Inflatable Kayaks

Recent Inflatable Kayak Reviews

ZRay Drift 14'

This kayak holds two people and or 485 pounds. It deflates into its own backpack. I bought this kayak from Costco last year to go fishing on the lakes. It came all folded up in a backpack. It took me a few tries to get it set up right, but once it was set up, it was great. I am 340 pounds and this kayak will carry me, my fishing equipment, and camping gear. What I like about it is that when I am done with it, I just deflate it and store it away. I don't need a kayak carrier on my truck. This kayak… Full review

NRS Bandit I

Bought it after a friend let me use his Duckie, but it was a totally different type of boat. The Bandit is small and maneuverable and a lot of fun. I purchased this inflatable used from an outfitter. Got it at about half the price of a new one. I then had thigh straps and foot braces installed. Ran the Upper Pigeon from the powerhouse input down to the SMO takeout about 200 times at levels from low water to about 4,000 FPS. I ended up swimming a couple of times. The first time I did it I sat for… Full review

Advanced Elements AirFusion Elite

This 13-foot folding kayak has a combination of metal frame and inflatable support. It's light to carry and it's sporty to paddle. Easy to transport by bus or small car or carrying, the AirFusion is an environmentally-sensible choice. The tough construction lasts for years of use. I've tried most of the different kayak models made by Advanced Elements, and other brands as well. The AirFusion is a particular treat to paddle! It's excellent for recreational paddling on flat water and day trips. I… Full review

NRS MaverIK II

I use this kayak five days a week all summer long. I can't say enough good things about this boat! Sturdy, durable, comfortable, light, easy inflation, and on and on. I will admit it is on the expensive side, but I guarantee you are buying a kayak that will probably still be in good working order long after you have passed on. Full review

Sea Eagle Sport 370

Very good for flat water, but challenging for fishing. UPDATE 8/28/16: Took the SE370 down Bear River in Colfax, Calif., for some low key white water. She stood up just fine, bounced off rocks and made the requisite hard turns to avoid bad spills. Came to a screeching halt at one point when we didn't clear a big rock. The kayak stopped dead, I went flying forward, and the seat pulled loose (but didn't leave the boat). I got settled back down, bounced the boat free and I was off again. No damage… Full review

BIC Sport YAKKAir Lite 1

After two years of light use, one of the seams in the inflatable floorboard gave way, making the floorboard unusable. I was able to fashion a rigid floorboard out of rigid insulation paneling, and the boat actually tracks better now than it did with the inflatable floorboard. But the failure of that part makes me doubt the quality of all the other parts. Full review

Sea Eagle Explorer 380x Pro Package

Extremely versatile, portable, easy to use "water SUV" that is perfect for any type of adventure one could imagine. This review is for the Sea Eagle Explorer 380X Pro package. The major difference between Pro and Deluxe is the seats: I like Pro seats much better but for more information look it up at the manufacturer website. I've been using this kayak for three seasons now and the fourth season is approaching. The quality of the kayak itself is fairly good: the body/hull is intact and holds up… Full review

Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Expedition

This is the gold standard for inflatable folding kayaks. The Expedition is so portable I have taken it on airplanes as an ordinary checked bag. On the water, this recreational kayak handles well and has way more glide per stroke than the smaller models from the same manufacturer. The materials are tough and well-made. I am delighted with my Expedition. I have used it for more than four years and it is still going strong. The boat is very well-constructed of tough materials. The outer hull shows… Full review

Advanced Elements Lagoon1

This inflatable folding kayak is portable on buses and inside SmartCars and by small people. A very dependable recreational kayak, well-made with a terrific warranty. Available from the manufacturer, some stores, and West Marine stores and website. The Lagoon is my favourite kayak of the several different boats I own. I've used an older version of the Lagoon for eight years without it failing. It's still a reliable, convenient recreational kayak. Here's a photo of me using it for the first time,… Full review