Whether you agree with me or not, large-size and long-length kayaks are really daunting to carry from one place to another. They are extremely heavy and make it really tough, especially for kids and teens to take them for a ride. 

This is where small and mini kayaks come into the picture. Small kayaks are compact, subtle, and easy to carry, and most importantly they can be used by both expert and newbie anglers. 

So, if you are hunting for some of the best mini kayaks, keep reading this post till the end. In this post, I’ve compared and reviewed 24 best small size kayaks from Lifetime, Riot, Azul, Sea Eagle and many other brands. 

Before Moving Ahead, Here Are Our Top 5 Picks From This Article

24 Best Mini Kayaks

1.Lifetime Pacer Mini Kayak

The first on this list of small and mini kayaks is the Lifetime Pacer green color 8 ft kayak. It is small, compact in size, easy to store and full off adventure. Don’t go on its small size, as big things always come in a small package and so does this mini kayak. 

It is a go-to kayak for all the adventure seekers out there with a knack of recreational activities on the water, fishing on the deep sea, river rafting on fast-moving rapids, and lot more. 

This kayak can be used by kids, teens, beginners and newbies paddlers who want to learn kayaking or hone their existing skills.

With the Lifetime packer, you’ll be assured to get a mix of stability, comfort, balance and high speed on your kayaking journey. Although the kayak is suited for beginner paddlers but performance-driven enough for professional rides as well. 

2.Lifetime Tamarack Angler Small Kayak

Here’s another small kayak by Lifetime that is suited for fishing and other adventures on the water. This 10 feet sit on top kayak has a comfortable padded seat with backrest support that will give you hours of a comfortable ride without breaking your back.

It is designed by keeping the safety and stability needs of anglers in mind. The kayak is constructed of blow-moulded high-density polyethylene (HDPE) making it durable, UV-protected, and impact resistant.

The total weight of this mini kayak is just 52 pounds and it also features a front and back carry handle for hassle-free transportion. You’ll also kayak fishing rod holder, shock cord, and multiple footrest positions inside this kayak. 

To simply put, this is the ultimate fishing kayak that you can consider buying this year and beyond. 

3.Lifetime Wave Mini Kayak

This is one of the smallest kayaks in the world with 6 feet in height and a carrying capacity of 130 lbs only. By looking at the image, you might have concluded this to be kids or a youth kayak. If yes, then you are right. 

Though the kayak is small but comes with a wide stance so that kids and youth paddlers can get the stability, balance, and confidence that they deserve while paddling. 

Its sloped back end design and swims step allow the rider to quickly enter and exit from the kayak. With drain plugs and multiple footrest positions and enhanced stability, kids will find this kayak perfect for their recreational rides. 

This entire kayak has been made with a high-density polyethylene construction material that makes it durable, long-lasting, UV-protected, and safe from any kind of damage and dents. 

4.Lifetime Daylite Mini Kayak

Small-size kayaks are not that comfortable, if you think so, then this 8 feet Lifetime Daylite kayak should be on your list. This is the most comfortable and versatile mini kayak for beginners as well as expert anglers alike. It features a wide cockpit area with amazing backrest support which makes it perfect for long-distance kayaking.

The cockpit of the kayak is made oval in shape and allows for easy entry and exit, while the medium profile of the kayak will keep you upright on the water and safe from the splash, and keep you high and dry. 

There’s enough space in the cockpit to give you multiple footrest positions and ample space for your small gears like a fishing finder, casting reel, dry storage bag, and a lot more. 

5.Lifetime Pacer Small Kyaka Orange

As the name says it, this Lifetime pacer small kayak is known for its speed and ability to cut through any type of waterway like a charm. It is the perfect piece for adventure seekers looking for spending more time exploring ocean bays, lakes and tranquil rivers. 

Also, it is a perfect entry-level mini kayak for kids, teens, and youths looking to learn kayaking or hone their existing skills.

With this kayak, anglers will get a perfect balance of stability, speed, comfort and high performance on any type of water. You can also take it for kayaking competitions because of its stunning speed and tracking. 

Moreover;

It also features a storage hatch so that you can carry all your essentials, gears, kayaking tools, repair kit, and many other accessories. 

6.Lifetime Kokanee Orange  Mini Kayak

This mini kayak by Lifetime is constructed of high-quality Polyethylene construction material that makes it durable, long-lasting, UV protected and safe from any kind of damage on and off the water. With sit on top design, this small kayak is also ideal for tandem rides, solo camping adventures on the water, and most importantly for stand-up and fly fishing experince.

