Rating

Performance: 6

Size/Weight: 7

Durability: 5

Setup: 8

Value: 8

OVERALL: 6.8

The beginner-friendly option.

It’s hard to find any issue with comfort here. The adjustable seats, spacious interior, and drainage port make for a good day out. But comfort aside, we also can’t ignore the lower quality choice of materials, which we understand based on its incredibly low price - but can’t rate as highly as we’d like.

Comparison

Rank: #6

Open Size: Short

Packed Size: Small

Weight: Heavy

Capacity: Lower

Perfect For: Calm waters.

Pros: Comfortable and packs everything you need, extremely affordable.

Cons: Not the most durable or high-quality build, low weight carrying capacity.

Verdict: Value for money for recreational paddlers.

Skip ahead to First Impressions, Setup/Packdown, Paddling Experience, or the Final Verdict, check out how the Intex Excursion Pro K2 compares to others in our list of the Top Ten 2 Person Inflatable Kayaks or see how we choose the best inflatable kayak.

Specs:

Open Size: 370 x 84cm

Packed Size: 80cm x 50cm x 35cm

Weight: 8.2kg

Capacity: 200kg

Approx Price: $449

This is probably one of the cheapest 2 person kayaks available with a satisfactory performance. We were surprised by its tracking performance, partially due to its efficient removable skegs that come in both standard and shallow water lengths. That means more versatility in use for both shallow and deep waters.

It is designed to be able to accommodate a wide range of activities on the water. There are fishing rod holders and adjustable mounting brackets, which can hold other accessories like a GoPro. The storage space in the bow and stern is enough to bring a full picnic lunch and blanket.

Its 3-ply high molecular PVC means it is reasonably resistant to abrasion, sunlight, impact, and other elements. However, the big downside for us is that it lacks any form of drop-stitch, so doesn’t have the firmness or hard-shell feel that a lot of other inflatable kayaks are now able to achieve.

The Intex Excursion Pro K2 packs two paddles (detachable into 5 pieces), pump, pressure gauge, and a carry bag. It’s a relatively all-inclusive package with everything you need. We find it to be also easy to set up with basic instructions you can scan through at one go, so it’s great for beginners too.

Inflation and deflation were pretty easy and quick with the no-fuss valves; the valves easily deflate by release of a second inner cap. Opening and closing the valve can be tricky because it has a screw cap over the spring to enclose it securely. It’s easy for sand or dirt to accumulate in there so it was another task to brush it off before deflating. But once open, getting air out was fast.

We were relieved that drying the PVC, folding and getting everything else in the bag was easy.

There were things we liked and didn’t like from our paddling experience with this kayak. The inflatable seats were not as comfortable as firmer foam ones and we felt we bounced around a bit when paddling. The footrests had limited lengths too so it wasn’t comfortable for taller people who need a little more room to stretch their legs. We imagine it would work better for solo paddling, which can be done in this kayak - it is a really short length for a 2 person kayak.

The paddles weren’t as stiff as we hoped they would be, but once we got them on the water, they seemed to work fine. The various tracking fins impressively added to the overall performance and navigated well in a straight line.

What we found really great was the directional stability, which was way better than the 1 person. It’s best used on calm waters and we’d recommend it for beginners.

This is insanely affordable and a good choice for anyone who is just starting a hobby. It is definitely priced as much as it is worth in terms of durability, design, and versatility - there are much more durable and much firmer two-person inflatable kayaks out there, but not at this price. It makes a good choice for recreational paddling if you don’t want to spend a lot.

Want to see how the Intex Excursion Pro K2 compares to other kayaks we tested? Head over to our list of the Best Two-Person Inflatable Kayaks.

Water & Outdoors reviews are written by our staff writers, who combined have over fifty years of experience on the water and outdoors. We may earn commissions if you choose to buy through a link you’ve clicked on our website, however this does not influence our reviews. For more information, please see our Editorial Policies.