Whether you’re gliding over the calm waters of your local lake, chasing rapids down a river, or even envisioning yourself navigating waterways abroad, the best kayaks encourage you to explore. We evaluated dozens of unique kayaks across different price points, paying close attention to stability, maneuverability and comfort, before naming the Wilderness Systems Aspire 105 the best kayak overall for its versatility and the Lifetime Daylite the best budget kayak for its wallet-friendly price. These represented only two of nine durable, comfortable models to make the final cut.
The best kayaks make it easy to explore your favorite waterways.
Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailers
Kayaks are arguably the most common of water sport vessels, but they’re far from cookie-cutter clones of each other. Inflatable or foldable kayaks save space, touring kayaks carry gear for multi-day trips, whitewater kayaks offer maneuverability—the list goes on. With so many options to choose from, we know that finding the right one for you can be daunting, but that’s where this guide comes in handy. Read on to discover the best kayaks of 2024, and peruse our water sports guides to learn more about the best inflatable kayaks, the best fishing kayaks and the best inflatable paddle boards.
Wilderness Systems
Wilderness Systems Aspire 105 Kayak
Sit style: Sit-in | Weight: 48 pounds | Length: 10 feet, 6 inches | Weight capacity: 400 pounds | Best for: Flatwater kayaking
There’s no one-size-fits-all kayaking experience, so choosing the best overall kayak is a bit like choosing the best SUV when so many options exist that cater to different needs. That being said, the Wilderness Systems Aspire 105 is incredibly versatile, so we feel confident in crowning it as the best overall pick. It’s perfectly shaped so as to blend maneuverability and gliding, which makes it both adaptable and incredibly stable no matter where you’re paddling, and that shape also helps with speed; it can handle open water just as gamely as a calm lake.
The cockpit has ample room for all body types and adjustable padded thigh braces for a personalized fit. Meanwhile, a watertight hatch, two bungee cord storage areas on the deck and carrying handles on both the bow and stern make it easy to outfit the Aspire 105 with whatever gear you’ll need for the day.
Steve Morrow, kayaking expert, outdoor enthusiast and founder of Paddle About says what really sells the Aspire 105 for him is the Phase 3 Air Pro seat. “When you spend hours on the water, a good seat is imperative,” Morrow explains. “At first, you might not realize how comfortable the seat’s leg lift system is. But once you try it, there is no going back to a standard kayak seat.”
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Sit style: Sit-on-top | Weight: 36.5 pounds | Length: 8 feet | Weight capacity: 250 pounds | Best for: Flatwater kayaking
Maybe you don’t need a kayak with all the bells and whistles. Maybe all you really need is a kayak that floats and maneuvers well enough to get you across the local pond and back again. If that’s the case, Lifetime’s Daylite model should do the trick for only $200. It sports a sit-on-top design that’s easy to get in and out of, and it features a UV-protected hull that won’t break down after prolonged sun exposure.
Additional features are minimal, which is to be expected at this price point, but they include bungee straps at the rear for cargo, grab handles for easy transport, and the package includes a paddle to get you started on the right stroke. Pick up the whole shebang for less than a roundtrip flight across the country.
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Dick’s Sporting Goods
Pelican Blitz 100X EXO Kayak
Sit style: Sit-on-top | Weight: 44 pounds | Length: 9 feet, 6 inches | Weight capacity: 275 pounds | Best for: Flatwater kayaking
What’s great about sit-on-top kayaks is how egalitarian they are. Because they’re designed with a large open cockpit, they’re easy to get in and out of. They’re also stable, making them beginner-paddler friendly. And they’re often fairly affordable. What sets the Pelican Blitz 100X EXO apart from some of the other sit-on-top designs on offer is that it’s self-bailing, which means the kayak’s floor features holes that allow water inside the boat to drain out. What’s more, it’s exceedingly durable and comes with a comfortable ErgoForm padded seat and both a tank well and bungee cords to secure your stuff. All in all, it’s a really nice ‘yak that won’t sink your budget.
Sit style: Sit-in | Weight: 20 pounds | Length: 9 feet, 8 inches | Weight capacity: 275 pounds | Best for: Flatwater kayaking
Apartment dwellers, frequent travelers and origami enthusiasts alike will love the Oru Inlet folding kayak. It folds down into a package that you can carry with one hand and tuck away onto a shelf or in the trunk of a compact car, or that you can check in with your suitcase as you fly off for a vacation. But don’t think that this folding kayak is a dainty little boat.
The Inlet unfolds into a kayak that’s nearly 10 feet long and tough enough to slide over river rocks or bounce off the pier a time or ten or a thousand. And it’s rated to be unfolded and folded back up “tens of thousands if times,” per Oru. The cockpit area is generously sized at 23 inches wide by 44 inches long, and there’s space to stow some gear behind the seat. Setup will take you all of three minutes with a little practice.
At a maximum weight capacity of 275 pounds, the Inlet can’t accommodate all paddlers and indeed that’s a lower max weight than most boats we considered. But the fact that this yak weighs a mere 20 pounds and packs down the way it does more than compensates for the paddler who fits the specs.
