Kayaking is one amazing activity that can not only be done throughout the year but is excellent for people of all ages. One of the biggest challenges of kayaking is storing and transporting the kayak, which can be quite a heavy burden. Heavy kayaks, especially, require a lot of planning, energy, and additional accessories to transport from your house to the car to the body of water. This is where you can actually appreciate the benefits of the best small and lightweight kayaks for adults. Not only can you load and unload the kayak all by yourself, if you’re kayaking solo, but also they’re easier to store too, especially when you’re short on space.
Lightweight kayaks, thus, prevent you from wasting a lot of time and effort on transporting your kayak, thus preventing you from losing interest in the activity altogether. However, selecting the best lightweight boat for your budget and paddling style is no easy feat, given the number of choices available in the market today. We’ve gone ahead and made your job easy by not only coming up with a list but also detailing a handy guide to buying them. To that end, here are the 13 best small lightweight kayaks for adults.
How To Choose The Best Lightweight Kayaks?
Types of kayaks
When it comes to the types of kayaks, there are a plethora of options. While there are both hardshell and inflatable kayaks, we’ll be limiting this article to the folding inflatable kayaks since they’re lightweight. There might be hardshell kayaks that are lightweight, but they’ll require using the Best Kayaking Truck Racks and the Best Kayak Carts, Wheels, and Trolleys to transport them to the water. Folding and inflatable boats, on the other hand, can be folded up easily and even fit in the trunk of your car.
Another category of classifying kayaks is sit-inside and sit-on-top ones. Sit-on-top kayaks, as the name suggests, means you’re literally sitting atop the kayak. So, they’re very easy to get in and out of, steady, and won’t tip over easily, and perfect for beginners. The only downside? You’re completely exposed to the water, wind, and sun. So, you might consider getting the Best Kayaking Sprayskirts or the Best Kayaking Hats along with it as well. Sit-inside ones, on the other hand, offer more protection from elements because they completely seal the cockpit. The downside is that they’re harder to get in and out of.
Weight
Since we’re talking of lightweight boats, look for kayaks that have an average weight of not more than 40 lbs. This is good weight even if you’re a solo kayaker and have to get the boat to the water alone. Most hardshell kayaks weigh upwards of 50 lbs and require at least two people to transport the boat to the water. This is convenient when paddling solo and you are having to get your boat to and from the water by yourself.
Size
Finally, we come to the side of the kayaks you need to look for, the first step to determining which is whether you’re a solo kayaker or a couple of tandem kayakers or more. What’s more, size also refers to the length and the width of the kayak too. Generally, the wider the boat, the more stable it will be. Plus, the longer the boat, the easier it will track in open flat water.
Which is the best lightweight sit-on-top kayak?
The award of the most lightweight sit-on-top inflatable kayak for adults goes to Sevylor Quikpak K1, which weighs just 18 lbs! In fact, the second most lightweight kayak after that is a whole six lbs heavier! Its 21-gauge PVC construction is what allows for this, also making it one of the most foldable and packable kayaks on this list. However, that doesn’t mean that it skimps on features. In fact, it comes with the works – adjustable footrests, attached seat and backrest, storage space, and even a drink holder.
Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 Sit-In Kayak
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One of the best lightweight kayaks is also one of the Best Beginners’ Kayaks – the Sun Dolphin Aruba Sit-in Kayak. Did you know it’s also featured amongst the Best Kayaks For Women too? It’s no surprise, given that it’s a mere 40 lbs in weight. Available in a riot of colors, tangerine, purple, blue, green, pink, and red, this well-designed kayak even has a weight capacity of 250 lbs. So, it can not only carry you easily but also take along a ton of gear as well. The cockpit is not only roomy but also comes with a cushioned, padded, and adjustable seat, complete with a high back and adjustable foot braces. Since it’s made from robust, UV-resistant, and high-density polyethylene Fortiflex, it’s resistant to tears, rips, and punctures. It’s no wonder then that it’s considered one of the best lightweight kayaks for women too.
Going further, the kayak might appear small and compact, but it boasts a ton of storage space at both the front and rear. Plus, there’s even bungee shock cord rigging for attaching additional gear on the deck. Finally, you’ll find a water bottle holder as well as well-molded carrying handles for transporting the boat easily to the water.
Specifications
- Type: Sit-inside Hardshell
- Weight: 40 lbs
- Weight capacity: 250 lbs
Pros
- Easy to transport and lightweight.
- Adjustable foot braces and high-back and comfortable seats.
- Stable.
Cons
- Some users mentioned the hull getting dented when it runs into rocks.
