With so many inflatable kayaks available, it can be tough to find the best you're looking for. This guide will help you pick the best inflatable kayak under $500.You do not need to be frustrated if you do not have enough money, you can still go kayaking.
There is no doubt that inflatable kayaks are known due to their durability, portability and amazing performance. Doesn’t matter if you pick an inexpensive one. These all perform well and have plenty of features. So let's start to find your best one. Read our full review to find the best kayak under 500$.
10 Best Inflatable Kayaks Under 500$
Key Specifications
- Material: Nylon
- Length: 9 Feet 6 Inches
- Weight: 30 Lbs
- Weight Capacity: 320 Lbs
Solstice flare is the best kayak for whitewater conditions. If you are curious to ride around whitewater waves but worried about budget, or you have a limited amount of money you can choose a solstice flare that’s not the best inflatable kayak for the money but also for whitewater conditions.
Its amazing maneuverability provides you with ease in kayaking. This inflatable kayak made with drop stitch floor offers you excellent rigidity and comfortable structure.
Nine feet and six inches length make it a perfect inflatable kayak even if a paddler is taller in my opinion. This is a one person inflatable kayak so if you are a person who prefers to enjoy your own company you can buy it.
The amazing point is that it has an option of multiple footrest positions. Wow, But the question is that how? Let me tell you! This is a smaller kayak and you can enjoy more and more comfort varying heights.
No doubt this is one of the best cheap kayaks under 500$ as it is a super tough nylon fabric and a denier count of 100. Also it has screw type drain valves that enable you to dry out the water from the cockpit, and you never need to turn your boat over.
Also it measures up to 37 inches and 319 pounds, which is excellent for a one person paddling. Besides, It comes with all the necessary things such as a pressure gauge, a pump, and a carry bag. All the necessary things assist you to plug in the appropriate inflation pressure.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Amazing maneuverability
- Perfect for both still and moving conditions
- Durable and sturdy
Cons
- There is no braces for knee
Sea Eagle 2 Person Inflatable Sport Kayak
Key Specifications
- Material: Synthetic
- Length: 11’2 feet 34 inches
- Weight: 26 Lbs
- Weight Capacity: 500 Lbs
If you are a person who never wants to enjoy your company clone and must find the best cheapest tandem kayak. You are at the right place. Sea eagle is a tandem inflatable kayak that comes in the cheapest price range.
This kayak is best for the use of lakes, rivers, bays and for recreation. It has a great weight capacity up to 500 pounds and measures up to 11’2 feet and 34 inches.
It has unique and flexible seats. You can easily remove the seat if you feel uncomforted or for another purpose as well. The best thing about that if you're a padder you can enjoy your travel/adventure more as it allows you to store extra gear. So paddling yourself is not a very big task with a sea eagle.
Bow and stern areas of this kayak enable you for long paddling, because you can carry a lot of gear and all that sea cure from wetting from damage only due to its great storage ability.
It contains a self bailing drain valve at its bottom. This will help you to dry out your water very easily even if you never need to turn your boat over. In terms of rigidity it has a drop stitch in beam floor constructions.
In addition there are dual skegs built in the hull to provide amazing performance and tracking. It also comes with a pressure gauge. If you don't have a knowledge about small repairs so for your ease there is also a repair kit available that makes your life easy.
Pros
- Easy to maneuver
- Easy to lift
- Stable and rugged
- Compact and comfortable
- Easy to inflate and deflate
Cons
- No D-Rings
- No high pressure drop stitch floor
Solstice by Swimline Durango Kayak
Key Specifications
- Material: Nylon
- Length: 11 Feet long, 37.4 inches wide
- Weight: 29 Lbs
- Weight Capacity: 400 Lbs
Solstice by swim line Durango kayak comes with amazing height and weight capacities. It can inflate up to 15 PSI and can hold up to 440 Lbs. Solstice has removable and adjustable seats, you can easily adjust it according to your comfort level or can remove it if you feel uncomfort.
It has a capacity of 2 paddlers, so go with your partner and enjoy nature. Also you can use it as a solo paddler if you want to travel again it’s up to you.
For quick and easy inflation and deflation it has high pressure Boston valves. Made with high construction material 600 denier nylon. The nylon has a triple layer bottom that offers you amazing stability and staying power against any punctures or tears.
It weighs up to 29 lbs and measures up to 11 feet long by 37.4 inches, which is an ideal measurement for 2 person kayaking. This is a perfect kayak if you are a newbie doesn’t matter if you don’t know perfectly how to kayak?
