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Best 2-Person Inflatable Kayak 2024

Compare what’s out there and find the best 2-person inflatable kayak for you with our comprehensive reviews. Read through each review where we supply full details, including pros, cons, performance, rating, price, where to get it and more. We also take you through answers to FAQs regarding durability, setup/pack down and a ton more things to look out for. Access a full review of each 2-person inflatable kayak via the ‘Read Full Review’ buttons below, and if you’re looking for 1-person kayaks, head to our best inflatable kayak review.

Updated July 16, 2024

2-Person Inflatable Kayak Reviews

Aquaglide Chelan 155

Price At Time Of Writing | $1349.99


Overall Rating | 92

Performance | 8

Construction | 9

Setup/Pack Down | 9

Portability | 8

Comfort | 8


Open Size - 15’ 1” x 3’

Weight - 38 lbs

Load Capacity - 600 lbs

Packed Size - 30” x 22” x 16”


Pros - Versatile, stable and tracks well

Cons - Lower inflation pressure than others in this class

Overall - High quality, good features, stable

Innova Rush 2

Price At Time Of Writing | $2399.00


Overall Rating | 89

Performance | 8

Construction | 6

Setup/Pack Down | 8

Portability | 8

Comfort | 9


Open Size - 13’ 9” x 2’ 8”

Weight - 34 lbs

Load Capacity - 430 lbs

Packed Size - 27” x 19” x 17”


Pros - Sturdy, comfortable and manoeuvres well

Cons - An expensive kayak

Overall - A high-end kayak for touring on lakes

Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Convertible Elite

Price At Time Of Writing | $1199.99


Overall Rating | 87

Performance | 9

Construction | 8

Setup/Pack Down | 5

Portability | 7

Comfort | 8


Open Size - 15’ x 2’ 10”

Weight - 56 lbs

Load Capacity - 550 lbs

Packed Size - 37” x 22” x 12”


Pros - Fast and has a huge weight capacity

Cons - Slow setup, narrow and heavy when packed

Overall - A kayak with downsides but that’s fast and stable

Itiwit X500 2P

Price At Time Of Writing | $1299.00


Overall Rating | 85

Performance | 7

Construction | 6

Setup/Pack Down | 9

Portability | 6

Comfort | 7


Open Size - 17’ 4” x 2’ 4”

Weight - 53 lbs

Load Capacity - 460 lbs

Packed Size - 39” x 18” x 15”


Pros - Tracks well and is manoeuvrable

Cons - Minimum storage, heavy and unstable

Overall - Heavy but has good speed capabilities

Aquaglide Navarro 145

Price At Time Of Writing | $599.99


Overall Rating | 77

Performance | 5

Construction | 5

Setup/Pack Down | 5

Portability | 6

Comfort | 6


Open Size - 12’ 8” x 3’ 3”

Weight - 36 lbs

Load Capacity - 500 lbs

Packed Size - 27” x 24” x 11”


Pros - Sturdy and easy to use

Cons - Bad tracking with no included accessories

Overall - Great performance, even for multi-day trips

Itiwit 1–2P Recreational

Price At Time Of Writing | $200.00


Overall Rating | 76

Performance | 5

Construction | 7

Setup/Pack Down | 5

Portability | 6

Comfort | 3


Open Size - 11’ 2” x 3’ 4”

Weight - 31 lbs

Load Capacity - 331 lbs

Packed Size - 26” x 17” x 12”


Pros - Stable and built well

Cons - Small, uncomfortable seats and poor tracking

Overall - A good kayak for occasional use

Intex Explorer K2

Price At Time Of Writing | $145.19


Overall Rating | 68

Performance | 3

Construction | 4

Setup/Pack Down | 5

Portability | 4

Comfort | 2


Open Size - 10’ 3” x 3’

Weight - 37 lbs

Load Capacity - 400 lbs

Packed Size - 23” x 13” x 16”


Pros - Fast inflation, stable and easy to paddle

Cons - High sides, limited storage and tracks poorly

Overall - A cheap kayak for relaxing short trips

Sea Eagle 330

Price At Time Of Writing | $299.00


Overall Rating | 66

Performance | 2

Construction | 4

Setup/Pack Down | 5

Portability | 4

Comfort | 1


Open Size - 11’ 2” x 2’ 10”

Weight - 26 lbs

Load Capacity - 500 lbs

Packed Size - 24” x 16” x 7”