You can take it on the water along with your friend and enjoy your day either by fishing or sightseeing. The adjustable backrest support will give you superior comfort and a calm feeling on the water. Both the seats are made with high cushioned material for long-lasting comfort. 

This kayak has also got Bungee cords on the bow and stern help keep gear within reach while paddling and two storage hatches give you access to the hull for additional storage space.

7.Lifetime Triton Angler Small Kayak

When it comes to the best small-size fishing kayak, this Lifetime Triton has been on my list. It is seaworthy in all conditions and you can take it out for a spin on a tranquil lake, on slow-moving water, on fast-moving rapids or even in calm ocean bays. 

It also comes with 2 fishing rod holders mount and a large-size tank well where you can keep your fishing as well as kayaking accessories and gadgets safe and sound. 

Guess what? The kayak also features an integrated skeg that will enhance your tracking and overall navigation on the water.

Features like the molded-in footrests, adjustable seat back, and built-in water bottle holder sets this mini fishing kayak apart from others on the list. 

8.Lifetime Dash 66 Mini Kayak

Your search for the most lightweight small kayak ends here. The Dash 66 Mini is the best-suited kayak for small and medium-sized people with a knack for various water sports adventures. From fast water river rafting to deep-sea fishing, from kayaking sports competitions to sightseeing on the water, this kayak can tackle it all with ease.

It gives an extremely stable and steady ride so that you can enjoy more on the water and worry less about tipping off. Because of the lightweight nature of the kayak, anyone can carry and transport it from one place to another without breaking their back. 

Apart from that, the Aqua blue color of the kayak makes it highly visible on and off the water. This will also keep you safe and protected in case of an emergency situation on the water. 

9.Lifetime Hydros  Mini Kayak

Most of the mini and small-size kayak has a limited serving life for about 2-3 years. Many anglers also complain about the poor construction of mini kayaks. However, Lifetime Hydros is an exception. 

This sit-on-top design comes is extremely safe, durable, stable and made with a high-quality construction material that gives it the upper hand in long serving life and durability. Even if you use this kayak after 5+ years, it will still perform to the best of its capability.

Its lightweight, 40-pound design and convenient center carry handle make it easy to transport to and from the waterfront. With shock cord straps and multiple footrest positions, this kayak has plenty of extras to give you best paddling experience.

10.Lifetime Payette Angler Small Fishing Kayak

Now here comes the advanced small fishing kayak that features a large-size cockpit and comfortable backrest support for your long kayaking adventure. It has been designed and constructed by taking expert anglers’ opinions with years of fishing experince on a variety of water types. That’s the reason why this kayak is extremely comfortable, safe, and stable. 

The kayak is made with blow-moulded high-density polyethylene constriction material that makes it more durable and UV protected, and impact-resistant as well. 

The overall weight of the kayak is  44 pounds with front and rear carry handles that make it easy to transport to and from the waterfront. With shock cord straps, multiple footrest positions, an enclosed compartment, and a fishing pole, this kayak will take your fishing to the next level. 

11.Lifetime Cruze Small Kayak

If you are obssed with the look and feel of your mini kayak, this is it. The Lifetime Cruze kayak is surely one of the most good-looking and appealing small kayaks of all time. All thanks to its red and black color combination that makes it eye-catchy. This is a fusion kayak with a great back seat, storage hatch, shock cord, drain plug, carry handles, and a lot more. 

It comes in a sit-in style design with an oval cockpit shape for hassle-free entry and exit into the kayak. 

There is ample space inside the cockpit area to give yo multiple footrest positions. The kayak maintains its performance and straightforward course on a variety of water types. Beginners, newbies, and kids can also take for a spin and enjoy a relaxing day on the water.

What’s more? The kayak has also got a skeg at the bottom that will give you stunning directional flow and efforless navigation. You can change the direction of the kayak anytime without much effort.

12.Lifetime Sport Fisher Angler Small Kayak

Here’s another versatile small fishing kayak by Lifetime. The Sport Fisher, as the name says is one of the top-selling kayaks by Lifetime. It has customers from all across the globe.

With a comfortable tiered seating position, tunnel hull design for maximum stability, and weight carrying capacity of 500 lbs, this mini kayak will take your fishing to next level. You can use it as a solo kayak, tandem kayak, or three-person kayak as well. 

The kayak is also dog friendly in nature and it will allow you to carry your pet on the front side. 

