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Best 2 person inflatable kayaks

Are you looking for some of the best 2 person inflatable kayaks available?

Below are listed some of the best ones you can buy in 2024. From the best selling Intex Explorer K2 to the ITIWIT touring kayak for more experience kayakers, you should be able to find the best 2 person inflatable kayak to suits your needs and budget. You can splash out and treat yourself to a high end high-pressure drop-stitch touring inflatable kayak (or canoe) designed with more experienced users in mind. Or you can pick a cheap 2 person inflatable kayak for recreational use designed for a bit of fun with family and friends. The choice is yours.

Pushed for time? Check the quick list

Best 2 person inflatable kayak?
ITIWIT 2 person inflatable kayak - high pressure drop stitch kayak

Best 2 person inflatable kayaks

ITIWIT touring drop stitch kayak

For experienced kayakers. Tour all day long at sea or on lakes or calm rivers.

The rigid 2 person inflatable kayak that fits in a trolley bag! Efficient, robust and easy to inflate, this 2-seater kayak takes you long distances all year round!

Its V-shaped hull limits friction on the water and offers great sensations and glide performance.

Capacity: 2 person kayak

More info and price - Decathlon

Aqua Marina Tomahawk AIR-K drop stitch kayak

The Aqua Marina Tomahawk Air-K is a performance machine for true adventurers. It is fully constructed of Drop Stitch Technology,  featuring stunning look and great quality.

It perfectly blends efficiency, speed, comfort and stability. Its double-wall fabric offers incredible rigidity and durability. It is designed for those who want to explore remote locations with a friend in almost all types of water conditions.

The AquaMarina Tomahawk AIR-K comes with 2 premium adjustable kayak seats with high backrest, spongy cushion and multiple storage pockets. Also comes with a dual pump but no paddles that need to be bought separately.

Capacity: 2 person kayak

More info and price - Decathlon

Intex Excursion pro K2

The Intex Excursion Pro K2 is a lightweight 2 person kayak with high pressure inflation providing extra rigidity and stability.

It includes 2 removable skegs for deep and shallow water, 2 floor mounted footrests, 2 integrated recessed fishing rod holders, 2 adjustable bucket seats

It also comes with two  aluminum oars and high-output pump.

Capacity: 2 person kayak

More info and price - Amazon

Intex Explorer K2

The Intex Explorer K2 is one of the best inflatable kayaks available in the low price range. It is by far our best selling inflatable kayak. It’s decently priced, versatile and the perfect kayak to start with leisure kayaking. It is sporty and fun with a streamlined design for easy paddling. Great for experiencing lakes and mild rivers. It is perfect for two adults.

Lightweight and compact, this kayak is a snap to assemble, and allows you to take the fun of kayaking wherever you go. It is made of rugged vinyl and inflatable I-beam floor for comfort and rigidity. A removable skeg provides directional stability, while two adjustable, inflatable seats with backrests are included for comfort. A grab line and grab handle at each end is provided for your convenience. And so is a repair patch kit. The Explorer K2 Kayak provides added accessories including: two 86in aluminum oars and an Intex high-output pump for quick and easy inflation and deflation.

Capacity: 2 person kayak

View price - Amazon

Intex Challenger K2

The Intex Challenger K2 Kayak is sporty and fun and offers easy paddling. It's a great inflatable kayak for experiencing lakes and mild rivers. Lightweight and compact, this kayak is very easy to assemble and, with the Boston valve, it inflates and deflates in minutes. You can take the fun of kayaking wherever you go.

It is made of rugged vinyl and built for performance. This is a sturdy kayak with an inflatable I-beam floor, a low-profile deck and high-buoyancy side chambers for stability, comfort and function. The provided removable skeg gives exceptional directional movement. It comes with 2 oars and 2 inflatable seats with backrest.

Globally speaking, the Challenger is a great kayak. It’s ideal for beginners and perfectly suited for slow moving rivers or lakes. This is certainly not the most suitable kayak for the keen kayakers, but for a beginners however, it would be difficult to find a better suited kayak in a similar price range.

Capacity: 2 person kayak

View price - Amazon

ITIWIT inflatable touring kayak 1/2 places

The ITIWIT inflatable touring kayak is a good quality inflatable kayak for leisure use. It is suitable for up to 2 people.

