Best Inflatable Kayak UK 2025
Tested on calm rivers, open lakes and coastal inlets throughout the UK.
We’ve carefully curated a list of the UK’s best inflatable kayaks with comprehensive reviews of each to help you find the right model. Explore each review complete with pros and cons, price and technical specifications. We also take you through answers to common questions like are they durable, how quick is setup and talk about what you should look out for. Access full reviews of each product via the “Read Full Review” buttons below, or watch our video review. If you’re looking for a larger kayak, read our best inflatable 2-person kayak reviews.
Updated 8th January 2025
Our Top Picks
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Razor Kayaks X1 High-Pressure
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Razor Kayaks R1 Ultra
Inflatable Kayak Reviews
Razor Kayaks X1 High-Pressure
Price At Time Of Writing | £795.00
Overall Rating | 97
Performance | 10
Construction | 10
Setup/Pack Down | 9
Portability | 8
Comfort | 10
Open Size - 391x71cm
Weight - 12.9kg
Load Capacity - 226kg
Packed Size - 80x50x35cm
Best For - All-around high-performance touring
Pros - Easy setup, comfortable, full high-pressure construction
Cons - Slightly oversized bag
Overall - Great performance all around
Advanced Elements Expedition Elite
Price At Time Of Writing | £925.00
Overall Rating | 92
Performance | 10
Construction | 10
Setup/Pack Down | 5
Portability | 7
Comfort | 10
Open Size - 396x81cm
Weight - 19.1kg
Load Capacity - 204kg
Packed Size - 83x52x26cm
Best For - Long trips requiring ample storage
Pros - Great water performance, good storage capacity
Cons - Annoying setup, long drying time, heavy
Overall - A great kayak that requires patience to dry out
Razor Kayaks R1 Ultra
Price At Time Of Writing | £695.00
Overall Rating | 92
Performance | 8
Construction | 7
Setup/Pack Down | 9
Portability | 9
Comfort | 9
Open Size - 285x84cm
Weight - 8.2kg
Load Capacity - 179kg
Packed Size - 80x50x35cm
Best For - Casual paddlers and easy transport
Pros - Portable, easy setup, very stable
Cons - Not as fast as high-end models
Overall - Stable and great for casual paddling
Aquaglide Blackfoot Angler 130
Price At Time Of Writing | £1299.00
Overall Rating | 89
Performance | 6
Construction | 8
Setup/Pack Down | 8
Portability | 8
Comfort | 9
Open Size - 396x97cm
Weight - 18.5kg
Load Capacity - 295kg
Packed Size - 99x44x33cm
Best For - Anglers looking for a stable fishing platform
Pros - Well built, stable, equipped for fishing
Cons - Expensive, heavy, bulky pack size
Overall - A great, but costly kayak for those who love fishing
KXOne Slider 375
Price At Time Of Writing | £854.10
Overall Rating | 88
Performance | 5
Construction | 9
Setup/Pack Down | 9
Portability | 8
Comfort | 7
Open Size - 384x78cm
Weight - 14.2kg
Load Capacity - 175kg
Packed Size - 82x57x43cm
Best For - Paddlers seeking a budget-friendly, stable inflatable kayak
Pros - Simple and fast setup, durable construction
Cons - Slow in the water due to drag, uncomfortable seating
Overall - A well-built kayak let down by its on-water performance and comfort
Razor Kayaks Edge Pro
Price At Time Of Writing | £895.00
Overall Rating | 86
Performance | 9
Construction | 6
Setup/Pack Down | 6
Portability | 7
Comfort | 8
Open Size - 395x65cm
Weight - 14.2kg
Load Capacity - 125kg
Packed Size - 86x71x30cm
Best For - Paddlers wanting the closest thing to a hardshell without the storage needs
Pros - Rigid enclosed-deck design, performance, no inflation needed
Cons - Unique folding system has a learning curve
Overall - A high-performance folding kayak that requires practice to master assembly
Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame
Price At Time Of Writing | £605.00
Overall Rating | 86
Performance | 8
Construction | 8
Setup/Pack Down | 5
Portability | 7
Comfort | 8
Open Size - 318x81cm
Weight - 16.3kg
Load Capacity - 136kg
Packed Size - 76x43x25cm
Best For - Paddlers wanting hardshell-like performance from an inflatable
Pros - Stable, tracks well, comfortable
Cons - Heavy, slow setup and drying, not drop stitch
Overall - Handles well but is let down by its long drying time
Oru Lake
Price At Time Of Writing | £539.00
Overall Rating | 85
Performance | 5
Construction | 6
Setup/Pack Down | 9
Portability | 9
Comfort | 6
Open Size - 274x81cm
Weight - 7.7kg
