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Hard shell kayaks that are difficult to transport are a thing of the past thanks to the development of inflatable and folding kayaks. The benefits that come with a portable kayak are immense, and we’re here to narrow down the 9 best inflatable and folding kayaks on the market.
So, whether you have limited storage space, or if you enjoy traveling long distances or even overseas with your kayak in tow, then keep on reading. These kayaks might just be for you.
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Before we get into our top 9 choices, we first wanted to discuss the portable kayak options.
First, there are inflatable kayaks, and an inflatable kayak is exactly what its name suggests, a kayak that you can inflate and deflate.
Inflatable kayaks are a fantastic portable kayak option as once deflated, they can fit in a small backpack or duffel bag, which can then be transported to remote or overseas locations. On average, an inflatable kayak will weigh between 30 to 40 lbs making it extremely lightweight and easy to carry.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. Surely an inflatable kayak isn’t very durable? Well, you’re wrong. Inflatable kayaks are now as strong, if not stronger, than a hard shell traditional kayak. The dents, dings, and scratches you get on a hard shell are non-existent on an inflatable, and if you do happen to get a puncture, it can more often than not be easily fixed.
The second portable kayak option is a folding kayak. Although folding kayaks aren’t the most popular choice when it comes to portable kayaks, they have a huge amount of benefits and should definitely be considered if you’re looking for a lightweight, easy-to-transport kayak.
Obviously, the first benefit of a folding kayak is that because it is simply made from a large piece of rigid plastic, it can effortlessly fold down into a compact bag. Many people refer to these kayaks as origami kayaks as their design resembles that of the Japanese art of paper folding.
Along with being extremely portable, folding kayaks also don’t succumb to any damage like their hard shell and inflatable cousins. I mean, you can’t ding, dent, or pop a folding kayak now, can you?
But, although folding kayaks do have their benefits, they also come with downfalls, and one of them is their price. Folding kayaks are more often than not expensive, so that’s something to keep in mind when purchasing.
Even though the Intex Challenger is an extremely affordable kayak, it doesn’t lack in quality and durability. Intex designed their Challenger from heavy duty materials and equipped it with storage areas and grab lines.
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The Advanced Elements Ultralite made it onto our best mid-range pick because of its incredibly lightweight design. Once inflated, the Ultralite only weighs 17 lbs making it an ideal option for paddlers who want to take their kayaks overseas or to remote locations.
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The Trak 2.0 kayak has a unique feature that allows the waterline and rocker to be adjusted to the specific water conditions you’re paddling in. This touring kayak can work well on rough, choppy oceans or calm waters because of this unique feature.
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| Dimensions | Weight | Weight Capacity | Check Price |
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10’5” x 32” |
17 lbs |
225 lbs |
The Advanced Elements Ultralite Kayak is one of the lightest kayaks on the market, weighing only 17 lbs when deflated. As I'm sure you can imagine, carrying this kayak over long distances would be a breeze once it is deflated and stored away in its carry bag.
When designing their Ultralite Kayak, Advanced Elements paid close attention to the materials they used in the process. As they wanted their kayak to be high performance and durable, as well as lightweight, they used three layers of polyurethane and added aluminum rib-frames in the bow and stern to improve the kayak’s overall tracking.
The entire boat has a simple inflation chamber design that makes it easy to deflate and inflate the within minutes. All you need to do is inflate the kayak, clip in the supportive high back seat and foot brace, and then you’re ready to set out on the water.
Some other notable features of the Ultralite kayak include front and back bungee storage areas, molded handles to make transportation when inflated easier, storage compartments, D-ring tie downs, and a skeg tracking fin.
The Ultralite Kayak from Advanced Elements comes with nearly everything you’d need to get out on the water in an instance. In the package, you’ll receive a duffel bag with shoulder straps, the folding seat and inflatable foot brace, and a repair kit. The only things missing are a pump and a paddle which you’d need to buy separately.
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| Dimensions | Weight | Weight Capacity | Check Price |
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10’ x 36” |
25.5 lbs |
250 lbs |
The Sevylor QuikPak K5 is a sit in kayak which makes it excellent for cold water paddling. Sevylor constructed the K5 from 24-gauge PVC and added a tarpaulin bottom with a polyester cover to protect it from any damage or punctures.
If you do happen to get a puncture, however, then don’t worry. The QuikPak K5 has multiple air chambers to stop you from sinking into the water. You see, if one of the air chambers gets punctured, then the remaining will stay inflated so you can paddle back to shore.
What makes this kayak great for cold water paddling though, are the spray covers that prevent any water from entering the kayak’s cockpit. These covers will ultimately keep you dry, which is essential in cold water and weather conditions.
Sevylor also added front and back bungee areas for storage, D-rings so you can attach additional equipment, and front and back carry handles so you can get your boat to and from the water easily.
