Inflatable Kayak Reviews

Buyer’s Guide | Paddling Magazine

If you know you want an inflatable kayak, but aren’t sure which model is right for you, perusing inflatable kayak reviews is a great place to start. The Paddling Magazine editorial team has spent years inflating, paddling and deflating inflatable kayaks to test their merit. Below you’ll find all the inflatable kayaks we’ve ever reviewed—with new reviews being added all the time—sorted according to type, brand and store to help you narrow down your search.

Welcome to the web’s greatest resource for inflatable kayak reviews. Your paddling journey starts here.

Inflatable kayak reviews by type

With a wide selection of inflatable kayaks to choose from, often the easiest place to start is to narrow your search by type. You’ll likely know whether you need a kayak with room for just you, you and a friend, or you and a friend plus a dog. Likewise, you can read reviews for boats suited to specific environments and purposes, such as whitewater or fishing.

1-person inflatable kayak reviews



Wear A Life Jacket
  • Everyone, even strong swimmers, needs to wear a life jacket at all times when on the water. It is extremely difficult to put a life jacket on once you fall into the water. Even a light wind can blow any paddlecraft away from you, faster than you can swim.
  • Always wear a USCG-approved Level 70 or Type III life jacket designed for paddling.


Inflatable kayak reviews by brand

Different brands have different specialties and offer boats at varying price points. If you have your heart set on a boat from a particular brand, you’ll find our inflatable kayak reviews sorted by brand below.


Aquaglide inflatable kayak reviews

Paddle Sober And Smart
  • Never mix alcohol and paddling. Coast Guard and state BUI (boating under the influence) laws apply to all vessels. This includes canoes, kayaks, SUPs and rafts.


Innova inflatable kayak reviews




Sevylor inflatable kayak reviews


TAHE inflatable kayak review

Education: Get Some!
  • Take a paddling safety course from the American Canoe Association (ACA), your local paddling shop or outfitter, or other reputable source.
  • Take a boating safety course from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadrons® or your own state’s boating agency.
  • Take on-the-water skills training.

Inflatable kayak reviews by store

Step into any Costco or Walmart and you’re likely to see a lineup of inflatable kayaks for sale. If you’re looking to learn more about the bargain boats available at your local box store, read the reviews on inflatable kayaks listed below.


Bass Pro / Cabela’s inflatable kayak reviews


Feature photo: Courtesy Sea Eagle