What are the best lightweight kayaks? If you’re looking for a new boat, this guide is your ultimate resource. We’ll discuss what to look for in a lightweight kayak and offer suggestions on different models that will suit your needs. So whether you want to paddle solo or with someone else, we’ve got you covered!
If you are looking to do some serious paddling in calm waters, lightweight kayak can be a great option. Most people consider them when they want to carry the boat by themselves but there’s much more that this type of kayaks offer!
The best part is that these boats don’t have limitations – if sea conditions allow it, you will definitely enjoy spending time on your favorite lake or river with this vessel. As long as water isn’t too rough and windy, light kayak should handle pretty well even in slightly choppy conditions.
As mentioned above, low weight doesn’t mean sacrificing quality so make sure to check everything carefully before making your final decision about purchasing one of these models!
Lightweight Kayaks Reviewed
The AdvancedFrame kayak is perfect for anyone looking for a durable and easy-to-use kayak. It features built-in aluminum rib-frame technology in the bow and stern, which improves tracking and hull speed. The drop-stitch technology in the floor also increases rigidity and stability while paddling. This kayak is comfortable to use with its high support, adjustable padded seats, and it can be paddled solo or tandem depending on your preference.
The kayak is made from a durable three-layer nylon fabric, which minimizes the risk of punctures. The outermost layer is 1000D Tarpaulin PVC as well as 2000mm coating waterproof material to prevent leakage and further protect your kayak from damage. In addition, it comes with a free hand pump for easy inflation and deflation when necessary.
- Durable
- Easy to use
- Comfortable
- Paddles solo or tandem
- None
The Sun Dolphin Journey kayak is a great option for those looking for an affordable and lightweight kayak. It’s made with a durable polyethylene hull that can handle up to Class III rapids, making it perfect for both recreational and fishing use. The kayak also comes with two flush-mounted rod holders as well as a swivel seat that provides excellent comfort and support while paddling.
This kayak is easy to transport and store thanks to its lightweight design and compact size. It measures only ten feet in length, so it can easily be transported on the roof of your vehicle or in the back of your truck without taking up too much space.
The Sun Dolphin Journey is a great option for those looking for an affordable and lightweight kayak that can handle a variety of water conditions.
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Includes rod holders and swivel seat
- Only measures ten feet in length
The Intex Explorer K20 is a great option if you are looking for an inflatable kayak. This kayak is made of durable vinyl and can hold up to 400 pounds. It comes with two adjustable paddles, a pump, and a repair patch kit. The Intex Explorer K20 also has a comfortable backrest and an inflatable seat for a more comfortable and enjoyable paddling experience.
This kayak is easy to transport and set up, thanks to its inflatable design. It can be quickly inflated and deflated, so it’s perfect for taking with you on camping trips or other outdoor adventures. The Intex Explorer K20 also comes with a carrying bag for easy transport.
The only downside to this kayak is that it doesn’t track very well and can be a bit wobbly. It’s also not as durable as some of the other options on this list. However, if you are looking for an affordable inflatable kayak, the Intex Explorer K20 is a great option.
- Inflatable design is easy to transport and set up
- Comes with a carrying bag
- Comfortable backrest and inflatable seat
- Doesn’t track well
- Wobbly
The Lifetime Lotus Kayak is a great option if you are looking for an affordable kayak that is also lightweight and durable. This kayak is made of high-density polyethylene and can hold up to 275 pounds. It comes with two molded paddles, a padded seat, and a storage hatch. If you are looking for a kayak that is easy to transport, this Lifetime Lotus is lightweight at only 34 pounds.
This kayak can easily be transported by one person because it has two carrying handles on the side of the boat and also comes with straps that allow you to tie down your kayak in case you need to carry it over rougher terrain or longer distances. The seat in this boat glides up and down so even if you want to adjust yourself while paddling the seat will move up along with your body. This allows for more comfortability when out on long trips in your new kayak!