Sevylor Quikpak K1
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The Sevylor Quikpak K1 is not just one of the small lightweight kayaks for adults, but also costs less at that – it’s one of the Best Inflatable Kayaks under $500! It might be a solo kayak, but it is highly easy to set up, as it weighs just 18 lbs! It’s what makes it one of the best lightweight kayaks for seniors especially, given its low, low weight. If that wasn’t enough, it can be folded right within your backpack or your kayak deck bag. Made from 21-gauge PVC, the kayak is resistant to rips and tears and has a waterproof polyurethane bottom. Additionally, it’s also extremely durable and strong. Furthermore, the attached seat and backrest and adjustable footrests lend a lot of comfort to your tired arms and legs. Plus, the kayak even comes with a drink holder to sip on your favorite drink as you paddle the waters.
Besides a ton of bungee space, the kayak’s multi-air chamber build keeps you highly stable on the waters, so you don’t have to worry about tipping over. Finally, within five minutes of opening the box, you’re in your boat on your way out in the water.
Specifications
- Type: Sit-on-top Inflatable
- Weight: 18 lbs
- Weight capacity: 400 lbs
Pros:
- Very packable and portable.
- Many air chambers.
- Easy inflation and deflation.
- Stable and durable.
Cons:
- In choppy waters, the craft can get slightly bouncy.
Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Sport Kayak
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One of the best lightweight kayaks on this list is the Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Sport Kayak, which happens to be one of the Best Folding Kayaks too. The small and lightweight size of this kayak is legendary – it weighs just 27 lbs with an assembled length of just 10.5 feet. Its dimensions are what make the craft extremely maneuverable, complete with the tracking and turning performance of a hardshell kayak. Plus, the four inflation chambers make the kayak not only easy to inflate but also extremely buoyant and light on the water. In spite of being so small in size, the boat has a good amount of storage space at the front and back for your gear and valuables.
What’s more, its shorter length is much-loved by shorter paddlers, allowing them to paddle more easily. Moreover, the seat is extremely supportive, along with being elevated, and thus keeping you comfortable for a multi-day kayaking expedition as well. Perfect for performing in all types of water conditions, the AdvancedFrame Sport is also considered amongst the best lightweight kayaks for women too.
Specifications
- Type: Sit-inside Inflatable
- Weight: 27 lbs
- Weight capacity: 250 lbs
Pros:
- Very portable and packable.
- Lightweight and maneuverable.
- Elevated and supportive seat.
Cons:
- No option for a spray skirt.
Intex Challenger K1 Kayak
10
One of the best small lightweight kayaks for adults is the versatile Intex Challenger K1 Kayak, which is both comfortable and nimble for navigating both rivers and lakes. To begin with, the lightweight kayak features a spacious cockpit and even has an I-beam floor in case you want to stand up to cast your bait or rod. Thanks to the closed deck, you don’t even need to worry about water filling inside. Additionally, the craft features two grab lines on both ends which lend extra stability, especially if you dive into the water and want to climb back into the craft.
One of the biggest plus points of the Challenger K1 is that it’s very foldable, packable, and thus, extremely easily portable as well. If that wasn’t enough, it can be inflated and set up in just 10-15 minutes, allowing you to push off into the water soon. Despite its lightweight nature, the craft’s heavy-duty vinyl build lends it stability while the frontal cargo net has enough space for gear storage. Rounding up the features is a repair patch kit, manual hand pump, and aluminum oar.
Specifications
- Type: Sit-inside Inflatable
- Weight: 24 lbs
- Weight capacity: 220 lbs
Pros:
- Durable and lightweight.
- Very comfortable.
- Easy to inflate and deflate.
Cons:
- Some users mentioned about leaks after a few uses.
Oru Kayak Beach LT
9
One of the most fun-filled lightweight kayaks for adults is the inventive Oru Kayak Beach LT, which is one of the most popular kayaks with intrepid adventurers. The brand promises durability, quality, and compactness, which is what the kayak is most loved for. What makes the Beach LT one of its most popular kayaks is the amazingly spacious cockpit for the paddler as well as all kayaking and fishing gear such as coolers, fishing rods, etc. Thanks to its wide, wide width, it tracks extremely well in flatwater and is very stable, and won’t tip over either. Did you know that this is also amongst the best lightweight kayaks for women? Yes!
Another aspect that makes the kayak popular is, well, its foldability, packability, and how quickly it goes from box to boat – it can be assembled in less than five minutes! Plus, when it’s folded, it can be stashed neatly in the trunk of your car too. Rounding up the features is the 12-month guarantee.
Specifications
- Type: Sit-inside Origami
- Weight: 28 lbs
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs
Pros:
- Stable.
- Easy to paddle.
- Wide cockpit for easy access and more storage.
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with paddles included.