Pros - Well-priced, easy to set up, quick drying

Cons - Small, uncomfortable, unstable

Overall - Easy to inflate and carry, but needs improvement

Intex Challenger K2

Price At Time Of Writing | $126.99


Overall Rating | 64

Performance | 3

Construction | 2

Setup/Pack Down | 5

Portability | 3

Comfort | 1


Open Size - 11’ 6” x 2’ 6”

Weight - 38 lbs

Load Capacity - 400 lbs

Packed Size - 28” x 18” x 12”


Pros - Simple, stable and cheap

Cons - Uncomfortable and not durable

Overall - A budget, family kayak

 

Advice We’d Give to A Friend

The Basics

How do 2-person inflatable kayaks perform? - At first, we thought these kayaks wouldn't be as good as regular hard shell kayaks, but it turns out that some of them actually perform just as well. This is mainly true for the higher-quality (and usually, more expensive) ones and it's not surprising that some cheaper models are slower in the water.

Will they puncture or fall apart? - In general, no. The top-notch 2-person inflatable kayaks are super tough; some even employ materials with a density of 1,000 deniers, similar to what's used in rescue boats. Less expensive models might be crafted from materials resembling pool toys, so it's better to steer clear of those, in our opinion.

How onerous is setup? - Usually, 2-person inflatable kayaks are quick to both set up and pack away, though this can vary depending on the kayak. Some take a little more time because they have multiple points to inflate. For example, the AdvancedElements Convertible Elite takes about 15 minutes to assemble as it has many valves and accessories to insert. We find that kayaks with around 3 inflation points are preferable for this reason. Similarly, some 2-person inflatable kayaks come with a fabric skin on the outside - this can look nicer and offer more durability than lower-grade PVC, but will take a lot longer to dry and may go moldy in storage. We recommend choosing kayaks with a hull of durable, high-density PVC that will dry more quickly.

Should I get a 2-person inflatable kayak? - Yes. Beyond the clear advantage of easy storage, they also unlock fresh opportunities to venture into the wild. Their portability and user-friendliness on the water make them an excellent addition to your outdoor gear.

How long do 2-person inflatable kayaks last? - Top-quality kayaks can last for years. While less expensive models might have a shorter lifespan, taking good care of them (eg. drying and storing them properly) can certainly extend their longevity.

Budget

The price plays a major role when choosing the right 2-person inflatable kayak to purchase. We divide the market into three main categories:

Over $1000 - At this price range, you can expect to find excellent, well-built kayaks.

$400 to $1000 - Kayaks in this price bracket are still of good quality, but they might sacrifice a bit on performance. They could be slightly slower and bulkier in the water compared to high-end models. There are exceptions, though, and with the right knowledge, you can find a fantastic kayak for a reasonable price.

Under $400 - In this category, there are some poorly made kayaks that are sluggish in the water, challenging to paddle and made from lower-quality materials. We recommend investing a bit more for a kayak that offers good performance and quality.

Purpose of Use

If you plan to use your kayak mainly for regular exercise or extended tours spanning multiple days, it’s best to opt for the $1000+ range. If you’re planning on recreational paddling or sporadic use, a mid-range kayak should suit you well. If you can manage it, we recommend considering the mid-range option rather than the under $400 option because you'll get a kayak that lasts much longer for the price.

Pure 2-Person vs. 1–2-Person Convertible Kayaks

Pure 2-person inflatable kayaks are designed specifically for two people to paddle together, offering a fun, shared experience. Can one person use a two-person inflatable kayak? Yes. There are 1–2-person convertible kayaks that can be adjusted to accommodate either one person for a more spacious ride or two people for a cosy tandem adventure.

If you’re contemplating a 1–2 or even 2–3-person convertible kayak, take note of the length. If a kayak is too short, it will be uncomfortable for two or more people. Look for kayaks that are at least 13’ 11” long to ensure you’re not going to be cramped.

Ratings By Category

Method

We have a systematic process that helps us analyse and understand the qualities of each product. After surveying the market, we choose what we consider to be the finest inflatable kayak in different categories, drawing from various retailers. Every chosen product receives an initial score of 50 points. Next, we conduct field tests and hands-on evaluations to rate them on a scale of 1 to 10 in the areas of Performance, Construction, Setup/Pack Down, Portability and Comfort.