Load Capacity - 113kg
Packed Size - 107x25x46cm
Best For - Urban paddlers with extreme storage constraints
Pros - Ultra-lightweight, incredibly portable
Cons - Uncomfortable seat, poor tracking
Overall - Focuses on portability above all else, including on-water performance
Sea Eagle 300X Explorer
Price At Time Of Writing | £925.00
Overall Rating | 84
Performance | 5
Construction | 6
Setup/Pack Down | 8
Portability | 9
Comfort | 6
Open Size - 300x100cm
Weight - 14kg
Load Capacity - 179kg
Packed Size - 61x41x15cm
Best For - Whitewater and rough water recreation
Pros - Very stable, durable, inflates quickly
Cons - Slow, hard to paddle in a straight line
Overall - A tough, stable kayak best suited for moving water
Decathlon Itiwit X500
Price At Time Of Writing | £699.99
Overall Rating | 78
Performance | 8
Construction | 5
Setup/Pack Down | 6
Portability | 6
Comfort | 3
Open Size - 380x64cm
Weight - 18kg
Load Capacity - 125kg
Packed Size - 94x50x27cm
Best For - Experienced paddlers seeking speed on calm water
Pros - Fast, tracks very straight
Cons - Tippy, heavy, uncomfortable, hard to dry
Overall - Delivers great speed but requires skill to handle its instability
Aquaglide Navarro 110
Price At Time Of Writing | £595.00
Overall Rating | 75
Performance | 4
Construction | 5
Setup/Pack Down | 4
Portability | 6
Comfort | 6
Open Size - 335x90cm
Weight - 12.4kg
Load Capacity - 113kg
Packed Size - 63x58x28cm
Best For - Beginners and anglers wanting stability
Pros - Very stable, comfortable seating
Cons - Slow, poor tracking, slow to dry, hard to paddle
Overall - A comfortable and stable platform that’s good for beginners
Intex K1 Excursion Pro
Price At Time Of Writing | £239.99
Overall Rating | 69
Performance | 4
Construction | 2
Setup/Pack Down | 5
Portability | 4
Comfort | 4
Open Size - 305x91cm
Weight - 17kg
Load Capacity - 100kg
Packed Size - 58x50x32cm
Best For - Occasional calm-water use on a tight budget
Pros - Fairly stable, dries quickly
Cons - Slow, thin materials lack durability
Overall - A basic, affordable option best for gentle, infrequent use
Decathlon Itiwit Touring Kayak
Price At Time Of Writing | £219.99
Overall Rating | 67
Performance | 3
Construction | 2
Setup/Pack Down | 4
Portability | 4
Comfort | 4
Open Size - 300x95cm
Weight - 11kg
Load Capacity - 100kg
Packed Size - 62x44x27cm
Best For - Recreational paddlers new to kayaking
Pros - Stable, comfortable, user-friendly
Cons - Slow, poor tracking and hard to paddle, heavy
Overall - A beginner-friendly kayak that is easy to use but annoying to paddle
Intex Challenger K1
Price At Time Of Writing | £117.00
Overall Rating | 65
Performance | 3
Construction | 2
Setup/Pack Down | 5
Portability | 3
Comfort | 2
Open Size - 274x76cm
Weight - 13kg
Load Capacity - 100kg
Packed Size - 59x41x22cm
Best For - Casual use in sheltered, calm water
Pros - Cheap, lightweight, dries quickly
Cons - Slow, poor tracking, feels flimsy
Overall - A budget option that functions more as a recreational toy than a performance craft
Watch our inflatable kayak review, category by category
Watch our inflatable kayak review, category by category
Advice We’d Give to A Friend
The Basics
How do inflatable kayaks perform? - Initially, we thought these kayaks wouldn’t perform as well as conventional hard shell kayaks, but some surprisingly perform just as well. That is only applicable to the high end models though. Some low-end models tend to move slower on the water, which may come as no surprise.
Will they puncture or fall apart? - No. The best inflatable kayaks are incredibly durable, some using 1,000 denier (density) plus material, similar materials to those used in rescue boats. Cheaper models though can be made of pool toy like materials, so we’d personally prefer to avoid those.
How onerous is the setup? - Typically, it doesn’t take long to set up and pack down, depending on the kayak. Some do take a bit longer due to multiple inflation points. For instance, AdvancedElements Expedition Elite have 7+ inflation points, which takes a while to prepare. We prefer around 3 inflation points or foldable kayaks for this reason.
Should I get an inflatable kayak? - Yes. While the obvious storage benefits are a good enough reason, they open up new doors to explore the wilderness. Their portability and ease of use on the water make them a great option to add to your outdoor kit.
