Kayaks are used for many different purposes. You can use them to get to shallow waters without having to go through the rough seas, or you can take them out fishing with friends.
There are two main types of kayaks: folding vs inflatable kayaks. Many different people have their own preferences between these two types, so let’s compare folding vs inflatable kayaks and see what they have in common and if there is a difference between both of them.
What are Folding Kayaks?
Folding Kayaks are exactly what the name says – kayaks that can be folded into smaller parts for easier transportation. They cannot be inflated like an inflatable one because they do not have air inside them. They are usually made out of polyethylene, which is a very durable plastic that can withstand wear and tear. Some manufacturers even use aircraft-grade aluminum for the frame, so you know they will be sturdy.
Folding kayaks are great for traveling purposes because they can be taken apart and carried around with ease. They are also nice if you need to store them at your parents’ house or somewhere else because their size allows you to carry them inside your car or even stow them under a bed.
A good thing about folding kayaks is that they don’t take any space in your home when you want to store them, so if you have limited space in your place this type might be better suited for you. They are easy to transport because they can be carried over the back like a backpack using the supplied straps which come with most models.
The biggest disadvantage of these kayaks is their durability – they’re not as durable as inflatable ones might be, but it is obvious since they are made out of different materials. Some models weigh only 10lbs which is really light, but if you take a weightier model it can go up to 50lbs.
What are Inflatable Kayaks?
Inflatable kayaks have air inside them just like an inflatable mattress for the pool has water inside. They are made of rubberized fabric that’s why they can be inflated with ease and paddled properly on the water just like any other solid kayak would do.
These kayaks are great because they can be stored in small places when deflated, but the biggest advantage is their durability – since there’s no hollow space inside them they don’t rupture or get damaged easily even though you use them roughly. All inflatable kayaks come with a manual pump, a repair kit, and a paddle which is usually stored inside the kayak itself. The weight distribution on these kayaks is much better than on folding ones as well.
What are the Differences Between Foldable vs Inflatable Kayaks?
Foldable kayaks might be more practical for those who want to take it out fishing from time to time but leave it at their friend’s place because they don’t have much storage space at home. They can easily carry it over their shoulder or in a backpack just like any other hiking backpack would do too.
The biggest disadvantage of this type is its low durability – since they’re made out of different materials folding ones might get damaged quickly if you use them roughly on water.
Inflatable kayaks are more suitable for those who want to take it out on a regular basis because they can’t be damaged easily and if something goes wrong with the material you can always send the pump back and get it repaired.
A great advantage of inflatable ones is that they don’t need any assembly and if you deflate them and fold them up properly they don’t take much space in your home, so after you’re done paddling you can store it in some corner of your house. The only disadvantage we see with inflatable kayaks is their weight – some models might weigh more than 50lbs which makes portability difficult sometimes, especially if you want to move it over longer distances.
Pros of inflatable kayaks
- They are more durable than folding kayaks because there’s no hollow space inside them which means that they don’t rupture or get damaged easily.
- This type does not require assembly, so after you’re done paddling you can deflate it and store it in some corner of your house without taking too much space.
- If there is a problem with the material you can always send the pump back and get it repaired.
Cons of inflatable kayaks:
- They are heavier than foldable ones – some models weigh up to 50lbs which makes portability difficult sometimes if you have to move over long distances.
- Since they’re made out of rubberized fabric they puncture more easily than folding kayaks.
Pros of foldable kayaks:
- They are easy to carry over your shoulder or in a backpack, so if you like an active lifestyle this might be something for you.
- You can store them in small places when deflated and they don’t take much space, but the biggest advantage is that they’re very cheap compared to inflatable models – foldable ones vary from $150 to $300 on average while inflatable ones go up to $500 (don’t forget that you need to purchase a pump as well).
Cons of foldable kayaks:
- These are not made out of rubberized fabric which means that they are more prone to punctures than inflatable ones are.
- They aren’t as durable – if you use them roughly they might get damaged quickly.
To conclude this article we would like to say that both folding and inflatable kayaks have their ups and downs, so it all depends on your personal preferences which one you will choose in the end. You can purchase either of them online easily with just a few click. Good luck!
Adelaide Gentry, a seasoned kayaking enthusiast and expert, is the driving force behind KayakPaddling.net. With over a decade of experience navigating the world’s most challenging waterways, Adelaide combines her passion for adventure with a deep knowledge of kayaking to provide insightful and practical guidance for paddlers of all levels.
