants. Still, if the kayak comes with a good kayak paddle, you will be able to produce decent speeds. Of course, this also depends a lot on your fitness levels.
If you need help finding a kayak that fits the description, it’s best to keep on reading. Scroll down and you’ll find our top 5 picks for the best inflatable kayak at the moment.
5 Inflatable Kayak Reviews To Help You Find The Ideal Match
Here’s the list of 5 kayaks that we consider to be the best at this point. All of them are designed to last for a long time. All of them are also very comfortable and spacious, while also having a great load capacity. Finally, each of these 5 inflatable kayaks comes at a reasonable price. This means that whichever you choose, you’re going to make the right choice!
1. Sea Eagle Se370k_p Inflatable Kayak
For nearly half a century, Sea Eagle has been manufacturing top-quality inflatables. One of the products they’re the most proud of is the inflatable kayak. Sea Eagle SE370K_P is one of the best inflatable kayaks currently on the market. It has all the features needed to be considered the best, while its price is also fairly reasonable.
Features Of Sea Eagle Se370k_p Inflatable Kayak
The first thing we need to point out is that kayaking is going to be a wonderful experience if you decide to buy Sea Eagle SE370K_P. It’s because this inflatable kayak is extremely comfortable and very spacious. In fact, it’s designed for a maximum of three persons, with the maximum load capacity being 650 lbs.
The kayak is also great in terms of durability. It’s made of some of the finest materials you can find, all of which are very tough and resistant to sea salt and UV rays. The kayak also comes with a number of useful accessories. A foot pump is included in the package, which will inflate the kayak very fast – in less than 8 minutes.
The kayak also comes with a pair of inflatable seats that will add to your comfort. There’s also a set of 7’10”-long paddles and a carry bag. Speaking of the carry bag, you can place the whole deflated kayak in it, which will allow you to move it around easily. The total size of the package will be only 32 lbs. Finally, the kayak also comes with a repair kit to help you out if something goes wrong.
Pros
- Comfortable and spacious
- Decent weight load capacity
- Easy to carry, as the weight of the kayak is 32 lbs
- Comes with a number of useful accessories
- Affordable price
Cons
- Design (comes only in white color)
Recommendation
You certainly won’t regret if you decide to buy this inflatable kayak. It has all the features that best kayaks need to have; the only issue might be the color. But, if you’re fine with a simple white-color design, this kayak is your perfect choice!
2. AirHead AHTK-2 Montana Performance 2 Person Inflatable Kayak
This 12-foot long kayak is designed for two people. It’s very comfortable and rather spacious, meaning that it can be your ideal match if you’re looking for a recreational kayak. In fact, the kayak is meant to be used on lakes and slow-flowing rivers. So, if you’re looking for a kayak that will calm your nerves instead of boosting your adrenaline, this is the one for you!
Features Of Airhead Ahtk-2 Montana Performance
The inflatable kayak is easy to move carry around as its total weight is only a bit over 36 pounds. When it’s deflated, you can carry it in a bag, as it does not take too much space. Once you arrive at your destination – a lake, for example, all you’ll need to do is inflate it. The whole process lasts only a couple of minutes if you buy an electric pump separately.
The kayak is superb in terms of safety. First of all, it’s made of highly-durable materials that won’t burst if you hit a rock. Furthermore, even scorching UV rays won’t be able to cause damage to the kayak. Another thing that adds to the safety is the color of the kayak. It’s orange-colored, meaning that everyone will see it.
Pros
- Easy to carry around
- Made of tough and durable materials
- Great in terms of safety
- Decent price
Cons
- Does not come with accessories like paddles and pump
Recommendation
If you’re new in the world of kayaking, you need to pay special attention to your safety. That’s why buying this inflatable kayak is a good choice – it’s tough and durable, very stable, and is even colored so that everyone can spot you easily.
3. Elkton Outdoors 10 Foot Inflatable Tear-Resistant Fishing Kayak
The kayak is designed to be used for fishing. That is why it’s a bit wider than most other kayaks on our list. What this means is that it might not go as fast as others, but will provide you with a greater stability. This also means that the kayak is pretty spacious, thus providing you with a lot of comforts, as well as the room for storing things (fish, for example).
