10 Best Budget Kayaks 2025 in the United States

The Intex Explorer K2 is a popular inflatable 2-person kayak designed for casual use on lakes and mild rivers. It measures about 10 feet long and 3 feet wide, which is compact enough for easy handling but still roomy enough for two adults. Made of durable vinyl, it offers decent stability thanks to its inflatable I-beam floor and buoyant side chambers. The kayak supports up to 350 pounds, suitable for two average-sized adults with some gear.

It’s lightweight for an inflatable at just over 35 pounds and includes handy accessories like aluminum paddles, adjustable seats with backrests, and a high-output pump, making setup fairly quick and transport simple with the included bag. The bright yellow color helps with visibility on the water, adding a safety bonus.

Being inflatable means it won’t perform like a hard-shell kayak in rough waters or high-speed paddling, and its weight capacity limits heavy loads or extra gear. Comfort is decent but basic—the seats are inflatable and adjustable but not heavily padded, so longer trips may feel less comfortable. This kayak is a solid choice if you want an affordable, easy-to-store kayak mainly for relaxed paddling on calm water. It suits beginners or casual users looking for convenience over high performance.

The Intex 68309EP Excursion Pro K2 Inflatable Kayak is a solid budget-friendly option for those looking to enjoy kayaking without breaking the bank. This 2-person kayak is made from a SuperTough PVC material, which ensures good durability and resistance to damage from abrasion, impact, and sunlight. The high-pressure inflation feature adds extra rigidity and stability, making it easier to handle on the water, while the two removable skegs enhance maneuverability in various water conditions.

The 12.7 feet length and 3.1 feet width provide a comfortable space for two people, with a weight capacity of 400 pounds. It's a versatile option that can be used solo or tandem, and it easily folds for convenient transportation and storage in the included carry bag. It also comes equipped with useful accessories such as aluminum paddles, a high-output air pump, detachable fishing rod holders, and a GoPro camera mount, making it a great choice for adventure seekers.

At 44.67 pounds, it might be a bit heavy for some users to carry over long distances. The kayak also has a 90-day limited warranty, which may not be adequate for those looking for long-term assurance. While the comfort and fit are generally good, longer trips might require additional padding or seating adjustments. This inflatable kayak is suitable for casual paddlers, fishing enthusiasts, and those who appreciate portability and ease of storage.

The Intex Excursion Pro K1 is a solid choice for anyone looking for an affordable, single-person inflatable kayak. Its super-tough 3-ply PVC material offers good durability and resistance to abrasion and sunlight, which is great for beginners or casual paddlers who want a low-maintenance boat. The kayak measures 10 feet long and 3 feet wide, providing decent stability without being too bulky. It supports up to 220 pounds, which fits most average users comfortably. The adjustable bucket seat adds to comfort, and the included accessories like paddles, a pump, and rod holders make it ready for fishing or simple adventures right out of the box.

The kayak is reasonably light at around 31 pounds and folds into a compact carry bag, so transportation and storage are manageable. On the downside, the weight capacity is on the lower side compared to some models, limiting use for heavier riders or gear-heavy trips. Also, while inflatable kayaks offer portability, they generally don’t perform as well as hard-shell kayaks in rough water or for speed. The skegs help with tracking but may not satisfy more experienced paddlers looking for high maneuverability.

This kayak is well suited for casual users wanting an easy-to-handle, budget-friendly option for calm lakes or slow rivers, especially if fishing or light recreational paddling is the goal.