Don’t let the hum of an engine scare your prized catch away. In a kayak, you’re only as loud as the splash of your paddle and the run of the hull on the water—and nearly any calm body of water is on-limits.
Cruise through the waters of mangrove forests, along serene rivers, or across the open ocean in search of your next adventure (and dinner!). With your own kayak, you’re no longer at the mercy of kayak rental hours and locations—and you’ll have the freedom to paddle wherever you like, whenever you like.
A vessel as versatile as a kayak comes in different shapes, lengths, and features to suit any excursion, from multi-day journeys to an afternoon out on the water. Perhaps you want plenty of storage space for tackle and gear or maybe you’d prefer a pedal system to keep your hands free for casting or photographing.
Kayaks that are long and narrow tend to be faster and more efficient when it comes to going the distance, but short, wide kayaks will take you to every nook with stability. If you’re searching for the best kayak for you, I have compiled recommendations for every type of adventure, whether you’re fishing, touring, or spending a relaxed day away from the shore.
Best Kayaks
The Expert: I've been kayaking for over 20 years. I've explored island coastlines in Fiji and French Polynesia by kayak and paddled through the waters of Hawaii, California, Western Australia, and Tonga. My grandparents used to race outrigger canoes, and my grandfather still loves to fine tune my paddling technique.
My love of the ocean inspired me to create The Salt Sirens, a website dedicated to water sports. Articles I've written have appeared in outlets like Travel + Leisure, AFAR, Vice, Lonely Planet, and more.
What to Consider in a Kayak
Your first decision when buying a kayak is whether you want a sit-in or sit-on-top design. For relaxed recreation on relatively calm water, the type of kayak that’s best for you is a matter of personal preference. But certain features from each design lend themselves to particular types of kayaking.
Sit-in kayaks are ideal for multi-day touring boat trips and running rivers. The upper deck provides a decent amount of protection from the water, especially when you add a spray skirt like you would use when whitewater kayaking.
This type of kayak also has more storage space, either in one or more covered hatches or within the bow and stern. However, this space below the deck can fill with water if you tip over, which can make righting the watercraft more challenging.
You won’t have to worry about that water issue with a sit-on-top kayak, which is the best choice if you are paddling in the ocean. The hull is sealed, except for a few small holes called scuppers that act as drains for any water that does find its way onto the deck.
Without an upper deck, some people find it is easier to get on and off of a sit-on-top kayak. Companies might add an elevated seat which provides a better vantage point and greater range of motion for kayak fishing. Just be warned that you will probably get wet while on board, either from paddling, water splashing against your boat, or a combination of the two.
Companies change the shape of a kayak depending on its intended use. A wider boat provides a more stable but slower ride, which is ideal for recreation and fishing. These types of kayaks typically measure between 28 and 36 inches across at their widest.
Faster boats, like touring kayaks, are narrower and longer (usually at least 11 feet) so they can move through the water more efficiently. Covering a lot of water quickly might sound appealing, but remember that the longer the kayak, the more difficult it will be to turn.
How a Kayak Tracks
Companies don’t just focus on the basic dimensions of a boat when designing a kayak. They alter the shape of the hull and can add accessories that help a kayak track, or stay on your chosen course despite choppy or windy conditions.
Kayaks with V-shaped bottoms and less curve from bow to stern track straighter than other designs. In rougher conditions, though, you’ll want a boat with a tracking fin, skeg, or rudder to provide more directional support.
A tracking fin and a skeg both extend from the bottom of the kayak, but whereas a skeg can be retracted while you are on the water, a tracking fin can only be removed before you leave terra firma. A rudder flips down from the boat’s stern and its angle can be adjusted in the water, which gives you the greatest degree of control and often the most tracking support.
Other Considerations
Pay attention to the weight of the boat, especially if you plan to frequently transport your kayak with a rooftop rack. The heavier the kayak is, the harder it might be for you to lift and carry it from one place to another. You should also make sure its capacity is large enough to safely carry you and any gear onboard. (For boats with elevated seats, make sure the chairs are rated to your needs, too.)
