5 Best Inflatable Kayaks for Rivers, Oceans, Whitewater & Fishing (Sept 2023 Review)

Inflatable vs Hardshell Kayaks

The wonderful world of kayaking is continually upping its game when it comes to kayak options.

The popularity of inflatable versions has made quite a splash recently, and many folks are opting for inflatables as opposed to hardshell vessels.

If you’re teetering back and forth between which type of kayak to purchase, I’d like to help you narrow the field.

There are several pros and cons with both inflatable and hardshell versions. Let’s cover those—along with some important questions to ask yourself.

Inflatable Kayak Pros

In my humble opinion, the pros of inflatable kayaks outweigh the cons in spades. These vessels are typically much easier to tote and to transport than their hardshell competitors.

Despite being lighter in weight, these durable kayaks often have a similar weight capacity to rigid vessels.

Some are even designed to handle more weight than hardshell versions. Because of their many pros, I recommend inflatable kayaks for both beginner and seasoned kayakers.

However, it’s important to keep your personal needs and preferences in mind before deciding on a vessel of your own.

Additional pros include:

Durability: Inflatable kayaks are built to last and are able to withstand those unavoidable bumps all kayakers face at one time or another.

They are abrasion-resistant and have buoyancy, making them ideal for bouncing off rocks, twigs, and other barriers. This buoyancy can help immensely in the case of a collision.

Don’t underestimate how tough well-made inflatable kayaks truly are. They are often made with drop-stitch technology, which is essentially small interlocking fibers that engage when the vessel is inflated.

The outer surface of these kayaks are generally made from rubber and PVC, similar to the materials used in whitewater rafts and lifeboats. For this reason, inflatable kayaks tend to be more durable than their rigid competitors.

Stability: In addition to being incredibly durable, inflatable kayaks generally have a wider base, so they tend to be more stable.

Price: Budget-conscious kayakers appreciate the fact that, with some exceptions, inflatable kayaks tend to be more affordable.

If you aren’t in a position to splurge on a high-end model, you may want to consider one of the lower-cost versions listed in our top picks for inflatable kayaks below.

Transportability: Because you can inflate and deflate your inflatable kayak before and after every use, this type of vessel is incredibly easy to transport, and doesn’t require a complex rooftop rack system. In fact, you can throw your inflatable kayak in a suitcase or bag and check it with your luggage when flying.

Inflatable kayaks are particularly beneficial for folks who travel often. They eliminate the need to rent a hardshell kayak, saving you lots of time and money in the long run.

Safety: If you’ve ever been hit in the head by a hardshell kayak, you know how much it can hurt. Inflatable versions tend to be more forgiving; if you hit your head, you’ll probably bounce right off.

Storage: If you don’t have a lot of storage space, you’ll love the fact that your deflated kayak can easily be stored in a closet or under a bed. Inflatable kayaks are especially suitable for apartment dwellers.

Inflatable Kayak Cons

While the pros certainly outweigh the cons, I’d be remiss not to mention the inflatable kayak drawbacks:

Inflating and Deflating: With a hardshell kayak, you can simply grab it and go, while an inflatable version takes a bit more preparation.

You’ll need to take the time to inflate your kayak before every use, which generally takes 10 to 15 minutes with a pump. If your kayak doesn’t come with a pump, I recommend purchasing one to save you valuable time, energy, and effort.

You’ll need to pay close attention to your vessel’s PSI (pounds per square inch) to ensure you pump the correct amount of air into your kayak. Note that higher PSI indicates how rigid your vessel can become, so prioritizing PSI when shopping will be beneficial.

After each outing, you’ll need to deflate your kayak. This also takes time, as you’ll need to wash it and make sure it’s fully dry before stowing it away. Skip this step and your vessel will be susceptible to damage and will become downright stinky.

Control: As I previously mentioned, inflatable kayaks tend to be lighter than rigid models; this can impact the control you have over your vessel while on the water.

If you plan to frequent rockier waters, you may want to look into purchasing a hardshell version, although there are several inflatable models on the market that can handle wavy waters or rapids.

Hardshell Kayak Pros

While the purpose of this article is to clue you in on the pros and cons of inflatable kayaks, and to introduce you to some stellar examples, it’s important to note that hardshell kayaks have some pretty amazing qualities. Let’s take a peek at the pros and cons:

No Inflating: The number one selling point I  can’t deny with hardshell kayaks is the fact that you can grab them and go. There’s no inflating or deflating, so you don’t have to take time out before and after your adventure.