How long do inflatable kayaks last? - The best kayaks should last years. Cheaper models have less life expectancy, but as always, proper care should improve longevity.
Budget
Price makes a huge difference in choosing the best inflatable kayak to buy. We can break the market into three categories:
Over £700 - You should get an excellent, well-crafted kayak at this price point.
£500 to £700 - Though kayaks in this price range are still of good quality, they may compromise a bit on performance as they can be a bit slower and tend to be bulkier in the water compared to high-end models. However, there are some exceptions here and if you know what you’re looking for you can get a great kayak for a great price.
Under £500 - This category has some poorly crafted kayaks that are slow in the water, hard to paddle, and are made with cheap materials. We suggest spending a bit more for a good kayak that performs well.
Purpose of Use
If your primary use of the kayak is for regular exercise or touring on multiple day trips, go for the £700+ range. If you’re looking to buy one for recreational purposes or occasional use, a mid-range kayak should do nicely - we’d still suggest buying in the mid-range if you can afford it as you’ll get a much longer lasting kayak at this price point.
Inflatable vs. Foldable Kayaks
The difference between inflatable kayaks and foldable kayaks is a matter of preference. The former is more stable and versatile, while the latter is smoother in the water and doesn’t require pumping. It really comes down to personal preference.
UK-Specific Considerations
When buying an inflatable kayak in the UK, there are a few things worth keeping in mind that may not be as relevant elsewhere:
UV resistance and sun damage - The UK’s UV intensity is lower overall, so sun damage to kayaks is less of a day-to-day issue. That said, UV rays can still weaken materials over time, particularly if you’re storing your kayak outside or plan to use it on sunny summer days.
Pro Tip: Look for models with UV-resistant coatings and if you’re leaving the kayak out between sessions, a simple tarp or protective cover will extend its life.
Saltwater vs freshwater use - If you’re planning coastal trips (say, along Cornwall, Devon, or the Scottish Isles), make sure the kayak you choose is built to handle saltwater. Salt is corrosive and can damage seams, valves and metal fittings if not properly rinsed after use. We’d suggest making it a habit to give your kayak a quick freshwater rinse after every session in the sea. For inland waters like canals, lochs and reservoirs, salt isn’t an issue, but weeds and shallows can be, so a reinforced hull is still a plus.
Storage and transport in smaller cars - Many UK households drive smaller hatchbacks rather than large SUVs. Inflatable kayaks are generally very compact when deflated, but some of the higher-end models can still take up a good chunk of boot space. If you’re short on storage at home or drive a small car, check the packed dimensions carefully before you buy. Models that come with a proper backpack carry case are often the easiest to handle when moving from car to water.
Local warranty and repair availability - One advantage of buying in the UK is that a few major outdoor retailers (like Decathlon, Go Outdoors, or Cotswold Outdoor) carry well-known brands and provide local support. It’s worth checking whether the brand offers a UK-based warranty centre or repair service, as sending a kayak back overseas for patching can be costly and impractical. Inflatable kayaks are tough, but repairs can crop up eventually, so easy access to spare parts (like valves or patches) makes a big difference.
Tides and coastal conditions - UK waters can be unpredictable, especially around estuaries, headlands and open coastal areas. Tides can change quickly and create strong currents, so if you’re planning on using your inflatable kayak in the sea, it’s worth checking tide tables and sticking close to sheltered bays unless you’re very experienced.
Weather and wind - The British weather is famously changeable. Wind, in particular, can make a big difference in an inflatable kayak’s performance, since they’re lighter and sit higher on the water than hard shells. Having a skeg (removable fin) or choosing a model with good tracking ability can help you stay on course.
Legal and access considerations - In the UK, not all waterways are open for public use. Canals and some rivers require a licence from the Canal & River Trust or British Canoeing, while others may have private access rules. It’s worth checking before you head out so you don’t run into issues.
Safety Checklist
Before you pop the pump on your kayak, run through this mini check. It’s simple but covers things that tend to catch people out in the UK.
Wear the Right Buoyancy Aid & Know the Rules: The cold UK waters and currents make drowning a real risk and while there is no blanket law forcing all kayakers to wear a PFD in every situation, many water safety guidelines strongly recommend it. Choose a buoyancy aid/lifejacket suited to your type of paddling (sea, coastal, river). Paddle UK has useful guidance on buoyancy aids for paddlers.
Plan for Coastal & Tidal Hazards: One of the trickier bits in the UK is dealing with tides, currents, wind and tide interactions and coastal hazards. Government & MCA safety guidance emphasises checking tides, weather and staying aware of changing conditions.
Always Have a Repair & Emergency Kit On Board: Inflatable kayaks are sturdy, but punctures or leaks can happen, especially if you bump over rocks, get snagged, or if a valve fails. In the UK, remote stretches of coastline or lakes may not have nearby repair shops.