You should also find a boat with the features you want—kayaks meant for specialized activities have customized components. Fishing kayaks have more storage space, so you can haul your lures, tackle, rods, reels, and other equipment. The hull might even have a spot for your fishfinder’s transducer.
And so you don’t have to juggle paddling and casting, fishing kayaks are typically operated with a pedal drive system, though this addition won’t come cheap or light. Like fishing boats, touring kayaks also have room for your gear and frequently come with bulkheads to keep water out of the bow and stern.
How We Evaluated These Kayaks
To determine the best kayaks, we researched the market, spoke with product managers, sought advice from experienced paddlers, and relied on both of our experiences using similar kayaks to the ones featured here.
We compared models based on their individual designs, features, weight, capacity, dimensions, and value for money. We also read reviews from expert sources, such as Paddling Magazine and Kayaker Guide, and consulted customer reviews on Amazon, Walmart, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Cabela’s, and REI. All this helped us narrow the list to the seven great options below.
Old Town Loon 120
Old Town Loon 120
Pros
- Agile
- Comfortable cockpit
Cons
Key Specs
| Type | Recreational |
|---|---|
| Weight | 54 lb |
| Length | 12 ft |
| Boat Capacity | 375 lb |
| Tracking System | Front keel |
The Old Town Loon 120 is a versatile kayak for paddlers who want to fish one day and go birding the next. The build quality is robust, with a durable rotomolded hull and narrow front keel for fast paddling and predictable tracking. Old Town has placed an emphasis on cockpit comfort with a stable seat with enough padding and ventilation for full days out in the water.
An adjustable foot brace helps with stability and control, especially when reeling in a big one. Gear practicalities are well thought out on this model, with a spacious storage compartment in the stern and smaller dry hatch area at the front of the cockpit, complete with cup holders, removable work deck and USB charging port. The front compartment isn’t completely water-resistant, so it’s wise to secure items in a dry bag.
Pros
- Lightweight
Cons
- Seat lacks support
Key Specs
| Type | Recreational or fishing |
|---|---|
| Weight | 3.6 lb |
| Length | 10 ft |
| Boat Capacity | 275 lb |
| Tracking System | None |
A kayak that suits beginners yet is agile enough to grow into, the Pelican ARGO 100X is ideal for paddlers who want stability and comfort. Pack along your picnic supplies—they'll fit perfectly in the dry hatch at the front and bungee storage area at the back.
It’ll take quite a lot to tip this kayak, but if you do go overboard it’s easier to climb into compared versus most of its competitors. The main downside is its small backrest, though it’s possible to install a seat with more support. A padded footrest and knee pads adjust to your needs. A small workstation in front of the cockpit has a shallow cup holder and space for a phone. Pelican stands behind its product by offering a limited lifetime warranty.
Old Town Sportsman PDL 106
Old Town Sportsman PDL 106
Pros
- Pedal-operated
- High capacity
- Optimized for fishing
Cons
Key Specs
| Type | Fishing |
|---|---|
| Weight | 76 lb |
| Length | 10 ft 6 in. |
| Boat Capacity | 450 lb |
| Tracking System | Rudder |
Old Town pulls out all the stops for this premium fishing kayak. The hefty pedal-operated boat can haul up to 450 pounds, and at 36 inches wide, it is stable. The PDL Drive has bike-like pedals that can operate in forward or reverse. If you overshoot your destination, simply pedal backward to change directions.
Between the front hatch, side pockets, under seat storage area, and the well at the stern, you've got lots of room to stow your stuff. There’s also a horizontal rod storage system, three rod holders, accessory tracks, and a place to attach a paddle if you want the backup. Also available in a 12-foot model, the Sportsman PDL has a spot to mount your transducer, a padded casting platform, and comes with a tackle box.
Wilderness Systems Tarpon 105
Wilderness Systems Tarpon 105
Pros
- Lots of storage
- Can install rudder and other accessories
Cons
Key Specs
| Type | Recreational or fishing |
|---|---|
| Weight | 55 lb |
| Length | 10 ft 6 in. |
| Boat Capacity | 325 lb |
| Tracking System | Rudder-capable |
The Tarpon is as feature-rich and versatile as it is popular. Reviewers commend the kayak for its comfortable and adjustable seat that features ergonomic padding. What’s more, while some sit-on-top designs have multiple built-in footrests, the Tarpon has an adjustable system for a custom fit.
