The Intex Excursion Pro K2 Inflatable Kayak is our best overall inflatable kayak pick, and it scored 86 out of 100 in our testing.
The most capable boat you can buy for the money, but treat the thin PVC with respect around rocks.
A 12ft 6in tandem with a 3-ply laminate hull and a removable skeg that paddles far better than its price suggests, which is why it earns the top spot despite mid-pack materials.
Here's the deal:
We tested it head to head against the other top inflatable kayaks, and below we break down how it did on Value for Money, Portability, Durability, Ease of Setup, Comfort/Handling, where it falls short, and whether it is worth your money.
Table of Contents
Intex Excursion Pro K2 Inflatable Kayak
- Type: 2-person tandem
- Length: 12 ft 6 in
- Width: 2 ft 8 in
- Weight: about 34.6 lb
- Capacity: 400 lb
- Hull: 3-ply PVC laminate, polyester core
- Skeg: Removable, plus optional tracking fin
Bottom Line : The most capable boat you can buy for the money, but treat the thin PVC with respect around rocks.
Pros
- Strong paddling package for the price
- Comfortable adjustable seats
- Decent tandem tracking with skeg
- 3-ply hull tougher than pool-toy Intex boats
Cons
- Thin PVC for the class
- Solo tracking underwhelms
- Valves attract sand
Our Verdict: Intex Excursion Pro K2 Inflatable Kayak
The most capable boat you can buy for the money, but treat the thin PVC with respect around rocks.
A 12ft 6in tandem with a 3-ply laminate hull and a removable skeg that paddles far better than its price suggests, which is why it earns the top spot despite mid-pack materials.
What's the bottom line?
Sells for a fraction of a hard-shell tandem yet includes two 86in paddles and a high-output pump.
OutdoorGearLab rated it their best overall for the segment, largely on price versus performance.
As a tandem with the skeg on it holds a line better than I expected for the price, but I would not drag it up a rocky bank, the hull just is not thick enough for that.
Ryan, Top-Notch field tester
Reasons to buy:
- Strong paddling package for the price
- Comfortable adjustable seats
- Decent tandem tracking with skeg
- 3-ply hull tougher than pool-toy Intex boats
Reasons to avoid:
- Thin PVC for the class
- Solo tracking underwhelms
- Valves attract sand
Our Analysis, Comparisons, and Test Results
The Intex Excursion Pro K2 Inflatable Kayak scored 86 out of 100 overall.
It is strongest on value for money and weakest on ease of setup.
Here is how it did on every metric we tested, with exactly how each score compares to the rest of the field.
Value for Money
Sells for a fraction of a hard-shell tandem yet includes two 86in paddles and a high-output pump.
OutdoorGearLab rated it their best overall for the segment, largely on price versus performance.
You pay for the paddling package, not the hull, which is why the durability score sits lower.
Cheaper than the premium Sea Eagle and Advanced Elements boats while covering most calm-water use.
| Value for Money | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 10/10 |
| Intex Excursion Pro K2 Inflatable Kayak | 9/10 |
| Category average | 7.8/10 |
| Worst in test | 6/10 |
Portability
Weighs about 34.6 lb for the boat, heavy for a solo carry but manageable for two.
Packs into the included carry bag but the folded bundle is bulkier than the packraft-style boats here.
You might be wondering:
Higher freeboard means a larger wind profile, so it catches gusts more than a low-slung budget boat.
| Portability | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 10/10 |
| Intex Excursion Pro K2 Inflatable Kayak | 7/10 |
| Category average | 7.4/10 |
| Worst in test | 6/10 |
Durability
3-ply PVC laminate with a polyester mesh core, around 0.6mm versus 0.9mm on premium hulls.
OutdoorGearLab called it one of the thinnest constructions they tested and flagged puncture risk.
The single-skin PVC handles gravel and UV but is not made for repeated dragging over rocks.
Owner reports of seam and valve issues exist online, so a 7 here reflects real, not theoretical, limits.
| Durability | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 10/10 |
| Intex Excursion Pro K2 Inflatable Kayak | 7/10 |
| Category average | 6.8/10 |
| Worst in test | 4/10 |
Ease of Setup
Three air chambers plus the removable skeg, roughly 10 to 15 minutes with the high-output pump.
The double-cap valves are prone to sand infiltration, which slows deflation and packing.
No frame to assemble, so setup is simpler than the Advanced Elements boats.
| Ease of Setup | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 7/10 |
| Intex Excursion Pro K2 Inflatable Kayak | 7/10 |
| Category average | 6.8/10 |
| Worst in test | 6/10 |
Comfort/Handling
Adjustable inflatable bucket seats that testers found genuinely comfortable for a budget boat.
Tracks above average as a tandem with the skeg fitted, though the fin only marginally helps.
Solo tracking is noticeably weaker, and the claim that it tracks well is oversold once you paddle it alone.
Small paddle blades limit power, so covering distance takes effort.
| Comfort/Handling | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 10/10 |
| Intex Excursion Pro K2 Inflatable Kayak | 8/10 |
| Category average | 7.1/10 |
| Worst in test | 6/10 |
Should You Buy the Intex Excursion Pro K2 Inflatable Kayak?
The most capable boat you can buy for the money, but treat the thin PVC with respect around rocks.
It is best suited to two paddlers who want the most boat per dollar on lakes and slow rivers.
Want to know the best part?
The big win: Strong paddling package for the price.
The main compromise: Thin PVC for the class.
We scored it 86 out of 100.
What Other Inflatable Kayaks Should You Consider?
Not sold on this one? A few others from our testing are worth a look.
The Intex Explorer K2 2-Person Inflatable Kayak is our best recreational 2-person kayak. A cheap, fun tandem for calm water that testers openly compare to a pool toy.
The Sea Eagle 370 Pro 3-Person Inflatable Kayak is our best 3-person inflatable kayak. A tough, high-capacity boat best used as a roomy tandem despite the three-person rating.
The Intex Excursion Pro K1 Solo Fishing Kayak is our best solo fishing inflatable kayak. A cheap solo with real fishing mounts, held back by a wobbly seat and thin hull.
Specifications
| Type | 2-person tandem |
| Length | 12 ft 6 in |
| Width | 2 ft 8 in |
| Weight | about 34.6 lb |
| Capacity | 400 lb |
| Hull | 3-ply PVC laminate, polyester core |
| Skeg | Removable, plus optional tracking fin |
Conclusion: Intex Excursion Pro K2 Inflatable Kayak
After testing it against the other top inflatable kayaks, the Intex Excursion Pro K2 Inflatable Kayak earns its place as our best overall inflatable kayak pick.
Its standout strength: Strong paddling package for the price.
So:
The main thing to weigh before you buy: Thin PVC for the class.
If you want two paddlers who want the most boat per dollar on lakes and slow rivers, it belongs at the top of your shortlist.
Still comparing? See exactly where the Intex Excursion Pro K2 Inflatable Kayak ranks against the full field in our 10 Best Inflatable Kayak guide.




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