Sure, they’re generally bulkier and heavier than inflatable models, but they allow you to save your energy for the water.

Control: Many kayakers note a marked difference in their ability to control a hardshell vessel as opposed to an inflatable model.

It’s important to keep your own skill level in mind, and the type of waters you plan to frequent.

If your goal is to ride the ocean waves or cruise on whitewater rapids, I recommend a hardshell kayak over an inflatable one.

Hardshell Kayak Cons

There are some pretty serious cons to consider before splurging on a hardshell kayak. If you don’t have space to store a traditional vessel, I suggest you opt for an inflatable model. Other factors include:

Weight: Traditional harshell kayaks aren’t exactly lightweight. Whether they’re made from plastic, wood, or fiberglass, these rigid vessels are almost always heavier than inflatables.

Portability also comes into play when it comes to a kayak’s weight. Some vessels require two people to tote them, so keep this in mind when choosing your kayak.

If you’re able to park next to the water, the lack of portability may not be an issue, but if you have to tote the vessel through the woods, an inflatable may be for you.

Additionally, rigid kayaks typically have a lower weight limit than inflatable versions. Keep your body weight and the weight of your gear in mind when deciding on the vessel that’s right for you.

Transportability: Along with being more cumbersome to carry, hardshell kayaks are more difficult to transport in a vehicle.

If you can’t fit a rooftop rack on your car, or you just don’t want the hassle, I’d strongly encourage you to opt for an inflatable model, which can ride along in the backseat or trunk.

Durability: Because hardshell kayaks don’t have the buoyancy their inflatable competitors offer, they are easily damaged from those unavoidable scrapes and bumps on the water.

Maintenance: Inflatable kayaks tend to require minimal maintenance. Hardshell versions, however, generally require much more. Depending on the type of vessel you choose, repairs can be costly.

Wood tends to require frequent maintenance, while plastic generally requires less. Keep in mind that repairs to plastic models tend to be more expensive.

Although fiberglass models tend to be pricier to purchase, they rarely need repaired. Because of this, considering your budget is important when purchasing a hardshell kayak.

Before You Purchase Your Inflatable Kayak

With the above tips in mind, I recommend taking a few additional steps before splurging on a kayak.

It’s important to make sure you love the sport before making the investment. Additionally, researching local waters and getting advice from a local pro can be extremely helpful.

Follow these steps before making your purchase:

Try out the sport: Before you buy a kayak, rent one from a local paddling shop, and/or ask a kayaking friend to join you for an outing.

If you’re a seasoned kayaker, you probably won’t need to test the waters. But if you don’t have kayaking experience, you’ll want to make sure the sport is for you.

I also recommend taking your family along if you plan to paddle together. Kayaking is an excellent intergenerational activity that the entire fam can enjoy.

Take a lesson: You can skip this step altogether if you’ve already fallen in love with the sport, but kayaking lessons are a great way to get acquainted with the activity.

You’ll also learn important safety information that can be lifesaving on the water.

Do your research: Before purchasing your vessel, research multiple models by reading reviews and watching YouTube videos. There are countless free resources to make your decision easier. Set aside time to do your homework.

This preparation will allow you to get to know your vessel before venturing out.

Ask these important questions: In addition to trying out the sport and doing extensive research ahead of time, I recommend asking yourself the following questions:

• How often do I plan to kayak? The amount of time you plan to spend kayaking can help you prioritize factors such as the quality of the kayak you’re looking for, as well as budget. You may not want to spend a lot on a vessel if you don’t plan to paddle often. If you intend to venture out frequently, however, you may want to splurge on a higher quality vessel.
• Who will I kayak with? If you plan to make kayaking a family adventure, or you plan to take a friend or family member each time, you’ll probably be best served by a tandem or convertible kayak. These vessels allow you to ride both solo or with a fellow paddler. They also offer excellent versatility.
• How much weight can I carry? A kayak’s weight is an important consideration when deciding on your purchase. If you plan to be a primarily solo paddler, opt for a model you can tote on your own.
• How much weight can the kayak carry? In addition to your own weight, you’ll need to consider fellow paddlers and/or gear when reviewing a vessel’s weight capacity. Sure, you might weigh 150 pounds, but your gear and a passenger can add considerable weight to your vessel.

It was a joy to try out these vessels. I hope this guide helps you decide which kayak is right for you. I suggest making a list of must-have and preferred features and accessories to ensure you’re prepared while shopping for your kayak.

Regardless of which vessel you choose, don’t forget to enjoy the journey!