We buy all the products we test — no freebies from companies. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission, which helps support our testing.
Want a kayak but have limited storage space? Love the idea of an inflatable but want to avoid trying to keep up in a slow pool floaty that breaks after a season of use? Yeah, us too.
Since 2018, we've been researching, buying, and testing the best and most popular inflatable and kayaks on the market. For three seasons a year, we're out on the water with our friends, family, and canine friends, putting these boats to the test. We paddle across lakes on windy days, take them on road trips, and cram them full of supplies for fun days on the water. We've been paddling, storing, traveling, and relaxing in these boats for a minimum of 4 months each — and some we've continued to paddle since the beginning.
The Oru Beach LT is one such boat. Against dozens of competitors, this boat continues to be our favorite to paddle, with great tracking and gliding, a spacious and stable cockpit, and impressive durability. It's the easiest to set up and pack up and if you want a kayak that can last for years of heavy use, this one is worth the investment.
To get out there on a more modest budget, the Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Sport is a fantastic option. It handles well enough to please paddlers of all skill levels, is comfortable and stable, and very simple to set up.
To complete your kit, we can help further. We've tested and can recommend the best kayak paddle for your outing and the right life jacket to keep you — and your kids and dogs — safe. To keep your belongings protected on the water, check out our test results of dry bags.
Editor's Note: Our inflatable kayak review was updated on April 15, 2025, to include results from extensive testing of new kayaks from Advanced Elements, Oru, Pakboats, Pakayak, Sea Eagle, and Aqua Marina.
No inflation required, lightweight, very durable, stable, fast, tracks well, easy set up and clean up
Handles well, high durability, fast, stable, fabric is water resistant
Very lightweight, no parts leftover, smooth hull, lots of room inside
Lighter weight for size, good tracking, easy set up and take down, comfortable and stable, comes with pump, convenient features
Handles and tracks well, very durable, helpful features, option for single or tandem paddling
Great tracking and handling, easy to assemble, dry storage on board
Easy assembly, lightweight, simple and comfortable, stable, spacious backpack
All inclusive, no pieces left behind, lightweight, decent tracking, improved assembly, affordable folding model
Good storage, stable, easy to dry
Multiple uses, plenty of space on board, great pump included, durable construction
Simple setup, stable on the water, easily adjustable, good drainage and durable design, good-quality paddle and decent pump included
Tracks like a dream and glides with ease, compact and with good backpack straps, controllable in rougher waters, can paddle like a canoe without the deck plate
All-inclusive package, adjustable seating, can paddle tandem or solo, comfortable seats
Complete package, doesn't soak up water, spacious, can paddle solo also
Simple inflation, grab handles everywhere, backpack carry straps, two cup holders
Extremely portable, maneuverable, stable, easy set up
All-inclusive package, inexpensive, lightweight
Very inexpensive, everything included, low and stable
Cons
Expensive, seat cushion thin, rigid pack makes for an awkward carry
Heavy, floor difficult to inflate, hard to drain
Doesn't track well, too open for waves, seat plate has sharp edges, basic package is lacking
Holds water when packed away, floor is floppy, no side handles, less technical performance
Heavy, no paddles or pump included, expensive
Exceptionally heavy, unimpressive case portability, too unstable for many paddlers
Poor tracking, limited air chambers (for safety)
Sharp edges, assembly requires strength and force, uncomfortable carry strap
Mismatched valves, catches wind, bag isn't great
Poor tracking, SUP configuration has sidewalls, very heavy, high cost, paddles not included
Challenging to pack up, lacking in features for the price, more like a canoe than a kayak
Setup is shockingly challenging and time consuming, no footrests, some components aren't made of the most durable materials
Awkward bulky bag, foot pump is small, wobbly paddles
Small paddle blades, unimpressive attachments, materials less durable
Awkward packed up, poor construction quality, bad drainage design, unstable and wobbly, below-average performance but above-average price
Low durability, poor tracking, weight doesn’t include pump or paddle
Tracks poorly, tacos when fully inflated, deforms at full pressure, questionable durability
Not durable, pump is inefficient, average portability
Bottom Line
This lightweight and foldable kayak has performance closer to that of a hardshell and is a joy to paddle
With excellent handling, a long lifespan, and great comfort, this kayak will go the distance
A less expensive folding kayak that's exceptionally easy to set up and store and is a joy to paddle on calm, flat waters
A great value for most paddlers, that has an easy setup, good performance in moderate conditions, and is a comfortable and stable ride
Rather heavy but a great performance for a two-person model that can also be used solo
A nesting-style sea kayak that paddles through big waves while taking up less room in the closet
This lightweight craft is open and unencumbered, with a simplicity that's easy to like, if a bit un-technical
Much improved, this origami boat is lightweight and performs decently - though less elegantly - for a more affordable price
A stable boat with solid storage that's easy to paddle and easy to pack away
A stylish convertible option with plenty of space for leisure paddling but lacking the details for serious missions
A very open option with a rigid floor and solid build, though costly for what you get in actual comfort and performance
A lightweight sea kayak you can take on far-flung vacations and paddle confidently, but not a quick and easy option for short adventures around home
An inexpensive and more comfortable way to get out on the water with your friends or by yourself
Everything you need to get out on the water with a friend or by yourself for a great price
Though all the ideas of a good boat are here, their execution here is lackluster and underperforming - and expensive
Getting on the water miles from any roads has never been easier than with this extremely portable kayak
This boat is fine if money is your bottom line, but it paddles poorly and has lackluster performance across the board
What it lacks in finesse and durability it makes up for with a shockingly low price tag and decent handling
In 2024, Oru made some minor changes to the Beach, including: (1) Bungees to affix the seat back (instead of a bar), (2) Changed orientation of the orange base plate corrugation (making it easier to drain), (3) Longer base plates on the carrying strap, and (4) D-ring attachments to the shoulder strap (instead of the multidirectional triangles). We've tested both versions of this boat and find the changes to be an overall improvement to its usability.
