What could be better than having your own kayak? Owning a kayak is a simple way to intensify any adventure! The best lightweight kayak ensures easy recreational use. THE BEST kayaks are different for everyone and completely based on lifestyle and your needs. The good news is that whatever your choice is, you can always find a lighter version.
You need a kayak if you are planning to go on a lake vacation with your family, go camping, picnicking, beachcombing, or some other fun excursion. Choosing the right kayak can be a bit challenging, as there are hundreds of options available including inflatable options and hardshell options. I personally prefer a hard shell kayak whenever possible. They are more steady and less work. But I recognize all the benefits of a foldable kayak that can be deflated and rolled up. We have shortlisted some best lightweight kayak paddles for you; let’s dive into them!
Table of Contents
Best Lightweight Kayaks
Here are the 7 best lightweight kayaks for families whether you are bringing the kids or heading out on a solo kayak.
Intex Challenger K1 Kayak Inflatable
The Intex Challenger Kayak is a perfect option for two people and for those that do not have a roof rack. This budget-friendly kayak has a streamlined design and ensures effortless, easy paddling. Users will love having this comfortable, sporty-looking, lightweight, and compact kayak. Its dominating green color gives a very sharp look and it is easy to deflate and fold up into the carrying bag.
For everyone who has a smaller budget, this is definitely a good choice. Along with the kayak, it comes with high output pump and aluminum paddles that make inflation and deflation straightforward. Constructed with superior material, it ensures long-term durability. It also has grab lines at each end for your convenience, as well as a cargo net for extra storage. This kayak has a 400-pound maximum weight limit.
Available on Amazon for $159.85
Driftsun Teton 120 Hard Shell Recreational Tandem Kayak
Obviously, the kayaks that are not inflatable like this one are going to weigh double. However, we made sure that they still didn’t go over a certain weight. This one weighs 72 lbs and has a higher weight capacity of 500 pounds. It’s easy to carry thanks to the 4 fixed carry handles. The Driftsun Teton 120 Hard Shell Recreational Tandem kayak is our pick for the best family kayak because it can seat two adults and one child. It has an extra seat molded in the middle as a cockpit seat to either accommodate a child or a solo adult.
For those that like to fish, there are 4 flush mount capped rod holders and 2 mounting points for accessories, rear tankwell storage with a bungee, dual watertight storage hatches with inserts, and built-in cup holders. All of which makes this a great fishing kayak too.
Purchase this on Amazon for $1600
Intex Explorer K2 Kayak
If you are going for any short recreational kayak paddles, then a lightweight inflatable kayak is the ideal option for you. Whether you are a beginner or professional, this fun kayak is super comfortable for everyone. It comes with inflatable seats and backrest. You will love the comfy design and the easy setup.
The best thing about the kayak set is that it comes with a removable skeg that allows directional stability. Moreover, the bright yellow color of this product makes it more prominent and visible. It is the perfect choice for smaller bodies of water that includes mild rivers and lakes with calm waters. This kayak also has a 400-pound maximum weight limit.
Available on Amazon for $149.85
BKC TK219U Tandem Kayak
The Brooklyn Kayak Company BKC TK219U tandem kayak has extra space to fit 3 people, making it ideal for paddling with kids on family adventures and epic fishing trips. This hard-sided kayak comes equipped with 2 ergonomic aluminum frame seats, 2 adjustable aluminum paddles, 2 waterproof hatches, 6 built-in rod holders, 2 paddle parks, and 1 bungee cord cargo tie-down. We have all the accessories you need for your next excursion. You can keep all your valuables dry inside the dual watertight storage compartments. It can support up to 595 lbs. This stable kayak can be used on any type of open water including the ocean. So, if you take a lot of beach trips it may be worth the investment.
Available on Amazon for $1,147.00
Intex Excursion Pro Kayak
Unlike ordinary kayak models, this Inter Excursion Pro Kayak is made with extremely tough PVC material, ensuring sturdiness. Its highly resistant material helps to prevent damage to the kayak from sunlight, impact, and abrasion. The spring-loaded valves in it have high pressure allows quick inflation and deflation.
Furthermore, it also has an adjustable and removable mounting bracket that makes its usage easy. The high-molecular PVC used in constructing this kayak makes it unaffected by oil, gasoline, and saltwater. You can use this kayak for overnight camping trips, long fishing trips, and solo paddles. Plus, it has ample storage space.
Available on Amazon for $314.99
Intex Excursion Inflatable Boat Series
In our list of best lightweight kayaks, our last amazing pick is the Intex Excursion boat series perfect for families of four. I know what you are thinking, “This isn’t a kayak”. Well, you might be surprised to know that this is a touring kayak aka lightweight boat. Made with rugged vinyl, this kayak ensures more comfort and durability. This inflatable boat series comes with a gear pouch, inflatable seat cushions, two fishing rod holders, oar holders, and a backrest. Plus, thanks to the size it’s easy to bring along your fishing gear.
This kayak allows almost 1100 pound weight and four-person people to enjoy the journey. You can also mount motor fittings if you want.
Available on Amazon for $161.19
Sevylor Big Basin 3-Person Kayak
This 3 person kayak is made with heavy-duty PVC construction and has a tarpaulin bottom that provides durable protection from punctures. It’s great for rugged lake use. The adjustable seats move to fit you a carry handles make it easy to carry in and out of the water. It only takes about 10 minutes to inflate and be sure to put the skeg in before inflating, otherwise, you will not be able to get it in.
It does not come with a pump or paddles. You will have to purchase those separately.
Available on Amazon for $343.97
Final Verdict
Hopefully, this article was helpful for you in choosing the best lightweight kayak for your next journey. Out of all these, choose the one that matches your needs the most. And, make sure to get a waterproof storage bag to take with you. Also known as a dry bag.
HAPPY KAYAKING!
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