Inflatable Kayak vs Hardshell Kayak | What Kayak to Choose

Inflatable kayaks have really grown in popularity over the past few years, because they make kayaking accessible to people who can't easily transport or store kayaks. Inflatable kayaks have improved dramatically over the last 10 years, but how do they truly measure up to comparable hardshell kayaks? That's what we're looking at in this video. Inflatable kayaks versus hardshell kayaks - what kayak is best for you. Ken Whiting breaks down the differences of hardshell kayaks versus portable kayaks.
Full Review of the Sea Eagle Razorlite 393rl: • Inflatable Kayak Gear ...
Full Review of the Jackson Kayak Tupelo 12.5: • Jackson Kayak - Tupelo...
Other paddling gear I use and recommend:
NOTE: These are affiliate links where I'll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you, but it's a great way to show your support. Thanks!
KAYAKS I recommend
Sea Eagle 380x: bit.ly/37jRbxP
Sea Eagle 393rl: bit.ly/3mVOXbw
Sea Eagle 385ft:
Tucktec: bit.ly/3mQnmcn
Pakayak: pakayak.com/?uap_ref=ken
Decathlon Itiwit:
Oru Kayak Inlet: bit.ly/3vpjxhS
AquaGlide Chelan 120: bit.ly/3IRNde0
Advanced Elements Advanced Frame: bit.ly/3hJNpAl
Star Rival Inflatable Kayak: bit.ly/3lipNno
Isle Switch Hybrid SUP/Kayak: islesurfsup.sjv.io/5bJMJn
Jackson Kayak Tupelo 12.5: bit.ly/3phR8aS
Wilderness Systems Pungo 120: bit.ly/3E5BoOl
Perception Pescador: bit.ly/3FPuWeK
PADDLES
Aqua Bound Manta Ray Carbon Paddle:
Aqua Bound Tango Fibreglass Paddle: bit.ly/3iaGleJ
Aqua Bound Whiskey Carbon Bent Shaft Paddle: bit.ly/3z1kiOH
FOOTWEAR
NRS Kicker Remix Shoe: bit.ly/36F1B6Y
NRS Boundary Boot: bit.ly/2TaCMgl
PADDLING SHIRTS / TOPS
NRS Guide Long Sleeve Shirt: bit.ly/3yVID8j
NRS Guide Short Sleeve Shirt: bit.ly/3dkDYaD
NRS H2Core Silkweight Shirt: bit.ly/3xF43pX
NRS H2Core Silkweight Long Sleeve Shirt: bit.ly/3yZGbO2
NRS Hydroskin Short Sleeve Shirt: bit.ly/3wCvoI3
NRS Riptide Splash Jacket: bit.ly/3BbAZZJ
NRS Flux Dry Top: bit.ly/2U3Pvlw
PFD’S
NRS Odyssey PFD: bit.ly/3ibIk2n
NRS Zen PFD: bit.ly/2VCfrF3
NRS Chinook PFD: bit.ly/2TaEAG9
OTHER PADDLING GEAR
Zoleo Communicator: bit.ly/3zw7gw1
NRS Drylander Sprayskirt: bit.ly/36z5BG6
WRSI Current Helmet: bit.ly/2Te6KA6
PADDLING SHORTS/BOTTOMS
NRS Benny Board Short: bit.ly/2VIbK0L
NRS Hydroskin Shorts: bit.ly/3hCXPl2
SUNGLASSES
WileyX: bit.ly/3NtJQKR
FOLLOW KEN
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Twitter: / gopaddle
Blog: in4adventure.com
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#kayaking #paddling #kayak #PortableKayaks #FoldingKayaks #Recreationalkayaks

[@TheKayakCrew]

Thanks, you summarized the pros and cons of each very well. Personally, I would also highlight the following pro and con of inflatables and hard shells. Firstly, I find that the main drawback of inflatables (including drop stitch) is that they are prone to even moderately strong winds on the sea. I often find my inflatable kayak being blown 1-2mph in the direction of the wind (in severe cases even more). Secondly, a pro of inflatables is the ability to pack them up to take on public transport if you are looking to do a linear route rather than circular, eg, go on the bus from A to B, inflate and launch at B and kayak back to A.