The molded paddle holders make storage easier as well because they allow you to store your paddles without worrying about them falling out or getting damaged. Another great feature of this kayak is the drain plug that allows you to quickly and easily get rid of any water that may have collected while you are out on the water.
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Molded paddle holders and drain plug
- May be too lightweight for some
The Sevylor Quikpak K-I is a kayak that can be easily and quickly set up without any tools required. This kayak is made of heavy-duty PVC and has an Airtight System so you don’t have to worry about any water getting inside the kayak while you are out on your adventures. This kayak is perfect for beginners or people who aren’t looking to spend a lot of money on an expensive, high-quality boat.
The Seyvlor Quikpak K-I weighs only about 16 pounds and can support up to 400 pounds maximum weight capacity. With this kayak you get everything needed in one package so there isn’t any additional equipment required! It comes with the inflatable seat that provides comfort while paddling, two aluminum oars which are lightweight and easy to store when not in use, repair patch kit just in case anything happens on your trip (which we hope doesn’t happen), and finally it includes the foot pump that makes inflation quick and easy.
- Lightweight and easy to transport
- Inflatable seat for comfort
- Comes with oars, foot pump, and repair kit
- May be too small for some people
- Not as durable as other kayaks on the market
The Sea Eagle 330 Deluxe is a kayak that is made for those who are looking for a durable and reliable boat. This kayak is made with heavy-duty vinyl and has an I-beam floor which makes it very sturdy. It can hold up to 500 pounds maximum weight capacity, making it perfect for larger individuals or groups of people. The kayak has a very wide beam, which provides extra stability for those who are beginners.
There is no need to worry about capsizing with this kayak as it will not tip over easily due to its width and self-bailing drain holes on the floor of the boat. If you want one that’s more suited for solo use only, go with the Sea Eagle 330 Inflatable Kayak model instead!
- Very stable
- Holds up to 500 pounds
- Wide beam for extra stability
- Heavy when fully inflated
The Pelican Maxim 100X is a kayak that is perfect for those who are looking for a durable and affordable option. This kayak is made with RAM-X™ reinforced polyethylene which makes it very strong and resistant to impact. It also has an adjustable seat that can be customized to fit different body types. The kayak comes with a variety of features that make it easy to use, including a waterproof storage hatch and adjustable foot braces. It is also very lightweight, making it easy to transport and store.
The Pelican Maxim 100X is an excellent option for those who are looking for a great quality kayak at an affordable price. It is made with durable materials and has many features that make it easy to use, making it the perfect choice for beginners or those on a budget.
- Affordable
- RAM-X™ reinforced polyethylene makes it very strong and impact resistant
- Foot braces are adjustable
- It does not come with any paddles or other accessories.
The Lifetime Youth Kayak is a top-quality kayak that provides fun for everyone. This sturdy, durable kayak is made with high-density polyethylene plastic which makes it very resistant to impact and corrosion. It also has adjustable foot braces so you can customize the fit of your boat.
This youth kayak comes in many different designs including pink flamingos, palm trees, camo deer, blue herons or purple dolphins making this an excellent choice if you are looking for something unique! The best thing about these designs are they don’t just look good but they also provide more stability on the water thanks to their raised feet at either end of the boat.
This kayak can be used on both flat water and calm rivers with ease making it a great choice if you are looking for something that will grow with your child through their childhood years! This kayak comes in either single or two-seater versions so if you have multiple children then this could save you some money allowing them all to use one boat together rather than buying two separate ones! It also features cupholders which makes it easy to bring drinks along while they paddle around near the bank enjoying nature.
- Sturdy and durable
- Raised feet for more stability on the water
- Many different designs to choose from
- ASTM certified for safety
- Can be used on both flat water and calm rivers
- None found!
The Sevylor Coleman Colorado is a great choice for anyone looking for an inflatable kayak. This kayak is made with 18-gauge vinyl that has been tested to hold up to 400 pounds making it a great option if you are looking for something that can accommodate multiple people or even pets! It also comes with built-in carrying handles which make it easy to transport, especially when deflated.