“Wait a second,” you may be thinking, “why is a non-inflatable kayak winning the best inflatable kayak award?” Well, as we test inflatable kayaks, we realize that the number one reason to purchase a boat of this style is because of its ability to be packed away and more easily thrown in a trunk and stored in a closet. While most of the kayaks we tested are inflatable, a few notable non-inflatable, but still very packable boats also made our list. The Oru Beach LT is one. We've been testing, storing, toting, and paddling our Beach since 2018, and for all this time — even in direct comparison with the smaller Oru Lake — this foldable plastic watercraft remains our favorite.
SPECIFICATIONS
Capacity
Single; 300 lb
Measured Weight (boat and storage bag only)
25.8 lb
Kayak Size (length x width)
12' 3" x 2' 6"
Packed Size (length x width x height)
32" x 28" x 11.5"
Included Accessories
Repair pieces
Once you've gotten used to folding and unfolding the Beach, it's a cinch to get out on the water, and you don't need a pump. It's longer than most others, providing excellent traction, while its plastic hull limits drag and help you paddle as quickly as you desire. The large, open cockpit is wide enough to please both new paddlers and those who've been enjoying kayaking for years. We had no problems hauling gear, 80+ pound dogs, and kids in this big boat. Though it's picked up a few cosmetic scratches, this craft is still our all-time favorite option for casual flatwater paddling.
After six years of extensive use, our Beach LT still works as well as it did on Day 1.
Credit: Maggie Nichols
If you're hoping to crash through some waves in your kayak, the very open design of the Beach LT can let waves lap inside. The seat design is also rather minimal, though not uncomfortable, and the plastic exterior can cause some rubbing while carrying against bare skin if you're not careful. We like that it's easy to dump excess water as you pull this boat apart after your adventure, and the nature of the non-porous material means it dries very fast. With this model, you won't have to worry about waiting hours for your boat to dry or cleaning mold out of the crevices later because you didn't wait long enough.
While the Beach LT is far from alone in this review as a hybrid hardshell kayak that packs down like an inflatable, it's remained our favorite boat for every casual paddling mission. If you prefer a thicker seat, check out the Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame. Though it's more challenging to drain, this kayak features a comfy and adjustable seat.
In a market that contains a huge range of possible prices and performances, it's extra impressive when a lower cost option outcompetes many more expensive models. That's exactly what the Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Sport accomplishes. Bundled with a pump, this kayak has an affordable price tag, without giving up everything that makes kayaking enjoyable. Sure, you could pay significantly less, but the precipitous drop in paddling experience of those sub-$300 kayaks is massive.
On the other hand, the AdvancedFrame Sport is a comfortable and stable inflatable kayak that still handles well and paddles easily. It hides an aluminum frame within the front and back (bow and stern) of the boat that give it a pointed nose. This alone makes an enormous improvement in how well the Sport cuts through the waves rather than smacking and dragging on the water like blunt-tipped, flat-bottomed alternates.
SPECIFICATIONS
Capacity
Single; 250 lb
Measured Weight (boat and storage bag only)
25.8 lb
Kayak Size (length x width)
10' 3" x 2' 9"
Packed Size (length x width x height)
33" x 16" x 14"
Included Accessories
Repair kit, pump
Though it doesn't have the same technical handling prowess as its “big brother,” the Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame, it still glides, tracks, and turns like a “real” kayak and not a glorified pool floaty. The Sport also weighs almost five pounds less than the standard AdvancedFrame model, but maintains the same dimensions and capacity. The most noticeable performance difference between these two is the floppier floor of the Sport, which can't be inflated into a rigid core and does cause some drag while paddling.
The Sport is an above-average-performing inflatable kayak with a below-average price tag and our top recommendation for paddling on a budget.
Credit: Maggie Nichols
The Sport has lots of features we love, including neoprene patches on the sides to stop painful scratches of your hands on the gunnels of the boat, velcro paddle holders to make it even easier to get from the parking lot to the water, and just two main chambers (and two very small ones) to inflate. It's biggest downside is that its construction (a thickened hull over all inflatable chambers) makes it impossible to fully dry the interior without completely disassembling it.
If this combination of medium size, casual-but-good handling performance, and reasonable price appeal to you, the hard-sided, foldable Oru Lake is another boat you might consider. It has a larger cockpit, dries while stored, and is exceptionally durable — though somewhat less stable and comfortable — for around the same price.
The AdvancedFrame Sport is a great kayak that threads the needle of solid handling and performance with great comfort, easy setup, and an affordable price tag.