Sevylor included everything you’d need with their Quikpak K5. The backpack, which you can use to store and transport the kayak, doubles up as the kayak seat once the kayak is inflated. When it's being used as a bag, however, it is comfortable on your back thanks to padded shoulder and waist straps, and it is even big enough to store the included pump and paddle.
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| Dimensions | Weight | Weight Capacity | Check Price |
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9’ x 30” |
23.9 lbs |
220 lbs |
The Intex Challenger is an extremely affordable inflatable kayak that is made from heavy-duty puncture-resistant vinyl. Intex designed their Challenger kayak to be able to take on recreational and whitewater paddles, and, as stability is important in a whitewater kayak, they added an inflatable I beam flooring to help improve the kayak’s overall rigidity.
Most inflatable kayaks share the common characteristic of multiple air chambers, and the Challenger is no exception to this. If one of these air chambers pops, you’ll still be able to make it back to your vehicle without getting wet. If you do happen to fall into the water for any reason, however, Intex added grab lines along the back section of the boat that help make it easier to get back in.
As well as the convenient grab lines along the back section, Intex also used the enclosed cockpit to their advantage. Not only does the covered deck prevent you from getting wet when paddling in whitewater rapids, but it also makes room for a front bungee net storage area that can hold a large amount of gear and personal belongings.
The Intex Challenger comes with a an 86” paddle, a hi-output pump, and a duffel carry bag so you can get out on the water as soon as your kayak arrives.
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| Dimensions | Weight | Weight Capacity | Check Price |
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10’ 3” x 36” |
30.6 lbs |
400 lbs |
The Intex Explorer K2 is a perfect example of a portable tandem kayak that is affordable, relatively lightweight, and of good quality.
Just like their Challenger kayak we mentioned previously, Intex created their Explorer K2 from heavy-duty puncture-resistant vinyl and added an inflatable I beam floor to improve the kayak’s rigidity. Unlike the Challenger, however, the Explorer K2 has three air chambers instead of two, which are inflated and deflated by Boston valves.
Although the Explorer K2 has two seats for two passengers, you can actually adjust, remove, and reposition both. The K2 is incredibly versatile, so if you want to paddle solo, that is totally possible!
All in all, the design of the K2 is relatively simple, so if you’re a paddler who doesn’t need much, then this kayak could be a great option for you.
Intex do a fantastic job of including all necessary equipment with their kayaks. The K2 comes with two 86 inch paddles, a hi-output pump, a carry bag, and a removable skeg that helps to improve tracking.
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| Dimensions | Weight | Weight Capacity | Check Price |
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12’1” x 29” |
25 lbs |
300 lbs |
The first of the foldable kayaks to make our list is the Beach LT Folding Kayak from Oru Kayak. This 12 foot kayak is ideal for both beginner and more experienced paddlers who enjoy leisurely paddles down slow-moving waters.
Oru Kayak designed their origami-style kayak out of 5 mm double-layered polypropylene and added a 10 year UV treatment to protect it from the sun. Polypropylene is a very durable material, so the Beach LT can really withstand a beating.
When it’s not in use, the Beach LT can be folded down to the size of a cushion to fit under your bed, in the back of a car, or even on a plane. The best part is, you don’t even need a carry bag with origami style kayaks as fold and clip together to form the shape of a bag.
What we personally love about the Beach LT is that Oru Kayak didn’t skimp on cockpit space. The cockpit is wide enough so that you, your belongings, and even your dog can paddle all day without feeling cramped and uncomfortable.
Even though the Beach LT is made from a single sheet of plastic, Oru Kayaks added handles at the front, back, and in the cockpit for easier transportation, an adjustable footrest, and an adjustable backrest for comfort, and tension straps to give the cockpit extra strength.
Luckily folding kayaks don’t require any of the accessories that an inflatable kayak would. But, with that being said, the Beach LT only comes with the kayak itself, so your paddle would need to be bought separately.
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| Dimensions | Weight | Weight Capacity | Check Price |
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9’8” x 31” |
20 lbs |
275 lbs |
The next best folding kayak to make our list is another Oru Kayak, and this time, it’s their Inlet Folding Kayak. At just 20 lbs, the Inlet is Oru Kayak’s lightest kayak to date making it an excellent option for those looking for an extremely portable recreational paddling kayak.
Like their Beach LT kayak, the Inlet was designed from 5 mm double layered polypropylene, which was then coated in a 10 year UV protective treatment. What makes the Inlet different from the Beach LT is its size and stability.
The Inlet kayak is two inches wider and just over 2 feet shorter than the Beach LT, and although this may not seem like a big deal, it actually makes the Inlet far more stable when paddling. If you’re new to the kayaking world, then the Inlet would be a better option until you gain your balance out on the water.
Oru Kayak added front and back carry handles to their kayak, along with an adjustable footrest, an adjustable backrest that is clipped onto a padded seat cushion, and removable bulkheads that help to keep your belongings in place at the front and back of the boat.
