How To Transport An Inflatable Kayak Long Distances

By: Dave Samuel

Updated On: August 1, 2025

Last summer, I drove 2,400 miles from Austin to Alaska with my inflatable kayak stuffed in the trunk of my Honda Civic. No roof rack, no trailer – just me, my camping gear, and a rolled-up Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame packed between my cooler and sleeping bag. That trip taught me everything about transporting inflatable kayaks long distances, and I'm about to share all those hard-won lessons with you.

Whether you're planning a cross-country road trip, flying to a remote destination, or just need to get your inflatable kayak to that perfect paddling spot without a roof rack, I've got you covered. After logging thousands of miles with various inflatable kayaks, I've learned what works, what doesn't, and what will save you from roadside headaches.

Why Transport Your Inflatable Kayak Long Distances?

The beauty of inflatable kayaks lies in their portability. Unlike hardshell kayaks that require proper roof rack systems or trailers, inflatables open up a world of paddling opportunities that would otherwise be impossible. I've taken mine to places where rental kayaks weren't available, discovered hidden gems off the beaten path, and saved hundreds of dollars in rental fees over the years.

Access Remote Waters

Some of the best paddling spots I've found were miles from the nearest kayak rental. That pristine alpine lake in Colorado? No rentals for 100 miles. The secluded bayou in Louisiana where I caught my biggest bass? You need your own boat. With an inflatable kayak in your trunk, every body of water becomes accessible.

Save Money on Rentals

Quick math: kayak rentals average $50-75 per day. Take a week-long trip, and you're looking at $350-525 just for boat rental. My Sea Eagle 330 paid for itself in just two trips, and I've been paddling it for five years now.

Flexibility and Spontaneity

The best part? Complete freedom. See a beautiful lake while driving through Montana? Pull over and paddle. Weather turns bad at your planned destination? Drive to Plan B without worrying about roof rack clearances or trailer parking.

Best Methods for Long-Distance Transport

Method 1: Inside Your Vehicle (The Classic Approach)

This is my go-to method for road trips. Deflated and in its storage bag, most inflatable kayaks take up about as much space as a large duffel bag. Here's how I pack mine:

Deflate completely - Let out every bit of air, including from the floor chamber
Roll tightly - Start from the bow and roll toward the stern, pushing out any remaining air
Secure with straps - Use the included straps or add your own to keep it compact
Pack strategically - Place heavier items like coolers on the bottom, kayak in the middle

I've fit my 12-foot inflatable fishing kayak in the trunk of a Corolla with room for camping gear. The key is proper deflation and rolling technique.

Method 2: Roof Transport (Inflated)

Sometimes you want to keep your kayak inflated – maybe you're hitting multiple spots in a day or don't want to deal with inflation at a busy launch. Here's the thing: you can absolutely transport an inflatable kayak on your car roof, even without a traditional rack.

With a Roof Rack:

Inflate to about 80% (leaves room for heat expansion)
Use cam straps, not ratchet straps (less likely to over-tighten)
Add bow and stern lines for highway speeds
Check straps after the first 10 miles

Without a Roof Rack: Pool noodles are your best friend here. I learned this trick from a couple of surfers in California:

Get two thick pool noodles from any dollar store
Cut a slit lengthwise through each noodle
Slip them over your door frames (front and rear doors)
Close the doors to secure the noodles
Place your inflated kayak on top
Run straps through your car's interior, over the kayak, and back through

This DIY solution has worked for hundreds of miles, though I always double up on straps and keep speeds reasonable.

Method 3: Hitch-Mounted Carriers

For longer trips or multiple kayaks, hitch-mounted carriers are fantastic. The MaxxHaul 70231 hitch cargo carrier has been my road trip companion for three years now. Load your deflated kayak along with other gear, cover with a cargo net, and you're golden.

Method 4: Truck Bed Transport

Got a pickup? You're in luck. I've transported both inflated and deflated kayaks in truck beds. For inflated transport:

Use a truck bed extender if your kayak is longer than the bed
Secure with multiple tie-down points
Red flag on anything extending beyond the tailgate (it's the law in most states)

Flying with Your Inflatable Kayak

Taking your inflatable kayak on a plane? I've done it dozens of times. Here's what works:

Airline Regulations

Most airlines allow inflatable kayaks as checked baggage if they're under 50 pounds and within size limits (usually 62 linear inches). My travel setup:

Kayak: 26 pounds
Four-piece paddle: 3 pounds
Hand pump: 2 pounds
PFD and accessories: 5 pounds
Total: 36 pounds (well under the limit)

Packing Tips for Air Travel

Use a durable bag - The included storage bag usually works, but I add a large duffel for extra protection
Wrap the paddle - Bubble wrap or towels prevent damage
Pad the pump - The pump is often the most fragile component
Include repair kit - TSA allows repair patches and glue in checked bags
Take photos - Document your gear before checking, just in case

Pro tip: Tell the check-in agent it's "camping equipment" or a "portable boat." The word "kayak" sometimes confuses staff who picture a 17-foot sea kayak.