Credit: Maggie Nichols
Best Tandem Kayak
Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Convertible Tandem
With impressive durability and handling prowess, the AdvancedFrame Convertible Tandem from Advanced Elements can be paddled with a friend or on your own and is our top choice for a tandem inflatable kayak.
As a very long boat with integrated tracking fins and a slick PVC tarpaulin hull, this kayak can make masterful moves on the water. We were continually amazed by this vessel's maneuverability while still comfortably seating two adults. Its ability to be paddled by a solo adventurer with relative ease is another major selling point. We felt confident gliding over submerged sticks and underwater rocks thanks to this well-designed boat's quality construction and durable materials.
SPECIFICATIONS
Capacity
Tandem; 550 lb
Measured Weight (boat and storage bag only)
55.2 lb
Kayak Size (length x width)
15' x 2' 8"
Packed Size (length x width x height)
35" x 21" x 12"
Included Accessories
Repair kit
On the downside, this outstanding vessel suffers in portability. Weighing over 50 pounds, the AdvancedFrame Tandem is not light. Though you may be able to paddle it by yourself, carrying it to the launch point alone or heading solo upriver or against the wind may require a bigger feat of strength. The boat also lacks a drain but leaves plenty of spaces for water to hide, making it difficult to dry entirely before storing it again.
Yet with useful features, a fairly simple setup, and the best on-water performance of any tandem we tested, we prefer the AdvancedFrame Tandem for every excursion with a co-captain. Still, if you don't require an extra seat, you can shed some pounds and some cash with the Advanced Elements PackLite. At 5.25 pounds, it's exceptionally light but will cost you in performance.
The Sea Eagle 370 Pro is one of several all-inclusive inflatable kayak packages we've tested over the years. The money-saving appeal of not having to purchase a pump and two paddles separately is obvious, but not all of these complete kits provide an enjoyable paddling experience. The 370 Pro has the right combination of adjustability and comfort, reasonable durability, and low price, making it our favorite budget-friendly tandem-turned-solo model.
SPECIFICATIONS
Capacity
Tandem; 650 lb
Measured Weight (boat and storage bag only)
42.8 lb
Kayak Size (length x width)
12' 6" x 2' 10"
Packed Size (length x width x height)
36" x 20" x 8"
Included Accessories
Foot pump, repair kit, paddles
This boat rides higher out of the water, lowering drag and increasing paddle comfort. Fully adjustable seats not only have supportive backs but can be easily positioned anywhere in the boat to accommodate leg room, gear space, and even a four-legged friend. Moderately thicker walls don't deform when fully inflated and maintain the shape of this boat even when loaded to its 650-pound capacity.
Convert the 370 Pro to a single-person boat, if you'd like.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Even for a tandem, this boat is very large, and it's pretty heavy. Its carrying bag offers a single shoulder strap, and its long shape is cumbersome to haul. Although the components are functional, they're not of the highest quality. The included foot pump is small and tedious to use, and the paddles loosely fit together, causing them to wiggle and wobble when paddling.
We appreciate the comfort of sitting higher above the water as we paddle, but it also causes this boat to catch the wind more than its low-profile contenders. Yet, among all the budget-friendly tandem kayaking packages we reviewed, we enjoy paddling this one the most. If you're looking to upgrade, check out the AdvancedFrame Convertible Tandem. The durability, handling, and features made it our favorite pick for a tandem. Just keep in mind that it's a larger investment.
In 2024, the Bluefin got some minor updates, including improved clamps and a minor weight reduction from 70.2 lb to 68.0 lb (bag included). The blue version we tested is the original Bluefin, while the orange version is the latest iteration.
The Pakayak Bluefin 142 is a long sea kayak masquerading in a compact bag that fits in your trunk or closet. This hardshell boat snaps together with stainless steel clamps over watertight seals to become a full-length 14'2" sea kayak. The length tracks exceptionally well in the water, and the hard exterior glides easily through the water.
SPECIFICATIONS
Capacity
Single; 300 lb
Measured Weight (boat and storage bag only)
68.0 lb
Kayak Size (length x width)
14' 2" x 2'
Packed Size (length x width x height)
22" x 14" 45"
Included Accessories
Towel
Adjustable footpegs allow you to properly brace yourself in ways that no inflatable boat can offer. Sealed dry storage areas in both the bow and stern of the boat provide plenty of storage space for gear that won't get wet as you slice through the waves. The cockpit can also accommodate a spray skirt for intense paddling missions, and the tall front easily rolls waves off to the sides, keeping the cockpit fairly dry.
The Bluefin is one of very few boats in the “portable” category that you can properly brace yourself to control the boat with your hips - or even add a spray skirt and take on ocean waves.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
The Bluefin 142 still has its faults. Our expert paddlers love this watercraft's performance to cut through serious waves on the lake or ocean, but intermediate paddlers less experienced with the pitch and roll of big waves frequently fell out of this narrow boat. It's designed to be able to roll, but its low sides can work against you should you find yourself parallel with the waves. It's also extremely heavy, affecting both your ability to control its pitch with your hips and how quickly you fatigue — at 68 lbs, this is the heaviest boat we tested, by far.
And though its case has both wheels and backpack straps, we despised hauling it for long distances or over rough terrain. The wheels are tiny and perform poorly over bumps or through sand, and the backpack straps are practically useless, as there's only a thin layer of padding between your spine and this hard-shelled boat. We hope this bag gets improved in later iterations. But for on-water paddling performance that's on par with a regular sea kayak, the Pakayak Bluefin 142 is fantastic. If you're shopping for a model suitable for beginner and advanced paddlers alike, we recommend the Oru Beach LT.
