Best Kayaks

Kayaking is one of the most fulfilling ways to enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you want to spend a relaxing day on the lake, go out fishing, or tackle some whitewater rapids, a good kayak can help you get there. But not all kayaks are equally good.

And even the best kayaks for one purpose aren’t the best for another. For example, the best river kayak for whitewater rapids won’t be the same as a good fishing kayak. Similarly, the most stable kayak won’t always offer the best speed.

Today, we’ll be looking for the best all-around kayak for a variety of different purposes. We’ll look at the best budget kayak, as well as pricier options that are ideal for specific activities. Then we’ll talk about different features you should be looking for, and what makes a kayak worth your investment.

Best Kayaks

1. Intex Explorer K2

The Intex Explorer K2 has a high-visibility yellow finish, which makes it easy for your friends to spot you.

Key Features

• 2-person capacity
• Inflatable body
• Sit on top design
• 10’3” long x 36” wide
• 31 pounds
• 400-pound capacity
• Comes with a pair of 86” paddles, hand pump, and carrying case

The Intex Explorer K2 is a light-duty tandem kayak, designed for use in calm, placid conditions. It’s fine for a lazy river or a clear lake, but you don’t want to take it out in choppy conditions or rapids. It’s a good choice for foggy conditions, though – the high-visibility yellow hull makes it easy for others to spot you if you happen to get separated.

This is a beginner kayak, and it has a price point commensurate with that. It’s not as tough as some inflatable kayaks, but it will get you through your first few seasons while you decide on a longer-term option. The weight capacity of 400 pounds is a bit low for a tandem but should be sufficient for most purposes.

Pros

• Stable design
• High straight-line speeds
• High-visibility design
• Affordable

Cons

• Not rated for choppy water
• Limited weight capacity

This kayak’s inflatable center beam makes it very stable during straight-line paddling.

2. Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame

The Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame is sleek and speedy.

Key Features

• 2-person capacity
• Inflatable body
• Sit on top design
• 15’ long x 32” wide
• 52 pounds
• 550-pound capacity
• Comes with a carrying case and repair kit
• Rigid aluminum bow and stern frames

The Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame has a large, 550-pound weight capacity. This makes it a great choice for a pair of kayakers along with some gear. That said, this does come with a relatively large weight of 52 pounds, so you won’t want to go lugging it down a trail, despite the inflatable design.

There’s a good reason for the AdvancedFrame’s 52-pound weight, and it’s in the name. It has a pair of rigid aluminum frames for the bow and stern. This improves the kayak’s rigidity and helps it cut through the water faster than most inflatable kayaks. It also makes the AdvancedFrame well suited for rapids and choppy lakes.

Pros

• Large weight capacity
• Spacious cargo compartment
• Sleek, speedy design
• Rugged and durable
• Rated for rapids and marine kayaking

Cons

• Does not include paddles or an air pump
• Heavy
• Pricey

This kayak’s rigid frame makes it tougher than most inflatables.

3. Airhead Montana

The Airhead Montana has an impressive capacity of 500 pounds. Wow!

Key Features

• 2-person capacity
• Inflatable body
• Sit on top design
• 12’ 4” long x 36” wide
• 36 pounds
• 500-pound capacity

If you’re looking for a durable inflatable kayak, the Airhead Montana may just be the best kayak for the money. Not only is it marine rated for sheltered waters like bays, but it’s also capable of navigating class III rapids. With a length of over 12 feet and a width of 36 inches, it’s very stable. Even in harsh conditions, you won’t capsize easily.

To help you handle rugged conditions, this kayak has a removable drain plug. Leave it in to stay dry on calm water, or remove it to get a self-bailing function in rougher conditions. The Montana is a tandem kayak, which means it can carry two people. To complement this, it has a weight capacity of 500 pounds. This is sufficient not only for two people but also for a bit of gear.