[@mtslyh]

I started with inflatables (Advance Elements Sports) and ended up also buying hard shells. My preference is for hard shells because they are much easier to put away after a paddle. The inflatables are a pain in the neck to get dry. The last thing you want to do after a long day out on the water is have to spend a bunch of time taking them apart and spreading them out in the sun to get them totally dry. Don't get me wrong. Inflatables are awesome for trips where lugging around 4 hard shell kayaks would be impossible for me. I can put 4 AE Sport inflatables, paddles, jackets, and all the fixin's in the back of a mid sized SUV and still have room for 4 kayakers in the same car. You just can't beat that. So for me, if I need to transport a bunch of kayaks, I use inflatables. If it is just me and one other person, I use hard shells.

[@PaddleTV]

Great points all around!

[@danparks8894]

Many inflatable kayaks have material outlets and inflatable bladders. You can even spend a fair amount on them and it is those that take ages to dry. That’s one reason to never buy one as it’s very hard to get them truly dry before storing and so , some mildew will build up over time. This made me decide to buy a drop stitch Gumotex kayak which is made out of INCREDIBLY durable rubber. No environmental gassing from PVC and no fabric parts that need forever to dry. Mine is washed, dried and put away in minutes or if left in the sun, also absurdly quick. They cost over 1200 Euro but the difference and convenience is amazing. I even attach a small trailer to my bicycle sometimes as it stows in its in waterproof rucksack. It also fits in the boot of my Mini Cooper. Flexible. Literally.

[@ronanrogers4127]

@@danparks8894 which model of Gumotex did you get?

[@kipprice3161]

Wow, I've always advised against inflatables, but they've come a long way. There were a few reasons I didn't recommend them unless you really, really needed one for storage reasons. The first is speed. Whenever anyone in our group is paddling an inflatable, we're always waiting for them. But this Sea Eagle looks like it might be very close in speed to hard shells. A second reason, which might still be a problem, is air pressure. You mentioned that this yak can be pumped to 10 psi. But typically, with those I've seen, when you pump it up to max pressure on land and then put it in a cool, spring feed river, you lose some of that pressure, which then affects the speed and steering. Steering was my third negative. This design may have overcome that problem. Again they have come a long way. The last reason I didn't recommend them, and I think this might still be a problem, is drag. By this I'm talking about paddling rivers, where you may have some shallow gravel areas or need to paddle over a submerged tree. The inflatables tend to get caught a lot more. Hard shells will drag too, but the inflatables seem to grab onto things a lot more problems. Maybe they've developed a fabric that won't drag as much as a hard shell, but I have my doubts. In the future, when asked about inflatables, I will point people to this video, while emphasizing they must buy quality and I will give them a couple of extra warning.

[@PaddleTV]

All great points, which is why I still would always choose a hardshell unless portability and storability were primary concerns.

[@RealDocJames]

I own this model inflatable featured here along with a small fleet of hardshells and few other inflatables. I can tell you without a doubt, the speed is a real. All things being equal, an experienced paddler will have no trouble keeping up with similar length rec class kayaks. I often average 4.2 mph cruising along.

[@Alexandre.Savine]

Thanks for the video! Few tips for inflatables: there are rectangular Throwable Flotation Cushion like one you can get at Big 5 sports. By adding couple of Velcro stripes on one or two of those things (both sides) and the bottom of the seat, you can raise the seat in inflatable kayak (I have Sea Eagle 380X) to any degree of comfort. Also, couple of stripes along the drop-stitch floor (like in Aquaglide Navarro) help to keep the seat in place (in addition to the straps, sure), while allowing flexible positioning of the seat.

[@bertsadventures9974]

I've been paddling a Sea Eagle Explorer 380X for several years and love it. The versatility, for me, was everything, but as I've gotten more into River Paddling I find that I'm looking for something a little more streamlined. Just got my hands on a Razorlite and can't wait to try it. I also got an Explorer 300X and am looking forward to getting it on some whitewater to see if the smaller size will equate with being more nimble. Great review, Ken! Thanks!

[@PaddleTV]

Good stuff! You're developing quite the quiver of boats! :)

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Great video on the subject. Inflatables sure have come a long ways! Thanks Ken.