The absurd portability of this little 5.25-pound inflatable kayak makes the Advanced Elements PackLite an easy choice if you want to float miles away from other fooks, deep in the woods, or in another country. We love that it can be added to a backpack or suitcase and provide access to lakes and streams we would otherwise never have dreamed of being able to paddle. With a quick setup process and simple cleaning, the PackLite is the ideal travel companion. We also appreciate the excellent quality repair kit and directions, as you never know what may happen when you're really “out there.”
SPECIFICATIONS
Capacity
Single; 250 lb
Measured Weight (boat and storage bag only)
5.25 lb
Kayak Size (length x width)
7' 6" x 2' 11"
Packed Size (length x width x height)
14" x 12" x 7"
Included Accessories
Repair kit
While the PackLite is highly portable, it lacks some performance and comfort. Not the most luxurious kayak to paddle, tracking is lessened by the short, wide shape of this boat, designed more to get you out there and less to help you win races. The material is quite thin to keep it lightweight, and during our testing, it tore readily on a rough dock — but the patch was easy to place and held up impressively well. And don't forget that while this boat is very small and light, you'll still need a paddle and pump to use it — and those aren't included in the weight.
But if what you want is to paddle in more remote destinations, the PackLite can help you achieve this. Those who prefer to invest in something more durable may like the Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame. It has much to offer, including great construction quality and excellent handling.
With all the places you can take this ultralight kayak, you may be the only one on the water!
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Compare Products
Testing kayaks with our friends - both human and canine.
Credit: Jason Peters
How We Tested
We've been testing packable and inflatable kayaks since 2018, paddling many iconic rivers and pristine alpine lakes in and around the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Each year, we put together a ragtag team of water lovers, all eager to get out and paddle. Some are fellow expert paddlers with years of experience, many are novices just excited about it all, and quite a few are brand new to paddling. Collectively, this crew spent hundreds of hours splashing, paddling, swapping kayaks, and getting to know which are best for what. From toting gear to carting kids and several delighted dogs, we pushed these crafts to their limits, literally getting to know each one inside and out. For the full scoop on our testing process, see our How We Test article.
We test kayaks side by side to better understand which ones excel for what purposes.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Our in-depth testing involves dozens of individual assessments across five rating metrics:
Gliding and Tracking (25% of overall score weighting)
Stability (20% weighting)
Comfort (20% weighting)
Ease of Transport and Set Up (15% weighting)
Maneuverability (10% weighting)
Construction Quality (10% weighting)
Why Trust GearLab
Our expert panel of testers is led by Senior Review Editor, Maggie Nichols, a longtime backcountry adventure guide and avid paddler. Maggie has been paddling for almost as long as she can remember, completing an intensive skills course in a canoe before branching out to kayaks and rafts. She has spent over 15 years guiding backcountry adventures and on-water trips. From quiet paddling through secret channels in the Everglades and Caribbean to ripping down rapids in South Africa and the American West, she's paddled thousands of miles on rivers, lakes, and oceans, putting dozens of different kayaks (and canoes and rafts) through their paces. Maggie has been testing and reviewing on-water and land-based gear for GearLab since 2016.
Inflatable boats require you getting to know various valves and adapters before heading out on the water.
Testing is hard work, but with friends and views like this, you'll never hear us complaining.
Each kayak in our review has its own method of assembly, some more complicated than others. The Pakayak Bluefin is among the most straightforward, though it's very heavy.
We put each of these boats to the test, toting them from place to place, setting them up, and paddling with friends, kids, and dogs.
Analysis and Test Results
We crafted our tests to span six mutually exclusive metrics formulating a comprehensive picture of each kayak's performance. We combined tests collecting hard data like measurements, weights, and assembly processes with subjective tests assessing things like the comfort of boats for different types and sizes of paddlers. We gained important insights into each boat's benefits, challenges, and best uses by incorporating a wide range of skill levels and body types in our testing and using each model across water and weather conditions. Read on to explore a detailed analysis of how each packable or inflatable kayak compares to the others we tested.
Ready to get out on the water? We tested the best inflatable and packable kayaks to help you find the perfect one to outfit your summer.
Credit: Jason Peters
What's the Best Value?
As packable and inflatable kayaks continue to grow in popularity, the number of available options grows. These boats can range widely in price. In general, there's a trend of more expensive boats performing better, but it's not a perfect correlation. It's also worth noting that some boats are sold as a complete package, including the pump and paddle(s) you'll need to set up and get out on the water (minus the PFD).
Safety First
The US Coast Guard requires all paddlers under the age of 13 to wear an approved Personal Floatation Device (PFD, or life jacket) at all times while on a kayak. Furthermore, one life jacket per passenger is required to also be on board — and remember; they are only effective when worn. Additional local regulations may vary, so check with your nearest agency before you head out — and always tell someone reliable where you're going and when you'll be back.
Our favorite inflatable kayak, the Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Sport is one of the more reasonably priced options we tested, giving it one of the highest values of any boat in this review. With a slightly improved performance and only moderately higher price tag, the standard AdvancedFrame solo kayak is also a great value option.
