Advice we’d give to a friend

The Basics

How do they actually perform in the water? - We initially thought that these kayaks wouldn't perform as well as typical hard shell kayaks, but it turns out that some of them actually do. This is primarily true for the more expensive versions, so it is not surprising that some of the more affordable types are slower and less durable.

Will inflatable kayaks puncture or fall apart? - No. High-quality inflatable kayaks are incredibly durable; some even use materials with a density of 1,000 denier, which are identical to those used in rescue boats. We think it's best to avoid less costly models because they might be made from materials used in pool toys.

Is setup difficult on inflatable kayaks? - The speed of setup and pack down varies greatly depending on the kayak. Some, like the foldable kayak types or inflatables with only three inflation points, were much simpler to set up. Others, like AdvancedElements, have several inflation points — seven to ten depending on the model — and take a long time to dry, which we found to be a bit tedious.

Should I get an inflatable kayak? - Yes. In addition to the obvious storage advantages, they actually offer up new avenues for wilderness exploration. A decent transportable kayak is something you'll get good use out of because they are so portable and handle well on the water.

How long do inflatable kayaks last? - We didn’t notice any problems with durability, and we believe they will survive for many years. The highest-rated kayaks are well-built and made of high-quality materials. You cannot say the same about some of the less expensive models; with those, you get what you pay for. Longevity will increase with proper maintenance.

Budget

Price is often important when it comes to inflatable kayaks and foldable kayaks. Even though there will always be exceptions, at the time of writing, we could divide the market into three groups:

Over $1,600 - You can usually find a great kayak for this price that is well-made and will function well on the water.

$1000 to $1,600 - These kayaks are still sturdy, but they'll often go through the water more slowly and bulkily than some of the more expensive versions.

Under $1000 - These kayaks tend to be poorly constructed, consisting of flimsy materials that may puncture, or are so slow in the water that they are uncomfortable to paddle. We advise you to spend a little more money to avoid making a regrettable purchase.

How will you use your kayak?

It is recommended to spend the money on something in the $1,600+ range if you're looking for something to use for regular training or touring on multi-day vacations. The kayaks in the $1000 to $1,600 range often offer a little bit more space and will be more durable than cheaper versions if it's just for leisure activities like fishing, kayaking with the family dog or taking the kids for some water adventures.

Pure 2-Person vs. 1–2-Person Convertible Kayaks

Pure 2-person kayaks are made just for two individuals to paddle together, providing an enjoyable, communal experience. Can a two-person inflatable kayak be used by one person? Yes. There are 1–2-person convertible kayaks that can be altered to fit one person for a roomier ride or two people for a snug tandem adventure or a voyage through more treacherous waters.

Take notice of the length if you're thinking of a 1–2 or even a 2–3-person convertible kayak. A kayak will be unpleasant for two or more people if it is excessively short. To ensure that you won't be crowded, look for kayaks that are at least 425cm length.

Ratings By Category

Method

We have a methodology that aids in our analysis and understanding of each kayak’s attributes. Following a market analysis, we select from a variety of stores what we believe to be the best inflatable kayak in each category. Every product is given a 50-point starting score. In order to grade them on a scale of 1 to 10 in categories like Performance, Construction, Setup/Pack Down, Portability and Comfort, we then perform field tests and hands-on evaluations.

We modify ranks based on significance and degree of variance to maintain fairness. For instance, while some categories may use a range like 4 to 9, some may use a range like 1 to 10, with occasional outliers. Our goal is to provide a concise and accurate description of how we rank each kayak and the factors that went into that decision.

We want to provide you with all the knowledge you need if you're looking for an inflatable kayak in Australia. Whether you're looking for the best all-around kayak or a kayak designed for a particular purpose, we think a thorough inflatable kayak review can help you make an informed choice.

Construction

Durability, design, high-quality materials, and craftsmanship are the four basic components of construction.

The distinction between the more affordable and pricier brands is very obvious here. For instance, the Intex Challenger K2 and Explorer K2 are constructed from vinyl akin to that used in pool toys, making them more vulnerable to piercing by sticks and rocks. For longevity and stability, high-end manufacturers like Razor and Advanced Elements use much tougher PVC materials with Tech-Stitch construction.

About Our Testing Process

At The Equipment Guide, we write reviews in Australia to provide honest, in-depth assessments of the best goods on the market. To help you make wise decisions and better understand your options, our method incorporates extensive study, including field experiments.

All products are carefully reviewed and ranked by us based on their evaluation of essential aspects. We do not accept free products from manufacturers.

Our mission is simple: To create Australia’s best outdoor gear reviews.

Afterword

We hope this has helped you to decide what is the best inflatable kayak Australia has to offer!

This has been created in a way that will benefit people looking for the best fishing kayaks, the best inflatable kayak reviews or even the greatest kayaks overall. If you have any feedback or you would like us to review a product we’d love to hear from you, feel free to reach out.

If you do purchase and are out in your inflatable kayak Australia, please share some pics with us — we’d love to see you in action!