Intex Excursion Pro K2 Kayak
Summary
Price At Time Of Writing | $499.00
Our Overall Rating | 70 out of 100
Pros - Affordable, all-inclusive package, easy to transport and set up
Cons - Not the most rigid, the exposed Velcro can be uncomfortable
Overall - Excellent value for money despite some design compromises
Technical Specifications
Open Size - 381x85cm
Weight - 20kg
Load Capacity - 180kg
Packed Size - 80x50x35cm
Our Analysis & Ratings
Let's be honest, the main reason most of us look at the Intex Excursion Pro K2 is the price. It promises a complete kayaking package without a massive investment and for the most part, it delivers on that promise. After putting it through its paces, we found it to be a solid, no-fuss entry point into the world of inflatable kayaks. It's not going to win any races or handle rough whitewater, but for calm lakes and slow-moving rivers, it’s a surprisingly capable craft that gets you on the water with minimal hassle. If you're a beginner or a casual paddler, this kayak deserves your attention.
Performance - On calm water, the Excursion Pro K2 handles better than its budget price might suggest. The directional stability is its strongest suit, largely thanks to the removable skeg. We found it tracks in a reasonably straight line, which is a common struggle for inflatables. It's surprisingly responsive to paddle strokes, making turning and manoeuvring quite easy. It has a low air pressure, though, meaning the hull has some flex and doesn't slice through the water like a higher-end model would. You feel the drag, and it can get pushed around by wind more than a rigid kayak. For this reason, we’d firmly place it in the ‘calm water only’ category for a truly relaxed experience.
Construction - This is where the value proposition of the Intex K2 Excursion Pro becomes clear, along with its limitations. The 3-ply PVC material feels durable for its class and will last longer than thinner, pool-toy-like alternatives, like the other Intex models. It withstood minor scrapes on sandy beaches without any issue. The trade-off here, though, is the low internal air pressure. The chambers and floor never achieve the rock-hard rigidity of a drop-stitch kayak, so it always has a bit of a soft, buoyant feel underfoot. We also noticed the valve system, while effective, is a bit fiddly with its double caps. Long-term, this feels like a kayak you need to treat with care; it's durable for casual use but might not withstand repeated encounters with sharp rocks or submerged branches.
Setup/Pack Down - The dual-action pump gets the job done reasonably quickly and having a pressure gauge included is a fantastic touch that prevents over-inflation. Deflation is even faster, as you just unscrew the inner valve cap. We appreciate the drainage hole at the stern, which makes it easy to empty any water before packing up. Folding it back into the included carry bag is manageable, though it never seems to get quite as compact as it was out of the box. The bag itself is sturdy and a significant step up from what you get with cheaper Intex models.
Portability - Weighing in at a manageable amount, the packed Intex Excursion Pro K2 is easy to lift into a car boot or store away somewhere small. This is a big appeal of any inflatable and it delivers. The included backpack-style straps on the carry bag make transporting it from your car to the water's edge a one-person job for short distances. For longer carries, the grab handles on the bow and stern allow two people to comfortably portage the inflated kayak. It’s a very compact kayak.
Comfort - The interior of the Excursion Pro K2 is surprisingly spacious for two average-sized adults. The adjustable inflatable seats are decent for short trips, providing basic back support, but we found they lack the firmness and structure for all-day comfort. Taller paddlers will find the footrests a bit close for comfort, even at their furthest setting. A significant design flaw we encountered is the Velcro used to secure the seats. The rough, hook-side strip is exposed on the floor and can easily scratch your legs or snag clothing, which is a frustrating oversight in an otherwise well-thought-out package. Throwing a small towel over them is a simple fix, but it's something you shouldn't have to do.
Overall - So, is the Intex Excursion Pro the right kayak for you? If you're looking for a budget-friendly, convenient way to enjoy casual paddling on calm waters a few times a season, the answer is a resounding yes. It’s a complete kit that gets you from the box to the water in under 30 minutes. While it has its quirks, these are honestly compromises that make sense at this price point. It won't satisfy a serious kayaker, but for a beginner or a family wanting to dip their toes in the water without a major commitment, the Intex Excursion Pro K2 represents outstanding value and a whole lot of fun.