Pros

• Large weight capacity
• Hybrid solid/self-bailing design
• Marine-rated for bays and inlets
• Comfortable, ergonomic design

Cons

• Does not include a pump or paddles

This kayak has a screw-in drain plug, which allows you to easily convert it from a solid hull to a self-bailing design.

4. Sun Dolphin Aruba SS

The Sun Dolphin Aruba SS is virtually impossible to capsize, which makes it a great choice for beginners.

Key Features

• 1-person capacity
• High density polyethylene body
• Sit inside design
• 12’ long x 29.6” wide
• 47 pounds
• 395-pound capacity
• 3 flush mount fishing rod holders

The Sun Dolphin Aruba SS utilizes a high density polyethylene for the hull, rather than a standard polyethylene. This allows for a slimmer hull, which allows for a reduced weight. Admittedly, 47 pounds doesn’t look terribly light at first blush, but for a 12-foot hull, it’s very light. This isn’t quite as durable as a thicker design, but it allows for a slim profile and good straight-line handling.

This is a fishing kayak, complete with three flush mount rod holders. If you want to enjoy a lazy day of lake or river fishing, you’re looking at a solid choice. That said, it’s not designed for standing and casting. Stay in your seat, and you should be just fine.

Pros

• Lightweight design
• Good straight-line handling
• Relatively stable
• Comfortable padding
• Affordable

Cons

• Not as durable as it could be
• Relatively small storage capacity
• Not suitable for standing and casting

This single person kayak is relatively lightweight, and keeps your legs dry during operation.

5. Driftsun Voyager

The Driftsun Voyager has a very durable construction, complete with an outer tarpaulin hull liner.

Key Features

• 2-person capacity
• Inflatable body
• Sit on top design
• 10’ long x 35” wide
• 27 pounds
• 450-pound capacity
• Comes with a pair of collapsible aluminum paddles, hand pump, and a carrying case

The Driftsun Voyager is exceptionally lightweight, tipping the scales at only 27 pounds. Considering that it’s a tandem kayak, this is impressive. It’s also relatively short for a tandem kayak, measuring only 10 feet in length. This means it’s easier to maneuver at slow speeds than it is at high speeds.

This kayak is also exceptionally tough. The outside of the hull is sheathed with a tarpaulin liner, which makes it virtually impossible to puncture. As a result, it’s a great choice for choppy water, as well as shallow water around rocks and other obstacles. This is a great feature if you’re looking for a well-designed river kayak.

Pros

• Lightweight and easy to transport
• Great slow-speed maneuverability
• Tough tarpaulin shell
• Large storage capacity

Cons

• Does not handle well at fast speeds

This kayak has nylon webbing at the bow and stern, which allows for plenty of storage capacity.

6. Old Town Predator PDL

The Old Town Predator PDL has a pedal-driven design, which makes it easy to move at high speeds while keeping your hands free for fishing.

Key Features

• 1-person capacity
• Fiberglass body
• Sit on top design
• 13’ 2” long x 36” wide
• 130 pounds
• 500-pound capacity
• Pedal-operated propulsion
• 2 built-in flush mount fishing pole holders and 1 removable center mount

The Old Town Canoes & Kayaks Predator PDL has an impressive weight capacity of 500 pounds. This makes it well-suited for fishing, which is its primary purpose. You won’t have any issues carrying a cooler or bait bucket. Behind the seat, you’ll find a set of large bungee straps, which makes it easy to secure your gear. And with a comfortable, quilted nylon seat, you’ll be able to relax while you cast a line.

The overall length of the Predator PDL is more than 13 feet, enough for fast paddling when you want to get somewhere. It’s also pedal-driven. This suits its purpose as a fishing kayak, since you’ll be able to wrangle a fish while you’re paddling.

Pros

• Sleek and fast
• Wide and stable
• Large weight capacity
• Plenty of storage capacity
• Adjustable, ergonomic seat
• Lifetime manufacturer’s warranty

Cons

• Very heavy
• Pricey

At over 13 feet in length, this kayak is exceptionally long and speedy for a single person kayak.