Also you can transport or store it easily anywhere as it comes with a carry bag and also has a pump which assists you in inflation. Enjoy a batter tracking with provided skegs which are flexible.
Pros
- Very easy and fast to set up
- Sufficient space for 2 paddlers
- Inexpensive
- Lightweight and durable
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- In rough water you should be some experience to kayaking
Sevylor Quikpak K1
Key Specifications
- Material: Polyester
- Dimensions: 103 x 36 x 30 inches
- Weight: 18 Lbs
- Weight Capacity: 400 Lbs
Sevylor quickpak is one the easiest kayaks to set up in our list of best inflatable kayaks under 500$. This is a foldable kayak and exactly fit to your backpack. No doubt it's very easy to store no matter outside or inside, depending on you.
Further it is made with Pvc rugged material which is very durable and offers durability. Its bottom is made with waterproof polyurethane, so you never need to wet the seat area.
This kayak is a perfect option for lake use. It offers extremely durable kayaking performance. It has a removable footrest and attached backrest. Inadition provided seats offer excellent comfort even for a long journey.
Equally important it also contains a drink holder and a bungee space. The best cheap kayak has multi air chambers and offers a wonderful experience in a light/calm water.
Most importantly, if an air chamber punctures the kayak will not sink instantly, but also hold on.
Pros
- Multi air chamber
- Easy to inflate
- Stable and durable
- Portable
- Incredibly compact
Cons
- May get a bounce in windy and choppy water conditions
Sea Eagle 3 Person Inflatable Portable Sport Kayak
Key Specifications
- Material: synthetic
- Dimension: 33.62 x 18.35 x 10.08 inches
- Weight: 26 Lbs
- Weight Capacity: 650 Lbs
Most commonly used by river kayaker sea eagle 3 person kayaks is another best inflatable kayak under 500$. This is also a perfect kayak for ocean kayaking. Paddlers usually choose it due to its tough material and durability.
The cheapest inflatable kayak comes with unlimited features. The amazing feature is that it’s perfect for both Uv- Resistant and saltwater paddling. Enjoy limitless paddling without worrying about where to paddle.
It comes with a paddle and foot pump so you can get in the water at any time. Also it has an excellent spray shield that ensures your kit is dry. It takes only 15 minutes to inflate. That's incredibly amazing.
The versatile kayak has a 3 person capacity with 650 lbs weight capacity. It performs well for III class water. Furthermore, It is made with high thick Pvc material that ensures anti tear and anti rip. The last and amazing point about that to get more storage you can remove the second seat as well.
Pros
- Plenty of storage space
- Light weight
- Easy to transport
- Quickly inflate and deflate
- Can be used even in 5 class rapids
Cons
- This is not a very speedy kayak like others
Sevylor Quikpak K5 1-Person Kayak
Key Specifications
- Material: Polyester
- Dimensions: 34.5 x 20.85 x 10.2 inches
- Weight: 25.5 Lbs
The most noticeable name in the best inflatable fishing kayak under 500$. Unlike other k1s, this is a very lightweight and durable kayak. This is a longer kayak as compared to sevylor k1 version.
This kayak is made with 24 gauge pvc material and offers more durability especially in dangerous situations. It has a rugged tarpaulin bottom makes your journey danger free, secure from any puncture and tears.
In effect it's superbly handy to choppy water. Beides sevylor has a great backpack system. You can fold out into the seat easily. This is a perfect kayak for a beginner.
The best inflatable fishing kayaks under 500$ only take 5 minutes to set up as it's very easy to install. To sum up this is a perfect kayak if you want to travel along a relaxing atmosphere with incredible versatility and maneuverability. Altogether, you never want a great amount of gear along kayaking, this is perfectly a good option.
Pros
- Perfect for tall people
- Easy to set up
- Quick to set up
- Enough storage space
- Versatile
Cons
- There isn't much to like about the free accessories
Intex Dakota K2 2 Person Inflatable Kayak
Key Specifications
- Material: Heavy Duty Puncture Resistant Vinyl
- Dimensions: 35.8 x 22.8 x 14.2 inches
- Weight: 30.60 Lbs
- Weight Capacity: 400 Lbs
I know you find a kayak that is best for the money but you never compromise on features especially material or capacities. Intex dakota k2 is an expensive kayak in our list but it comes under 500$.
But when you see its features, I am damn sure you will forget its price. So let's get started. Intex dakota made with heavy duty vinyl which is puncture resistant. Also it is an I-Beam floor which ensures incredible durability.
