The Itiwit inflatable kayak comes in a decently sized carry bag, ideal for transporting it to the seaside or river for a quick paddle.

The bag has two straps on the back to help with carrying, which aren’t the most comfortable. This is more of a concern if you are going to be on multi-day trips which involve a lot of walking with the kayak on your back.

The bag has a front pocket which is useful, and this contains a kayak repair kit and manual.

The Itiwit inflatable kayak is able to be inflated in an impressive 5 minutes if you are using a two-way pump. If you are using a one-way pump then you could reasonably assume it will take ~10 minutes. It is important to note that the Itiwit does not come with a pump, so you will need to purchase one separately.

It is a 1 piece, which are generally easier to transport as they can be inflated without much fuss (perfect for the beach or a quick paddle at your local rive

Attachable and adjustable inflatable seats mean that the kayak is very comfortable, even if you are out on the water for a couple of hours.

You can position the seats wherever you want making the kayak suitable for 2 paddlers of any height.

One negative is that the seats don’t have very high back support, so if you suffer from lower back issues (or if you’re older and/or less active) then you may not find it to be the most comfortable kayak in the world.

Most reviewers find this kayak to be very comfortable even for multi hour paddle sessions.

I also can’t see how you would attach a spray skirt, so if you know you don’t want to get wet at all then this may not be the best option. Having said that most inflatable kayaks are not built with spray skirt attachments.

A generous storage area at the back of the kayak will fit all of your important items in and keep them safe (especially when you put them in a dry bag before placing this in the storage area).

Out on the water the Itiwit performs surprisingly well, even in windy sea conditions.

The kayak also looks great, featuring a duo colour tone (multiple options available) and a nice sleek design.

A handy strap on the front of the kayak helps you take it out into the water and/or your launch site.

2 keels on the back and 1 on the front (you will need to attach these after inflating the kayak by sliding them into the slots, and fastening them with the plastic switch until they click and lock into place) means the raft has good balance and tracking.

The excellent stability of the boat makes getting into it very easy and means you aren’t concerned that you are going to capsize whilst out on the water, even in choppier conditions. This makes it very beginner friendly.

Manoeuvrability is good, and you will even be able to go between obstacles (e.g. tight rocks) with ease.

The material is strong and durable so even if you do pass rocks or an obstacle a little too closely, odds are your kayak will handle it with no issue.

Overall a perfect inflatable option even for light sea kayaking and even more so for river and lake paddling.

You will need quite some space to dry the Itiwit properly, which is important to prevent mould and mildew.

Really you should disassemble the kayak completely to dry properly after every use, this means removing the floor and seats.

The Intex K2 Challenger is easy and relatively fast to setup, taking about 15 minutes to fully inflate (including inflating both of the adjustable and attachable seats) using an electric pump. This boat is quicker to set up than the Excursion or Sea Hawk models.

It may take you longer if you are using the hand pump which comes with the boat though, and most find pumping up any inflatable kayak by hand quite tiring.

Personally I would always suggest grabbing an electric pump just to save you the time and effort of inflating any boat manually.

The Intex K2 comes in a large bag with a carry strap attached to the top.

Whilst the carry strap does offer some convenience, it isn’t really one that you can carry on your back or over the shoulder. So maybe not the best option for multi day excursions which will involve a lot of carrying.

The actual kayak has grab handles on the front and back of the kayak, making launching and landing easy.

A water release valve at the back is a great feature, and one many would like to see on some of the other Intex models.

This feature alone makes the boat considerably more portable since it will dry quicker providing you release any water that finds its way into the cockpit.

The comfort offered by the Intex Challenger is amazing, even more so considering the price.

Unlike the Itiwit boat discussed above, the back rests on the adjustable seats in this raft are high enough for complete comfort and support.

You will comfortably be able to paddle for hours on end without getting uncomfortable.

Whether you are looking to buy the boat for solo trips or family ones, you will find the Challenger K2 perfectly sized.

If you are considering the K2 or the K1, go with the K2.

The K1 is considerably smaller and made for solo paddlers, but even if you are a solo paddler you won’t struggle on the K2.

You have some good room for storage, and plenty of leg room thanks to the adjustable seat positioning.