PaddlaVa
Eddyline Rio Kayak
Sit style: Sit-in | Weight: 35 pounds | Length: 11 feet, 9 inches | Weight capacity: 270 pounds | Best for: Ocean kayaking
If you’re heading out on an Arctic paddling expedition, the Eddyline Rio is up to the challenge. It will also serve for decidedly less frigid paddling, such as a multi-day trip down the Florida coast. At nearly 12 feet long, the hull slices through chop with ease and keeps you heading on a steady line.
Made with carbonlite composite ABS, it performs like a composite kayak but is highly durable thanks to the plastic shell. There’s plenty of dry storage, with 10-inch hatches for gear and floatation, a fore day hatch and two dry storage areas, as well as deck bungees for additional gear storage. It also has a comfortable padded seat with your choice of five height positions as well as lean and recline settings.
Backcountry
Ocean Kayak Malibu Two XL Tandem Kayak
Sit style: Sit-on-top | Weight: 61 pounds | Length: 13 feet, 4 inches | Weight capacity: 450–500 pounds | Flatwater kayaking
A reliable two-person kayak like this one is ideal whether you’re “out to have a fun time with a friend” or “taking someone out for their first time on the water.” However, considering the seats are moveable, you could alternatively sit in the middle and use that extra space to accommodate your four-legged friend or a child or even additional gear.
Ideal for calm, open water, this stable kayak comes with supportive seating, cargo bays with tie-downs and side paddle keepers. While it would make for great exercise, it’s also a good choice for those looking to land some fish if you’re not looking to drop a lot of money on a dedicated fishing raft like the one we’ve featured below.
Dick’s Sporting Goods
Perception Crank 10 Pedal Drive Kayak
Sit style: Sit-0n-top | Weight: 75 pounds | Length: 10 feet | Weight capacity: 350 pounds | Best for: Flatwater kayaking
With the exception of professional arm wrestlers, the human leg is much stronger than the human arm, so put your legs to work out there on the water in this pedal drive kayak from Perception. Its bicycle-style pedals drive a propeller that will have you cruising over the water so fast you just might leave a wake. Add in a paddle and you’ll up your speed even more.
But this boat is at its best when you stay hands-free in terms of propulsion, because that leaves your left hand free to work the rudder control lever. The Crank 10.0 is nimble and responsive, making sharp turns when you’re moving at any respectable speed and tracking straight and true when you are cruising ahead. And if you pedal backward, the kayak reverses quickly, too, which can help you avoid collisions or make docking easier.
The Crank 10.0 has a 350-pound weight capacity, and it weighs a hefty 75 pounds itself. At 10 feet long by just under three feet wide it’s a stable platform that’s all but impossible to tip over in calm to mildly choppy waters. We’d love to see some watertight storage space, but at least there are cargo spots with bungee tie downs at the fore and aft.
Sit style: Sit-in | Weight: 3.6 | Length: 7 feet, 2 inches | Weight capacity: 250 pounds | Best for: Whitewater, flatwater kayaking
Weighing in at just 3.6 pounds, the Scout from Alpacka Raft redefines the standard for mountain lake and canyoneering packrafts—an ultra-light style of raft that collapses down to a compact size, perfect for stashing in your backpack or strapping onto your bike for off-grid adventures. Alpacka Raft, led by the famous Sheri Tingey, who pioneered the modern packraft in 2000, brings decades of expertise to crafting simple, lightweight designs.
With a redesigned hull for improved tracking and paddling performance, the Scout offers enhanced comfort and ample legroom for paddlers up to 74 inches. Constructed with durable 210d nylon tube fabric and a 420d floor, the Scout can also be customized through Alpacka Raft’s Custom Lab, offering options like a reinforced 840d floor for rugged river journeys. This customization adds a bit of weight but ensures resilience against rocky rivers and debris-filled waters, making it a worthy investment for adventurous kayakers.
Amazon
Old Town Sportsman 120 Fishing Kayak
Style: Sit-on | Weight: 85 pounds | Length: 12 feet | Weight capacity: 500 pounds | Best for: Flatwater kayaking
The Old Town Sportsman 120 stands as a time-tested choice for both seasoned anglers and those just dipping their toes into the world of fishing kayaks. Although it’s heavier at 85 pounds and comes with a price tag of $1,450, its comprehensive features and enduring design ensure a lifetime of angling adventures. Sporting an adjustable, plush seat for extended fishing sessions and a stable double-U pontoon-style hull, it promises a smooth and quiet journey on the water.