The Tarpon has a front hatch, side compartments, a removable dry box near the seat, and a large mesh-covered storage well in the rear. Another feature is the water bottle strap that has a magnetic closure to quickly secure or release your water bottle or thermos.
The recreational kayak has a compatible rudder you can use if you will mostly be paddling on rough waters. It can also easily transform into a fishing rig; just mount rod holders and other gear to the accessory rails on the sides and behind the front hatch. When it’s time to cast, make use of the paddle holder on the bow.
Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100
Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100
Pros
- Paddle included
Cons
- Not pedal-operated
Key Specs
| Type | Fishing |
|---|---|
| Weight | 52 lb |
| Length | 10 ft |
| Boat Capacity | 275 lb |
| Tracking System | Tracking fin |
Tricked-out fishing kayaks typically cost a grand or two (if not more), but by skipping the pedal drive system and keeping the feature set to only the essentials, Lifetime defies the norm with the Tamarack.
The kayak has a decent amount of storage between two covered hatches and the bungee cords at the bow and stern. There are also three rod holders, including one that adjusts, and a place to store your paddle while you cast. The padded seat keeps you comfortable as you wait for the fish to bite, too.
Of course, there are some trade-offs for your savings. The Tamarack is shorter than most fishing kayaks and has less capacity. That means you will cover less water in the same amount of time and will need to pack more efficiently. But you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better deal on a fishing boat than this.
Pros
- Paddles fast
- Ample storage compartments
- High weight capacity
Cons
Key Specs
| Type | Touring |
|---|---|
| Weight | 49 lb |
| Length | 14 ft 6 in. |
| Boat Capacity | 350 lb |
| Tracking System | Skeg |
Eddyline Kayaks has one of the most vocal fanbases out of any of the big kayaking brands, and the Eddyline Sitka LT Kayak is a beloved option for a reason. It paddles fast and straight, and it glides well even in heavy chop.
Generous storage space supports multi-day trips with three dry compartments (two in the front and one in the back), plus bungee cords across the deck. The cockpit is roomy, with enough foot space for taller paddlers. The skeg is retractable for more precise tracking. The carrying handles are also retractable, though they’re not the most comfortable to hold onto.
Perception Showdown 11.5 Pedal Sit-On-Top Kayak
Pros
- Pedals quietly
- Navigates well in shallow water
- High weight capacity for large catches
Cons
Key Specs
| Type | Pedal |
|---|---|
| Weight | 85 lb |
| Length | 11 ft 6 in. |
| Boat Capacity | 450 lb |
| Tracking System | Front keel |
Keep your arms ready to reel in with the Perception Showdown, a pedal kayak that’s packed from bow to stern with fishing-friendly features. Capable of carrying 450 pounds, there’s enough capacity for your cooler, tackle, and whatever you catch that day.
You’ll find a dry compartment at the front, storage under the seat, and easy-to-access bungee storage at the back. Rod holders are at each side of the seat. An extra wide stern keeps the kayak stable. The supportive mesh seat is elevated above the deck for a better vantage point.
Find a Keeper Kayak With These Tips From Expert Chantae Reden!
Chantae Reden is an adventure writer and photographer who rarely strays far from the coastline. She is a freediver, surfer, kitesurfer, paddler, scuba diver, and has a mild obsession with sharks. She has ridden a motorcycle through East Timor, scuba dived with tens of bull sharks in Fiji, and swam beside humpback whales in Tonga. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, Escape, AFAR, Lonely Planet, and she is a guidebook author for Moon Travel Guides. Contact Chantae on her website, ChantaeReden.com.
Adrienne Donica tested hiking, camping, and other adventure gear as Popular Mechanics' outdoors editor, before going on to edit gear reviews for Popular Mechanics, Runner's World, and Bicycling as Expert Reviews editor. Find her on the trail, working on her latest cocktail project, or eating mint chocolate chip ice cream.
