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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!