Top Inflatable Kayak Brands Making Waves in 2023

With the growing popularity of water sports and outdoor adventures, inflatable kayaks are becoming a top choice for enthusiasts seeking convenience and portability without compromising on performance. From leisurely paddles down serene rivers to tackling more challenging waters, an inflatable kayak offers versatility and ease of transport that hard-shell varieties simply can't match. Several top brands have emerged as leaders in the industry, renowned for their quality, durability, and innovative designs. To find out which brands stand out as the best options for your next aquatic adventure, let's explore the top contenders below.

Illustration of inflatable kayak

Best brands of inflatable kayak in 2025

Sea Eagle

Sea Eagle, a family-owned business since 1968, is renowned for producing high-quality inflatable kayaks that combine performance, durability, and portability. With over 250,000 boats sold by 2015, Sea Eagle has established itself as a leader in the industry, offering a range of models such as the Explorer, RazorLite, and FastTrack kayaks, which are capable of handling various water conditions, including class IV whitewater. Their kayaks are made from advanced materials like Drop Stitch technology and PolyKrylar(tm), ensuring strength and reliability. The Sea Eagle 370, for example, weighs just 32 lbs and has a capacity of 650 lbs, making it an excellent choice for recreational and touring adventures. Sea Eagle's commitment to quality is backed by a three-year or optional six-year warranty.

Advanced Elements

Advanced Elements is a premier inflatable kayak manufacturer based in Northern California, renowned for its innovative and high-performance products. Founded over 15 years ago by two inventors, the company has developed over 100 products distributed worldwide, catering to various levels of kayaking such as white water, angling, day touring, and recreational activities. Advanced Elements kayaks are distinguished by their cutting-edge technologies, including drop stitch and aluminum rib frame designs, ensuring unparalleled performance and safety. The company is also praised for its excellent customer support and attention to detail, making it a standout in the industry. In 2023, Advanced Elements launched a new line of inflatable kayak accessories, focusing on improved durability and portability.

Intex

Intex is a leading producer of inflatable kayaks, known for its high-quality and durable products that cater to both recreational and adventurous users. The brand dominates the market with its versatile range, including recreational and touring inflatable kayaks, made from durable materials like PVC and Hypalon. In 2023, recreational inflatable kayaks, a segment where Intex excels, held a significant market share, driven by increasing consumer interest in outdoor activities. The global inflatable kayaks market, which Intex is a part of, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.6% from 2024 to 2033, reaching a valuation of USD 326.4 billion by 2033. For more details on their versatile range of products, visit Intex's official website.

Aire

AIRE Inc. is a leading manufacturer of inflatable kayaks, renowned for its innovative designs, extensive product variety, and robust warranties. Originating as a whitewater company, AIRE has significantly expanded into the inflatable kayak market, offering models such as the Spud and Tater, which are highly praised for their stability and performance. The company's products are made from durable materials like PVC and Hypalon, ensuring longevity and puncture resistance. AIRE's market presence is strong, particularly in North America, where it dominates the inflatable kayaks market alongside other key players like Advanced Elements and Aqua Marina. The global inflatable kayaks market, in which AIRE is a major player, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.6% from 2023 to 2033. For more insights, you can check out AIRE inflatables reviews.

Aquaglide

Aquaglide is a leading brand in the inflatable kayaks market, known for its high-quality and performance-oriented products. The company's kayaks, such as the Chelan 120 and Chelan 155, are praised for their durability, stability, and portability, making them ideal for both recreational and touring purposes. Aquaglide's use of advanced materials like Duratex and drop-stitch flooring enhances the rigidity and responsiveness of their kayaks. The brand is part of a market expected to grow significantly, with the global inflatable kayaks market projected to reach approximately USD 300 billion by 2032. Aquaglide's products are favored by paddlers for their ability to handle various water conditions and provide long, quality days on the water.

Sevylor

Sevylor is a leading producer of inflatable kayaks, known for its high-quality and affordable products that inspire people to enjoy outdoor activities. The brand's inflatable kayaks, such as the Sevylor Colorado, are praised for their ease of inflation, stability, and durability, making them ideal for family use and recreational purposes. Sevylor's products are part of a market expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.6% from 2023 to 2033, reaching a market size of USD 326.4 billion by 2033. Their kayaks are constructed with sturdy materials like PVC and Hypalon, ensuring toughness and longevity. The Sevylor Colorado, in particular, is popular for its broad shape offering excellent stability and its highly effective drainage system.

NRS

NRS is renowned as one of the best producers of inflatable kayaks, offering high-quality and durable vessels that cater to various paddling needs. Their inflatable kayaks, such as the NRS Pike, feature advanced materials like drop-stitch floors and PVC, ensuring stability and performance comparable to hard-shell kayaks. With a weight of 48 lbs and a capacity of 375 lbs, the NRS Pike is ideal for kayak fishing and recreational paddling. NRS has been a trusted name in the industry, particularly in whitewater kayaking, and their products are built to withstand rigorous conditions. The global inflatable kayaks market, which NRS is a part of, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.6% from 2023 to 2033.

Driftsun

Driftsun is renowned as one of the top producers of inflatable kayaks, offering high-quality, durable, and portable options. Their kayaks, such as the Driftsun Voyager 2 and Driftsun Rover 220, are made from reinforced layered PVC and feature drop-stitch floors for exceptional rigidity and stability. These kayaks are designed for both flat and rough water, with models like the Rover 220 capable of handling whitewater conditions. The Driftsun Voyager 2, for instance, weighs only 27 pounds and includes paddles, a pump, and a carry bag, making it highly convenient for storage and transport. With a maximum capacity of up to 600 lbs and inflation times as short as 9 minutes, Driftsun kayaks are ideal for families, thrill seekers, and beginners alike.

Oru Kayak

Oru Kayak is a leading brand in the inflatable and folding kayak market, renowned for its innovative origami-designed kayaks that offer exceptional portability and durability. Their products, such as the Oru Kayak Coast XT, are crafted from high-quality materials like five-millimeter double-layered polypropylene, ensuring puncture and abrasion resistance. Oru Kayak achieved a remarkable 527% increase in Black Friday and Cyber Monday revenue in 2021 through effective email marketing strategies, and their Kickstarter campaign raised an impressive $2,253,646. The brand's kayaks are designed for various environments, from flat water to Class III rapids, and come with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee and a one-year warranty. Oru Kayak's commitment to making adventure accessible has earned them several honors, including Gearjunkie and ISPO product of the year awards. For more details, check out their record-breaking partnership with Oru Kayak.

Star Inflatables

Star Inflatables is renowned for producing high-quality inflatable kayaks, such as the STAR Rival and STAR Raven Pro, which are praised for their stability, comfort, and durability. The STAR Rival Inflatable Kayak features a drop-stitch, self-draining deck and inflates to 8 PSI, ensuring a stable platform for paddlers. The STAR Raven Pro, made from rugged PVC-coated polyester, is designed for river running and has a max capacity of 275 lbs. These kayaks come with comprehensive packages including carry bags, pumps, and repair kits, and are backed by a 3-year warranty. Despite some historical issues with seam quality, Star Inflatables has maintained a strong presence in the market.