In this article, we\u2019ll examine some of the best boats in these categories and crown the best kayak for lakes as well as our runner-ups.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
11 Best Kayaks for Lakes<\/h2>\n\n\n\nBest Lake Kayak on a budget: Perception Sound 10.5<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Perception](\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Perception-Sound-10.5-705x222.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nCheck Price<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nAt home on lakes and mellow rivers, the Sound 10.5 from Perception is a versatile and well-designed vessel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stability is excellent<\/strong> thanks to a tri-keel hull and the cockpit is comfortable with an adjustable seat and footrests<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThere\u2019s a handy dashboard in front of the seat for personal items but not much in the way of watertight storage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There is a pair of built-in rod holders<\/strong> if you want to try your hand at kayak fishing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Shorter keel limits speed <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Fantastic stability<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Shorter (10-feet, 6-inches) and lightweight (38 pounds) for easy transport<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Lack of storage space<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Read our honest Perception Sound 10.5 review.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nBest Inflatable Lake Kayak: Advanced Elements Advanced Frame<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Advanced](\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/advanced-elements-advanced-frame-side-view.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nCheck Availability<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nOne of the most impressive inflatable kayaks<\/strong> out there, the Advanced Frame from Advanced Elements is one of the few inflatables that can challenge hard-sided kayaks. <\/p>\n\n\n\nThe tough aluminum frame gives it great stability<\/strong> and allows for a more streamlined design that cuts through the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBut it still weighs just 36 pounds making it easy to move around. The inflation process can be challenging<\/strong> at first with several air tubes and different nozzles.<\/p>\n\n\n\nUnlike most inflatables, there is a surprising amount of storage space, and the boat\u2019s ability to handle a variety of conditions means that you can take it out overnight if you desire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Inflating is time-consuming with a steep learning curve<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Can handle many challenging conditions<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 300-pound load capacity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Read our full Advanced Elements Advanced Frame review.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nBest Sit-On-Top Lake Kayak: Old Town Twister<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Old](\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Old-Twon-705x300.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nCheck Availability<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nMore streamlined<\/strong> than many sit-on-top kayaks, the bowl-shaped cockpit seats the paddler lower to the water and provides better stability<\/strong> than many sit-on-top designs.<\/p>\n\n\n\nEasy to paddle, it\u2019s a great choice for paddlers of all ages and experience levels.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThe long keel increases the Twister\u2019s speed and also gives you a little extra open-air storage space in the stern that is secured with deck bungees. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Skid plate for added durability<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Paddle holder included<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- No padding in the seat<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Best Lake Kayak for Beginners: Intex Challenger K1<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Intex](\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Intex-K1-705x490.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nCheck Price<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nCost-effective and well-built, Intex has several cheap, introductory <\/strong>kayaks available. Set-up and take-down are a piece of cake while the K1 is surprisingly stable and maneuverable<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\nThere\u2019s no storage area outside of the large net bungee stretched across the bow and I wouldn\u2019t take it out in any conditions that have the potential to get bumpy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But it\u2019s responsive and fun<\/strong> to paddle while the easy transportation makes it suitable for recreational trips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Stable design is great for all skill levels<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Pump and paddle included from most retailers<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Performance diminishes rapidly in poor weather<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Read our full Intex Challenger K1 review.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nBest Tandem Kayak for lakes: Ocean Kayak Malibu XL<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Ocean](\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Ocean-Malibu-Two-XL-705x507.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nBuy Now<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nI have a soft spot in my heart for Ocean Kayak. They always seem to be cooking up little tweaks and modifications to improve their boats. The Malibu XL is no different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This tandem kayak has notably high-backed and adjustable seats<\/strong> that contour to the body and make for one of the more comfortable rides out there.