For those in love with the idea of a hardshell, folding kayak, the Oru Lake performs very well on flat waters, with a basic package costing less than you might think. The Tucktec Folding is even more affordable — and comes with a paddle — and is a solid choice for smaller paddlers and very calm water in sheltered conditions. While the Oru Beach LT is one of the more expensive models we tested, year after year, it remains the favorite among all our testers, from experts to beginners, for its impressive on-water performance, ease of use, and relatively low weight. This boat is worth the extra investment if you want to get out on the water frequently and without hassle.
If you want an all-inclusive package and the ability to paddle alone or with another person, the Sea Eagle 370 Pro is an excellent option. This low-cost kayak performed better than we expected, and your purchase includes a pump and paddle.
Don't let cost stop you from enjoying the lake. There are budget-friendly options for every paddler.
Credit: Jason Peters
Gliding and Tracking
This metric has a lot to do with your overall experience paddling. We tested how well each boat glides through the water, looking at their external material and feeling how much drag each one has.
We tested how quickly they start moving with a regular paddle stroke and how far they continue to move when we stopped paddling. We also took note of their tracking ability — that is, if they move forward in a straight line or if they waggle back and forth with each stroke of the paddle. In general, boats that are longer and narrower track better and those that have hardened or plasticized exteriors glide more easily.
Kayak Anatomy and Terminology
There are a lot of terms used to refer to the parts of a boat, and while they may seem confusing at first, knowing them will help you to better understand each portion of your craft:
Bow: the front end of the boat
Stern: the back end of the boat
Cockpit: the section that contains the seat
Deck: the top side of the kayak, facing the sky
Hull: the outer portion of the boat, both in and above the water
Gunnel: the sides of the boat, further defined as port (left) and starboard (right)
Gunwale: the uppermost edge of the gunnel
Rudder: a mobile feature that is actively moved to help steer the watercraft
Keel: a flat blade sticking down into the water to prevent the boat from being blown sideways in the wind. In kayaks, this is often not a blade but a ridge running the length of the centerline of the craft
Skeg: similar to a keel, but projects backward toward the stern and helps to keep the boat moving straight
Several of the boats we tested have hard exteriors that minimize drag and facilitate easier gliding, including all the foldable models — the Oru Lake and Beach LT, and the Tucktec — and the nesting doll-style Pakayak Bluefin. With their smooth plastic hulls, all four of these kayaks glide well. The only hindrance to the Bluefin is that it weighs about 65 pounds (68.0 in its bag), making it slower to gain momentum in the water.
The Pakayak Bluefin 142 has a hard shell and a pointed prow to slice through the water. It's also the heaviest model we tested.
Credit: Jason Peters
Impressively, the Pakboats Quest 150 is a soft-sided kayak that paddles like a rigid kayak. It manages to achieve this by tightly stretching polyurethane-coated fabric over a series of aluminum ribs, keel, and gunwales, creating a near-rigid structure with very little drag. That configuration, along with the Quest's near-15-foot length (14 feet, 11 inches) help this boat to track and glide like an absolute dream.
The Pakboats Quest is just shy of 15 feet long and has an exterior PVC-coated fabric hull made rigid by a series of internal ribs. These traits cut drag and improve tracking.
Credit: Chris McNamara
Several inflatable models address this issue by covering the bottom of the boat with PVC-like material, also creating a smooth plasticky surface for easier gliding while remaining bendable for storage. The Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame, AdvancedFrame Sport and AdvancedFrame Tandem both take this approach, as does the Aquaglide Deschutes 110 and Navarro 110, and the Bote Deus Aero 11'. However, both AdvancedFrame kayaks take this a step further — they each have a prow stiffened with an aluminum rib, giving them both a pointed bow that more effectively slices through the water.
The AE AdvancedFrame Sport tracks better than similar-length boats because of its pointed bow with an aluminum frame that helps it to slice through the water.
Credit: Maggie Nichols
The Sea Eagle 393rl and Aqua Marina Tomahawk Air-K also employ this kind of thick, PVC-reinforced material. However, both of these boats have lackluster tracking performance because they are completely flat-bottomed. Each appears to have a pointed bow, but that portion of these boats barely hits the water, leaving the protruding bottom to cut through the water — which they do poorly.
Though the bow of the Tomahawk is pointed, it mostly rides high out of the water, leaving the flat bottom to attempt to cut through the water.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Longer boats, those with strongly pointed prows, and those with skegs or rudders offer better tracking than others. Many of the longest kayaks we tested — like the Pakboats Quest, Oru Beach, Pakayak Bluefin, and Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Tandem — also have acutely angled prows that help them to slice through the water and stay heading in a straight line.
The aluminum-reinforced keel on both Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame models we tested make them better than pretty much every other inflatable when it comes to tracking and slicing through the water.
Credit: Jason Peters
Shorter boats and those that lead through the water with horizontally flat bottoms (which include most of the inflatable kayaks we tested) waggle back and forth with every paddle stroke. The rather short Tucktec combats this with moderate effectiveness by having both a pointed prow and an adjustable skeg hanging off the stern. Many other models include skegs on their undersides that add a little to their tracking ability.