This kayak is designed specifically for whitewater rafting and includes multiple air chambers so that if one does get punctured, the others will still keep you afloat. It has also been specially treated with Teflon so that it is resistant to UV damage and scratches.
The Sevylor Coleman Colorado inflates in just minutes and can be easily deflated for storage or transport.
- Multiple air chambers for safety and reliability
- Teflon treated to prevent scratches and damage from harmful UV rays
- Built in carrying handles
- Can be difficult to steer at times because of the inflatable design.
The Intex Challenger KI is a great option for anyone looking for an affordable and lightweight kayak. This kayak is made of durable vinyl that can hold up to 220 pounds, making it perfect for a single person or small child. It also comes with a built-in inflatable seat and backrest, as well as grab handles on either side for easy transport and some peace of mind.
This kayak can be deflated and folded easily, making it a great choice for anyone who needs to carry their kayak long distances or store it away after use. It also comes with two oars that make rowing across the water easy without needing any extra accessories. Although this is not one of Intex’s more expensive models, you will get top quality features like the durable vinyl construction and included backrest at an affordable price point that won’t break your budget.
- Affordable
- Includes backrest and inflatable seat for comfortability
- Lightweight, easy to transport or store away after use
- Only holds up to 220 pounds.
How To Choose The Best Lightweight Kayak
When shopping for a lightweight kayak, it’s important to consider the type you want. There are three main ones:
- Sit-on-top kayaks:
This is one of the most popular models because they’re easy to use and can be used in any kind of water conditions. They have good storage space and come with plenty of room so these boats tend to fit well even if you’re taller than average! If your priority is portability , this might just be what you need but keep in mind that there aren’t as many features included as on other types so pay close attention when making your final choice! On the plus side, sit-on-tops don’t require much maintenance which makes them great options for beginners too!
- Recreational kayaks:
These are designed for general use and come in a variety of different sizes. The best thing about recreational kayaks is that they’re versatile and can be used for both short and long trips – perfect if you’re not sure yet what type of paddling you want to do! They have more storage space than sit-on-tops but less than sea or touring kayaks so consider your needs before making a purchase.
- Sea or touring kayaks:
If you’re looking for something specifically for coastal areas, then this is the type you want! They offer great stability on water and are often made from fiberglass which makes them lightweight yet durable. Some models even come with pedals so you can get a good workout while paddling! Keep in mind that these kayaks are often more expensive than the other two types so make sure you have enough money saved up before making your purchase.
When you’re buying a kayak, it’s important to think about your weight! Most manufacturers list the maximum amount of pounds their boats can carry so keep this in mind before making a purchase. For example, if you weigh around 200 lbs and want a good touring kayak , make sure to get one that has at least 500 lbs capacity – otherwise there might be damage to the boat when under strain. On top of this, consider what other passengers will add on your boat when going out for day trips or overnight camping which is why having extra space comes in handy!
When looking for a kayak, it’s important to also think about your own body size. If you’re taller than average, make sure to get a model that has enough legroom otherwise you’ll be uncomfortable on long paddles. Additionally, if you weigh more than the average person , then look for a kayak with higher weight capacity or else it might not hold up well under pressure.
Kayaks come in all shapes and sizes which can make choosing one seem daunting. But by following these guidelines, narrowing down your options becomes much easier! And once you have your perfect lightweight kayak, there are plenty of places to paddle – from calm lakes to rushing rivers ! So get out there and enjoy the great outdoors!
Storage space is something that shouldn’t be overlooked when shopping for your kayak! If you’re planning on going out with your boat, then having enough room for gear will make things much easier.
