Today's category is portable kayaks. These are the 5 inflatable kayaks and portable kayaks that not only made a great impression on me, but demonstrated their ability to deliver a quality experience for lots of different paddlers.
Now that summer has come to a close, it's time to reflect back on a season of bomber paddling trips. This time of year I like to give props to the best of the best kayaks that I personally got to test. And though there are many other models that get accolades online, or catch my eye in stores, I think it's only fair to speak to what I have personally tried out.
Price: $999 – 1,499 USD (Depending on the package)
Length: 12′ 6″
Width: 36″
Weight: 35 LBS (16 KG)
Capacity: 635 LBS (288 KG)
Primary Use: Rivers, Lakes, and Oceans
The Sea Eagle 385ft Fast Track gets my vote for the best all-around inflatable kayak. Its versatile design makes it well-equipped for flatwater paddling, but it can also confidently handle rougher waters, such as Class 1 and 2 whitewater, and open water settings with decent-sized waves and wind chop.
It can be paddled just as effectively solo or tandem, and with its weight capacity, all sizes of paddlers can have fun in this thing – particularly if they slightly favor stability over speed. But even with that caveat, one of the stand-out attributes of the 385ft is how efficiently it cuts through the water, especially for inflatable kayaks.
It achieves this performance benefit through a combination of a drop-stitch, inflatable keel that forms a V-bow, a hard shell nose piece, and a removable skeg that further helps it track.
The final thing that adds to its overall applicability is the value. There are different packages to choose from, depending on your budget, and the base offering comes with everything you need to get paddling: a paddle, seat, carry bag, repair kit, and a pump (just no lifejacket).
Price: $499 USD (Though it regularly sells for $375)
Length: 10′
Width: 30″
Weight: 28 LBS (13 KG)
Capacity: 300 LBS (136 KG)
Primary Use: Protected Water
I consider the TuckTec a “gateway” kayak because it can be easily stored and transported, is easy to assemble, paddles reasonably well, has great durability, and comes with a 3-year warranty — all of this will likely inspire new paddlers to keep progressing.
In my experience, the TuckTec Folding Kayak offers the best overall value for beginners. The reason I say this is because it not only sells for an incredibly affordable price (often found online for $375 USD), but it also delivers a great paddling experience.
The danger of some inexpensive kayaks is that they aren't fun to paddle. And if someone's early experiences on the water aren't enjoyable, that might stop them from sticking with the sport.
Thankfully, the TuckTec ensures a quality first foray, without breaking the bank. A couple caveats worth mentioning: 1) Though the capacity is listed as 300 pounds, I think it's best used by paddlers weighing 220 pounds or less, and 2) I'd keep sessions short and sweet with the TuckTec (around 1 – 3 hours).
Check out the folding kayak review
Price: $1,995 USD
If you want to learn more, please visit our website LilyToys.
Length: 14′ 2″
Width: 24″
Weight: 59 LBS (27 KG)
Capacity: 300 LBS (136 KG)
Primary Use: Touring
Because inflatable kayaks prioritize portability, and because they are typically a softer, less-streamlined design, performance usually lags in comparison to hard-shell kayaks. The Pakayak Bluefin 142 is a welcomed exception to this rule because it is a hard-shell kayak that comes in packable parts.
It will therefore appeal to the inflatable kayak market, while also having touring-level paddling capabilities (and the necessary storage to do so, which inflatables also tend to lack). Though this is an impressive balance between both worlds, the Bluefin 142 is on the pricier side ($1,995), and it sacrifices some comfort and speed (relative to a classic hard-shell), in order to achieve portability.
Nonetheless, this is a performance-driven and packable paddling machine, especially for people who are cool with giving up a smidge of stability in favor of improved efficiency.
Check out the best portable kayak review
Price: $995 USD
Length: 11′ 6″
Width: 35″
Weight: 19 LBS (8.5 KG)
Capacity: 425 LBS (193 KG)
Primary Use: Rivers, Lakes, and Oceans
In terms of paddling performance, I was pleasantly surprised by the Isle Switch. Because it has that wide, stable platform, and a flat hull, I wasn't expecting much in terms of speed. Now, the Switch still isn't for winning races, but it had a bit of zip to it, and with the help of that large, removable fin, it tracked quite well. But the thing that really put a smile on my face (and my family's) was how ridiculously versatile this thing was.
It can be used as a stand-up paddleboard, a solo kayak, a tandem kayak, heck, we even had my wife, my daughter, and myself all on there at once! You can change the configurations of the seats on the fly so that you can be facing forward one moment, enjoying the view, and then turned towards each other, having a conversation, the next.
You can switch things up however you like, and that is the magic of the Isle Switch. Oh and did I mention how light this thing is? At only 19 pounds, this rig is a dream to move around.
Check out the SUP and kayak hybrid review
Those are the top dogs for me this year. But before I go, I have to give two honorable mentions to a couple crafts that are still well-worth looking into.
The Chelan 120 is light, easy to get around, and fun to paddle. If you're looking for a solo kayak that is exceptionally portable, this may be your boat.
The Itiwit is another great beginner's kayak. It regularly sells for under $300 (USD) and it's good for one, two, or even three people. This makes the Itiwit an affordable boat for the family, or for having a fun afternoon with some friends.
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