Besides it contains 3 air chambers. Also it comes with flexible seats and dual front and rear storage areas. This is a 2 person inflatable kayak. Furthermore its weights upto 31 lbs are very easy to carry and transport.
If you drop in the water you can take help and grab ropes on both sides of your kayak. This is perfect for both challenging and calm waters. There are 2 skegs one can be used in calm water and the 2nd can be used when in a choppy or windy condition.
Or in other words, the long skeg used to quick turn or short skeg used for stability in calm water. As a result it has enough storage space for two padders. Lastly it also comes with a dryer and a carry bag which are very helpful while going on kayaking.
Pros
- Great storage capacity
- Durable construction
- Extremely lightweight
- Highly portable
- Come with dry and carry bag
Cons
- Expensive
Intex Excursion Pro Kayak
Key Specifications
- Material: Pvc
- Dimensions: 12'7" X 3'1" X 1'6"
- Weight: 43.64 Lbs
- Weight Capacity: 400 Lbs
Intex excursion pro kayak is a perfect option if you are a professional paddler. This is a recreational kayak that comes under 500$. Unlike other kayaks on our list this one is also incredibly portable and durable.
The best recreational kayak is easy to inflate and deflate. The best fishing inflatable kayak made with Pvc material. Intex uses a polyester core which secures your kayak from abrasion damage.
This is a high resistant kayak that offers amazing performance even in a sunlight environment. There are also two flexible skews available that add extra functionality. You can use them to set the bucket seat or can use it for deep and surface water.
It is also compact with 2 unified fishing rod holders and also has 2 floor mounted footrests. Furthermore you can use it for both solo and tandem kayaking. You can remove one seat if you wanna go for solo kayaking.
The most amazing point is that it comes with plenty of storage space. You can see it has enough space on both the stern and bow sides. In effect there are D rings for securing your gear as well. Lastly in terms of weight capacity which is exclusively amazing up to 400 Lbs.
Pros
- Flexible bucket seats
- Accessible
- Compact with rod holders and D rings
- Portable and long lasting
Cons
- Heaviest kayak in intex range.
Intex Challenger Kayak Inflatable
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- Material: Plastic
- Dimensions: 9' X 2'6" X 1'1"
- Weight: 25 Lbs
- Weight Capacity: 220 Lbs
Intex challenger kayak is one of my favorite kayaks and I had literally experienced it. This is not only the best inflatable kayak under 500$ but this is also the cheapest kayak in our list.
Intex challenger comes with all the necessary things that are needed for paddling such as a carry bag, a paddle, pum or with a fin. So if you want to enjoy kayaking but not have enough money to spend to buy a kayak just try it. It works amazingly not just this but all the kayaks which I have listed in this article.
The best inflatable kayak is perfect for camping and trekking with family friends and others across lakes. As opposed to intex k2 kayaks, this is an incredible portable I have tried.
You can use it for paddling in calm waters and the sea shore. It performs not very well in whitewater and windy conditions. But you really feel comfortable while paddling. To sum up this is not only easy to paddle but also easy to assemble and disassemble.
Pros
- Multi air chambers
- Heavy duty rugged vinyl
- Cargo storage net
- Containing pumps, oars, repair kit and a carry bag
Cons
- May difficult to maneuver for some people
Pelican Sit-on-Top Fishing Kayak
Key Specifications
- Material: Polyethylene
- Dimensions: 114" X 30" X 13.25"
- Weight: 44 Lbs
- Weight Capacity: 275 Lbs
Pelican, a well known inflatable sit on top kayak in the kayaking world comes with a reasonable price. This is the last product in our list of best inflatable kayaks under 500$.
But its features are not the least. With an affordable price range it contains a lot of features which a paddler needs while paddling. Pelican comes with a multi chine flat bottom hull that offers amazing durability while casting line and reeling a fish.
Also this is the lightest inflatable kayak that weighs up to 44 Lbs. This is very easy to transport due to its lightweight nature. It also comes with flexible storage compartments that’s highly fitted in the tank well.
Furthermore, it has a molded footrest, padded backrest and a seat pad that offers you an immersive experience of kayaking along real nature. The provided holder both bottle and hatch enable you to carry the water equipment and protect it from a rope.
