BEST INFLATABLE KAYAKS FOR 2024

With well over a decade of experience paddling inflatable kayaks I have had many opportunities to test and review all different models.

Quality can differ greatly as can performance and features.

These five inflatable kayaks are some of my favourite. They are each very well made, reliable, comfortable, have good valves and features and have built up a solid rep over the years.

With these five kayaks you can’t go wrong and they should provide many adventures for years to come.

SEA EAGLE 380X – STABLE & VERSATILE

Sea Eagle 380X inflatable kayak tandem with dogs

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Most Ideal For:

  • Day Touring
  • Overnight Expeditions
  • Whitewater (up to class IV rapids)
  • Cruising On Lakes, Rivers Or Ocean Bays
  • Paddling With Dogs, Kids or Gear

You’ll notice several Sea Eagle kayaks on this blog. Sea Eagle is one of the oldest and most reliable brands for inflatable kayaks.

The 380X was actually the first IK that I bought going back well over a decade now. I used it for years, loved it immensely and explored many different bodies of water with it.

The Sea Eagle lineup of kayaks has expanded over the years but their 380X has remained their top seller and for good reason.

This kayak is extremely versatile. It is large enough to be comfortable when paddling with two people but not so large that it can’t be handled for solo outings as well.

See the 380X in action below where I am paddling the kayak solo with my two little dogs on one of my favourite mountain lakes…

The seats can be moved so you can customize it for one or two people or for paddling with your dog or fishing gear.

It glides nicely on flat water but is equally at home on whitewater (rated up to class IV rapids). It’s built tough, really tough. The 380X can take a lot of abuse.

I had mine for a good 6 years and never had a single issue with it. I eventually upgraded to one of Sea Eagle’s faster kayaks and sold my 380X to a friend.

I now have the latest 380X model and I find myself using it again constantly. It’s true that it is not the fastest kayak out there but it is one of the most dependable, stable and versatile.

It is also very stable and ideal for sitting back and having a picnic on the water – one of my favourite things to do. 🙂

All Sea Eagle inflatable kayaks come with a fantastic 3-year warranty.

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SEA EAGLE FASTRACK – EFFICIENT & STABLE

Sea Eagle FastTrack 385 tandem touring

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Most Ideal For:

  • Day Touring
  • Overnight Expeditions
  • Flat Water Paddling
  • Smoother & Faster Ride
  • Paddling With Kids Or Dogs

The FastTrack was the kayak I upgraded to after my 380X.  I was paddling mostly on flat water and started doing longer distances.  I wanted a kayak that could glide faster.

The FastTrack is similar in price range to the 380X but definitely a faster and smoother ride.

It is a little bit lower profile with slightly smaller sides so it is not as big and bulky, which helps keep the weight down and makes it easier to carry.

It also has a patented external, rigid, inflatable NeedleKnife™ Keel. This keel makes a big difference in the performance.

If you have any experience with other inflatable kayaks you will notice that the FastTrack is noticeably easier to keep tracking straight and that it cuts through the water very smoothly.

It’s a really nice ride. If you will mainly be paddling on flat water and want a stable kayak that glides a little more efficiently then this is the one to get.

All Sea Eagle kayaks come with a great 3-year warranty.

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ADVANCED ELEMENTS ADVANCED FRAME EXPEDITION – FLAT WATER TOURING

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Most Ideal For:

  • Flat Water Touring
  • Smooth Glide
  • Beginners to Intermediate Paddlers

The Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Expedition is best for the recreational paddler.

It is not as speedy as some of its higher priced competitors but it will get you where you want to go in comfort, style and at a decent price for what you get.

This is a closed-deck model that I think looks fantastic. It reminds me more of the look of a hard shell kayak and it has some great accessories to go with it.

I don’t find it quite as rigid as the Sea Eagle kayaks so the tracking and speed isn’t as good as I would have liked but even so it’s still a nice ride.

All Advanced Elements inflatable kayaks come with a 1-year warranty.

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AQUAGLIDE MCKENZIE 125 – HYBRID MODEL, WHITEWATER, CRUISING

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Most Ideal For:

  • Whitewater – Up to class IV
  • Flat Water Cruising
  • Paddling With Kids Or Dogs
  • Floating Picnics

The Aquaglide McKenzie 125 is a tandem kayak that can be used as a solo as well.

It’s a cross over model meaning that it can be used for flat water touring as well as in whitewater rapids.

It is very stable, easy to paddle and quick to maneuver. It isn’t a fast kayak when touring on calm water but it is extremely comfortable and easy to paddle.

It only weighs 30 lbs., making it very easy to carry, even if out solo. Aquaglide kayaks come with a 1 year warranty.

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AIRE SUPER LYNX – STABLE, VERSATILE & SUPER DURABLE

photo: Outdoorplay.com

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Most Ideal For:

  • Flat Water Touring On Lakes, Rivers, Ocean
  • Overnight Expeditions
  • Mild Whitewater
  • Paddling With Kids Or Dogs

The Aire Super Lynx is a fully decked out expedition kayak with 18 sets of cargo loops, self bailing drain holes and lots of room for loading up with gear.

Aire kayaks are ultra tough and come with an industry leading 10-year warranty. This is the kayak that you can rely on for extended trips year after year.

It feels very stable and comfortable to paddle, the seats are adjustable for solo or tandem use (although it is much easier to paddle with 2) and it tracks decently for it’s larger size.

The downside is that it is quite heavy at 46 lbs. and the price is much higher.  However if you are in the market for a high quality super charged inflatable kayak that can go anywhere, the Super Lynx has a great rep and many glowing reviews.

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FASTEST INFLATABLE KAYAK

Sea Eagle Razorlite kayaking in British Columbia

I have tried, tested and enjoyed paddling many inflatable kayaks over the years.  At a certain point, I wanted more speed.

I belong to a kayaking club where only a few of us have inflatables.  We do short and long distance excursions and I need to be able to keep up.  So I invested in a faster model.

The kayak I use a good 90% of the time when out paddling with friends now is the Sea Eagle Razorlite.

SEA EAGLE RAZORLITE – FAST EFFICIENT RIDE


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I LOVE the Razorlite.  I would have put it as the #1 inflatable kayak to buy but the truth is this kayak is not as stable as many of the others and therefore not suited for everyone.

However if you want to go further faster and cut through the water smoothly with a super rigid and portable inflatable kayak I would highly recommend the Razorlite. It comes in a solo or a tandem version.

As with all Sea Eagle kayaks it also comes with a great 3-year warranty and 180-day guarantee.

See the Razorlite in action below…

MORE INFLATABLE KAYAK OPTIONS

Check out the next two categories below for more options.

best inflatable fishing kayaks_____________________________________________________________________________________

Get Social With Us #inflatablekayakworld

Kayaking is such a fantastic activity to stay fit, healthy and balanced. Not to mention it allows you to connect with nature in a very special way.

We love connecting with other kayakers and seeing your photos on Instagram and Facebook.

Tag us @inflatablekayakworld so we can connect and share photos!


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