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe sit-on-top design feels spacious<\/strong> and there\u2019s room for a smaller third person or pet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- One of the shortest tandems (12-feet) for superior maneuverability<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Lots of storage though none of it is watertight<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Large 500-pound load capacity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Read our full Malibu XL review.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nBest Lightweight Lake Kayak: Sun Dolphin Aruba 8 SS<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Sun](\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/Aruba-8-SS.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nCheck Availability<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nFantastic for beginner paddlers but with a level of performance more experienced paddlers will appreciate, this is a boat you can grow into and love every step of the way<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\nWhile it can struggle in choppy weather, it tracks well in calm conditions<\/strong> and maneuverability is impressive.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDeck bungees bow and stern provide plenty of open-air storage<\/strong> while an enclosed stern storage hatch is great for more fragile belongings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Weighs a minuscule 27 pounds<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- One of the more portable hard-sided lake kayaks<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Subpar top speed <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Better suited for day trips<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Read our full Sun Dolphin Aruba 8\u202fss review.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nBest Lake & River Kayak: Old Town Heron 9XT<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Old](\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Old-Twon-Heron-9XT-705x216.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nBuy Now<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nAnother design from Old Town, the Heron 9XT gives the paddler a versatile boat that can handle moderate conditions on both lakes and rivers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It’s built to take a pounding and can handle up to Class 3 rapids<\/strong> if the paddler has some experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIt maintains the maneuverability for river travel while the tracking is still good enough to handle mild wind and chop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Just 39 pounds<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Comfortable seat with knee padding<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Impressive buoyancy thanks to the watertight stern bulkhead<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Read our full Heron 9XT review<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nBest Sit-In Lake Kayak: Wilderness Systems Tsunami 125<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Wilderness](\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Wilderness-Sistems-Tsunami-125-705x177.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nCheck Availability<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nOne of the higher-performing kayaks<\/strong> on this list, the Tsunami 125 will be appreciated by more experienced paddlers.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe seat is incredibly comfortable which improves longer paddling days. Even better, it’s one of the few kayaks marketed toward bigger and taller paddlers<\/strong>. No more pretzeling yourself into spaces that are far too small!<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe narrow hull means you can expect an impressive top speed<\/strong> while the longer keel means that tracking through rough or windy conditions is a lot easier. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- A host of storage options<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- One of the more expensive lake kayaks on the list<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Excellent blend of speed and versatility<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Best Lake Kayak for Fishing: Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Tamarack](\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Lifetime-Tamarack-Angler-100\u202fSide-View-706x374.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nBuy Now<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nMore streamlined <\/strong>than most fishing kayaks, Lifetime\u2019s Tamarack Angler 100 maintains impressive stability<\/strong> thanks to the flat bottomed design.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSpeed and tracking are further improved with the included skeg<\/strong> that allows it to handle some more challenging conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThere\u2019s not a ton of storage capacity<\/strong>, but since the boat has a smaller weight capacity this doesn\u2019t feel like a big deal.<\/p>\n\n\n\nYou do get some of the features that have become staples in the kayak fishing world. There are two flush-mounted rod holders<\/strong>, two top-mounted holders, and a pair of six-inch watertight storage hatches that are accessible from the seat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nAt home on lakes and mellow rivers, the Sound 10.5 from Perception is a versatile and well-designed vessel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stability is excellent<\/strong> thanks to a tri-keel hull and the cockpit is comfortable with an adjustable seat and footrests<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s a handy dashboard in front of the seat for personal items but not much in the way of watertight storage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is a pair of built-in rod holders<\/strong> if you want to try your hand at kayak fishing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Read our honest Perception Sound 10.5 review.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the most impressive inflatable kayaks<\/strong> out there, the Advanced Frame from Advanced Elements is one of the few inflatables that can challenge hard-sided kayaks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The tough aluminum frame gives it great stability<\/strong> and allows for a more streamlined design that cuts through the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But it still weighs just 36 pounds making it easy to move around. The inflation process can be challenging<\/strong> at first with several air tubes and different nozzles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unlike most inflatables, there is a surprising amount of storage space, and the boat\u2019s ability to handle a variety of conditions means that you can take it out overnight if you desire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read our full Advanced Elements Advanced Frame review.