The Tucktec is the only model we tested with a skeg hanging off the stern of the boat. While it looks like a rudder, it doesn't move from side to side to aid in steering, making it simply a unique skeg rather and an actual rudder.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Stability
We considered and tested each kayak's stability both out on the water and back on land, getting in and out. To test their on-water stability, we asked inexperienced paddlers of many ages to paddle around on calm and windy days and see how they felt in each boat. They evaluated tippiness and rockability and how confident they felt about not falling out.
We sent testers out with medium and large dogs and even played a few rounds of “bumper boats” to really see which kayaks feel stable and which send their paddlers tumbling into the water. We also tested how easy it is to get in and out of each boat from the shore, from docks, and from the water.
Testing to see how stable and secure we feel in the AE Sport.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
The wide Aquaglide Deschutes proved to be a crowd favorite in terms of stability. This inflatable kayak is unique among models we tested in that it has two thickly inflated sides, but the floor does not inflate. This kept even our inexperienced paddlers feeling comfortable riding through the waves, with their seats below the surface of the water and the sides keeping them level. With a wide-open cockpit, the Deschutes is also one of the easiest boats to get in and out of. The Bote Deus is another one of the easiest to get in and out of from the shore or the water, as its sit-on-top style makes walking a breeze, and its flat back end facilitates climbing out of the water after a refreshing dunk.
The Deschutes has a non-inflatable bottom, adding the feeling of extra security to this already wide kayak.
Credit: Maggie Nichols
The AE AdvancedFrame Tandem is impressively stable even on wavy waters, putting all our paddlers at ease, and is simple to get in and out of. The single versions we tested — the AdvancedFrame and AdvancedFrame Sport — are also impressively stable. The Sport has a wide cockpit for easy entry, but the standard AdvancedFrame features a more performance-oriented, narrower cockpit that requires a bit more finesse to get in and out of. The Aquaglide Navarro is wide and fairly stable but also has a more narrow cockpit to maneuver in and out of. The Oru Beach is reasonably stable for most paddlers, though its hard hull rides the motion of the waves more than many others that have more sunken seats.
The AE Tandem feels stable, even with a tall 80-pound dog in tow.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Readers with a keen eye may notice the low relative score of the Pakayak Bluefin in this metric, and we'd like to clarify our rating with some extra information. The Bluefin has a design closer to that of a sea kayak than any other model in our lineup. This means it's long and tall and rolls side to side more easily than kayaks designed for flat water. For our paddlers with less experience on the water or in a boat of this shape, this resulted in many of them falling out when hit with even a small wave across the side of the boat. However, for our experienced paddlers, the Bluefin provides a different type of stability. Knee brace points on the underside of the cockpit and adjustable foot pegs allow you to wedge yourself into place and control the rocking of the boat with your hips. These extra points of contact keep the paddler stably attached, allowing the boat and your bottom half to roll over the waves while your torso stays upright to continue paddling through rough conditions.
The Bluefin is a great boat for the experienced paddler who appreciates the stability of having hip control of their kayak.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Comfort
This category is a lot about “the feels” and relies heavily on input from various paddlers. We involved people young and old, large and small, accomplished and novice, and everything in between, collecting feedback about each individual's personal experience. A troop of Girl Scouts, a family with small children, friends with several dogs, acquaintances who had never paddled anything before, and folks at the upper limit of rated capacity tested our inflatable kayaks and shared their feedback.
Our testers considered how comfortable the seats were to sit in after minutes or hours in the cockpit. The thickly padded seats of all the Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame and Aquaglide boats are features we noted and appreciated.
The thickly inflated, fully adjustable seats of the Sea Eagle 370 make it simple to perfectly position yourself.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The Sea Eagle 370 seats are able to inflate thickly to add height to your paddle and can be deflated slightly to achieve maximal comfort. The Bote Deus and Tucktec have thick seats, though they're both rather rigid and start to lose their luster after many hours spent sitting in them.
The Deschutes has plenty of space for chillaxin with Maggie the dog.
Credit: Maggie Nichols
Seat and footrest adjustability also play into this rating. Every kayak that we tested has an adjustable seat back that can be changed to lean back when you want to glide and relax or lean forward when you need to dig in and paddle hard. The Aquaglide Deschutes is one of the more relaxing kayaks we paddled, with a wide open cockpit, a thickly padded and easily adjustable seat, and a foam-covered floor for added grip. Though it's not a large boat, it has plenty of space for a small cooler, a dry bag full of your favorite goodies, and even a 60-pound dog.
The Intex Excursion Pro K2 has a surprising surplus of space, making it easy to paddle with a partner without crashing paddles.
Credit: Jason Peters
The PackLite and Intex Challenger K2 have mesh storage spaces on the boat's bow to help hold gear out of the way. The flat, spacious SUP top of the Bote Deus leaves plenty of room for gear — assuming you can tie it down to keep it from falling off the back. Using either the AE Convertible Tandem or Intex Excursion Pro K2 as a single paddler leaves tons of room for all kinds of gear (while also maintaining maneuverability on the water), and even as tandems, both these boats have plenty of room for dogs and other extra items.
The Pakayak Bluefin is rare in the world of packable yaks, by featuring true dry storage.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
The Pakayak Bluefin is the only model we tested to have actual dry storage options enclosed in the bulkheads of both the bow and stern — though they are exceedingly difficult to access while paddling. The Oru Beach, and even the smaller Oru Lake, both have ample room for your dog and/or gear in the cockpit, as long as what you bring can get wet. The Aquaglide Navarro 110 has a zippered access hatch to allow easy storage in the rear of the boat, though it's not a waterproof compartment.