7. Old Town Predator 13

The Old Town Predator 13 gives you a big, tough option without breaking the bank.

Key Features

• 1-person capacity
• Fiberglass body
• Sit on top design
• 13’ long x 33.5” wide
• 86 pounds
• 425-pound capacity
• Horizontal fishing rod storage brackets

The Old Town Predator 13 is purpose-built for fishing. In addition to a stable, low deck, it has storage brackets for your fishing rods. It also has a large, 425-pound weight capacity for a single-person kayak. Bring along your cooler, your bait bucket, your tackle box, and even a six pack. You won’t have any issues with the capacity.

It has a long, 13-foot hull that can cut through the water with ease. At 33.5 inches wide, it’s also unusually stable for a sit on top kayak. The canvas seat is comfortable, with an adjustable design that makes it suitable for a wide variety of heights and body types. It costs a bit more than other kayaks in its class, but it’s well worth the investment if you want a well-engineered yak.

Pros

• Impressive weight capacity
• Plenty of room for storage
• Specialized fishing rod storage
• Ergonomic, adjustable seat

Cons

• Storage compartment obstructs the deck
• Pricey

This kayak has one of the highest weight capacities of any single-person kayak on the market.

8. Sevylor Quikpak K1

The Sevylor Quikpak K1’s sit on top design makes it very easy to get on and off of.

Key Features

• 1-person capacity
• Inflatable body
• Sit on top design
• 8’7” long x 36” wide
• 21 pounds
• 400-pound capacity
• Comes with a collapsible paddle, hand pump, and carrying case
• Built-in cup holder

The Sevylor Quikpak K1 is one of the few inflatable sit on top kayaks on the market. It’s easy to get on and off of, and has a comfortable, adjustable seat with scalloped foot rests. It’s also very reasonably priced, which makes it a great choice for beginners. Package that with a 21-pound weight, and you’ve got yourself a solid kayak.

The downside of this kayak is that it’s not terribly stable. On any kind of rough water, you’re going to have a hard time staying upright. That said, the weight limit of 400 pounds makes it a good choice for larger individuals.

Pros

• Rugged tarpaulin bottom
• Large weight capacity
• Exceptionally lightweight
• Affordable

Cons

• Not suitable for choppy water

This kayak isn’t terribly stable, but it’s a great choice for relaxing on a calm day.

9. Sun Dolphin Phoenix 10.4

The Sun Dolphin Phoenix 10.4 is constructed from rugged polyethylene for maximum durability.

Key Features

• 1-person capacity
• High-density polyethylene body
• Sit inside design
• 10’4” long x 32” wide
• 45 pounds
• 250-pound capacity
• Comes with a paddle
• Rear storage hatch

The Sun Dolphin Phoenix 10.4 is one of the most lightweight kayaks in its size class. At 10’4” long and only 45 pounds, it’s easy to transport wherever you want to take it. It also has a rear storage hatch, which provides plenty of space for storage. Keep in mind, though, that the weight capacity is limited to 250 pounds. In other words, you’ll be able to bring some supplies, but nothing terribly heavy.

Pros

• Lightweight for the size
• Rugged polyethylene hull
• Plenty of storage capacity
• Stable design

Cons

• Limited weight capacity
• Storage compartment not separated from water

The Sun Dolphin Phoenix sit in kayak’s rear hatch provides plenty of space for storage.

10. Pelican Maxim 100X

The Pelican Maxim 100X has a unique, three-layer construction that’s both durable and buoyant.

Key Features

• 1-person capacity
• Three-layer polyethylene and foam body
• Sit inside design
• 10’ long x 28” wide
• 55 pounds
• 275-pound capacity
• Easy-access front storage hatch
• Built-in cup holder

Most Pelican kayak reviews focus on how they’re an ideal choice for beginners. This is because the Maxim 100X is incredibly stable. It has a wide, flat profile that makes it virtually impossible to capsize. As a result, it’s a solid choice for beginners, who might be concerned about tipping over.