[@tominnenPL]

Great to see you Dan here 💚 Love your last episodes about testing hardshell kayaks 👌🏻🛶 How do you think, can you both be in one episode? It would be like paddling in sunset... 🌄

[@rickquist3992]

Arbuckle in the house! Great to see ya

[@PaddleTV]

Thanks Dan! Your videos have definitely inspired me to do more videos about all things kayaking. Keep up the great work!

[@PaddleTV]

Ha! I don't know about it being like a sunset... but I'm sure it would be fun. What do you think Dan? :)

[@HeadwatersKayak]

PaddleTV it would be an honor. I’ve been learning from you for years. It would be fun to connect and work on a project. Will you be heading to Icast this year?

[@peterv1806]

Excellent video! Thank you. I have a 12.5 ft Tupelo and I love it. It's exceptionally comfortable, fast, and tracks well.

[@PaddleTV]

Great to hear you're loving it!

[@jjlynn6161]

Thank you for sharing. Very interesting and informative video. My back may not like it, but staying in hard side camp. Just visions of being out on the water and sprinking a leak. I can bail water while I paddle. Losing air while paddling back to shore.....

[@PaddleTV]

My pleasure! I think you'll find that a good hardshell kayak is more comfortable on the back (except for carrying and loading it!). I haven't come across an inflatable kayak with a seating system that compares with the best hardshell seats.

[@happycamper6516]

Great video and analysis thanks

[@kumara5492]

Excellent information. I am going for inflatable kayak ( which I am assuming would be way better than inflatable paddleboard ) . I am a first timer , just getting into hobby of floating on the water. SO, for me carrying a hard shell kayak on top of the car and storing it is too much hassle. I 'll start with inflatable and if this hobby gets too deep down the years , then , maybe , I'll give a thought on hard shell kayak. But as of now, inflatable kayak is very much appealing for transportability ( even though I am not going to deflate kayak right away ,I can still tie it over top of the car with no roof rack needed and let it dry completely on the way and then deflate it once I get home ). I am more into making this new hobby as comfortable as possible. I subscribed . Thank you.

[@PaddleTV]

Great to hear! Yes, inflatable kayaks (with V shaped bows) are better performing than inflatable paddle boards with flat bows. the V-shaped bow tracks and cuts through the water much better.

[@HayleyPond]

I have no storage, so inflatable was my only option.

[@ADVENTUREKM]

You can rent a storage unit.

[@danielkim3525]

@@ADVENTUREKM Some people don't want to spend the extra money for that.

[@rickquist3992]

I try to keep an open mind on modern inflatables. I realize that folks like myself aren't the target demographic. I'm all for people overcoming storage and transportation issues, and modern inflatables seem to solve those problems for many folks. I can't help but to wonder how someone who has only paddled an inflatable would react to their first experience in a rigid... (especially with a bit of breeze & chop) If I were faced with using an inflatable, or not paddling at all; you'd see me in an inflatable!

[@niq872]

im used to sit in kayaks and whenever i use a sit on top it feels so weird i can imagine how a inflatable would feel being up off the water so much. it would be fun to try

[@zhrob1]

Actually the inflatibles such as the razorlite and the fast track by Sea Eagle are reviewed by numerous persons whom state it tracks very well and handles the waves closely akin to the hardshell.

[@PaddleTV]

You hit the nail on the head Rick! I really am being pleasantly surprised by the performance of the high end inflatables (and the Oru Kayak too). The performance gap for paddling in calm water is MUCH smaller than it used to be.

[@yvikhlya]

Great video! Some feedback. This season me and my wife bought a tandem sea eagle razor light 473. Tansportability and stowability are absolutely critical for us, so we went with inflatable. Made several day trips in different conditions, and man, this thing is absolutely amazing. No difference in performance noticed compared to hard shell, which we also used before. In fact, we were passing by hard shell kayaks with little effort all the time. It is very fun to pаddle RL. But! My wife complains about lack of stability, and indeed, depending on how fit you are, it may take a little practice to get in and out of this thing and keep it stable on the waves. Because of low seat, my ass gets numb after a couple of hours of paddling, but I can't put a higher seat, because this would make us even less stable. Man, I wish RL be a couple of inch wider! So, we replaced RL with another inflatable from sea eagle, a fast track 385. We tested FT on a couple of day trips already and we are absolutely happy with it. It does sacrifice some performance (not critical for us), but we can have comfortable high seats, and this thing is still pretty fast. We were able to paddle upstream on upper Potomac river during high water and pretty strong current. In fact, I prefer FT to RL in these conditions. Both RL and FT do fit in the trunk of our honda crv and I can store them in my closet.