The Aquaglide Navarro has zippered access to additional storage space, though it's not the easiest to use.
Credit: Maggie Brandenburg
Ease of Transport and Set Up
Here we considered the physical size and weight of each portable boat. We also carted them around in our cars, by our sides, and on our backs across parking lots and beaches and up and down long flights of stairs and meandering trails to the water.
We considered the extra materials needed to set them up. We then assembled and disassembled them repeatedly on all kinds of surfaces to evaluate how easy or agonizing they are. And we considered how easy they are to store back at home.
The biggest perk of the AE PackLite is extreme portability.
Credit: Maggie Brandenburg
The Advanced Elements PackLite steals the spotlight here with a ridiculously low weight of just over 5 pounds. It's the only inflatable kayak we tested that can be tucked in a backpack and hiked several miles out to a remote testing location. It's simple to set up and provides access to bodies of water we never dreamed we'd be able to paddle on.
The Intex Explorer K2 and Intex Challenger K2 are both impressively lightweight and portable — doubly so for two tandem models. Weighing 26.2 pounds and 27.5 pounds, respectively, these tandems pack up smaller than most and make it easier than ever to get out on the water with a friend. The Aquaglide Deschutes is also fairly lightweight (26 pounds) and comes with a backpack-style carry bag that can also accommodate your paddle, pump, and PFD, making even longer treks to the water more bearable. The Deschutes is one of our favorites to set up, as it has just three chambers that all take the same adapter, are located very near each other, and are very easy to inflate quickly.
The AE Sport is one of the quickest and easiest inflatables to get pumped up and water ready.
Credit: Maggie Nichols
Not far behind is the Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Sport, which has two main chambers and two small ancillary chambers to inflate. The included pump has a pressure gauge that makes quick and easy work of pumping up the large chamber that makes up the sides and the mid-sized floor chamber. Two small inflatables under the front of the deck are easily inflated with a breath or two. It's equally as easy to deflate and fold back into its duffel-style bag. And at 25.8 pounds, it's one of the lighter models in our lineup.
The 17 pound Oru Lake (left) next to the 26 pound Oru Beach (right). The Lake is carried like a suitcase (with optional attachment points for a not-included shoulder strap) and the Beach is carried by a padded shoulder strap.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The Oru Lake weighs a scant 17 pounds and isn't bad to carry. It folds up like an elongated suitcase, though, and a shoulder strap costs extra. The Oru Beach also becomes a suitcase shape, weighing 26.1 pounds, but this model comes standard with a comfortable shoulder strap. It's reasonably easy to carry, if a bit large for stuffing into a small trunk or back seat. Both of these origami boats take a time or two to get the hang of their setup but quickly become very easy to set up and take down in very little time. Their rigid exteriors also let you put them away still a little wet, knowing that they will easily dry on the shelf in the garage.
No drying required — Oru boats can be folded up when wet and will dry on the shelf.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The Tucktec is another origami-style boat that's lightweight but isn't our favorite design. Its shoulder strap is scratchy on our bare skin, making it unpleasant to carry. It folds up easier than previous versions of this same boat, and clamps far more securely than earlier iterations. However, it still requires quite a bit of force to get the clamps into place correctly. We do appreciate that every bit of this package becomes the boat, though, and it rolls up into an impressively small package.
The Tucktec folds together simply, though requires a fair bit of hand strength to place many of the clamps.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The Bote Deus and Pakayak Bluefin also come with backpack straps for their carry. The Deus isn't terrible, but weighs over 55 pounds, which isn't something everyone is willing to cart around. The Bluefin weighs a staggering 68.0 pounds and has very little padding between the rigid hull of the kayak and your back. Pakayak has included wheels on the storage sack for easier transport, but they're so tiny that the moment they're off the pavement and rolling over sand or dirt, it feels like you're simply dragging this enormous boat.
Packing up the Bluefin is predictable, but you'll want to roll (on tiny wheels) this 68-pound behemoth, rather than hike it on your back.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Maneuverability
We also wanted to see how well each inflatable kayak turns when you actually want it to. We tested their responsiveness to sweeping turning strokes and gauged how quickly or sluggishly they changed course. We did this not just on calm, flat waters but on choppy waves and windy days to see how well they handled inclement weather. Not only did we maneuver around objects, but we also paddled right over the top of them at times to see if these boats got caught or hung up on submerged branches and rocky beaches. For those that come with a paddle, we also tested its effectiveness.
Many of the lightest kayaks proved the easiest to turn in ideal conditions. The Aquaglide Deschutes and Navarro, the Advanced Elements PackLite, the Oru Beach and Lake, and the Tucktec all turn easily and readily with less effort. However, once factoring in the wind and waves, many of these same lightweight boats become difficult to maintain course and challenging to paddle back to safety.
The Deschutes is a lightweight inflatable that turns easily and is enjoyable to paddle on calm days and flat water.
