A $100 inflatable kayak probably won't be as tough as one at a higher price point with better construction. Inflatable kayaks can be ultra-durable, but you need to look out for durable materials and quality construction. The best telescopes for gazing at stars, planets, and galaxies.Take your glamping trip to a stellar level with the best luxury camping gear for stargazers.The best survival kits to prepare for all the things you can’t predict.The best camping gear for dogs: We've tried (and loved) these 8 products.If you're just paddling on your local lake or river for a few hours, you'll be just fine with a slightly slower inflatable kayak. Hard kayaks tend to build speed faster than their wider inflatable counterparts, which can be important for paddling long distances. While inflatable kayaks are huge on stability, the downside is that they're not as speedy as hard kayaks. We recommend inflatables in the mid-tier price range (around $500) for the best bang for your buck. A $100 or $200 model likely won't be comfortable, won't be very lightweight, and won't have any of the durability features we highlight below. You get what you pay for with inflatable kayaks though. Once you get into higher-end inflatable and hard kayaks though ($1,000+), the prices tend to even out. You can get a $100 or $200 inflatable kayak, whereas the lowest price you'll find on a hard kayak is probably around the $400 range. Inflatable kayaks generally tend to be cheaper and on the low end of the price range than their rigid counterparts. Are inflatable kayaks cheaper than hard kayaks? This impacts the speed and maneuverability a bit, which we'll get into below, but they're generally great for recreational paddling and calm water. They tend to have wider bases, which makes them much less likely to tip over. In terms of stability, inflatable kayaks get the win.
Hard kayaks are much easier to dry off, and of course don't need to be folded up for storage. These can also be stored in a closet or under a bed, so you can still have a kayak even if you live in an apartment.įor storage, inflatable kayaks need to be left out to dry completely before packing them away, or you run the risk of mold.
They generally range from 17 to 60 pounds depending on whether you get a single or tandem and pack down small enough to fit in the trunk or backseat of a car. If you can't be bothered with all of that, an inflatable or foldable kayak is your best bet. The main differences between inflatable kayaks and hard kayaks are weight, size, storage, stability, and speed.Ī hard kayak requires a roof rack to transport, two people or a kayak rack to get from the car to the water, and the strength (or a lift-assist kayak rack) to lift it on and off the roof rack of your car. Here's everything you need to know about inflatable and folding kayaks before you buy.
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