You have barrel storage space which will comfortably fit your dry bag, and even overnight camping supplies if you fancy a multi day river excursion.

Also, the fact that the boat comes with a pump and the paddles is a nice added bonus.

The maximum capacity is roughly 400lbs, which is no problem for a 2 person inflatable kayak.

The Intex Challenger K2 is well suited to a wide variety of water conditions, from calm seas to river paddling in rain or shine.

Of course an inflatable boat is never going to be as high performance as a hardshell option, but the stability on this one is remarkable.

Launching and landing is easy, providing you are paddling on calm waters.

There can be a bit of resistance when paddling into the wind, although this is true of any kayak.

The boat is a single skin one, so not as strong as double skin alternatives.

You will want to be careful navigating any sharp rocks or obstacles, and the boat does come with a repair kit in the event that you get a puncture.

An attachable skeg means that the Intex Challenger K2 tracks very well,

Some wish the paddle was a little longer, but in general the light weight and sleek design makes building up speed easy in the right conditions.

As a single skin kayak you will need to be careful where you paddle this one.

If you are careful and look after your kayak, it will last you many happy paddling sessions.

The water release valve makes maintaining the Challenger K2 a lot easier.

For maximum durability you will need to completely dry out the kayak between paddling sessions.

After every session, let out any water in the chamber using the valve, and remove the seats before fully deflating the boat.

Once dry, back away and store the raft in the carry bag.

When it comes to inflatable kayaks, this is a larger option.

This is because it is actually a 2 person boat, with features making it suitable for fishing excursions also.

Having said that, it is still very portable and reasonably light weight.

With grab handles on the front and back, you won’t have any issues whatsoever carrying it between 2 of you.

Even if you are launching and landing alone, you will likely be able to pick it up to carry in the centre without any issues.

It inflates with the double action pump in approximately 15 minutes, including the attachable seats.

Also when it comes to deflating the kayak you won’t have any issues.

The pump that is included with your purchase has a deflate feature to help, and you can lock the valve to keep it deflating also.

It may be worth labelling the sides of the pump before you head out though just to make inflating and deflating that much quicker.

A water release valve/drain plug will help ensure that you can get any and all water out before lying it out to dry.

The Excursion Pro comes with a carry bag so transportation is straight forward and easy.

When rolling up the kayak to put it back in the bag, just remember to go from right to left so you’re rolling the valves last and air can escape whilst you fold the rest of the kayak.

Of course again this boat is heavier than the K1 Challenger option, but not so much so that you will struggle moving it.

You also get a pressure gauge with the boat which is handy, especially if this is your first inflatable kayak and you want to be sure that you’re inflating it correctly.

The gauge does sit at a 90 degree angle though which can make it tricky to read on sunnier days.

You will struggle to find an inflatable kayak with more outfitting, comfort and features.

Not only do you get 2 adjustable and attachable inflatable seats, but also a booster seat to raise it should you need to.

You also get the double action pump and 2 light weight and durable paddles.

A choice of skegs consisting of the regular one, the shark fin one and the shallow water one makes the kayak suitable for a wide range of water conditions.

A couple of D rings on each side of the kayak mean you can secure the seats for maximum comfort.

The 2 footrest attachments maximise comfort even further.

You even have places to attach fishing rod holders, although it appears that they aren’t positioned in the best place possible since if there are 2 of you in the boat facing inwards, someone will have the rods in their face.

The accessory bar is useful although can only be fixed in a set place, meaning even though the seats are adjustable that you may be limited in their positioning/your setup.

If you think you will want an inflatable raft that can be used solo or with a friend, then this is the perfect option.

The 3 air chambers makes the kayak safe and very buoyant.

The materials are durable and strong, and a repair kit is included in the event that you do suffer a puncture.

Keep in mind it is still an inflatable boat though, so you won’t be able to take it out in as rough and rapid conditions as a hardshell alternative.

The larger design and surface area does make tracking and turning harder than if you were to go paddling in a single person kayak or smaller option, however this is the trade off you make for more capacity.

Keep in mind that if the water is cold, you may notice some effect on the air pressure whilst you’re out paddling.

Overall the Excursion Pro is made of higher quality materials than the Explorer and Challenger models, and you will find it tracks and manoeuvres great providing you aren’t up against too strong a current or wind.