Ratings By Category
Method
We follow a structured process that allows us to identify and examine each product’s qualities. After reviewing the market we pick what we think will be the best inflatable kayak in each category from a variety of retailers. Each product selected gets 50 points automatically just for being selected. We then perform field tests and in person assessments to rank them out of 10 on the following categories: Performance, Construction, Setup/ Pack Down, Portability and Comfort.
Rankings are adjusted or weighted based on importance and how much they vary e.g. some categories will be categorised from 1 to 10 whereas others 4 to 9 etc. but there are sometimes outliers as well. We have tried our best to paint an accurate picture of how we rate each kayak overall and why.
If you are looking for an inflatable kayak in the UK this is where we hope to provide you with all the info you need. We believe a good inflatable kayak review should provide you with all the info you need to decide, whether you are looking for a kayak for a particular purpose or outright best allrounder.
Performance
There are four main elements we consider in the performance category: How fast it can be paddled through water, how manoeuvrable it is, how well it paddles in a straight line and how stable it is.
There was a big difference in some models from the lower end of the market —the Itiwit Cruising kayak and Intex Challenger take significant effort to paddle in a straight line and they tend to move side to side as you paddle. The high-end Oru Beach LT and Advanced Elements Expedition Elite were a lot more stable, and managed to keep a straight direction. The ease of going faster without having to fight against the water determines the level of performance the kayak offers.
Intex Challenger K1 Side to Side Paddling
Razor Kayaks Edge Pro Straight Paddling
Construction
Construction has four main elements: durability, design, quality of materials, and craftsmanship.
There is a fairly clear line here between the cheaper and more expensive brands. The Intex Challenger, for instance, is made from vinyl similar to that found in a pool toy, which makes it more susceptible to puncture. The high-end brands like Advanced Elements use much stronger puncture-resistant materials. The Oru Beach LT is cleverly designed and well crafted, while the Itiwit Cruising Kayak leans toward basic, beginner level design rather than prioritising high performance.
Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Solid Materials
Intex Challenger K1 Flimsy Vinyl
Setup/Pack Down
How quickly and easily can the kayak be set up and packed down?
This is an important category to consider when buying any inflatable kayak; some are easier to manage than others. For instance, Advanced Elements have many inflation points and mismatched valves that need a pump piece change to inflate different compartments. Some materials soak up water so you might consider the waiting time for them to dry before packing up. We find that the Sea Eagle 300X is easy to set up with only 3 similar inflation points and easy dry materials. The Oru Lake is also a quick one, with a foldable clip-and-unclip mechanism for quick assembly.
Advanced Elements Expedition Elite 10 inflation points
Razor Kayaks X1 High-Pressure three inflation points
Portability
Portability focuses on the weight, size, and handiness.
Cheaper models are technically lighter and more compact, but they often achieve this by using thin materials that compromise on quality. Where this is the case, we have marked them down for the purpose of the reviews. Smaller and lighter doesn’t necessarily mean better.
Transportable kayaks do come in all shapes and sizes - the Oru Beach LT for instance is only 11.8kg but only has a shoulder strap and no bag. The Expedition Elite is 19.1kg so it’s heavy but does come with a double strap backpack. This is an important element and can make a difference depending on how you want to use the kayak. The bag itself matters as you can see from the below image.
We struggled to get the AdvancedElements Expedition Elite back in its bag
Razor Kayaks R1 Ultra fits easily within the bag
Comfort
Comfort comes in the following forms: cockpit space, seat materials, backrest design, legroom and paddle use.
The AdvancedElements models have a comfortable seat and surface to sit on while the Oru Beach LT provides a solid surface to drive the paddle from and a good adjustable footrest. The Intex models are rather hard to get into and the cockpit seems cramped. The Decathlon models are either unstable or have side tubes so bulky it is hard to get the paddle comfortably in the water which let them down.
Intex Excursion Pro Inflatable Seat
Intex Challenger cramped cockpit
About Our Testing Process
Here at The Equipment Guide we write reviews for the UK with the goal of providing genuine personal assessments of the best products on the market. We do detailed research including field tests to make an informed judgment and help you get a better understanding of what is out there.
All products are reviewed and ranked in a methodical and careful manner and we assess them on relevant key features. We do not accept free products from manufacturers.
Our mission is simple: To create the UK’s best outdoor gear reviews.
Afterword
We take pleasure in providing comprehensive reviews on the best inflatable kayaks in the UK!
Whether you are looking for the best kayak reviews or individual model reviews we hope we’ve been able to help. If you have any feedback or you would like us to review a product we’d love to hear from you, feel free to drop us a note.
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