I bought my first inflatable kayak after hauling a hard-shell kayak to three different lakes in one weekend. The solid kayak was heavy, awkward to strap down, and took up my entire truck bed. An inflatable kayak packs into a bag, inflates in minutes, and fits in a closet when you are done. I have used inflatables for camping trips, fishing, and paddling calm rivers, and they work better than I expected.
If you camp near water, an inflatable kayak gives you access to places you cannot reach on foot. The kayaks below all pack down small, inflate quickly, and handle real use without leaking or sagging.
1. Intex Excursion 4 Inflatable Boat Set
This is more of a boat than a kayak, but it works great for group camping trips. The 1100-pound capacity means you can load four people or two people with a lot of gear. The fishing rod holders are useful if you want to troll or anchor and cast without holding your rod the whole time.
The seats adjust and have backrests, which makes longer paddling sessions more comfortable. The included oars are basic but functional, and the high-output pump inflates the boat quickly. I have used this for calm lake paddling and slow river floats, and it handles both well. It is not designed for whitewater or rough conditions, but for camping trips on calm water, it provides a lot of space and stability.
Pros:
- 1100-pound capacity fits four people or lots of gear
- Adjustable seats with backrests add comfort
- Fishing rod holders free your hands
- Includes oars and pump
Cons:
- Large size takes time to inflate and deflate
- Not suitable for rough water
2. Intex Explorer K2 Inflatable Kayak
This two-person kayak is what I recommend to anyone starting with inflatables. The bright yellow color makes it easy to spot on the water, and the adjustable seats provide enough comfort for a few hours of paddling. The aluminum oars are lightweight and durable, and the included pump inflates the kayak in about 10 minutes.
The kayak tracks reasonably well for an inflatable, though it still drifts more than a hard-shell in windy conditions. I have used this on calm lakes and gentle rivers, and it handles both without issues. The construction feels solid, and the puncture-resistant material has held up through multiple seasons of use. It is not built for whitewater, but for camping trips on calm water, it works great.
Pros:
- Bright yellow color improves visibility
- Adjustable seats add comfort
- Lightweight aluminum oars included
- Puncture-resistant material holds up well
Cons:
- Drifts more than hard-shell kayaks in wind
- Not suitable for rough water
3. Intex Excursion Pro K1 Inflatable Kayak Set
This solo kayak uses SuperTough PVC, which resists punctures better than standard inflatable material. The adjustable bucket seat is comfortable and provides good back support, which matters on longer paddling trips. The included 86-inch paddle is longer than most inflatable kayak paddles, which gives you better reach and more efficient strokes.
The kayak tracks well for an inflatable, and the bright red color stands out on the water. I have used this for solo fishing trips and exploratory paddles on calm lakes. The 220-pound weight capacity is enough for one person and gear. The kayak packs down small and inflates quickly, which makes it practical for camping trips where space is limited.
Pros:
- SuperTough PVC resists punctures
- Adjustable bucket seat provides good support
- 86-inch paddle improves efficiency
- Tracks well for an inflatable
Cons:
- Solo use only limits capacity
- Narrow width may feel less stable for beginners
4. Driftsun Azura Inflatable Kayaking
The Driftsun Azura is built for serious use. The EVA padded seat with high back support is more comfortable than most inflatable kayak seats, and the durable construction feels closer to a hard-shell kayak than a pool toy. The included paddle and pump are good quality, and the kayak inflates to a firm, stable platform.
I have used this for fishing and touring on calm rivers, and it handles both well. The kayak tracks straight and responds to paddle input without excessive drift. The white color stays cooler in direct sun, which is a small but noticeable benefit on hot days. It weighs 31 pounds, which is heavier than some inflatables, but the extra weight comes from thicker, more durable material.
Pros:
- EVA padded seat is very comfortable
- Durable construction feels solid
- Tracks straight with minimal drift
- Includes quality paddle and pump
Cons:
- Heavier than lighter inflatables
- White color shows dirt easily
5. Justoop Lightweight Packrafts
This packraft is the lightest option on the list at only 6 pounds. The TPU material is durable and puncture-resistant, and the 330-pound weight capacity is enough for one person and gear. The dark blue color looks good and does not show dirt as easily as lighter colors.
The packraft is designed for flat water, which means it works well on calm lakes and slow rivers but struggles in any kind of current or wind. I use this for short paddling trips where I want to carry the kayak in a backpack and inflate it when I reach the water. It inflates manually, which takes a few minutes of effort, but the small packed size makes it worth the trade-off.
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight at 6 pounds
- TPU material resists punctures
- 330-pound capacity fits one person and gear
- Packs down very small
Cons:
- Only suitable for flat water
- Manual inflation takes effort
6. Bestway Hydro-force 2-person Cove Champion Inflatable Kayak Set
This two-person kayak includes everything you need in one package: kayak, two aluminum paddles, hand pump, two fins, and a carry bag. The fins improve tracking, which helps the kayak stay straight without constant correction. The aluminum paddles are lightweight and functional, and the hand pump inflates the kayak in about 15 minutes.
The kayak is 130 inches long and 35 inches wide, which provides good stability for two people. I have used this for weekend camping trips with my partner, and it handles calm lakes and slow rivers well. The carry bag makes transport easy, and the kayak packs down small enough to fit in a car trunk without taking over all the space.
Pros:
- Complete set includes kayak, paddles, pump, fins, and bag
- Fins improve tracking and stability
- Good size for two people
- Lightweight aluminum paddles
Cons:
- Not suitable for rough water
- Aluminum paddles are basic quality
7. Intex Challenger K1 Inflatable Kayak Set
This is the budget-friendly option for solo paddling. The Challenger K1 includes an 86-inch paddle, high-output pump, and an adjustable seat with backrest. The removable skeg improves tracking, which is useful when paddling in windy conditions. The 220-pound weight capacity fits one person and some gear.
The kayak is basic but functional. The construction is lighter than the Excursion Pro, which makes it easier to carry but less durable over time. I have used this for short paddling trips and calm lake exploration, and it works fine for casual use. If you paddle frequently or in varied conditions, you will want to upgrade eventually, but this is a solid starting point. While you're at it, take a look at our compact paddle. While you're at it, take a look at our life jacket for kayak fishing. While you're at it, take a look at our waterproof dry bag.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly price
- Includes paddle, pump, and seat
- Removable skeg improves tracking
- Lightweight and easy to carry
Cons:
- Lighter construction is less durable
- Not suitable for frequent or rough use
How to Pick the Right One
- Decide between solo and tandem based on how you camp. Solo kayaks are lighter and easier to paddle alone. Tandem kayaks fit two people or one person with lots of gear.
- Check the material quality. SuperTough PVC or TPU resists punctures better than basic inflatable material. Thicker material weighs more but lasts longer.
- Look for adjustable seats with back support. Cheap seats get uncomfortable after an hour. Padded seats with high backs make longer trips more enjoyable.
- Consider packed size and weight. Lighter kayaks are easier to carry, but heavier kayaks are usually more durable. Match the weight to your camping style.
- Check if paddles and pump are included. Some kayaks come with everything, others require separate purchases. Factor that into the total cost.
- Think about water conditions. Inflatables work well on calm lakes and slow rivers. They struggle in wind, current, or rough water.
Bottom Line
Inflatable kayaks work well for camping trips on calm water. The Intex Explorer K2 is a solid choice for two people, and the Driftsun Azura is the best solo option for serious use. If you need something ultralight, the Justoop packraft packs down to almost nothing.