[@PaddleTV]

Great info! Thanks for sharing. You're absolutely right that the RL gives up some stability for performance. It's one of the reasons I really enjoyed it, but it's also one of the reasons they aren't for everyone.

[@RealDocJames]

Greetings fellow Potomac Paddler and Razorlite owner.

[@paulcarter8215]

Just the decision I'm trying to make. A really useful video, thank you.

[@PaddleTV]

Great to hear!

[@ShahFaisal]

Hi Ken, Faisal from Australia. Thanks for the very informative videos. I regularly watch your videos and have noticed you reviewing a lot of inflatable/ portable kayaks recently. One thing I would request you to discuss when talking about the pros and cons of inflatable kayaks is cleaning, drying, packing and storage of such kayaks. From personal experience, its not the setting up but these latter steps that buyers need to be aware of. Packing at the site, then bringing it home to unpack, wash and dry and repack and store are chores which become tiring very soon, especially if one is doing this once a week or more. I look forward to hear your thoughts on this :) And thanks again for such useful content.

[@PaddleTV]

Good point... you've given me an idea for a video about inflatables, as there have been lots of questions about their maintenance. Thanks!

[@raymondscott906]

if you are doing once a week or more then a quick clean after leaving the water should be enough. its only when longer storage is needed that this becomes essential. I have two. a sevylor Hudson for 11 years and a Hobie i14t for 2 years. they are both used this way with no problems. just a good sponge off, wipe with old towel and pack away. for a longer storage I inflate, power wash and dry. sevelyor harder to do as its bladders inside outer skin. more places to trap water.

[@TimberHillRedboneDogs]

Thank you so much. I still prefer the hard shell. Looking for my first sit on top kayak.

[@PaddleTV]

My pleasure!

[@maryhenry3257]

Superb review.

[@PaddleTV]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@guybrushthreepwood3002]

I've got an Aquaglide Chelan, 155 had footpegs, has a higher seat, paddles brilliantly, and tracks really well, and I've got a ton of storage space.

[@RealDocJames]

Love my Chelan 155 as well. Especially for going out with the missus. But it's nowhere as fast as my Razorlite 393RL.

[@nicolaslemay]

If you have the car and the space to own a hardshell kayak, they are obviously a superior choice. But living in a city with no car, this wasn't an option for me and renting is expensive quite fast. Added bonus of being able to fly with your kayak. I see more and more around me, making kayaking accessible to more people than ever.

[@PaddleTV]

100% agree. There are some great portable kayaks out there too! Not just inflatables. I'm looking forward to testing some more non-inflatable, portable kayaks.

[@nicolaslemay]

@@PaddleTV I hope you guys will get the chance to try the Itiwit x500. I would love to know how you would compare it to the other inflatable and hardshell!

[@travelvideos]

I don't mind performance as I am usually touring. I also like the size of inflatable kayaks - always some space for things and when I like to lay down to relax or going against the wind I can. One thing - it is pretty hard to dry inflatable kayak. Close to impossible

[@kristaps2010]

Inflatable? I did choose inflatable mainly because of: 1) storage and 2) ease of transportation. Ease of transportation is true, you can get that thing in a small bag, get it in your car, on motorcycle, in any public transport. Perfect kayak? The problem comes with the storage. I was unpleasantly surprised to learn how wrong I was when planning to store my inflatable in a bag, folded. The very very expensive inflatable kayak I bought made from hypalon/rubber type material (not pvc) has to be stored slightly inflated. I have really limited space and kayak is 4.2 m that takes most of my room. Storage is very important as if stored and maintained correctly, rubber boats are still in good condition after 20 -25 years. So I contacted manufacturer and confirmed If space is limited then boat may loosely be rolled up. As per manual it is allowed to fold it bit loose and store it under bed or somewhere else. I think I can work with that. But be aware!

[@PaddleTV]

That's interesting to hear Kris. I've never heard of inflatables needing to be stored slightly inflated. That does kind of defeat their purpose a bit... What make/model of kayak do you have?

[@kristaps2010]

@@PaddleTV It’s Grabner kayaks.

