The best one-person inflatable kayaks 2024

As warmer weather makes a welcome return, we're taking a special look at the best one-person inflatable kayaks. There’s a wide range of the best inflatable kayaks for up to three people that you should seriously consider when that urge to explore the outdoors finally kicks in.

One-person inflatable kayaks are perfect for touring expeditions and solo fishing trips, but also for general recreation and those new to paddling. Before you decide to get out onto the scenic lakes and waterways you’ll need to make sure you have the right kayak (plus some other essential bits and bobs) to make the most of your leisure time

The best one-person inflatable kayaks at a glance:

• Best overall: Aquaplanet Inflatable Kayak - View on Amazon

• Best budget: Intex Challenger Kayak - View on Amazon

• Best recreational: Aqua Marina Laxo 285 Inflatable Leisure Kayak - View on Amazon

• Best touring: Aqua Marina Steam 312 Professional Kayak - View on Amazon

One-person inflatable kayaks are one of the most affordable and portable boats you can buy. Some seasoned kayakers may prefer hard shell boats - but with an inflatable, you don’t need to bother with trailers or roof racks. Plus they pack away, often into a backpack or bag, and require less storage space when you get home.

What about stand-up paddleboards? They’re another great way to enjoy the water, but SUPs are used with a single-bladed paddle and of course aren’t ideal for touring or longer sessions. Our inflatable one-person kayaks all have extra features like back support, adjustable seats, or footrests in the cockpit.

The best one-person inflatable kayaks 2024:

Please note: All prices are correct at the time of writing. Prices, stock and deals are subject to change without notice.

How to choose the best one-person inflatable kayak

Water, water everywhere…

Consider the kind of water you're likely to be venturing into - flat water like lakes, or more active waterways like rivers and calm seas. We’ve grouped our best picks into categories to help you choose. This will really depend on whether you're a beginner, a leisure kayaker or prefer the idea of taking your one-person inflatable kayak on a touring trip into the wild.

The benefits of sit-on-top one-person inflatable kayaks

Our top choices below are SOT (sit-on-top) kayaks - meaning that your lower body isn’t enclosed below the deck. These are ideal for beginners as they’re self-bailing - meaning that if the kayak capsizes, you’ll simply be floating free.

Enclosed kayaks are best suited for more experienced users on trips like river expeditions, where conditions may get a little turbulent. The deck can help repel any wild water from flooding the cockpit, and also provide more space for strapping on your tent and supplies.

A note about whitewater one-person kayaks

Whitewater kayaking is a specialist area. It means dealing with serious terrain, rapids, choppy waters and more. We recommend specialist whitewater kayaking retailers.

If you’re a new or intermediate kayaker we recommend using inflatables on flat waters, or sea kayaking in calm waters close to the shore. Use your choice of inflatables below to become an adept kayaker, and you’ll know when you’re ready to take the leap into whitewater kayaking.

Portability

Decide on your needs for transport - will you be travelling by car, train, on foot, or even cycling? If you've already decided on a one-person kayak, you’ll already probably want to be travelling light. A backpack-sized package is going to be best for moving anywhere on foot. Consider buying bigger waterproof bags for car trips, and make sure your one-person kayak has good handles for easy moving and handling once you've inflated it.

Materials and construction

The lifespan of your one-person kayak is largely down to your budget, as this will determine the type of construction used. The nature of inflatables makes punctures possible of course, but only if you’re particularly unlucky or through poor storage or handling. However, the benefits of inflatables far outweigh the disadvantages. Most decent kayaks of this type are made from double-stitched heavy-duty vinyl or PVC, making punctures a rarity.

Safety when using a one-person inflatable kayak

If you’re new to kayaking or water sports in general, take a look at our advice and buyer’s guide lower down the page. And always remember to plan your excursions well, know your route and respect other people using the waterways.

For safety, we recommend staying close to the shore, whether you’re at sea or on a river or lake. If you’re a beginner you’re bound to make a few mistakes here and there, so remember to always wear buoyancy aids and have fun.