The deflate feature on the pump makes deflating that much easier after your paddle session.

And the drain plug means that mould and mildew will be less of a concern.

The Excursion Pro seems like an easy one to maintain and care for.

As with any inflatable option, be careful around sharp objects or rocks.

The Tomahawk comes with a sleek and comfortable carry bag which can be worn on the back, great for hiking and multi-day trips.

Grab handles at the front and back make carrying the boat to and from the launch spot easy, especially between two of you.

Even as a solo paddler you won’t find the Tomahawk to be the heaviest.

Overall the portability of this raft, partnered with its extreme maneuverability which you’ll read more about later on in this piece, makes it an exceptional option for more serious paddlers looking for a boat to use on their more flat water expeditions.

Keep in mind that since this kayak-canoe hybrid features dropstitch material, you will want to invest in an electric pump to go along with it.

Using your electric pump you will be able to inflate the kayak quickly to a comfortable 10 PSI across each of the 3 chambers and be ready to launch.

Adjustable footrests and high back seats ensure that you will remain comfortable even on longer paddling trips.

Even paddlers 6ft tall found the raft to be comfortable as a tandem boat, and if you are using it solo you will have even more room to stretch out.

The seats themselves are padded so very soft and comfortable, even young children out paddling for extended periods of time don’t seem to complain about their comfort.

Proper footpegs would take the comfort to 5 stars, but none the less the adjustable footrests do a good enough job for casual touring expeditions.

Out on the water the Tomahawk really comes into its own.

For an inflatable kayak, it can’t be beat in terms of tracking and control.

You really do get the comfort and stability of a canoe, but with the speed and control of a kayak.

As an inflatable boat, it is still best suited for flat water paddling.

In choppier waters you do have to accept that there is some increased risk of capsizing simply because of the V shaped bow which makes it better for tracking and speed.

The kayak turns very quickly, even if you are operating it solo.

Just keep in mind that this isn’t a kayak that you will sit in and feel the most stable in.

Double fins/skegs is what makes this kayak so great at turning, but they do take some getting used to. The may also snag on rocks and obstacles in shallower water.

To summarise, you’re giving up some stability for speed and control that isn’t found in most other inflatable kayaks. This is what makes it more suitable for more advanced paddlers.

As with any inflatable kayak, you should ensure that you completely deflate the Tomahawk and dry it properly after every use.

Once packed away in the carry bag, you will be able to store the kayak even in smaller spaces.

The dropstitch material makes longevity less of a concern, and it will likely be one of the most durable inflatable kayaks that you find.

Out of the box the Airhead Montana is slightly on the heavier side, however once you get it inflated you will find it easy and convenient to move.

An adjustable carry bag sits nicely over your shoulder.

This is not my preferred style of carry bag.

Personally I prefer a backpack style, although granted this isn’t the ideal design if you want to go on multi day paddling trips carrying your own camping backpack, in which case the Airhead bag is ideal.

A grab handle on one side of the raft makes moving it to the launch position and landing easy.

The floor drain helps with drying the boat, and inflating or deflating is straight forward enough.

Finally the removable floor is good for cleaning, and separates it from the main floor.

Should a small amount of water splash in to the kayak whilst you’re out, you won’t have to sit uncomfortably in the water.

The only reason this kayak didn’t get 5 out of 5 stars for the outfitting and comfort is because some reviewers have commented that they weren’t able to get the seat into the middle of the raft whilst paddling solo (some say they even tried to do so for hours with no success).

This could make a huge difference to your experience out on the water, especially if you are on rapids which need to maximum level of control and comfort so you can focus on navigating them safely.

However, the Airhead Montana is incredibly comfortable.

Some claim that they have never been uncomfortable using it even after multiple multi-day padding trips over the course of a year.

I have taken this boat out seven times, and I have never felt uncomfortable.

The removable floor mentioned above ties in directly with the comfort of the inflatable kayak.

Good footrests are a nice touch and will keep you comfortable whilst out on the water.

One minor reported negative is that the black cover on the front of the kayak can tear if not handled correctly.

The Airhead Montana is a beast out on the water.

It is exceptionally rare to find an inflatable kayak that will handle moderate whitewater like this.

You will find you have good control of the raft solo or as a pair.