To ensure fairness, we adjust rankings based on importance and degree of variation. For example, some categories are scored from 1 to 10, while others might use a range like 4 to 9, occasionally including outliers. Our aim is to offer a clear and truthful overview of how we rate each kayak and the reasons behind it.

For those looking for a 2-person inflatable kayak in the US, our goal is to equip you with all the information you require. We believe a comprehensive inflatable kayak review should allow you to make informed decisions, whether you're searching for a kayak tailored to a specific purpose or the ultimate all-rounder.

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, even those with similar price points. The Itiwit X500 2P kayak and AdvancedFrame Convertible Elite are of similar pricing, but the AdvancedFrame is a lot more stable, even in rough and choppy waters. Both Intex models don’t track well and can be difficult to paddle, but they are great for recreational use, while the Aquaglide Chelan 155 feels as though you’re in a hard-shell kayak, providing effortless movement through the water and through harsh conditions.

The Intex Explorer K2 is cramped for two people and can be difficult to keep in a straight line

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 K2 and Explorer K2, for instance, are made from vinyl similar to that found in a pool toy, which makes them more susceptible to punctures from sticks and rocks. The high-end brands like Innova and Advanced Elements use much stronger PVC materials for durability, and will also often include at least a drop-stitch floor for stability. The Innova Rush 2 is also innovatively designed with a wetsuit-like material, called Nitrilon.

Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame’s solid materials and storage

Intex Challenger K2’s flimsy vinyl with seams visible

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 2-person inflatable kayak as some are easier to set up and pack down than others. The AdvancedFrame Convertible Elite is well-constructed, but has many inflation points and a variety of accessories that need to be inserted. Some materials also soak up water, so you might consider the waiting time for them to dry before packing up, such as with the Itiwit 1–2P. We found that the Intex kayaks are easy to set up and deflate, each taking only a few minutes, however there are higher-quality kayaks such as the Aquaglide range that are also easy to inflate but offer much better quality.

It’s essential that your inflatable kayak is completely dry before you store it to avoid mold growth. Aquaglide’s Navarro kayaks are covered in an outer skin of polyester - nice to look at, but a pain to dry.

Portability

Portability focuses on weight, size and ease of carrying the kayak.

Less expensive kayaks may appear lighter and more compact, but they achieve this by using thin materials that can compromise quality. In instances where this compromise exists, we've indicated it in our reviews. Remember, being smaller and lighter doesn't always equate to being better in terms of quality.

Inflatable kayaks come in all shapes and sizes. Some of the heavier kayaks, for instance the Itiwit X500 2P, come with well-designed backpacks which make them easier to carry. The Intex Challenger K2 is 17.3kg, but while lighter, the pack has thin handles, which can dig into your hands. This is an important factor to note and can make a difference depending on how you want to use your kayak. The bag itself matters, as you can see from the image below.

We struggled to get the AdvancedElements Convertible Elite back in its bag - while a smaller bag is great in terms of having a smaller package to carry, for some kayaks we found the pack size was a little too ambitious

Comfort

Comfort comes in a variety of forms: cockpit space, seat materials, backrest design, legroom and paddle use.

The Aquaglide Navarro 145 has a spray skirt to add warmth and keep you dry in rough conditions, while quite a bit of water gets in while paddling in the Intex Explorer K2. The Intex models are also quite difficult to get into and the cockpit is cramped for two people. The Itiwit 1–2P has no footrests, which means there’s little support for you when paddling, so your arms get a workout while trying to paddle.

Some kayaks, like the Itiwit 1-2P, have inflatable seats. This may suit some people who like the extra height - we preferred sturdy foam seats that were less wobbly, and also, one less thing to inflate or deflate!

Overall Results


About Our Testing Process

At The Equipment Guide, we create reviews in the US to offer real, personal evaluations of the top products available. Our approach involves thorough research, including field tests, to make informed judgments and enhance your understanding of available options.

We meticulously review and rank all products, evaluating them based on relevant key features. We do not accept free products from manufacturers.

Our mission is simple: To create the US’ best outdoor gear reviews.

Afterword

We enjoy offering in-depth reviews of the best 2-person inflatable kayaks in 2024 in the US!

Whether you're seeking the best kayak reviews or specific model insights, we hope we’ve helped in some way. If you have feedback or want us to review a product, please don't hesitate to reach out — your input is valued.

If our assistance led you to select and purchase an inflatable kayak, we'd be thrilled if you shared photos of your adventures with us — we'd love to see you in action!