Credit: Maggie Nichols
In rough conditions and with an experienced paddler, the Pakayak Bluefin is one of the best portable kayaks we've tested. Built with the rounded shape of a sea kayak, this long kayak is designed to be steered and stabilized with your hips. With practice, this long, heavy boat, with its exaggerated side-to-side rocking, is ideal for riding over big waves and slicing through them to reach your destination. This type of flexible control isn't great for paddlers not experienced in its quirks and challenges, however. If you're after a more relaxed boat that can still handle wind and waves, the Oru Beach LT does a solid job staying the course.
The AdvancedFrame boats cut cleanly through the water with their hidden aluminum frames.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
As you might expect, kayaks with rigid and thicker flexible exteriors handle sliding across submerged objects better. The hard and smooth Oru Lake and Beach, and Pakayak Bluefin sail over drowned sticks and sharp rocks with relative ease. The Bluefin boasts the same thick resin construction shared by many regular (i.e., not foldable or otherwise able to come apart) kayaks, helping it to glide over hidden obstacles without us even feeling it. The similarly hardened Tucktec is nearly as good as these others. It has an adjustable skeg on the stern that may occasionally bump on underwater items, though it typically is pushed up and out of the way rather than hampering forward progress.
The Oru handles much like a hardshell kayak with its rigid structure. Added length and intuitive shaping along the bottom lend stability and speed.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
The Bote Deus Aero takes a novel approach to being maneuverable. This kayak-SUP hybrid rides high out of the water and turns much more like a SUP than a kayak. In this same vein, it's well-equipped to ride over submerged sticks with ease. The AE AdvancedFrame, Sport, and Tandem also have slick PVC-coated hulls that more easily glide over sunken objects.
Sitting this high above the water requires a longer paddle but also gives extra length to your paddle stroke.
Credit: Penney Garrett
Construction Quality
To assess durability across months of use, we put these kayaks through the rigors they would see in all kinds of typical-use scenarios. We considered their construction and what we observed during outings. We've been paddling a few of these boats for years now, noting any issues that arise and areas where they continue to impress.
We used these kayaks as much as possible in as many conditions as we could muster. We dragged them across rocky beaches and boulders, threw them in our cars and on the ground, and paddled them across submerged logs and rocks and on windy days. We invited rowdy kids to assemble and pack them up and filled them with gear and dogs of all sizes. We found that inflatable kayaks with a fabric exterior held up better to the abuse of sharp objects, both when submerged and when on land. Those include both Aquaglide models and both AE AdvancedFrame boats.
Fabric covers and thick plastic-y bottoms characterize a bunch of the inflatable models we tested and proved to be quite durable.
Credit: Jason Peters
The Bote Deus lacks a fabric exterior but instead has the intensely thick hull and foam top of your standard inflatable SUP. As it's designed to hold 2-15x as much pressure as an inflatable kayak, its construction reflects that added requirement. The rigid, origami Oru Beach and Oru Lake and nesting doll-style Pakayak Bluefin 142 are clear champions in durability as well.
The Bote Deus is made from exceptionally thick material with a foam-padded top, giving it above-average durability.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Additionally, we considered the materials used in the construction of each packable and inflatable kayak and inspected them for integrity. We compared manufacturer claims of durability with what we observed during testing. We also looked at the repair kits, repair patches, or extra pieces that came with each kayak and evaluated them for helpfulness and effectiveness.
Lasting Through the Years
Our lead tester has been using the Oru Beach LT extensively since 2018, taking it on road trips and getting out on the water whenever she can, and has a durability update on this much-loved watercraft. The boat itself has held up phenomenally — over rocks, full of gear, and through innumerable folds on sandy shores. However, one small piece has gone missing. The pole that holds the seatback in place has a special cap on either end that secures it to the boat's sides. Unfortunately, one of these small caps managed to pop out of place and disappear during an adventure. We're happy to report that Oru happily replaced this section free of charge — and that from 2024 onward, this pole is gone and replaced by straps and bungees that are an improved system.
We even broke some kayaks during testing and subsequently tested the included repair patch kit (lookin' at you, AE PackLite). While it might be easy to assume that thicker materials automatically make for a more durable boat, the story isn't so simple. Several models broke in other ways, like the snapped strap of the Tucktec.
After years of use, the Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame is just as good as the day we first bought it, with added features that give us confidence in its durability and safety.
Credit: Jason Peters
While most of these boats did not pop, tear, or develop leaks during our testing, we noticed an important divide in the inflatable models. Most inflatables we tested are comprised of a left air chamber, a right air chamber, and a floor air chamber. If you were to pop the left or right side, the half-inflated boat would be extremely difficult to get back to shore. In contrast, both Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame kayaks we tested — the single and the convertible tandem — inflate an inner chamber that goes around the entire perimeter, then an outer chamber surrounding that. This design ensures that if you somehow manage to pop the outer chamber of air, the inner chamber still gives enough structure to the boat for you to paddle it to a safe landing. It's hard to put a price on that kind of peace of mind.
The rigidity of the Beach LT, while still remaining relatively flexible, makes this one durable boat! And with Oru's 20,000 fold guarantee, you'll be paddling for a long time.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Conclusion
There are many options on the packable and inflatable kayak market today, and it's no simple feat to narrow it down to the right choice before you drop hundreds of dollars (or more) on a rig. Consider the intended use of your future kayak — where you plan to go, how long you hope to be out, what things you'd like to bring with you — to help inform your decision. Be sure to research the water and weather conditions where you plan to travel, and always remember to bring a life jacket for every living creature on your boat.