International Travel Considerations

Different countries have different regulations. I've flown with my kayak to:

Canada - No issues, same as domestic
Mexico - Declared as sporting equipment
Costa Rica - Small import fee ($15) at customs
New Zealand - Required biosecurity inspection (clean your gear!)

Long Road Trip Tips

After driving coast to coast with inflatable kayaks multiple times, here's what I've learned:

Inflation Strategy

Daily paddling: Keep it inflated on the roof if you're paddling multiple days in a row. The time saved is worth the slight fuel economy hit.

Occasional paddling: Deflate between sessions. Modern inflatable kayaks like the Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame inflate in under 10 minutes.

Essential Road Trip Gear

Beyond the kayak itself, pack:

Electric pump with car adapter - Game changer for quick inflation
Spare paddle - I learned this the hard way in Wyoming
Dry bags - Keep gear organized and ready
Kayak cart - For long carries from parking to water
Repair kit with extra patches - Better safe than sorry

Storage Between Paddling Sessions

Hot car + inflated kayak = potential damage. If leaving your kayak in a hot vehicle:

Let out 20-30% of air pressure
Cover with a reflective windshield shade
Park in shade when possible
Never leave fully inflated in direct sun

Safety Considerations for Transport

Securing Your Kayak Properly

Whether inside your vehicle or on top, proper securing prevents both damage and dangerous road situations. I once saw an improperly secured kayak fly off a car on I-10 – don't be that person.

Key safety points:

Use quality straps rated for the weight
Check local laws for overhang limits
Add reflective tape or flags for visibility
Stop and check straps every 50-100 miles
Understand your kayak's weight for proper transport

Weather Considerations

Wind is the enemy of roof-mounted kayaks. In Wyoming, I learned that 40 mph crosswinds and an inflated kayak don't mix. If transporting on the roof in windy conditions:

Reduce speed
Use extra tie-downs
Consider deflating and moving inside
Check weather along your entire route

Legal Requirements

Every state has different rules about:

Overhang limits (usually 3-4 feet rear, none front)
Flag requirements (red flag for rear overhang)
Lighting requirements (for night driving)
Registration requirements for your destination

Gear and Accessories for Transport

Must-Have Transport Accessories

NRS Heavy-Duty Straps - These 15-foot cam straps have never let me down
Inflatable Roof Rack - HandiRack inflatable bars for rental cars
Cargo Net - Secures loose gear in truck beds or cargo carriers
Protective Padding - Pool noodles, pipe insulation, or commercial kayak pads

Multi-Day Trip Essentials

When you're covering serious miles:

12V electric pump - Inflates in 3-5 minutes vs 10-15 manual
Pressure gauge - Temperature changes affect PSI significantly
UV protectant spray - Apply every few days for kayak longevity
Maintenance kit - Keep your kayak in top shape

Special Considerations for Different Kayak Types

Not all inflatable kayaks transport the same. Here's what I've learned about different styles:

Fishing Kayaks

Heavier and bulkier when packed, fishing kayaks like the Sea Eagle 385FT need more space. The built-in rod holders and storage systems mean they don't roll as compactly. Plan for a package about 25% larger than recreational models.

Tandem Kayaks

Two-person inflatable kayaks are obviously larger but not double the size when packed. My Intex Explorer K2 takes up about 40% more space than a solo kayak. Great for couples, but consider the extra bulk for transport.

Whitewater Kayaks

These pack the smallest due to their compact design. My Aire Lynx fits in a carry-on sized bag (though I still check it due to the paddle). Perfect for fly-in whitewater adventures.

Hybrid SUP/Kayaks

Inflatable SUP-kayak hybrids offer versatility but tend to be wider when rolled. They often come with wheeled bags, which is fantastic for airport navigation.

Storage During Your Trip

Hotel Storage

Most hotels are cool with inflatable kayaks in the room. I've stored mine:

In the closet (deflated)
Behind the door (inflated, standing up)
On the balcony (partially deflated, covered)

Always bring it inside – UV damage and temperature extremes are real concerns.

