The major kayak encyclopedia

Let us start off with what are kayaks and what are these made up of, so let’s start paddling. Whether you are enjoying your water adventure on a winding river or a steady lake, or perhaps, your destination is a sea that is filled with waves. You would definitely love to enjoy your trip. We understand your need to enjoy the beauty of nature as you breathe in this adventure. Kayaking is one of the best leisure activities, which is a health exercise alongside. Kayaks are the best way to achieve most of the health benefits while exclusively enjoying a nature-dripping adventure.


Kayaks are made using a multitude of materials. These are primarily of two types. The first type is the hardshell kayak, while the second type is the inflatable kayak. The hardshell kayaks are the rigid ones that are made from fiberless glass, wood, plastic, or rigid materials such as Kevlar. They are generally substantial, having their minimum weight ranging around 25 kilograms.


On the other hand, the inflatable kayak manufacturers use synthetic rubber and several plastic polymers to create a light-weighted kayak, typically around 10-15 kilograms. Easy to carry and safe as well. Let’s analyze both these types side by side, considering a multitude of factors.

Inflatable kayaks Vs. Hardshell kayaks

1. Let’s start with the price metrics, the inflatable kayaks are lower in price as compared to the hardshell kayaks. This is one of the reasons they have gained popularity. These are physically strong because they are made with redundant air chambers, which exclusively reduces the risk of leak and tear. Their more robust construction is one of the reasons they are preferred. the hardshell kayaks are expensive because of their heavy-duty manufacture process. The primary reason for the hardshell being expensive is their construction materials. While we see rubber and plastic polymers being readily available and cheap, fiberless glass and wood are costly to own as raw materials.
2. The second judgment parameter is the storage and transportation of the kayaks. Inflatable ones are easy to store and transport because if not filled with air, they do not weigh much and are foldable so you can keep them anywhere. It takes just a person to carry an inflatable kayak, while the situation is quite the opposite of that of hardshell kayaks because they can’t be easily transported and stored.
3. Our third parameter for comparison is safety. We choose this because no matter how cheap or easy to store your kayak is, if it is not capable of withstanding the massive waves of water, it is uncompetitive. No, we are not pointing fingers at the inflatable kayaks, they are undoubtedly the best adventure partners and can withstand the hydraulic forces. However, if compared to hardshell kayaks, everyone can agree to their safe and secure offering because they are made of more solid raw materials. Inflatable kayaks, on the same page, can hold up to 500 pounds of weights and do not get damaged at all.

Therefore, after all these comprehensive talks about kayaks, their types, and comparison between types. It would not be wrong to suggest that inflatable kayaks should be preferred on the hardshell. They are inexpensive, safe, easy to store and transport, respectively.