The kayak weighs 14kgs, is 3.40m long and just over 1m wide. It is made of 3 main bladders, 1 for each side and 1 for the wide floor. This setup improves the kayak’s stability. There are 2 other bits to inflate, which are the seats. Once inflated the seats are very comfortable and add height to the seating position, improving the paddling experience.

All these inflatable bladders are protected by a tough looking, water-repellent canvas which can be unzipped (or detached from the velcro attachment). This allows access to the bladders so they can be taken out for repair or replacement. On the sides, there are some printed instruction again to remind you of the pressure you need in the bladders.

Like other Decathlon products, this kayak doesn't come with a pump or paddles and has a higher price tag than the Explorer K2 for instance. However for its built quality and Decathlon customer service it should be a strong contender in your inflatable kayak list.

For more details, check our ITIWIT 2 man inflatable kayak review

Capacity: 1/2 person kayak

View price - Decathlon

Hydro-Force Lite Rapid X2

The Hydro-Force Lite Rapid X2 is a decent entry-level inflatable kayak making it a good purchase for its price tag. It has a maximum load of 160kg so please take this into consideration when purchasing as it is highly recommended not to exceed the advertised maximum load.

It comes with 2 inflatable and adjustable seats, as well as 2 paddles and a removable fin. It also includes a grab rope to make getting in and out of the kayak as easy as possible.  This inflatable kayak was designed to prevent water from entering the cockpit.

Please note this inflatable kayak package does NOT come with a carry bag.

Capacity: 2 person kayak

View price - Amazon

ITIWIT 2 person inflatable kayak - drop stitch floor

This ITIWIT 2 person inflatable kayak comes with high-pressure drop stitch bottom. It sits two adults in a raised position for paddling comfort. It offers a good compromise between stability and performance.

The chosen materials for this kayak were carefully selected to provide rigidity and glide performance (dropstitch) and durability and quick drying (tarpaulin).

This 2-person kayak is compact and easy to carry: it fits into a backpack with reinforced straps.  

Capacity: 2 person kayak

View price - Decathlon

Aqua Marina Laxo 320

The Aqua Marina Laxo range features durable polyester hull covers. The floor cover and top hull of side chambers are constructed of extra-strong polyester for great durability and rigidity.

This inflatable kayak is ideal for both beginners and intermediate paddlers seeking leisurely use on rivers and lakes. The LAXO 320 has plenty of space for 2 people

Capacity: 2 person kayak

View price - Amazon

Aqua Marina Steam Kayak

High pressure drop stitch 2 person inflatable kayak

Ideal for long-distance adventures and mild river running

Extended water splash guard bow design with hard nose protection and rubber carry handle

Inflatable V-shape keel design for efficient strokes

Super-tough reinforced PVC material for both air chambers and cockpit

Durable foam footrest design for a comfortable journey

Capacity: 2 person kayak

View price - Amazon

Best 2 person inflatable kayaks

There are obviously a lot more 2 person inflatable kayaks available. If you are after a very cheap option, keep your eyes open for discount supermarkets such like Aldi as they sometimes have incredible offers for inflatable kayaks, especially in Spring/Summer.

We believe the kayaks listed above are some of the best 2 person inflatable kayaks you can currently find in the UK depending on your budget and needs. They receive great reviews for various reasons such as price, quality, customer service.

 

If you are after an inflatable boat instead of a kayak, have a look at our selection of inflatable dinghies or our top 10 best inflatable sup boards if you are in the market for a paddle board.

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ITIWIT touring inflatable kayak

For more information, reviews from other people or to buy this ITIWIT touring inflatable kayak, please head over to Decathlon's website here.

ITIWIT Strenfit X500 inflatable kayak - carry bag

The Decathlon ITIWIT Strenfit X500 inflatable kayak comes in a large and sturdy carry bag. The carry bag is large enough to pack the kayak back in easily after use. For an inflatable kayak of that size (380 x 65 cm), the bag is relatively concise (94 x 50 x 27 cm) and fits easily in the boot of a QashQai. The amount of spare room in the bag allows to store accessories. I keep the fin, the leash and bits and pieces in the front pocket. A manual pump (purchase separately) will fit in the main compartment of the bag. The adjustable two-part paddle (comes separately) is a bit too long to fit IN the bag but both parts can be tucked in the bag side pockets and tied with the compression strap.  At about 18kg, it is obviously not the light but the bag is comfortable enough and well balanced. Don't go on a hike with it on your back but it's fine to take it to the shore.