Campground Storage

At campgrounds, I typically:

Partially deflate at night (prevents morning over-inflation)
Store under the picnic table with a tarp
Use as an extra "chair" around the campfire (seriously comfortable!)
Lock to the picnic table with a cable lock in high-traffic areas

Vehicle Security

For overnight stops when the kayak stays in the vehicle:

Keep it out of sight if possible
Use tinted windows to your advantage
Consider a car alarm if doing extended trips
Park in well-lit areas

Maintenance During Long Trips

Long-distance transport can be hard on gear. Stay ahead of problems:

Daily Checks

Inspect for abrasions or weak spots
Check valve integrity
Look for sand/debris in folded areas
Apply UV protectant every 3-4 days of sun exposure

Weekly Maintenance

Full inflation and deflation cycle
Clean with mild soap and water
Check and tighten all fittings
Lubricate valves if needed

Emergency Repairs

Always carry:

Tear-Aid Type A patches (work on wet surfaces!)
Aquaseal or similar adhesive
Valve wrench
Spare valve caps
Duct tape (temporary fixes)

Budget Transport Solutions

Not everyone has $500 for a fancy roof rack system. Here are my tested budget solutions:

DIY Pool Noodle Rack: $10

Two pool noodles: $6
Cam straps: $4 (harbor freight)
Works for occasional use up to 45 mph

Foam Block Kit: $40

Universal foam blocks: $25
Straps included: $15
Good for regular use, any vehicle

Used Gear Options

Check Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace for:

Roof racks (often 50% off retail)
Hitch carriers
Kayak trailers
Truck bed extenders

Common Transport Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from my mistakes and others:

Over-inflating before transport - Heat expansion is real
Using ratchet straps - Too easy to crush inflatable kayaks
Forgetting bow/stern lines - Highway speeds need extra security
Ignoring weather forecasts - Wind and rain affect transport
Skipping the first-stop check - Straps settle, always retighten

Environmental Considerations

As paddlers, we're stewards of the waters we love. When transporting long distances:

Clean your gear between watersheds (prevent invasive species)
Use eco-friendly cleaners for maintenance
Pack out what you pack in at every stop
Support local economies where you paddle
Follow Leave No Trace principles

FAQ Section

How do you pack an inflatable kayak for air travel?

Deflate completely, roll tightly from bow to stern, and place in the original storage bag or a durable duffel. Wrap your paddle in bubble wrap or towels, pad the pump, and keep the total weight under 50 pounds. Include your repair kit and take photos before checking.

Can you transport an inflatable kayak on a car without a roof rack?

Yes! Use the pool noodle method: cut slits in two pool noodles, place them over your door frames, close the doors to secure them, then strap your kayak on top. Run straps through your car's interior for a secure hold. This works for speeds up to 45 mph.

How long does an inflatable kayak last with frequent transport?

With proper care, 5-10 years of regular use. I've transported my Sea Eagle 330 hundreds of times over 5 years, and it's still going strong. Regular maintenance, UV protection, and careful packing extend lifespan significantly.

What's the best way to transport multiple inflatable kayaks?

For 2-3 kayaks, a hitch-mounted cargo carrier works great. For more, consider a small utility trailer. I've transported up to 6 inflatable kayaks in a 4x6 trailer for group trips. They can be inflated or deflated depending on your preference.

Should I transport my inflatable kayak inflated or deflated?

For single-location trips, transport deflated. For multi-day trips with daily paddling, keeping it inflated saves time. Just remember to reduce pressure by 20-30% to account for heat expansion, especially in summer.

Can inflatable kayaks handle highway speeds when transported?

Yes, when properly secured. I've transported inflated kayaks at 75 mph without issues. Use quality cam straps, add bow and stern lines, and check the first stop. Deflated kayaks in your vehicle have no speed restrictions.

What size vehicle do you need to transport an inflatable kayak?

Any vehicle works! I've transported kayaks in everything from a Mini Cooper to a pickup truck. Deflated, most fit in a trunk or back seat. Even fishing kayaks designed for stability pack down surprisingly small.

How do you prevent theft during overnight stops?

Keep deflated kayaks in your vehicle when possible. For inflated kayaks on roof racks, use locking straps or cable locks. At campgrounds, lock to picnic tables or trees. Most importantly, don't leave expensive kayaks visible in high-crime areas.

Conclusion

Transporting an inflatable kayak long distances opens up a world of paddling adventures. Whether you're driving across the country, flying to remote destinations, or just exploring your region without a roof rack, the key is preparation and the right techniques.

I've covered thousands of miles with my inflatable kayaks, from the mangroves of Florida to the glacial lakes of Alaska. Each trip taught me something new about transport, and now you have all that knowledge at your fingertips.

The freedom to explore any body of water, anywhere, anytime – that's the real magic of inflatable kayaks. So pack up your boat, hit the road (or sky), and discover what's waiting beyond the horizon. The water's calling, and now you know exactly how to answer.

Remember: Check your straps, respect the weather, and always bring your sense of adventure. See you on the water!