Inflatable kayaks are a sometimes overlooked option when it comes to camping. One may feel as I did that there is no point getting into an inflatable boat unless you just want to play around in a lake or pool. Part of the reason for this view is that most of the inflatable boats that we see at campgrounds are the cheap types. However, there is a whole parallel inflatable boating world that should be taken more seriously. Of course we are aware of white water rafts that have been in use for many, many years and also the not to be undone zodiacs that are used for such things as search and rescue and whale watching. However for the avid tent camper these boats are much too large (unless you’re on a whitewater expedition on a very large river). There is an entire industry of inflatable canoe and kayak makers that one can tap into. There are so many choices that it can be difficult to know where to start.
It is good to remember the advantages of owning a good inflatable boat. The obvious main attraction is packability. There are well-functioning kayaks that can easily pack away into a backpack and only weigh from around 4 pounds to around 25. This easy packability really changes the backcountry game. If your an avid fisherman for example, getting away from the crowds to access lakes and rivers is a big advantage. If you do any air travel to vacation destinations, sometimes being able to bring your boat is another plus.
The following are some companies that output some really good quality and unique kayaks. The research I’ve done and links to articles provided may help narrow things down to what boat is best for your needs.
#1 Sea Eagle
Sea Eagle began selling inflatable kayaks in 1968. So they are well informed when it comes to the field. The great thing that stands out about their kayaks is the build quality. Even the lower end versions such as the sea eagle 330
are surprisingly durable being rated up to class III whitewater. If you are looking for a kayak that feels closer to a standard kayak than there is the Razorlite series. Coming in both 1 and 2 person configuration they employ the latest in drop stitching. The technology allows the boat to be inflated to a much greater psi. As a result the air chambers can be made much more compact, so the craft is less bulky when inflated. The high inflation causes the vessel’s hull to become more stiff and firm. This makes the craft behave more like a traditional kayak gliding over the water with less effort.
Sea Eagle also offers kayaks for the fisherman. The sea eagle 350fx fishing kayak is made to take a beating. It is constructed from 1000 denier w/2000 denier reinforced sections. The flooring is a removable, Double Layer, High-Pressure Drop Stitch Floor w/ non-slip EVA foam padding. This durability is proven by the fact that it is rated to handle up to Class IV rapids, which is at the much higher end of the difficulty spectrum. This certainly proves that manufacturers can now make a kayak that can handle rock impacts while moving downhill on a river but still be light enough to easily transport to the fishing location. So if you are looking to get into the inflatable kayak market take a look at what sea eagle has to offer. You will no doubt find a kayak that matches your needs and will provide satisfying durability for years to come.
#2 Innova
Innova Kayaks takes a little bit of a different approach to their kayaks as compared to Sea Eagle. First off Innova utilizes a different build material. Instead of using PVC they build with nitrilon. Nitrilon is a high-strength PES fabric that is single coated with an outside synthetic rubber coating and an inner natural rubber-blend coating to increase air retention. A specialized manufacturing process vulcanizes the natural rubber compound on the interior of the fabric, resulting in a durable construction that tolerates high interior pressure, improving longevity as well as making the kayaks more rigid, water and abrasion-resistant, without sacrificing the kayak weight. Nitrilon is more environmentally friendly than PVC because there is little to none off-gassing.
The outstanding feature of Innova kayaks is their packability. The swing 2 sit-in kayak for example looks like a tandem hard-shelled sea kayak. It has an enclosed deck to prevent water from spraying in. This kayak comes with two aluminum reinforcements to improve the rigidity of the hull and to shape the deck. This kayak can be used in sheltered waters, harbors, lakes and rivers up to class II whitewater. You can get all of this usability into a package weighing only 32lbs.
If you want to go even lighter enter the twist 1 which weighs in at a mere 20lbs. Imagine just throwing it in your backpack and hiking to your favorite lake. Or packing a couple and bringing them when you fly south in the winter. All in all Innova makes great and versatile kayaks. Canadians will be happy to know that these kayaks are carried by the well known outdoor store MEC. For a detailed demonstration of Innova kayaks usability click on this link here.
#3 NRS
NRS was set up by a business professor named Bill Parks in 1972. He was a “river runner” and wanted others to enjoy running rivers as much as himself. Not surprisingly NRS knows a thing or two about making durable kayaks that can take a beating while taking on the large rapids that these rafts are made for. Since 1994, NRS has used Pennel’s “Orca” material in manufacturing their Expedition and Otter rafts, River Cat and Kodiak cataraft tubes, and MaverIK inflatable kayaks. Pennel originally used DuPont® Hypalon® as a coating however the manufacturer has since stopped making it. Hypalon otherwise known as chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CP) was known as extremely durable material. NRS found another source for CP and is still making extremely durable inflatable kayaks. However, they also manufacture other styles with less of a sole whitewater focus such as the AIRE Super Lynx Kayak. The Aire is an open seating kayak for 2 people. Because of the open concept the Aire is easily packable for your camping trips. Run moderate whitewater, paddle placid lakes or load it up for a multi-day expedition. Check out their website for all of the various options available. More info and reviews click here.
So there you have a few of the best inflatable kayak companies. I have provided you with more information about not just a particular kayak but the company itself so that you can make a more informed decision. You may not decide to go with a specific recommended model however knowing which companies offer the best may help you to decide which pool to choose from. So the next time you are considering making a kayak or canoe purchase, don’t just consider the hard-shelled types. Think about what you will be needing it for and also your particular circumstances. Maybe you live in an apartment or are otherwise cramped for space. Maybe you don’t want to always have to mount a vessel on your roof rack every time you want to go out for a short paddle. Maybe your fishing season is coming up and you have been eyeing a few backcountry lakes that may hold some great fish but your not sure how you will get to them. Consider all these factors, and maybe you may find that an inflatable kayak is just the thing you’re looking for.