Pump up the volume

All but one of our recommended one-person kayaks come with a manual pump. If you’re not keen on doing all that hard work yourself, you might decide to upgrade to an electric one. But don't forget that a plug-in electric pump is only good if your car is nearby. Or, you could take the plunge and get a rechargeable pump that will last long enough between charges to inflate your new kayak. However, a manual pump is always ready to go, so perhaps this is a case of the simpler the better. The average time to manually inflate a kayak is usually five to ten minutes.

If you are interested in upgrading your standard pump, we've got a guide to the best electronic and manual pumps.

Packing and transport time

You should also consider the drying and packing time of your inflatable one-person kayak. This is an often overlooked and frustrating time-hog at the end of your adventure.

Fabric-covered kayaks, although very well protected step up from single layer vinyl, really can make this last step take longer with more difficulty, as the fabric retains some water. Unless you have time to spare sitting out in the sun, it can be very difficult to completely dry them out, so keep this in mind.

If you’re not planning on carrying it on your back (and have the space in your vehicle), invest in a large waterproof bag. This makes drying time much less of an issue, and the added protection is good peace of mind. Drive home and take your time to dry the kayak later instead of out in the wild.

Inflatable vs hardshell

Inflatable one-person kayaks don’t manoeuvre or track the water as well as their hardshell cousins and this is down to rigidity. Many inflatable kayaks are rigid enough to make this a non-issue for touring on flat and relatively calm waters. Hardshell is definitely best for choppy waters and is a prerequisite for most whitewater kayaking and paddling in rougher seas.

It goes without saying that inflatables come with some risk of punctures. Running into rocks in shallow water, particularly in lakes where visibility might be an issue, means that your choice should be robust enough to take the odd mishap. The durability of the outer shell is also important if you’re pushing out over coarse terrains, like beaches and river banks. So, let’s take a look at just what your new kayak is likely to be made of:

Single-layer

These one-person kayaks are commonly made of thinner vinyl. It’s important to choose wisely here, as some budget inflatable kayaks aren’t much better than an inflatable pool toy. Like our examples above, there are some excellent single-layer vinyl kayaks to be found with much thicker, higher-quality vinyl. They’re ideal for relaxed shorter paddles in fair weather, so a perfect choice for beginners. They also pack up smaller than premium thicker-skinned kayaks, so these are great if you’re travelling on foot.

Disadvantages come from the thinner skin which makes the kayak more deformable in the water.  That can make them a little more difficult to paddle in a straight line; but for short recreational and non-touring use, this isn’t an issue.

Fabric-coated vinyl

These are usually high-quality vinyl on the inside, but this time enclosed in a tough fabric outer layer. They’re generally for heavier recreational use, including touring. Other than helping to protect the vinyl from punctures and abrasions, the fabric will also protect the vinyl from harmful UV rays that can weaken it over time. One disadvantage of this kind of inflatable one-person kayak is that the fabric takes on water, so drying and packing time might not suit your needs.

Thick PVC or rubber single layer

This is a seriously durable material that can withstand a high level of impacts, groundings and abrasions. Suitable for long trips, they can be loaded with extra camping gear and still retain their stability. Look for plenty of straps and storage areas.

The structure can be reinforced by drop stitching, but not all kayaks have it. Drop stitching is an internal lattice of stitching that reinforces the inside of inflatable sections. When the kayak is inflated, this ensures a more rigid shell and so more stability in the water.

As you might expect, the lifespan of this kind of inflatable kayak can be 10 - 20 years, but they come at a premium price. If you can stretch to it and are already onboard with serious kayaking, it would be worth investing in one of these before opting for single-layer or fabric-coated versions.

Choose your paddle wisely

Not all kayaks come with paddles. Often the paddle that’s included with some budget inflatable kayaks is not the best. You may want to invest in a good, strong and lightweight aluminium paddle. Bear in mind that most recreational inflatable kayaks are usually wider than solid hull types, so you’ll need a longer paddle to avoid hitting your hands against the sides.