ITIWIT Strenfit X500 inflatable 1person kayak carry bagPractical design

The front of the bag shows in big the pressure required for the x500 inflatable kayak. Love this feature. It's so simple and practical. It tells you exactly what you need to know right in front of you.

As mentioned above, this inflatable touring kayak does not come with a pump or paddle. This adjustable paddle from Decathlon that was suggested to go with it. And I highly recommend to get a buoyancy vest too.

Decathlon Strenfit X500 inflatable kayak in carry bag

 

Inflating the Decathlon ITIWIT Strenfit X500 inflatable touring kayak

Having inflated quite a few inflatable SUP kayaks manually in the past, I decided it was time to get an electric pump. The electric pump is great and versatile as it can also be used with my inflatable SUP boards. Be aware though the pump only goes up to 15psi. Luckily enough the pressure required for the Strenfit X500 is only 10psi. But it's worth bearing in mind if you get the electrical pump and get products that require higher pressures. With the electrical pump, inflation is quick and easy. Simply plug the pump in your car 12V auxiliary power outlet (aka cigarette lighter socket), connect the pump to the valves (one by one) of the kayak, set the require pressure on the pump, press OK and let it do its job. Super easy.

ITIWIT touring inflatable kayak out of the bag

 

 

The kayak

The kayak tested here is the ITIWIT inflatable touring Strenfit X500. As its name suggests, it is an inflatable touring kayak. Inflated, it measures 380cm in length and 65cm in width. The kayak can support a weight of up to 125kg. It is suitable for touring and is approved for sea touring beyond 300m. Being long and narrow it is a much faster kayak than the average inflatable kayak used for recreational purposes. Being streamlined however comes with its downsides. It's a lot less stable, it's a harder to turn but it flies in a straight line. The plastic rail at the front (see the photo above) and the fin at the back keep the board in a straight line.

Material used

This kayak is made of 95% Polyéthylène (PE) and 5% Polyester (PES) using the dropstitch technology. Dropstitch is a "material". Two layers of PVC are connected by thousands of polyester strands. During high-pressure inflation, these strands stretch and create a rigid chamber, preventing the kayak from distorting. Which is what makes our inflatable kayak extremely rigid but easy to stow in a backpack once deflated.

Touring with the ITIWIT Strenfit X500

Kayaking

As mentioned previously, using a touring kayak is very different than a standard recreational kayak most beginners use. The biggest difference is the stability. You'll notice straight away it's not as stable as but with a bit of practice you will adapt quickly. If it feels really unstable, reduce the pressure of the bottom chamber of the kayak a tiny bit (especially if you're light), this should reduce the center of gravity and help you with the balance. It will however increase drag and make the kayak go a bit slower with the added friction.

The other big difference is the speed! It's actually impressive how much speed you can gain by simply changing the shape of a kayak compared to a standard one. Being narrower and longer makes the kayak a lot more streamlined and as a result every stroke propels you further and faster.

And finally, the other big difference is turning. It's harder but again you get used to it.

This is a touring kayak after all and it will be used cover long distances, with little to no turns.

The Strenfit X500 in action

The video below is taken from the official Decathlon webpage.

 

Kayak touring

One of the joys of paddle boarding

One of the joys of kayak touring

 

 

Deflating the ITIWIT Strenfit X500 inflatable kayak

Deflating this kayak couldn't be easier, simply undo the valve covers (turn it anti clockwise) and press the valves to their "down" position. You can help the kayak deflating by pushing the air out from the furthest point to the opened valves. That's it! It's that easy.

Cleaning the ITIWIT touring kayak

This is super easy too. It takes 5 minutes max with a hose to give this kayak a good clean. Simply rinse the kayak with clean water inside and outside. Don't use any chemical, soap or detergent to clean your kayak, just clean water.

I washed mine with my pressure washer the first time which worked OK (minus dirt splash back), but it works just as well if not better with normal garden hose pressure (no splash back). Basically, stick to clean water, a garden hose, pressure washer or buckets of water will do just fine and neither will take very long.

Drying the Decathlon touring kayak

You'll need a bit of space (around 4m by 60cm) to lay the deflated kayak flat on the floor to dry. On a sunny hot day, it doesn't take very long to dry. When one side is dry just flip it over for the other side to dry too. Drying time will obviously depend on weather conditions but on a reasonably warm dry day it doesn't take long. For the inside, try to remove as much of the excess water as possible, let it dry normally. Before packing or if you are a bit in a hurry to pack it, grab a dry clothe and wipe the kayak dry.