Tracking and manoeuvrability is good, in part thanks to the keel at the bottom and permanent fin at the back. This is said to be consistent across lakes and rivers.

Overall a very fun boat to paddle in, and a superb option for intermediate paddlers.

Keep in mind that this inflatable option is not self bailing.

The Airhead is durable and strong.

It stood up with ease to many reported multi-day hiking and paddling trips.

Everything about it from the floor drain to the removable floor makes it easy to maintain the kayak and keep it in good condition.

It is well constructed and, providing you clean and dry it properly after each use, will provide exceptional performance for an unbeatable price.

Side grab handles, quality carry bag and a portable hand pump makes this inflatable kayak a great option for paddlers on the go who don’t want to invest in a roof rack.

It will take you around 10 minutes to inflate, as is the case for most inflatable kayaks.

However seeing as this raft has a drop-stitch build, 10 minutes inflation time is brilliant.

One thing to note is that some reviewers comment that the pump can slip out of the valve if you are using the barometer.

You can also pack the raft away in approximately 10 minutes, quick and easy after a long day spent out on the water.

As we have already mentioned, paddlers using the Steam often comment on how comfortable the seat is.

Also the seat(s) included with the Steam inflatable kayak have side pockets which other Aqua Marina models like the Betta does not.

The Steam doesn’t come with a paddle, which is why we didn’t rate the outfitting as 5 out of 5.

As an inflatable option, the Steam has been said to wobble a bit which can effect comfort, however this is a small trade off for not needing to transport a hardshell raft with you everywhere that you go.

You will also want to get yourself a personal floatation device (PFD) before heading out on the water.

This raft is stable on lakes, rivers and even class 3 rapids.

The keel for directional stability is a nice touch, and is meant to raise the front out of the water.

Some have mentioned that if you are near the max capacity of the raft, the boat may sit quite low in the water.

Being another boat that features drop-stitch technology means that this kayak is strong, rigid and durable.

You will find outlets to drain the water out of the kayak after a day out on the water, making drying it properly that much easier.

Grab handles at the front and back of the kayak keep it portable, although if you’re paddling solo then you’ll likely want to hold it in the centre by grabbing the side of the cockpit and resting it on your shoulder as you walk.

A decent double action pump with PSI gauge also makes inflating the raft easy.

The kayak isn’t known as the lightest, but it is manageable even for solo paddlers.

Whilst some say that the carry bag is not the best made, the wheels on the bottom are an awesome touch and make transporting the inflatable kayak on multi-day trips that much easier.

It would be nice to see grab handles on the side of the boat to make it easier to carry between 2 paddlers, but this isn’t a major drawback.

The Ottawa is decently outfitted, coming with a double action pump, repair kit, paddle and seats.

Some say that the paddle included is actually the best they have received alongside an inflatable kayak.

Whilst the carry bag isn’t the highest quality (as mentioned above), it does the job.

The seats are comfortable, although you will likely want to invest in some additional padding if you’re out paddling for longer excursions.

The cockpit is roomy and comfortable, and so long as you’re under roughly 6ft 5′ you’ll have a good amount of room.

For maximum comfort, use the side of the cockpit for added back support and position the carry bag in the footwell to act as a footrest.

The Ottawa is perhaps one of the most stable inflatable kayaks that you will find.

You will feel stable even in choppier sea conditions.

Some even comment that the Ottawa is faster than hardshell alternatives which is practically unheard of when it comes to inflatable boats.

Now, if there is strong wind then you may find that the kayak gets pushed around a bit or drifts, the tracking may be slightly compromised.

The 8 inch skeg really has an impact on the tracking, and for multi-day trips it would be worth keeping a spare one to hand in case yours breaks/gets lost.

A drop-stitch design adds a little weight, but means the raft will stand up to obstacles even in shallower waters (making this a really durable boat!).

The boat is surprisingly compact, so storing it won’t be a problem.

The pump can deflate the raft also so taking good care of it by draining it properly after every trip is that much easier. The drain well in the floor also helps.

Overall the Ottawa is a really durable kayak.

If you are hoping to take up kayaking as a social hobby, go with the tandem option.

The Hydro Force Lite is about as lightweight and portable as they come.

Really convenient for a tandem kayak and especially good for beginner paddlers who are looking for an inexpensive option to get their start out on the water.