Sevylor Coleman Colorado
8
This is amongst the heaviest small lightweight kayaks for adults on this list, but still weighs just 41 lbs! Behold the Sevylor Coleman Colorado, which is not only one of the Best Inflatable Tandem Kayaks but also amongst the Best Fly Fishing Kayaks too – Talk about many feathers in one cap! The durable yet elegant kayak also has one of the highest weight capacities on this list, that of 470 lbs. Made from 1000D tarpaulin 8 gauge PVC, the craft is virtually indestructible. Adding to that is the extremely stable bottom that stays steady when you want to stand to fly-fish. Since the Coleman Colorado was designed to be a fishing kayak, anglers will love the fact that there’s an entire setup for attaching fishing accessories and attachments.
To begin with, it has fittings for both Berkley rod holders that enable hands-free fishing as well as trolling motors. Rounding up the features is the mesh storage pockets that are perfect for stashing with quick-access stuff such as snacks, water, smartphone, keys, the Best Kayaking Knives for cutting line urgently, etc.
Specifications
- Type: Sit-inside Inflatable
- Weight: 41 lbs
- Weight capacity: 470 lbs
Pros:
- Mesh pockets.
- Resistant to rips, tears, and punctures.
- Durable and lightweight.
Cons:
- Tracking can be improved.
Sea Eagle 370 Deluxe Inflatable Portable Sport Kayak
7
It’s easy to see why the Sea Eagle 370 Deluxe Inflatable Sport Kayak is one of the best all-around lightweight kayaks on this list. To begin with, it’s one of the few lightweight kayaks to have a weight capacity of more than 500 lbs – this one has a capacity of 650 lbs! Secondly, the 12-feet-long welded PVC kayak is extremely stable and durable. Despite that rugged and tough build, it weighs just 26 lbs, making it a breeze to carry around even by a solo kayaker. It’s these qualities that make this one of the Best Inflatable Whitewater Kayaks too, even if it’s a multi-day kayaking excursion on class III whitewater rapids.
But, that’s not all. The exterior and hull of the kayak are both resistant to saltwater and the sun’s UV rays. Plus, the spray shields on both sides of the craft ensure that you stay dry during your entire kayaking session. Besides the fact that it inflates in just 15 minutes, the boat even comes with a foot pump and paddles that make the process of hitting the water a breeze. The best part? It costs just $450!
Specifications
- Type: Sit-on-top Inflatable
- Weight: 26 lbs
- Weight capacity: 400 lbs
Pros:
- Lots of storage space.
- Portable and lightweight.
- Quick to inflate and deflate.
Cons:
- Not very speedy.
Advanced Elements AirFusion Evo
6
One of the best small lightweight kayaks for adults on this list is also its most expensive – the Advanced Elements AirFusion Evo Inflatable Kayak which costs a whopping $1,200! However, this versatile craft is worth every cent you spend on it, and it’s no surprise why. For one, this full-blown sit-inside kayak tracks and feels steady just like a hardshell, but with all the portability and flexibility that inflatable crafts bring with them. It even has an inflatable coaming in case you want to attach a spray skirt for heading out in splashy waters. Moreover, there’s even a roll-top rear storage access hatch too – all this for a mere weight of 32 lbs!
However, one of the high-points of this kayak is its robust, durable, and long-lasting build, such as the eight inflation chambers that make this kayak practically unsinkable. Rounding up the amazing features of this boat is the bungee deck lacing for attaching additional gear, the D-rings, as well as the rear storage.
Specifications
- Type: Sit-inside Inflatable
- Weight: 32 lbs
- Weight capacity: 235 lbs
Pros:
- Portable.
- Well-designed.
- Easy to inflate.
Cons:
- Assembling some of the smaller parts of the kayak is slightly difficult.
Sea Eagle 330 Inflatable Kayak
5
Sea Eagle makes another entry on this list of best lightweight kayaks in the form of the Sea Eagle 330 Sport, which is one of the most popular inflatable kayaks. After all, it’s hard to not fall in love with an inflatable kayak that’s durable, convenient, affordable, and comes with a weight capacity of 500 lbs – and that too weighing just 26 lbs after all this! For starters, the boat inflates super-quickly, going from box to boat in less than five minutes. Secondly, it’s extremely foldable, and thus packable and portable too. Add to that the tough and rugged hull which is resistant to both saltwater and UV rays, and you have a long-lasting exterior too.
What makes the kayak so stable and super-steady? There are many factors, starting with the three-chamber build. Add to that the inflatable I-beam construction floor, and you can even stand up and fish from here. But, the absolute best part? The seats are uber-comfortable, making it comfortable to kayak all day long and not have a back or leg ache by the end of it. It’s no surprise then that it’s considered amongst the best lightweight kayaks for women as well.
Specifications
- Type: Sit-inside Inflatable
- Weight: 26 lbs
- Weight capacity: 500 lbs
Pros:
- Comes with an entire kit.
- Versatile.
- Affordable.
- Lightweight and portable.
Cons:
- Not meant for fast whitewater.