[@zhrob1]

I would like to see a review from you on the Sea Eagle 385 Fast Track if possible...

[@PaddleTV]

Haven't tried that one yet... stay tuned.

[@edwardvickers5506]

I paddle the Gumotex seawave,i bought it for ease of transport and storage.Just come back from Cornwall and it does a good job,but i feel i need to step up to a solid kayak which means i need a roof rack and storage outside 😅

[@PaddleTV]

There are some higher performance 'portable kayak' options out there... but you do pay a bit more for them. I've been paddling a TRAK kayak for years, and love it. It's high performance, and takes longer to set up, but it's a cool kayak. There's also the Pakayak and the Point 65 kayaks, which are hardshell, but break down into portable pieces. Too many options, aren't there? :)

[@yildirimakin3767]

Thank you✨

[@PaddleTV]

Welcome!

[@vibrolax]

We purchased a Sea Eagle Razorlite 393 rl based on your review. Our initial experience has been positive.

[@zhrob1]

The video has been up for 2 hours and you responded in one hour stating you purchased a razorlite based on this review and it has been a good experience! Seriously. That just does not add up.

[@vibrolax]

@@zhrob1 He did a separate video review of this Sea Eagle kayak a month or more ago. That's the review that persuaded us. This video seems to have been made near the same time, judging by the state of the vegetation.

[@PaddleTV]

Great to hear I didn't lead you down the wrong road! :) I'm not surprised to hear you're enjoying the boat. Thanks for letting me know!

[@zhrob1]

@@vibrolax Good to hear. For a moment I thought your comment was a sponser agenda. Glad u like the rig. 😉

[@markmartello]

Thanks!

[@PaddleTV]

You bet!

[@Greeneggsandham123]

Are there any sun visors that can be attached to inflatable kayaks?

[@JasonSmith-wj2ht]

I have both. I put a frame seat in the inflatable. Big difference.

[@_Arthur-]

I have two Intex Excursion Pro K2's. Both got punctured within a year (and we're really careful with it) so I'm a little bit anxious to buy another inflatable (although I understand the Index is relatively low quality compared to the Sea Eagle). The Point 65 Martini Tandem looks like the best of both worlds. Compact for storage and hardshell, so no fuss with cleaning and pumping (while I have two kids to take care of), no or a lot less risk of damage and it can fit in the trunk.

[@J.J.Stokes]

Hi I was wondering how your excursion pro k2s got punctured? Thx in advanced!

[@tonyzac6125]

My mam, thank you for this video. Help a lot making a decision.

[@Baddad36]

Please, what about performance in windy conditions in the sea? I appreciate the low pressure inflatables are greatly susceptible to the wind but are high pressure ones? Great channel by the way. Subscribed.

[@PaddleTV]

Windy conditions in open water is a unique scenario. While some hardshell kayaks track well enough not to need a rudder or skeg, inflatables generally don't track as well, unless they have a fin(s), which are usually removable. I wouldn't get an inflatable for those conditions unless it had some type of removable fin to help with tracking. Otherwise, high pressure inflatables are more susceptible to the wind, because they're lighter than typical hardshells. But as long as they're designed to track well, they should be fine.

[@Baddad36]

@@PaddleTV Thanks so much for your reply. Glued to your channel. 👍

[@tamayagarner1542]

good video. Having had a Chinook kayak and loved it I am now looking for an inflatable for city living. I wonder why the inflatable doesn't have a covering for the top. I know how much water can drop in from the paddles.

[@PaddleTV]

Good question! The inflatable doesn't have a covering, but it does have a drain, so that you can drain (on the water) any water that accumulates inside. The boat also has a raised floor, so that you're not sitting in the water that enters your boat.

[@december_snow8611]

@@PaddleTV 　I've found the well-thought-out DIY Spray Cover for open-deck DS kayak. But I could choose black ,not silver. 　kzbin.info/www/bejne/eWLZXnWcndpgbKs

[@december_snow8611]

What about drip rings and their position?

[@BrianthatiscalledBrian]

I would imagine that 10psi inflatable is the best way to go. I have one that is low psi and it bends in the middle, which makes it very hard to paddle. Thanks, Ken.🙂👍🚣‍♂️

[@PaddleTV]

I agree Brian... if the budget allows the upgrade to an inflatable with drop stitch construction, you get a significant jump in performance. That being said... I was pleasantly surprised by the AE Advanced Frame kayak. I'd like to try another low psi inflatable kayak...

