One of the downsides about traveling in a small RV is finding ways to carry all the toys we like to use on our adventures.
Top of my wish list is a kayak. But most are too big to be easily transported.
One solution that continues to intrigue me is an inflatable kayak.
An Inflatable kayak is so handy
On a visit to the Bruce Peninsula National Park in Tobermory, ON, Canada several years ago, we noticed a couple of campers trying out an inflatable kayak.
The model they had – the Swing – appears to be no longer available. But Amazon has a bunch of inflatable kayak models that look similar.
Tom Gross and Lind Hein, from Cross Plains, WI were camped right across from us and I spotted them pumping it up. It turned out it was their maiden voyage for the kayak so I started videoing the process.
It took Tom about 15 minutes to inflate it, using the pump that came with it that puts air in on the upstroke and downstroke. Carol says that when deflated, it stores easily in their Class B RV.
The couple paddled around Cyprus Lake for much of the afternoon and said the kayak tracked well and was highly maneuverable.
The specs on their inflatable kayak
Their kayak measured 10 feet four inches when inflated and was constructed from Light Nitrilon, a polyester ripstop fabric that is single coated with rubber to increase air retention.
The air-holding seams were vulcanized and permanently bonded (similar to the way in which tires are vulcanized). It weighed 23 pounds and could carry one person up to 225 pounds. It started at about $599 but options and accessories will take it close to $800.
But again, there are lots of different inflatable kayak models available. I think they make a viable solution for us.
Our Video of an Inflatable Kayak
Here's a video I shot showing it in action.
And now that you know how cool inflatable kayaks are, maybe you want to explore other types and how to put them on your RV!
We use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases at no added cost to you. Thank you for your support. You can read our full affiliate disclosure here.
Mike and Jennifer's Great Lakes Bundle – 2 ebooks!
This bundle is our popular Upper Peninsula RV Adventure Guide PLUS our newest Adventure Guide – The Great Lakes Shoreline Tour! Both ebooks will give you plenty of ideas and resources to enjoy this part of the US.
The Great Lakes Shoreline Tour — One of our favorite RV trips has been driving the United States side of the five Great Lakes. It is a trip of over 4,000 miles and takes you to 8 states! And it’s filled with beautiful vistas, welcoming towns and villages, and fabulous places to camp, hike, and explore.
Upper Peninsula RV Adventure Guide — Whenever someone asks us, “Where is one of your favorite places in the US for RVing?” Our answer is unquestionably, in unison, “The UP of Michigan.” The “UP” means Upper Peninsula, of course.
September 12, 2016at8:04 am, Dan said:
Been there, done that with the inflatable kayaks. Can’t say we were at all pleased. The whole reason for getting a kayak is to get out and tour the waterways. Not only is inflating and deflating it a hassle, but paddling one is even worse. A day on the lake a constant struggle in an inflatable. They just don’t track like a normal kayak making paddling one an exercise in frustration! I’d say only get one if you want an extreme workout and enjoy going in circles!
September 09, 2016at1:03 am, Cameron Rogers said:
Looks great! We ended up getting a Sea Eagle inflatable kayak for our RV because it was a) cheaper, and b) didn’t have fabric which can need a long time to dry so you don’t have mold issues. But our Sea Eagle doesn’t fold up as light or steer as well as this kayak, so there’s trade offs.