Another great feature is the three-layer hull. The inner and outer layers are constructed from high-density polyethylene for durability. The middle layer is made of foam, which improves the buoyancy. All in all, you’re looking at a very well-engineered kayak.

Pros

• Very stable
• Great choice for beginners
• Comfortable, ergonomic seat
• High-visibility yellow finish
• Innovative three-layer hull

Cons

• Relatively heavy

This kayak is one of the best choices for beginners.

Things to Look For When Choosing a Kayak

So, how do you choose a kayak? There are several different features that go into making one worthwhile. Let’s take a closer look.

In general, there are four different things you should be looking for when choosing which kayak to buy: storage, design, size, and comfort. Let’s go over each of these, and see what you should be looking for.

Storage Options

When it comes to storage, there are usually three different options: a rigid kayak, an inflatable kayak, and a collapsible kayak.

• A rigid kayak is just what it sounds like. It’s completely rigid. On the one hand, this means you don’t have to do any setup work. On the other hand, you’ll need to set aside room in your garage to store your kayak.
• An inflatable kayak can be deflated, folded up, and put in a box. This makes it easy to store, even if you live in an apartment. That said, once you get to the water, you’ll need to spend a few minutes blowing it up.
• Collapsible kayaks are unusual, but they’re still worth mentioning. They have a combination of rigid and flexible parts, and can be folded up for storage. With a collapsible kayak, you get the best of both worlds. You get easier storage, but setup is generally easier.

Design

There are two main types of kayak design:

• A sit on top kayak looks more like a raft than a traditional kayak. They’re easy to get in and out of, since you don’t have to climb down into a well. On the other hand, they tend to be easier to capsize.
• A sit inside kayak has a well where your legs go. This makes them a little tougher to get into, but they’re more stable since they’re bottom-heavy.

Size

The length and width of your kayak will affect its performance. A longer, thinner kayak will perform better when you’re paddling in a straight line. A shorter, fatter kayak won’t be as quick or easy to handle, but it will be harder to capsize.

Comfort

Your level of comfort will depend on your own size and seating preferences. When in doubt, look for a kayak with an adjustable seat and foot rests. These features allow you to modify the seating position for your own personal needs.

Commonly Used Kayak Materials

So, what might your kayak be made of?

• Polyethylene kayaks are made of plastic. This makes them more affordable, as well as easy to carry. However, polyethylene can degrade from constant exposure to sunlight. Eventually, these kayaks wear out, but that takes several years of use.
• Wood kayaks are heavier, but they last longer and have a nicer look and feel. That said, they’re generally not durable enough for whitewater rapids.
• Tarpaulin or nylon kayaks are generally inflatable. These options are ideal for whitewater rapids. But due to the nature of construction, they often aren’t ideal for fast paddling in a straight line.

What’s the Safest Kayak?

The safest kayak is going to depend on your needs. For quiet use on a lake, the safest kayak will be a wide, stable model. For whitewater rafting, you need a kayak that’s rated for the type of rapids you’re tackling. When in doubt, check the manufacturer specifications to see what the kayak’s rating is.

Bottom Line

As you can see, there’s no single best kayak for all purposes. Instead, you need to think about what you’re trying to do. For example, a fishing kayak should have room for storage, as well as mounts for your rod and reel. A sturdy seat and the ability to brace yourself is also a good touch.

For whitewater rafting, an inflatable kayak is usually the best way to go. Fat, sturdy sides and a tough tarpaulin bottom are ideal for this purpose. On the flip side, a slim, rigid kayak is a better choice if you’re trying to go fast and paddle around on a lake. This design makes it easy to get where you want to go.

No matter what you need, we believe at least one of these kayak options will be the right choice for your personal needs. Now all you have to do is decide which one you want to use. The team at OutdoorWorld Reviews have also completed the following kayak articles:

• For Big Guys
• Roof Racks
• Covers