Advanced Elements Island Voyage 2
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The Advanced Elements Island Voyage 2 is one of the best small lightweight kayaks for seniors and adults who’re interested in flatwater paddling. Costing just $430, this budget-conscious option is perfect for older solo as well as couple paddlers who simply want to enjoy some light flatwater kayaking. Its combination of a compact and lightweight design is what makes it perfect for loading up with all your kayaking gear for your next multi-day adventure. There are a lot of things to like about this kayak, starting with its removable highback seats. Moreover, there are not one or two but three positions in the cockpit paddling both solo or tandem.
Moreover, they even have pockets for easily accessing essentials such as food and phones, as well as bottle holders. There’s also rear and front bungee deck lacing for securing your additional gear so you don’t have to leave anything behind. Finally, the kayak, despite not being a self-bailing one, comes with a rear drain plug that enables easy draining and cleaning too.
Specifications
- Type: Sit-on-top Inflatable
- Weight: 32 lbs
- Weight capacity: 400 lbs
Pros:
- Front and rear bungee deck lacing.
- Low profile carrying handles.
- Removable high back seats.
Cons:
- The Boston valve on this kayak is an outdated version.
Lifetime Lotus Sit-On-Top Kayak
3
For $365, the Lifetime Lotus Sit-On-Top Kayak is one of the best value lightweight kayaks you can find on this list. In spite of being so light in weight, the kayak is famed for its durability thanks to its high-density polyethylene build. It’s also what makes the kayak resistant to both saltwater as well as the sun’s UV rays. Moreover, the well-designed paddling platform makes the craft very stable, especially if you want to stand up to take pictures or cast your bait.
At the same time, the Lotus kayak doesn’t skimp on comfort, thanks to the adjustable seat with a backrest and multiple positions for footrests. Furthermore, the bungee cord lacing and the tank well storage are more than enough for you to tag along with all kayaking gear and essentials, and then some. Rounding up its nifty features is the center carrying handles that make it easy to transport the kayak from the house to the car to the shore.
Specifications
- Type: Sit-on-top Hardshell
- Weight: 38 lbs
- Weight capacity: 250 lbs
Pros
- Lightweight and durable.
- Adjustable seat with back and footrest.
- Lots of storage.
Cons
- The backrest isn’t padded.
Folbot Recreational Citibot Foldable Kayak
2
If you’re looking for small lightweight kayaks for adults that are also foldable, then look no further than the Folbot Recreational Citibot Foldable Kayak. Whether you’re paddling in whitewater or flatwater, this kayak’s frame is rigid and yet comfortable enough for great tracking in all kinds of waters. What’s also great about this craft is that unfolding and folding take all of 10 minutes each, which means that once you arrive at the shore, it’s only a matter of time before you’re off in the water. Going further, the whole kayak can be folded equally easily, can be stashed into a small bag, and can be stored practically anywhere. It’s this feature that makes this one of the most versatile lightweight kayaks for seniors.
The kayak’s build is similarly as solid as its features, all thanks to the lightweight skin-on-frame design. Besides making it supremely portable, it’s also what helps the craft withstand just about all and any abuse from salt water and the sun. Apart from the well-built keel for tracking, the hull of the kayak can withstand all rips, tears, punctures, and even larger shocks. The best part? This versatile kayak weighs just 24 lbs!
Specifications
- Type: Sit-inside Origami
- Weight: 24 lbs
- Weight capacity: 210 lbs
Pros:
- Easy to setup.
- Portable and lightweight.
- Protected from UV rays and saltwater.
Cons:
- The materials, while lightweight, might not be able to handle sharp rocks.
Advanced Elements StraitEdge 2 Kayak
1
Which is the best lightweight kayak for adults, seniors, and even growing adolescents? It’s the extremely versatile and all-around champion Advanced Elements StraitEdge Kayak! It’s the kind of craft where you can go angling and then ride class II rapids on the same day one after the other. Costing just $650, it’s also one of the best folding kayaks! Is there anything that this kayak cannot do? We don’t think so, given its long list of positive features. For starters, you can attach a drift anchor to the D-Rings of the kayak, allowing you to fish in peace. Secondly, you can stow the fishing rods into the in-built rod holders for giving your arms some well-deserved rest. There’s even bungee deck lacing for tying up any additional gear, thus ensuring that you don’t leave anything behind.
That’s not all. The kayak’s seats are padded, complete with ergonomic backs so that you can stay comfortable on the water for the entire day. Measuring 10 feet in length and weighing just 34 lbs, the kayak even comes with a repair patch kit. Finally, it wraps up everything in one nice little lightweight package in the form of a duffel bag, allowing for easy transportation and storage.
Specifications
- Type: Sit-inside Inflatable
- Weight: 34 lbs
- Weight capacity: 500 lbs
Pros:
- Self-bailing and drains water quickly.
- Adjustable seats.
- Robust build.
- Lots of storage.
Cons:
- None, really.
