6 Best Lightweight Kayak | Take it Everywhere!
One of the main concerns of many kayakers is that kayaks can be big and heavy to transport.
This is the reason why many of them prefer to have small lightweight kayaks.
Kayaks are all about the freedom to explore different waters on your own.
The best lightweight kayak would be portable enough to be carried on top of your car to virtually anywhere.
These are mostly single-person kayaks but you can also find few tandem kayaks that are small enough to be qualified as a lightweight kayak.
There are inflatable kayaks, modular kayaks as well as those that fold.
Selection of the Best Lightweight Kayaks – Top 6 in 2023
| Image | Product | Check Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | Intex Challenger K1 Kayak |  |
| 2 |  | Dagger Kayaks Zydeco 9.0 | |
| 3 |  | Oru Folding Portable Lightweight | |
| 4 |  | AdvancedFrame Sport Kayak | |
| 5 |  | Sea Eagle 330 Inflatable Kayak | |
| 6 |  | Lifetime Lotus Sit-On-Top Kayak | |
Top Lightweight Kayak Reviews:
1. Intex Challenger K1 Kayak
The Intex Challenger K1 Kayak is a lightweight but sturdy kayak that can withstand the weight of up to 220 pounds. It is made from high-pressure resistant materials and has ample room to store all your gear.
The cockpit features I-beam floors. The inflatable seat is also quite comfortable.
It has a high-output manual hand pump paired with an 84-inch aluminum oar. The cargo net on top of the cockpit provides even more room on this small kayak.
It only weighs 27.2 pounds and is 108 inches in length. It is the perfect lightweight kayak for beginners as well as professionals. Inflating and assembling the kayak will take just over 10 minutes. Its durability, convenience, and quality easily qualify it as the best lightweight kayak.
2. Dagger Kayaks Zydeco 9.0 Kayak
This bright green painted kayak from Dagger is best for flat waters i.e. rivers and lakes. It is designed to be lightweight and short to give better control in slow-moving or twisty waters. The cockpit is not like that on traditional kayaks but it is functional and roomy. You can easily move and be comfortable.
The kayak’s length is 9 feet 1 inch and its weight is 36.5 pounds. It is definitely good value for money considering it is stable, portable, and highly functional with a rather decent price tag.
You can easily mount it on your car-top or even transport it in a minivan. This one maneuvers effortlessly and you do not really have to paddle so much. It may seem small but has enough room to fit all your essential supplies and gear.
3. Oru Kayak Beach LT Folding Portable Lightweight Kayak
The Beach LT Kayak by Oru is a collapsible kayak that is a breeze to put together. You will have your kayak ready to hit the waters in just 3 minutes. The origami design allows it to be super portable. You can easily fold it and take it anywhere you like.
It is lightweight but quite sturdy and stable. The hull of this kayak is made from ultra-high quality and tested polypropylene. It is so strong that even if you were to hit a rock, there will be no damage.
It is versatile too as its speed is appropriate for seasoned kayakers while its ease of use makes it ideal for rookies. The company Oru Kayaks backs this product with a one-year warranty.
4. AdvancedFrame Sports Kayak by Advance Elements
Looking for a sporty lightweight fishing kayak? The AdvancedFrame Sports Kayak might just be the kayak you need.
It can work flawlessly on all water conditions. As it is super lightweight at 26 pounds you can easily transport in your car’s trunk for any fishing expedition.
This inflatable kayak just takes a few minutes to inflate.
There are four air chambers and the cockpit has generous room. What makes it best for even rough waters are its paddles that are like those found on hard shell kayaks.
Additionally, the aluminum bow and strong ribs make paddling even easier. It is highly durable with three layers to resist punctures.
The padded adjustable seat and generous storage room make it a great choice for a lightweight sit on top kayak.
5. Sea Eagle 330 Inflatable Kayak with Deluxe Package
The Sea Eagle 330 is downright the best lightweight tandem kayak. Can you imagine a two-person kayak weighing just 26 pounds? It has a weight capacity of 500 pounds.
The extra-thick K80 polykrylar made hull is highly punctured resistant. It has a rating of Class III whitewater. The length of this kayak is 11 feet and 2 inches.
It comes complete with all the accessories and a bag. You have an inflatable spray skirt, two oars, inflatable seats, and foot pump. The 9-inch tubes, I-beam construction, and welded seams all make it a sturdy kayak that gives other inflatable kayaks a run for their money.
You can assemble this one in less than 6 minutes. It has a 3-year warranty from the manufacturer.
6. Lifetime Lotus Sit-On-Top Kayak with Paddle
The lightweight sit on top kayak from Lifetime is made entirely in the US. The brand and the product both hold a high reputation among kayakers.
It comes with a high-quality paddle. The seat on this kayak is adjustable and comfortable.
There are different footrest positions to accommodate different heights of paddlers.
This one is made from polyethylene and comes in a vivid blue color that is hard to go unnoticed. It is not as portable as the foldable ones but still quite easy to transport and carry with the central handle.
Tank well storage has bungee cords to secure your gear. This kayak weighs approximately 38 pounds.
Last Thoughts about the Best Lightweight Kayaks
To find the best lightweight kayak, make sure to know what your purpose for the kayak is and what type of waters will you paddle it in.
A lightweight fishing kayak can be just as efficient as a big and heavy one.
It is all about the features and capabilities of the kayak that makes or breaks its performance.
While it is easier to find many high-quality kayaks, for smaller and lighter ones you have to be extra cautious. Obviously, they are easy to transport but they should also be stable enough and easy to paddle.
The inflatable kayaks are the easiest to transport and are ready in a matter of minutes.