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n More streamlined<\/strong> than many sit-on-top kayaks, the bowl-shaped cockpit seats the paddler lower to the water and provides better stability<\/strong> than many sit-on-top designs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Easy to paddle, it\u2019s a great choice for paddlers of all ages and experience levels.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The long keel increases the Twister\u2019s speed and also gives you a little extra open-air storage space in the stern that is secured with deck bungees. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Cost-effective and well-built, Intex has several cheap, introductory <\/strong>kayaks available. Set-up and take-down are a piece of cake while the K1 is surprisingly stable and maneuverable<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s no storage area outside of the large net bungee stretched across the bow and I wouldn\u2019t take it out in any conditions that have the potential to get bumpy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But it\u2019s responsive and fun<\/strong> to paddle while the easy transportation makes it suitable for recreational trips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read our full Intex Challenger K1 review.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n I have a soft spot in my heart for Ocean Kayak. They always seem to be cooking up little tweaks and modifications to improve their boats. The Malibu XL is no different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This tandem kayak has notably high-backed and adjustable seats<\/strong> that contour to the body and make for one of the more comfortable rides out there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The sit-on-top design feels spacious<\/strong> and there\u2019s room for a smaller third person or pet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read our full Malibu XL review.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Fantastic for beginner paddlers but with a level of performance more experienced paddlers will appreciate, this is a boat you can grow into and love every step of the way<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While it can struggle in choppy weather, it tracks well in calm conditions<\/strong> and maneuverability is impressive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Deck bungees bow and stern provide plenty of open-air storage<\/strong> while an enclosed stern storage hatch is great for more fragile belongings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read our full Sun Dolphin Aruba 8\u202fss review.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Another design from Old Town, the Heron 9XT gives the paddler a versatile boat that can handle moderate conditions on both lakes and rivers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s built to take a pounding and can handle up to Class 3 rapids<\/strong> if the paddler has some experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It maintains the maneuverability for river travel while the tracking is still good enough to handle mild wind and chop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read our full Heron 9XT review<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the higher-performing kayaks<\/strong> on this list, the Tsunami 125 will be appreciated by more experienced paddlers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The seat is incredibly comfortable which improves longer paddling days. Even better, it’s one of the few kayaks marketed toward bigger and taller paddlers<\/strong>. No more pretzeling yourself into spaces that are far too small!<\/p>\n\n\n\n The narrow hull means you can expect an impressive top speed<\/strong> while the longer keel means that tracking through rough or windy conditions is a lot easier. <\/p>\n\n\n\n More streamlined <\/strong>than most fishing kayaks, Lifetime\u2019s Tamarack Angler 100 maintains impressive stability<\/strong> thanks to the flat bottomed design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Speed and tracking are further improved with the included skeg<\/strong> that allows it to handle some more challenging conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s not a ton of storage capacity<\/strong>, but since the boat has a smaller weight capacity this doesn\u2019t feel like a big deal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You do get some of the features that have become staples in the kayak fishing world. There are two flush-mounted rod holders<\/strong>, two top-mounted holders, and a pair of six-inch watertight storage hatches that are accessible from the seat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Best Inflatable Lake Kayak: Advanced Elements Advanced Frame<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Best Sit-On-Top Lake Kayak: Old Town Twister<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Best Lake Kayak for Beginners: Intex Challenger K1<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Best Tandem Kayak for lakes: Ocean Kayak Malibu XL<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Best Lightweight Lake Kayak: Sun Dolphin Aruba 8 SS<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Best Lake & River Kayak: Old Town Heron 9XT<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Best Sit-In Lake Kayak: Wilderness Systems Tsunami 125<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Best Lake Kayak for Fishing: Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
![\"Riot](\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Ryot-Edge-13-705x141.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n![\"Wilderness](\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Wilderness-Tarpon-100-705x205.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n![\"Man](\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/man-in-sit-in-kayak.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/lifetime-lotus-80\u202fsit-on-top-kayak.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n