There’s no better way to spend a nice relaxing day than on the water. Whether you’re hanging out with friends or drifting around solo, you’re guaranteed to have a good time. So, if you’re looking for a way to take in some fresh air, a kayak is a great piece of outdoor gear to own, especially if you live by a body of water.
But, what type of kayak should you buy? More specifically, should you get a hardshell or an inflatable kayak?
When to Use an Inflatable Kayak
Although, inflatable, these kayaks can actually be way sturdier than you think. The best thing about these little floating devices is that you can get them at a lower price point (on average they cost about half the price of hardshell kayaks). Inflatable kayaks are also great because they are extremely portable. This is perfect for those outdoorsmen who like to go out on remote waterways and are looking to hike to their kayaking location. While some inflatable kayaks are made out of tough materials, you’ll want to be careful before buying one of these cheaper options. This means you should know where you’ll be using the kayak. If you’re going to be drifting through boulders or in other rocky terrains, these inflatables can puncture, so even though they’re cheaper, they’re not going to last you very long.
In our opinion, inflatable kayaks are great for beginners and people who want to hike to remote places with their kayak. They are also great for people looking to buy their first boat and test out the waters.
When to Use a Hardshell Kayak
Obviously, hardshell kayaks don’t puncture as easy as inflatables and are more durable. This makes them great to use on longer trips. Hardshell kayaks are also great because they sit lower on the water making them easier to paddle and make it easier to maneuver during long trips. Hardshell kayaks are a great choice for more advanced kayakers or someone looking to take longer kayaking trips. Since they’re made out of more durable material than inflatable kayaks, they’re heavier as well. So, if you’re looking to kayak by yourself, check the weight of your boat and make sure you’re able to carry the kayak by yourself.
Overall, hardshell kayaks are great for the more advanced kayaker who needs better maneuverability and greater storage space. Or someone looking to take a trip in their kayak.
What to Consider
If you’re on the market for a kayak these are some things you should consider:
Cost
This is the number one difference between getting an inflatable vs a hardshell kayak. If you’re new to the sport, I’d recommend starting out with something cheaper while you get the hang of things.
Durability
Do you want a kayak that breaks apart as soon as you get it? NO! But, durability is also important when you’re considering whether or not you should save your money. (i.e. if you’re going to be floating down rocky or boulder prone waters, you probably want a sturdier kayak). Think about where you’ll be kayaking and what type of durability you need or go all out and get something incredibly durable but also more expensive.
Weight
If you’re getting a solo kayak, you’ll want to make sure that you can carry it on your own. This is true for both hard shell and inflatable kayaks. Obviously, hardshell kayaks will be heavier, but you’ll want to look at the weight on the inflatable kayaks to know if you’d be able to carry it out on a hike with you. Also, you’ll want to check what the maximum weight your kayak can carry.
Best Inflatable Kayaks
So, you’ve decided you want an inflatable kayak–maybe you’re a beginner, someone looking to easily transport your boat, or just someone looking to save a buck. If so, take a look at our top picks for the best inflatable kayaks.
Best Solo Kayak
Sevylor Quikpak K5 1-Person Kayak
Description: This is a great solo kayak for hikers, backpackers, and all-around outdoors people. It deflates and folds up into its own little backpack making it extremely easy to transport. The backpack dimensions are 33.5 x 8.5 x 20 inches and the boat weighs 25.5 pounds. This inflatable kayak is best for recreational use and is wider than most hardshell kayaks, but is great because of the added stability. The kayak bag can carry a tent, extra paddle, the pump, a day pack and three liters of water. The bag carries everything you may need for a day kayak trip. When the boat is inflated it has bungee cords on the front that allow you to carry your necessities while out on the water. If you decide to get this inflatable kayak be sure you know how to roll it back up before going out for the day. While the paddles are just fine, they’re also lightweight and not the best so you may want to consider getting a nicer paddle.
Pros
- Folds up into its own easy to transport backpack
- Plenty of storage space to hold your belongings
Cons
- Comes with cheap paddles
Best Double Kayak
Elkton Cormorant Tandem Inflatable Kayak
Description: This two-person inflatable kayak is great for fishing and drifting along peaceful waterways. When inflated it comes out to being 118 inches by 35 inches by 16 inches. It’s incredibly durable and comes with two adjustable seatbacks, 6 paddle holders, paddles, the pump, and a carrying case. While it does come with its own case, it isn’t as convenient as having an inflatable kayak that can be folded into its own backpack. Unfortunately, some customers say they have a hard time getting the deflated boat back into its bag. On the other hand, one great quality of this kayak is its ability to be repaired, the inflatable material has three different air chambers that allow for quick repairs without the kayak completely deflating. The kayak weighs 27 pounds and has a weight limit of 450 pounds.
Pros
- Easy to repair if punctured or scratched
- Lightweight two-person kayak
- Comfortable adjustable seatbacks
Cons
- The boat is hard to put back into its carrying case
- Not a lot of storage space
Best Hardshell Kayaks
Hardshell kayaks are great if you’re looking to take a longer trip or just need greater maneuverability. When buying your next hardshell kayak, you’ll want to consider the storage space and weight.
Best Solo Kayak
Perception Sound 9.5
Description: This sit-inside paddle is great if you’re looking for your next solo adventure on the water. It’s a durable plastic kayak that won’t break the bank like some of the others on the market. It weighs 38 pounds which is significantly more expensive than the inflatable solo kayak on the list. It also has a maximum load of 300 pounds. Since this is a bargain kayak, it’s best for lakes or ponds. So if you’re looking for something to use in rougher waterways, this kayak is definitely not for you. It fits one person and a dog comfortably. But most importantly we like this kayak for beginners because it is incredibly stable. The one downside of this kayak is that it isn’t very easy to paddle since the bottom of it is incredibly flat.
Pros
- Best bang for your buck hardshell kayak
- Wonderful stability on the water
- Great for beginners and people who like to fish
Cons
- More difficult to paddle since it doesn’t glide along the water
Best Double Kayak
Brooklyn Kayak Company Perception Tandem
Description: This two-person hardshell kayak is a great, durable product to spend a little more money on. It weighs in at 68 pounds and has a maximum load of 440 pounds. Some of our favorite things about this kayak are its built-in waterproof storage and multiple paddle and rod holders. The waterproof storage is great to keep your personal items safe while you travel. It is made out of high-density polyethylene with UV protection so that it won’t wear out as rapidly in the sun. The storage on this kayak is mainly with bungee cords, just like the other options on our list and the rear storage can hold a 20-liter cooler for a comfortable day out on the water. Also, you should note that this kayak comes in a number of different colors.
Pros
- Waterproof storage for personal belongings
- UV protected plastic to fight against sun wear
Cons
- The boat itself is heavy
Conclusion
To keep it simple, inflatable kayaks are great for beginners, and people looking to easily transport their boat. While hardshell kayaks are great for the more advanced kayakers or those looking to spend longer periods of time on the water