Sit-on-top models are known to have more storage compartments than their counterparts so if this is what you need, definitely keep it in mind! Recreational kayaks tend to offer less space but some manufacturers do include extra features like rod holders , cup holders and other add-ons which aim at making life a little bit easier. Sea or touring boats often come with huge amounts of storage space – perfect if you want to bring lots of supplies along without worrying about the weight capacity !
Why Own A Lightweight Kayak?
- Easier To Carry
The main reason why most people start looking for lightweight kayaks is because of their low weight. As you can imagine, it’s easier to carry a boat that weighs less than 40 pounds but there are more benefits from choosing this type of vessel!
To make sure the lightweight kayak will be easy to use and move around with, pay close attention to its length – shorter boats tend to have better maneuverability which comes in handy when paddling through tight spaces. It also reduces the risk of tipping over so if waves or currents get too strong while you’re on open waters, stay calm and focus on your balance!
- Paddling Solo
If you’re an experienced kayaker, chances are you’ll want to paddle solo most of the time. In this case, a lightweight boat is definitely the way to go! Not only will it be easy for you to carry around but it’s also fast and tracks well so you can move through the water with ease.
Another great feature about these boats is that they usually have more storage space than heavier ones so you can take everything you need with you on your trip.
- Minimize Extra Costs
Even if you’re not the one carrying the kayak, minimizing extra costs is always a good idea. Heavier boats tend to need more storage space and that can mean higher rental fees or buying a larger vehicle just for transportation.
On the other hand, lightweight kayaks are easier to store and don’t require as much room so this is definitely something to consider if you’re tight on space! And last but not least, they’re often cheaper than heavier models so you can get more bang for your buck.
- Improves Vehicle Fuel Economy
This is a nice perk that comes with lightweight kayaks but it’s definitely not the main reason why you should buy one. That being said, having a lighter boat means your car will use less gas and reduce emissions so keep this in mind if you’re planning to upgrade your vehicle!
How can I transport my kayak more easily?
- Learn proper technique for car topping a kayak
It can be difficult to transport a kayak, especially if it is large and heavy. However, there are ways to make the process easier. One option is to buy a lightweight kayak. These vessels tend to weigh less than traditional models, making them easier to move around. Additionally, learning proper technique for car topping a kayak can also make things simpler. With these tips in mind, you should be able to get your kayak where you need it without too much trouble.
- Get a kayak that fits inside your car
Another way to make transporting a kayak easier is knowing how much space you have. If your car only has the capacity for one kayak, you should look for something smaller than average. You can also consider investing in roof racks or other accessories that will help you carry more without taking up as much room. These options may cost money but they could be worth it if it means not having to buy an additional vehicle just so that you can bring home larger boats.
- Get an inflatable or foldable kayak
For those who do not have enough room for a full-size or even mid-sized vessel, an inflatable kayak might be the best option. These can also come with paddles and other gear included so that you are ready to go right away. Foldable kayaks offer similar benefits but they typically weigh more than their inflatable counterparts. However, they do take up even less space when not in use.
- Get a Lift Assist
If you have a lot of trouble carrying heavy objects, there are kayaks on the market that come with lift assists. These devices help take some of the weight off your shoulders and back, making it easier to move the boat around. While they may not be as lightweight as other options, they can be helpful for those who struggle with traditional transportation methods.
- Get a Kayak Trailer
If none of the above transport methods work for you, consider getting a kayak trailer. These attach to your vehicle and can hold one or two boats at once depending on their size. Some people even use them while biking in order to take out multiple vessels without having to walk too far from where they parked.
No matter how many boats you plan on bringing home, make sure that you have enough space before making any major purchase decisions. Think about all possible scenarios when it comes to traveling with gear so that nothing is left up in the air when it matters most.
FAQs
Conclusion
Lightweight kayaks are great for those who want to take their boat with them on a hike, or just move it from one side of the lake to another. If you’re looking for a lightweight option, we can help you find the perfect model that will meet your needs and preferences. Check out our reviews here! We know how important it is to have an easy-to-transport vessel when packing up gear and hopping into the water.