[@NerijusJurgelaitis]

i , think choice depends on the obstacles in the water - trees or other things - i`ll probalbly will choose hardshell , if mostly no obstacles - inflatable . By the way i have tahiti plus inflatable , and ores 240cm - what ores do you recommend for this kayak

[@PaddleTV]

I think any paddle between 225cm and 240cm makes sense for that kayak. The taller you are, the longer the paddle you should have.

[@misstbikini]

I cant find a real review and see active use of a elkton steelhead 130 or the 150, be interesting what u thought of it

[@joekelly9369]

love hardshells but travel wise, on trains etc it has to be the inflatable wind is a bugger too

[@Joe-xq1nt]

In my case inflatable is much cheaper. A great no drill roof rack for my jeep is roughly 2 grand. And add to this the additional cost in lost MPG driving my vehicle with the kayaks loaded. There’s more to consider than storage alone. I guess one persons perfect set up is another’s pita

[@peterhemmen4964]

Is an freedom tour 308 good to start with

[@PaddleTV]

I have never tried one, or seen one in person, but from pictures, it looks like it would be a good kayak to start with.

[@lordenoch0]

To be fair, some fishing kayaks come with frame seats like the Tupelo, and you can find one that would snugly fit any inflatable kayak that has a drop stitch floor.

[@ADVENTUREKM]

I think the modular kayaks would be a better option. I like rivers and end up scraping rocks. So for me it's a no to inflatables. Can you do a review on modular kayak?

[@ThisIsWideAngle]

Don't know about drop stitch, but inflatable kayaks deal better with ground because as long as it isn't sharp glas or metal or very unlucky pointy stones in your way the fabric gives in and bounces. Folding kayaks or hybrids are the most sensibel because they have a level of fabric and then a hard frame so there is much more intense friction.

[@ADVENTUREKM]

@@ThisIsWideAngle some of the rivers I have been on scraped a big gouge out of my kayak. You would have to walk out and maybe get rescued because there is only farm land and wilderness around. That's if you dont get lost in the meantime. So no inflatables for me.

[@ThisIsWideAngle]

@@ADVENTUREKM I get where you come from. In europe there are for example gumotech and grabner. Both produce expensive, very well build inflatables out of material which is just as strong as the pvc of folding canoes and hybrids. But when you scratch along a big rock for example, these air-filled air-chambers will give in and the boat will bounce back most of the times, while the hybrid and the folding canoe will tranfer the energy through the frame, which can also bend and brake, into the material which is then stuck between frame and stone to scratch under high pressure. So a good inflatable can actually be less sensibel than the hybrid and a folding. Also you can repair both of them on the run. I have an inflatable, but bought a pakcanoe just now because of the better control, especcialy in windy conditions, but i'm afraid that in the small flat river going through my hometown it might not be as durable as my gumotech.

[@ThisIsWideAngle]

@@ADVENTUREKM I don't want you to buy an inflatable but before you buy a hybrid you should know that it might be less robust.

[@ThisIsWideAngle]

@@ADVENTUREKM gumotex of course. Not gumotech.

[@tominnenPL]

Ken, great episode. You just bring us informations what the experienced paddler can share using differents boats in life, in so many conditions and type of water. I'm sorry for my english, its not my native language. My family wishes you Ken all the best. In my side of where I live we speak "ahoy" to all we met floating on water, so I ahoy to you! Paddle up! 💚🛶👌🏻🚣

[@PaddleTV]

Ahoy! Thanks (is it Tom?)

[@tominnenPL]

@@PaddleTV yes! 💚 Indeed! My name's Tomasz, but simple Tom is ok. Ahoy! 👌🏻👍🏻

[@user-cg3yg9wf4x]

Inflatable has definitely lower speed, but for long trips it doesn’t matter so much. Best thing is that you can reach any point in public transport and get off the route in any stop, it’s freedom which hard shell doesn’t have.

[@cristinalupton4097]

I'm looking for my first kayak. As a 5'1" (mature) female, I'm looking for a lighter kayak so I'm thinking an inflatable is the obvious choice. My only concern is when I take my dog kayaking with me. Is there an inflatable kayak out there that can withstand a dog's nails? Should I just go with a hard shell kayak?