It also contains a drain plug and comfortable rubber grabbing handles. So time is yours. Don’t wait to start your journey with kayakidea and enjoy a relaxing natural kayaking journey to just buy a kayak without breaking your banks.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Durable enough
- Flexible footrests and backrests
- Built in rod holders
Cons
- Not perfect for heavy weighted persons
- Lack of legroom if your are a taller person
How Can We Select The Best Inflatable Kayak Under 500$| Buying Guide
There are plenty of things that you should consider whenever buying an inflatable kayak for under 500$. You have somehow to know about kayak best kayak brands or may search about kayak charts.
However there are some key points that every paddler needs to know before buying a kayak. These are as follows.
- Types Of Kayaks
- Material Quality
- Performance
- Cost
- Kayaker Size
Types Of Kayaks
There are plenty of kayaks available in the market such as;
- Inflatable Kayaks
- Recreational Kayaks
- Tandem Kayaks
- Modular Kayaks
- Touring Kayaks
- Sit in Kayaks
- Sit On Top Kayaks
- Fishing Kayak
If you are buying a kayak you definitely know what type and brand you wanna buy for kayaking. All these types are best according to their preferences. But inflatable kayaks are the best choice because these are not very expensive but also offer great durability and portability in every condition.
It depends on you if you go kayaking in warm weather you can select a sit in a kayak. If you are a newbie you can also choose to sit on top kayak or for recreation for a whole day on water. To enjoy clam water, taking photos you can buy recreational kayaks.
These kayaks are very easy to handle even if you are a new kayaker. Looking for adventures, going for trips out on the river something like rough water touring kayak is the best option for all the points. Else if you have a great amount of space you can select inflatable kayaks which are very easy to transport/carry.
As it is some of them are fishing kayaks that are specifically made for fishing having all the necessary things needed for fishing.
If you have a plan to go fishing you can choose one. Tandem kayak is a good option if you like camping with your life partner, your friend and if your family member you can choose. The last type is a modular kayak. This is very helpful in transporting issues across you.
Material Quality:
The basic key point for buying a kayak is to consider its material. If you buy a kayak with less price it may be less robust and less durable. High end model offers less possibility of punctures. Taking good care will ensure its durability.
Else the material is cheaper, the valves are also cheaper. So choose a kayak with excellent quality material that gives you a long lasting trail.
Performance:
Another important factor about a best kayak is performance. Getting a kayak that has excellent performance overall doesn’t matter how much you pay for it. If you are going paddling for a short time or for calm water it may be better but if you have to plan for a long trip camping and for rougher water this may be irritating.
Cost
We have reviewed all the kayaks which are under 500$. But it may affect you if you do not have a good budget, it all depends on your budget. Kayak contains plenty of features with a high end price range. High quality models come with an amazing price range as well. But if you are a very straightforward person and not very sophisticated, you can buy a kayak for a lower price.
Kayaker Size
It is important to consider both your height and weight when placing yourself in a kayak. You should not sit too low in the water if you stay within the recommended weight limit. Make sure your footrests fit comfortably too. It is possible that you need to choose a different size if you are having difficulty reaching the foot pegs or getting cramped up on the farthest setting.
FAQs
Can a beginner use an inflatable kayak?
Yes of course! If you are a beginner, inflatable kayaks are a good choice for you. Because they offer amazing durability, portability and even storage for gear. These kayaks are stable in water and offer great maneuverability.
Can 2 person Inflatable Kayaks be used as a single person?
Definitely yes. Inflatable tandem kayaks can be used as a solo paddling. It comes with removable seats. So if you want to go paddling alone you can remove the seat.
Are inflatable Kayaks safe?
Yes inflatable kayaks are 100% safe. Inflatable kayaks have separate safety compartments that ensure you will nor sink and return to safety if a chamber deflates.
Conclusion:
Inflatable kayaks are now groom day by day. Going kayaking with an inflatable kayak is a great decision. Inflatable kayaks make your travel comfortable and risk free. So choose the one of the kayaks in the list of 10 best inflatable kayaks under 500$ and don’t stop yourself:)
There are some recommendation from my side;
Sevylor Quikpak K5 1-Person Kayak
If you want to go on a solo paddling you can choose the Sevylor quikpak K5.
Intex 68310VM Dakota K2
Select a tandem kayak if you wanna enjoy kayaking with a partner. This is actually very durable, and contains lots of features as well. This is also a fishing kayak.
Intex Challenger Kayak
This is the cheapest kayak in our list that comes with all the features like other kayaks we have reviewed. This is the best kayak under 100$. If your budget is under 100 you can select this one, and it performs superb i am sure.
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