As we mentioned before, folding origami kayaks don’t require a carry bag or any other additional accessories. When you purchase the Inlet, you will only receive the kayak itself, but you do have the option to add on a bundle if you don’t already own a paddle.
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| Dimensions | Weight | Weight Capacity | Check Price |
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10’ x 30” |
28 lbs |
300 lbs |
Another of the best folding kayaks on the market is the Tucktec Folding Kayak. Tucktec wanted their kayak to be stable and durable, so constructed it out of a solid ⅛ inch thick plastic sheet which, once folded, feels like a hard shell kayak.
Something we appreciate in the Tucktec Folding Kayak are the marine grade foam sponsors that act as a cushion for your arms while paddling. Not many, if any, other folding kayaks have this feature, so it’s nice to see they really thought about comfort in the design process.
Along with the foam sponsors, Tucktec added a full retractable skeg fin to improve tracking while paddling, bow and stern handles to make carrying the boat when folded easier, and an adjustable high back padded seat and footrest.
The Tucktec Folding Kayak comes with the kayak itself, a high back padded seat, and a retractable skeg. It doesn’t, however, include a paddle so you’ll need to source one separately.
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| Dimensions | Weight | Weight Capacity | Check Price |
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16’ x 22.5” |
44 lbs |
350 lbs |
If you’re looking for a portable touring kayak, then look no further. The Trak 2.0 is a 16 foot touring kayak that excels in ocean paddles. When designing the 2.0 Touring Kayak, Trak decided on three-ply expedition grade polyurethane material to make it as strong and durable as can be.
What makes the Trak 2.0 kayak so unique, however, is that you can adjust the waterline and rocker to suit a wide variety of environments and water conditions. The kayak you once used in rough, choppy oceans can now be paddled in flat water rivers and lakes thanks to the hydraulic jack tensioning system.
Along with this unique feature Trak also included deck rigging, tow handles, and grab lines similar to what you’d find in your standard traditional kayak.
Understandably for the price you’re paying, you get (almost) everything you’d need for your day out on the water. The package that comes with the 2.0 Touring Kayak includes a rolling travel bag, a spray skirt, a sea sock, two gear flotation bags, and a kayak lubricant.
Of course, the only thing missing is a paddle, so if you don’t have one already, you’d need to purchase one.
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| Dimensions | Weight | Weight Capacity | Check Price |
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14’2” x 35.5” |
59 lbs |
300 lbs |
The Pakayak Bluefin is different to our other foldable kayaks as instead of folding down like origami, this one comes apart in six separate pieces. To rebuild the kayak, you simply clamp the parts together.
Pakayak constructed their Bluefin from polyethylene, so really, you’re getting a hard shell kayak and a portable kayak all in one. As well as the Bluefin’s unique design, it also has some notable features. The first are watertight hatches at the front and back of the kayak to keep your belongings dry.
Next is the foam seat, adjustable back rest, and adjustable foot pegs to help improve comfort while paddling over long distances. And finally, as with many other kayaks, the Bluefin features bungee systems, grab lines, and carry handles.
The Pakayak Bluefin comes with a carry bag that can be worn on your back or dragged along the sand. Pakayak do also sell all terrain wheels that make the transportation process easier, but they don’t come included with the kayak.
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There are two types of portable kayaks: inflatable kayaks and folding kayaks.
As their name suggests, inflatable kayaks can be inflated and deflated to improve their portability. They’re usually made from PVC material and have multiple air chambers to keep them afloat on the water.
Folding kayaks, however, resemble origami. These kayaks are cleverly designed out of a single sheet of plastic so you can fold and unfold them in a matter of minutes. Folding kayaks are secured together with clips and work very well out on the water.
Whether an inflatable kayak or a foldable kayak is the best portable kayak option for you will come down to personal preference. Both are just as portable as one another as they can both be compact to relatively small sizes and weigh around the same amounts.
Inflatable kayaks, however, tend to be cheaper than folding kayaks and are more comfortable on the water because, let’s face it, they’re essentially an inflatable air mattress.
But, although inflatable kayaks have the upper hand when it comes to price and comfort, folding kayaks may be considered more durable as they don’t run the risk of punctures like an inflatable does.
If you’re making the decision between the two, it’s best to check individual folding kayak reviews and individual inflatable kayak reviews to see which one aligns with your wants and paddling needs. One thing we will highlight, though, is that folding kayaks rarely come in a tandem version, so if you’re looking at tandem kayaks, then an inflatable might be best.
A common misconception is that portable kayaks like inflatable and folding kayaks are flimsy, unstable, and not as durable as hard shell kayaks. This couldn’t be any far from the truth.
Portable kayaks are as strong, if not stronger, than hardshell kayaks. Portable kayaks don’t run the risk of denting or dinging like a hard shell would. If an inflatable does happen to puncture, than they usually have back up chambers to keep them afloat, and the puncture, more often than not, can be easily fixed.
If you’re on the hunt for a new kayak, don’t rule out portable kayaks, they’re much more sturdy than you think.
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