Features Of Elkton Outdoors Inflatable Kayak
The main thing that separates this kayak from others is its size. When inflated, the kayak is 118in. x 35in x 16in, which is more than enough for two people to feel very comfortable. Furthermore, there will surely be plenty of room to store fish, if fishing is the reason why you’re going out kayaking. In fact, the maximum load capacity of the kayak is 420 lbs.
The kayak is also very tough and durable. Actually, the chances that it will sink are close to zero. This is because Elkton Outdoors used the top-quality materials in its production. They also paid special care to the design, making the kayak literally unsinkable. It features three separate air chambers, so even if one of them bursts, they kayak will still be able to sail.
Pros
- Spacious
- Decent load capacity
- Very stable
- Almost unsinkable
- Affordable price
Cons
- Does not come with any additional accessories
Recommendation
If the reason why you need a kayak is angling, this one might be the best choice. It’s spacious and has a decent weight capacity. On top of that, it’s also very stable, which is what most fishermen look for from a kayak.
4. Advanced Elements Advanced Frame Convertible Inflatable Kayak
Advanced Elements designed this inflatable kayak to show the world their understanding of durability. Not only did they use top-class materials that are extremely tough and durable, but they also designed the kayak to be literally unsinkable. They used lightweight aluminum ribs as the base of the kayak, thus making it super-stable. What this means is that you can take this kayak to have fun wherever you want – ocean, rapids, rivers, lakes, etc.
Features Of Advanced Elements Inflatable Kayak
This kayak is all about safety. Apart from the aluminum construction, it also features three-layers of puncture-resistant material. And even if something pierces through the layers, it doesn’t mean the kayak will sink. It’s because it features 6 separate air chambers, so if one gets deflated, you will still be able to use the kayak.
The kayak comes with an open deck, which means that if you accidentally flip over, you won’t have your legs stuck in the kayak. But, flipping over probably won’t happen as this is one of the most stable inflatable kayaks on the market.
Apart from being safe, the kayak is also very comfortable. It has plenty of legroom for all three persons, which is the maximum number of people that can be in the kayak at a time. Furthermore, the kayak also has a decent weight load capacity, the maximum being 550 lbs.
Pros
- Superb in terms of safety
- Comfortable and spacious
- 550 lbs weight capacity
Cons
- Does not come with accessories like paddles, pump, etc.
Recommendation
If you’re concerned about safety, we urge you to pick this inflatable kayak. Apart from being one of the safest kayaks on the market, it’s also very comfortable and has a superb weight load capacity.
5. Sea Eagle 420x Inflatable Kayak
As we’ve already mentioned earlier, Sea Eagle is one of the most reliable manufacturers of inflatable kayaks. Whichever Sea Eagle product you choose, you are bound to fall in love with it. Still, if you’re looking for the best professional-grade inflatable kayak, Sea Eagle 420x is the perfect choice!
Features Of Sea Eagle 420x
This is one of the safest kayaks on the market, which is almost impossible to sink when fully inflated. It’s made of puncture-resistant materials and designed so that it’ll stay stable even if the waves or currents are strong. On top of that, the kayak is very spacious (maximum 3 people) and has an impressive weight load capacity of 855 lbs maximum!
Sea Eagle 420x is the most expensive kayak on our list, but it’s worth every cent. Apart from being safe and durable, the kayak is also great for a number of accessories it comes along with. By buying Sea Eagle 420x, you will also get an air pump, a set of 8-foot paddles, inflatable seats, carry bag, repair kit, etc.
Pros
- One of the most durable kayaks
- Extremely safe and stable
- Superb load capacity
- Comes with all kinds of accessories
Cons
- Price
Recommendation
If you are looking for the very best inflatable kayak, look no further than Sea Eagle 420x! Unfortunately, you will need to pay a bit more, but we assure you that the price is well-deserved.
Final Note
Kayaking can be a super-entertaining activity, but only if you have a proper kayak. A good inflatable kayak will make your adventure more fun, but also much more safe. Hopefully, after reading this article, you will be able to make the right decision and choose the best inflatable kayak!