Overall review of the Decathlon's ITIWIT Strenfit X500 inflatable touring kayak

At £599.99 (at the time of writing), the Stenfit X500 is a good quality touring kayak. It's great to use on flat water and calm seas once you get used to its stability, or its lack of.

It comes with a 2 year guarantee.

You can buy the X500 from the Decathlon online store here

 

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SUP and Kayak session in Tynemouth

Here are some photos of an inflatable SUP and kayak session in Tynemouth. I brought some of the inflatable gear out to have a bit of fun with some friends. The gear included the ITIWIT 2 man inflatable kayak, the 9’6 inflatable SUP board from Decathlon, and a 9’2 inflatable surfing SUP. We all had a brilliant couple of hours having fun on the relatively calm North Sea in the evening. Perfect time to go paddling and kayaking once most of the crowd enjoying Longsands beach has gone home.

Kayak session – Tynemouth

The wives used the inflatable kayak. They set it up themselves in a matter of minutes and were ready to hit the water in no time. It was their first time kayaking together so it took a bit of adjustment to go in a straight line. Once they found their rhythm and paddled in sync they were plain sailing. The whole experience was made a little harder though as we later found out they forgot to put the keels on… But they managed to direct their embarcation without them! It goes to show the kayak is well balanced and pretty easy to manoeuvre.

The inflatable kayak they used – the ITIWIT 2 man inflatable kayak – is in our top 10 best inflatable kayaks.

Inflatable SUP session – Tynemouth

My mate and I used the inflatable SUP boards. He picked the 9’6 all round inflatable SUP and I got to use the 9’2 surfing iSUP for the very first time. Check out our Decathlon ITIWIT all round inflatable SUP board review page for further info on that particular inflatable paddle board.

Despite the lack of waves, I got to test the inflatable surf SUP board. It’s a bit shorter than the one above but the main difference is the shape. The inflatable surfing SUP is very similar in shape to a classic surf board. It has 3 fins and a “hard rail” at the back of the board helping to carve into the surfs to turn. This inflatable sup board is very easy to manoeuvre. It’s very reactive and quick to negotiate turns. A great board! Just needs to give it a proper go in decent surfs.

You can find more info about this board here.

SUP and Kayak session in Tynemouth

All in all, we all had amazing time paddling the North Sea. It was a beautiful evening of fun with friends.  A very good way to unwind at the end of the day. A peaceful, tranquille and relaxing experience. And in the process we had the pleasure to witness a couple getting married with the whole family partaking in a photoshoot on Longsands beach.

We are all looking forward to arrange our next get together and organise another SUP and Kayak session in Tynemouth…

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Best 2 person inflatable kayak 2018: Intex K2 Explorer

Best 2 person inflatable kayak

Best 2 person inflatable kayak 2018

Intex is a leading manufacturer of inflatable products probably more known for their inflatable beds. But Intex also produces the Explorer K2 which was last year’s best selling 2 person inflatable kayak by far. And there is no reasons for it to be any different this year.

The Intex Explorer K2 (you can buy it here) is the best 2 person inflatable kayak in 2018.

Why is it the best 2 person inflatable kayak?

The Intex Explorer K2 is the perfect 2 person inflatable kayak for lakes and mild rivers. It is well built, reasonably priced, comfortable, sturdy and long lasting, and it gets numerous great reviews.

It has a streamlined and low profile design offering easy paddling. This kayak is designed with comfort and space in mind. It has adjustable inflatable seats which have backrest. The floor is made of inflatable I-beam for added rigidity. There is a removable skeg which adds to the directional stability.

The Explorer K2 is also easy to transport as it is lightweight and compact. When fully inflated, the kayak measures 312 x 91 x 51cm.

Features list

  • Suitable for lakes and mild rivers
  • Features a removable skeg for directional stability
  • Inflatable seats with backrest for added comfort
  • Includes a grab line at both ends
  • 84 inch aluminium oars
  • Weight capacity of 160kgs
  • Streamlined design for easy paddling
  • Spacious and comfortable cockpit
  • High output hand pump and repair patch
  • TUV approved ISO 6185-1 “Inflatable boats”
  • US Coast Guard I.D

>>> Buy it now <<<


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