This article first appeared in Ocotober 2006 Canoe and Kayak.
The answer is viable kayak option, and here’s why. First, inflatable kayaks are incredibly versatile traveling companions. Generally weighing from 25 to 48 pounds, most inflatables fold into duffel bags the size of a large suitcase, making them easy to carry onto a plane, load in a car, or even strap to a pack mule. Second, should you have a shortage of space at home, they can be stored in a closet or under a bed. Third, they’re inherently buoyant, more so than their hardshell counterparts. They’re also easier to climb back into if you need to execute a self-rescue.