Loaded with thoughtful accessories, including convenient paddle clips, cushioned floor pads, rod holders and a custom tackle box, Old Town has left no stone unturned in ensuring angler convenience. Boasting ample storage space, multiple mounting points and a universal transducer mounting system, it outshines its competitors in stability and utility. With a remarkable weight capacity of 500 pounds, it surpasses most fishing kayaks, making it an ideal companion for any angler seeking reliability and versatility on the water.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted editors and contributors have years of experience testing and reviewing the best water sports gear on the market, and we’ve published dozens of stories on the subject, including reviews of the Oru Lake, roundups of the best inflatable kayaks and more. For this story, we spent lots of time researching customer reviews, scouring the sites of popular gear retailers and hunting down the best kayaks on the market. We also refresh this story regularly to ensure that all of our picks are in-stock and up-to-date; it was last updated in March 2024.
What To Consider When Shopping For A Kayak
There are a variety of factors to consider when shopping for your own kayak; here are some of the most important ones you should keep top of mind.
Kayak Type
Consider what type of kayak you need for your adventures. Options include: sit-on-top kayaks that are easier to get in and out of and are more suitable for warmer climates or recreational use; sit-inside kayaks that are better for cooler climates or rougher waters, as they provide more protection; inflatable kayaks that are great for portability and storage; and specifically-designed touring and whitewater kayaks, teh former of which is designed for longer trips, with better tracking and storage capacity, and the latter, for navigating rapids and rough water with a shorter length and more maneuverability.
The primary decision you’ll need to make concerns sit-on-top versus sit-in kayaks. According to Yann Payen, marketplace manager for Decathlon USA, “sit-on-top kayaks are wider, more stable and often used for beginner or recreational purposes.” Meanwhile, ““sit-in kayaks have a close cockpit that protects the user and the water from coming in, especially if the paddler uses a spray skirt,” he explains. “Due to their shape, they are generally faster and more efficient than the sit-on-top variety.”
Intended Use
Whether you’re fishing, touring or recreating, consider what type of kayak you’ll need for any given pursuit. Fishing kayaks offer features like rod holders, storage compartments and stable platforms, touring kayaks focus on speed, tracking and storage capacity, and recreational kayaks consider stability, comfort and ease of use.
Weight Capacity And Dimensions
This isn’t just counting you, but also all of your gear. If you’re planning on doing overnight tours with all your camping gear, make sure to account for the added pounds. Also consider the length and width of the kayak, as longer kayaks generally track better and have higher speed, while wider kayaks offer more stability.
Budget
Consider your budget and how often you will use your kayak before making your purchase. After all, you might not need a kayak with all the bells and whistles if you plan on using it a couple times each year, in fair weather, at the local pond. While you’re thinking of your budget, remember to account for additional costs such as paddles, life jackets and other accessories.
Do I Need A Sit-In Or Sit-On-Top Kayak?
Sit-in and sit-on-top kayaks each have their distinct advantages. “Sit-on-top kayaks have an open cockpit (or deck) where the paddler sits, which makes it easy to enter/exit the kayak,” explains Steve Morrow, kayaking expert, outdoor enthusiast and founder of Paddle About.
“In addition, sit-on-top kayaks have more room to spread out, which is excellent for fishing because you need more room to cast and reel in fish. Generally, sit-on-top kayaks are more stable than their sit inside counterparts. But sit-on-top kayaks also expose the paddler to the elements.”
Morrow adds that sit-inside kayaks have an enclosed cockpit where the paddler sits, offering protection, better performance and gear storage. But sit-inside kayaks require more skill to enter/exit, especially for a wet re-entry.
Do I Need A Short Or Long Kayak?
You have several factors to consider when choosing a kayak, but length is one of the big ones. In general—and to get the obvious points out of the way—shorter kayaks are lighter, easier to maneuver, provide a better fit for smaller people and are easier to transport and store (though they’re still unlikely to fit in a pickup truck bed with the tailgate up). However, they provide less storage space.
Typically, longer kayaks are more efficient, track better, are more stable and are easier to paddle. All of this is to say, neither short or long kayaks are better than the other—they simple offer different experiences on the water.
What Should I Look For In A Whitewater Kayak?
It depends on the style (hardshell vs inflatable), says Zach Lazzari owner of Busted Oarlock, a website that discusses all things paddling, fishing and the outdoors.
“Stability is a big thing for beginners while more experienced whitewater kayakers will prefer great edges to help them carve and maneuver,” Lazzari said. “For inflatables, durability is important.”
What Should I Look For In An Ocean Touring Kayak?
According to Payen, there are three things you want in an ocean touring kayak: stability, especially in rough conditions—it should handle choppy waves without tipping over; speed that allows the paddler to cover long distances in a short amount of time); and safety features such as deck lines, rescue straps and reflective materials for visibility.
What Should I Look For In An Inflatable Kayak?
According to Morrow, not all inflatable kayaks are created equal. “The most important aspect of an inflatable kayak is the materials and construction,” he says. “Look for kayaks made from durable, puncture-resistant materials, such as heavy-duty PVC or reinforced fabric that can withstand tree branches, rough water, rocks, and UV exposure. Also, the seams and valves should be well-constructed and reinforced so they don’t leak. Finally, tracking is essential when you paddle, so make sure the inflatable kayak has a removable skeg. Otherwise, you will paddle in circles.”
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