4 best Inflatable Kayaks For Your Next Adventure

Intex Challenger K2

The Intex Challenger K2 is a simple, budget kayak best suited for lakes and calm rivers. That being said, it has a streamline design and impressive stability. Just remember to attach the skeg! Set up and packing down is very quick and the kayak dries really fast too.

There are a few downsides, as expected with a low budget kayak. Firstly, the vinyl material isn’t as robust as materials used for the higher-range kayaks. This means it will be more prone to punctures. It’s also less comfortable, as the seat backrests are a bit short and the kayak is quite cramped to sit in.

Overall, it’s a great budget option for casual paddling and family fun in calm waters.

Specifications
Max people: 2
Capacity: 159 kg
Length: 351 cm
Weight: 17.6 kg
Included: Kayak, seats, 1 skeg, 2 oars, pump, carry bag, repair patch
Price at time of writing: £110

Aqua Marina Laxo

The Aqua Marina Laxo comes in 3 sizes, allowing space for 1 – 3 people. It’s a more durable and robust kayak than the K2, thanks to the UV- and water-resistant nylon fabric covering. Although it doesn’t come with drop-stitch flooring, like the Tribord below, the 2 skegs and V-shaped hull enhance straight line tracking.

For comfort, the Laxo comes with foam seating which is supported by straps attached to D-rings. This is good on shorter journeys, however lack of footrests means anything longer than a couple of hours becomes a bit uncomfortable.

The setup and pack down are relatively easy, although drying is slow due to the fabric cover. So there’s a bit of a trade-off between abrasion protection and drying time.

The Aqua Marina comes with everything you need, but there are a couple of things I would change. The foot pump, for example, is a bit of a chore to use. I would upgrade this to a double action hand pump to make inflating much easier. Also, the duffel-style bag is cumbersome to carry. I prefer the backpack-style bags that come with Decathlon kayaks.

Specifications

All include: Kayak, seats, 2 skegs, oars, foot pump, bag

TRIBORD 100+

The Tribord 100+ can be used as a 1 or 2 person kayak. It’s more durable than the K2 due to a robust outer skin made from polyester fabric coated with PVC Tarpaulin. In addition, the tarpaulin construction allows for faster drying. An advantage over the Aqua Marina Laxo. The Tribord also comes with a drop-stitch floor which provides better glide.

The Tribord is extremely stable but, despite having 3 skegs, it doesn’t track particularly well. This could be due to the skegs being smaller than other models.

The inflatable seats are not as comfortable as the Aqua Marina’s. And again there is a lack of footrests so longer paddles can become uncomfortable.

You do have to purchase the pump and oars separately. However the backpack is very easy to carry and fits the kayak and all accessories well.

Specifications
Max people: 2
Capacity: 200 kg
Length: 365 cm
Weight: 16 kg
Included: Kayak, seats, 3 skegs, repair kit, inflation connector, bag
Price at time of writing: £350

Advanced Elements Convertible Elite Kayak

The Advanced Elements Convertible Elite can be used as a 1 or 2 person kayak. Although this is an inflatable kayak, it includes built-in aluminium ribs at the bow and stern. This greatly improves the robustness and tracking of the kayak compared to the lower range ones listed above. The Elite models also include a drop-stitch floor as standard, which increases rigidity and allows for better tracking and glide. The adjustable seats also offer great lumbar support. Overall, it’s a fast and very stable kayak, perfect for coastal and inland waters.

The biggest downside is the weight. At 25 kg you won’t want to carry this far to get in the water. Which means you’ll be limited to places where you can park close by.

Specifications
Max people: 2
Capacity: 239 kg
Length: 460 cm
Weight: 25 kg
Included: Kayak, seats, duffel bag, repair kit
Price at time of writing: £900