[@PaddleTV]

That's a good question. The higher quality inflatables should be fine with your dog, but there's always the risk. The Oru Kayak might also be a good option for you. It's a folding kayak that is super light. I did a full test/review of it last month, and I was really impressed with it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bamQiGyMg82lZpI

[@innocentiuslacrim2290]

Yeah, take boats that are of higher quality and are made from materials like nitrilon etc ( www.gumotexboats.com/en/materials-we-use "Material composition: high-strength PES fabric (1) with outer synthetic rubber coating (2) and inner natural rubber blend coating (3). The material is highly resistant to abrasion, ageing and UV. Tensile strength min. 3 000/3 000 N. Minimum weight 920 g/m2 " ). Basically look for boats that are made from same materials as life rafts. They can take huge beating without damage.

[@twiggyll1803]

I have a dropstitch floor but still lay down a yoga mat to be extra safe and it’s more comfy for my dog too.

[@Thetailofthetrident]

I'd like to hear your perspective on the Oru foldable compared to inflatables and hard-shell kayaks.

[@whoistheroach136]

Oru’s are flimsy and not durable.

[@davids.4760]

Awesome option for a $350 kayak, but at their current price point, not a chance.

[@tsunamichuck]

Think you missed a point about weight which is a big advantage of inflatable kayaks. Gear can easily be carried in inflatables with dry bags and d rings can be added for securing points. Seats are subjective. Those high backs limit efficient paddle strokes. Seats are easier to change on inflatables Why choose? I paddle inflatable, folding and hardshell kayaks. Prefer inflatables over skin on frame folders for ease of transportation these days.

[@Ofelas1]

Any Spray Decks or covers available for (drop stitch) inflatables?

[@zenplymouth]

SANDBANKS OPTIMAL INFLATABLE KAYAK please review. no reviews available on youtube . not even from manufacture

[@mazdaram226]

I think it’s an inflatable if you don’t have storage , simple as that really … In the UK a lot of car parks near rivers have height restrictions bars , so an inflatable would be another reason …

[@edsiefker1301]

What about foldables?

[@PaddleTV]

Yup... that's another question worth talking about!

[@GunNut37086]

Gee, thanks a lot for muddying the waters even more for me, LOL. Just kidding. For me I'm still on the fence because the cost of a mounting system leaves me with less money toward 2 kayaks for my wife and me.

[@PaddleTV]

:) So true... a good rack system can cost more than the kayak itself!

[@edwil111]

I dont want to have to tie down a kayak to the top of my car. Tie it down, and hope it stays put. I'll take the negatives of a mid-range inflatable so I can take it on camp trips with me. I'm only going to use it 10-15 times a year tops.

[@sergeykopylov652]

hardshell!

[@PaddleTV]

I knew you would feel that way Sergey! :) What kayak are you using these days?

[@sergeykopylov652]

@@PaddleTV plywood DIY, hardchine, 18ft

[@sergeykopylov652]

@@PaddleTV how to paddle long distances without butt hurt? Long, I mean 100+ miles It hurts!

[@Democrats_are_a_disease]

I saw a video (this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2PUq416bp6Wl9E )of a man kayaking on the ocean and he his kayak was getting bit by what looks to be a couple of hammerhead sharks. I can't even imagine trying to paddle a kayak that was losing air because some shark deflated part of instantaneously.

[@davidschrieber9308]

You’re gonna pay a lot more for hard shell. You never say that.$$

[@jimwortham8634]

Learned absolutely nothing but I will go to my kayak dealer

[@glennnewell2786]

I can tell you don’t like the inflatable Kiyak. I would like to see someone drive a jeep over the hard shell and let’s see how it looks.They did over the inflatable and it did fine .just saying it’s pretty dame durable.

[@PaddleTV]

Actually, I do like the inflatable kayak. I did a full review of the Sea Eagle 393rl, which you can find on my channel.

[@TrainsAndTrees]

Correction: inflatable canoe. It’s not a kayak

[@GregariousAntithesis]

Like comparing a blow up sheep to the real thing.

[@jeffforbess6802]

What you do in the privacy of your bedroom is your business… …begins humming Would You Be My Girl by the Police