However please note that the Hydro Force does not always come with a pump.

Making sure that you have a pump to hand where and when you intend to paddle is vital.

You know what you get with this inflatable kayak, an inexpensive boat and some average paddles.

Of course the paddlers provided aren’t going to be as good as some of the more expensive options available, but those buying this kayak are unlikely to need such robust and advanced paddles any way.

The seats aren’t fancy either, but they do the job and paddlers aren’t complaining about them (once they’ve worked out how to clip them in properly which some say can require some trial and error).

The Hydro Force is not the fastest inflatable kayak going, but it is still enjoyable to paddle.

This is not a suitable option for advanced paddlers, since it is best suited for calm and flat waters.

You wouldn’t want to find yourself in any fast currents, rapids or rough sea conditions in this raft.

However, for beginners looking to paddle out into calm waters, it is perfect.

As mentioned above, this boat is beginner friendly and this goes for the maintenance as well.

As long as you drain and dry it properly after each use, it should last a good amount of time considering the price.

However keep in mind that this is not going to be the strongest kayak that you ever own.

Be forgiving in the conditions that you take it out in.

Based on the price alone, I wouldn’t expect this boat to last you a lifetime (nor should it need to for you to get your money’s worth!).

The easy-to-use hand pump, and compact carry bag, makes the Tahe Breeze a good portable option. In fact you can get the Tahe inflated in just 8 minutes!

However some have commented that the carry bag isn’t the best made nor is it the most comfortable. Keep this in mind if multi-day hiking trips are more your scene.

A lot of thought clearly went in to the design to keep it lightweight, which makes it suitable for those longer day paddle sessions that may be broken up by periods of walking.

The skeg, pump, 2 seats, footrests and repair kit means you can get going quickly once your kayak arrives.

The Tahe Breeze does not come with any paddles though, which is why we only rated the outfitting as 4 stars.

The seats are known to be very comfortable though, and the clever design means the back one can have some added support from the cockpit wall.

The Tahe is best for intermediate paddlers who want a recreational boat.

In terms of paddle performance and stability (primary and secondary stability) this boat really comes into its own.

The attachable skeg means it tracks great, whilst keeping it manoeuvrable.

A longer and thinner design means that you will be able to pick up more speed however beginners may struggle to find their balance initially.

The Tahe has self-bailing technology which makes cleaning and maintenance significantly easier.

This kayak is another one with drop-stitch technology, meaning it is also durable. Keep in mind that this does make it a bit heavier than it otherwise would be.

The reviewers don’t find this inflatable kayak to be the most portable one going.

Many look to buy a carry bag since the Sevylor does not come with one.

However, it does roll up very compactly (which isn’t the case with many other inflatable kayaks) and has adjustable straps that mean the kayak can be carried straight on your back.

At 13kg most will be able to move the kayak with ease.

The first thing to note about the outfitting and comfort are the integrated spray decks at the bow and stern. These will keep your gear dry should you position them under the material, making the kayak a great option for family paddlers and even light fishing expeditions (on flat and calm water).

Comfort wise the Sevylor Tahiti does a good job, although some find that it lacks back support (making it less ideal for long distance paddling).

The kayaks stability also adds to the comfort you’ll have out on the water, and if you don’t mind sitting a little lower on the water you will enjoy it even more.

A pump with pressure gauge is also included.

For an inflatable kayak, the Sevylor Tahiti is plenty fast.

It also offers good tracking, stability and control.

Although it will be effected by the wind and rougher sea conditions. Bigger waves will turn it considerably and put you at risk of capsizing.

Some reviews find that it fills up with water fairly easily, likely because it sits so low in the water.

As a beginners kayak, the Sevylor Tahiti is first class.

Although more intermediate and advanced paddlers may wish to look at hardshell alternatives or more expensive inflatable options.

You will find inflating and deflating the kayak quick and straight forward.

Getting the seats on and off, and adjusted for your comfort, is also easy.

However since this kayak does not come with a carry bag, keeping it in pristine condition will be difficult.

I would recommend that you invest in a sizable carry bag to store it in, even if only between your paddling sessions.

Overall the Sevylor Tahiti is known to be extremely durable, with some paddlers loving using it for many years.