Make sure you have a fin

Always buy a kayak with a skeg or tracking fin. All of our examples here have one. They sit underneath the hull and help keep the kayak in a straight line. They are either built into your kayak's hull or can be attached to it.

Frequently asked questions

Are inflatable kayaks good for fishing?

The right one-person inflatable kayak can really make your fishing trip simpler, lighter and easier to manage. These often have a wider body for greater stability, and a sit-on-top design. There's usually plenty of floor and hull space for tackle, bait and more. Many also feature built-in rod rests and mounts, ideal for giving anglers' arms a well-earned break.

Do inflatable kayaks work?

Inflatable kayaks, including those designed to take one person or more, work extremely well. One of the areas that you’ll need to pay attention to is the total load capacity, so check to make sure both you and your kit will be within the limit.  They work, but perhaps the key question is: are inflatable kayaks any good? This is down to your needs and preferences, but many owners swear by their compact portability and ease of use.

Are inflatable kayaks safe?

As with any piece of sports equipment, much of this is down to how you use it. A good quality one-person kayak is designed to keep you safe and comfortable. Always follow the manufacturer’s advice. Follow the usual safety codes, wear your buoyancy aids, and you’ll be safe and enjoying the water.

Can one person use a two-person inflatable kayak?

Yes. You may find a two-person inflatable kayak harder to steer though, and it can take more effort to paddle them.

Kayaking jargon explained

Here’s a handy glossary for anyone who is in the market for a new kayak:

• Bow - front of the boat

• Stern - rear of the boat

• Port - left of the boat

• Starboard - the right of the boat

• Hull - the body of the boat

• Cockpit - the enclosed area where you sit to paddle

• Sit-on-top - a kayak without a covered top

• Portage - carry a kayak over dryland

Tips on how to kayak safely

It’s essential that you ensure the safety of yourself and others when you’re enjoying your new outdoor hobby.

• Always wear a buoyancy aid regardless of how strong a swimmer you are

• Check the weather before your trip

• Choose quick-drying clothing that’s appropriate for the conditions

• Check tide times for sea kayaking and tidal rivers

• Check water access points

• Have a route plan, and tell someone else your departure and return times

• Don’t kayak alone until you’re experienced

• Do not overload your kayak - stick to the manufacturer’s stated payload limit

• Do not overinflate a kayak

• Slightly underinflate a kayak in very hot weather to avoid heat expansion issues

Tips for newcomers and inexperienced kayakers

• Begin on calm and still waters

• Avoid sea kayaking until you have more confidence and ensure you stay in calm waters close to the shore

• Avoid rivers after heavy rainfall, even if your kayak is rated for whitewater use

• Keep aware of other watercraft and plan ahead to avoid their paths

• Keep an eye on fishing lines near banks and avoid them

• Choose well-known kayaking locations

• Avoid areas frequented by powerboats and other fast-moving craft

Do you need a licence to kayak in the UK?

England and Wales share over 4,000 km of managed waterways according to British Canoeing, and all of these routes require a licence.

There are some English and Welsh waterways that you can use without a licence, but these are the exception. Although it’s tempting to unpack your brand new one-person inflatable kayak and head for the nearest river, you should definitely arrange your licence before you head out.

You can purchase a license from British Canoeing. An adult licence membership will cost you £47 per year, with some other options available too. Please note this license only covers kayaking in England and Wales.

Chris Duffill is a Senior Tech Product Writer for What's The Best. His background includes writing, editorial, marketing, design, video production and photography.

He specialises in home entertainment and audiovisual tech, including speakers, amplifiers, turntables, streaming media players, and TVs. He is also one of our resident experts in computing (PCs, tablets, smartphones, smartwatches), DSLR photography and all kinds of digital cameras. He also writes about retro gaming, game consoles and various electronic gadgets. If it plugs in, lights up or makes a noise, he’ll write about it.

Subscribe to the What's The Best Newsletter to keep up to date with more of the latest reviews and recommendations from the rest of the What’s The Best team.