Along with this kayak, you get 2 paddles for easy rowing, 2 padded backrest seats, a storage hatch, rod holders, a bungee lacing system, a motor mount accessory (sold separately) and lot more.

13.Epic International  Small Kayak

Backed by 5 years of warranty from the manufacturer’s end, this small kayak by Epic international is one of a kind. Here’s why? At 11 feet, this kayak excels in stability and high performance with added features and upgrades for this year. Its extra lenght and width enhance its overall speed and tracking so you can enjoy your time on any type of water.

Some of the other top-rated features of this kayak are a storage hatch, cargo net lacing to keep your gears and accessories hands-free, an adjustable padded seat, 4 carry handles, 2 tank well, drain plug to keep water out and sekg.

Apart from all these features, you’ll get some more add-ons and accessories that will help you to convert this kayak into an ultimate fishing watercraft. 

14.Lifetime Tamarack Angler Fishing Mini Kayak

This sit-on-top small fishing kayak by Lifetime is also supported by 5 year of warranty. So, you can buy it with confidence and enjoy a stress-free ride. By keeping all your comfort needs in mind, this kayak comes with a comfortable padded seat and backrest support to give a smooth and stable ride. 

Designed for extreme safety and stability, the Tamarack Angler has a stable flat bottom with a deep tracking hull that will give you straight forward paddling experince and effortless rowing. 

Within a few strokes of a paddle, you can take this mini kayak to your ideal fishing destination on the water. Its sharp, narrow and sleek body design also makes the kayak compatible to tight areas. 

15.Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100  Mini Kayak

If you want to go for a long day fishing adventure with your family and friends, this small kayak by Lifetime is waiting for you. With a high profile sit-on-top design and padded seat with backrest support, this kayak will give you ozing experince on the water. 

Just like the above-mentioned kayak, the Tamarack Angler 100 is also backed by 5 years of manufacturer’s warranty so that you can buy it with confidence. 

The lightweight design and front and rear carry handles make it easy to transport to and from the waterfront.

16.Ozark Trail Angler 10 Sit-in  Mini Fishing Kayak

This small kayak is great for lakes, rivers, sea and other water types. The high-quality constriction material and modern technology make this kayak apart from others and ideal for fast-moving rapids as well. It will help you in taking to tight and unexplored fishing spots on the water where large fishing pontoon boats or paddles boards can’t reach.

The total weight of this kayak is 41 pounds, which makes it slightly on the heavier side. You can use a kayak cart, or a kayak rack, or a kayak trailer at the best to carry and transport it from home to your kayaking destination.

On the kayak, you’ll have ample of room for keeping your gear and accessories covered from the splash of water, and with bungee lacing cords in the front and back, you can carry additional gear or a backpack.

17.Azul Mini Kayaks Sun

Get ready for a speedy ride this summer as Azul Sun 9 mini kayak is here to take you on the water. With a sit-on-top design and paddle features a rockered profile, this kayak is backed by enhanced maneuverability and thurst.

It is best suited for freshwater, flatwater, whitewater kayaking and fishing on fast-moving rapids and lake water. The kayak has been designed and constructed by keeping the needs of modern as well as traditional paddlers in mind. 

That’s the reason why this kayak is suited for all types of riders irrespective of their kayaking skill. 

18.Azul Mini Kayaks Expedition

If you are looking for a mini-expedition kayak, this is it. This Azul kayak is stable, comfortable, and ideal for newbies as well as professional kayakers which makes it suited for all. It comes with a paddle for rowing and you’ll find it extremely easy to transport, paddle, and carry the kayak.

You can take it out on the water for the following activities: fishing, touring, sports kayaking and competition, learning kayaking, exercise and lot more. 

19.Pelican Brume 100XP Small Kayak

Want to enjoy a great ride for long hours on the water? Are you looking for the most stable small kayak? If your answer to the above question is yes, this Pelican Brume 100XP is waiting for you.

Backed by a large cockpit size and table of handy compartments this mini kayak will also give you ample of storage space. It is made with RAM-X™ Premium impact-resistant material that makes it not only lighweight but also durable for years of exciting adventures on the water.

This kayak will also give you: Multiple convenient storage options with a lock storage hact at the front side and a large tankwell on the back with bungee lacing, making it easy to attach your gears. 

20.Riot Edge 11 Kayak with Paddle

This mini kayak remains low on water and stable on flatwater types. Its 11 feet height makes it ideal for efficient paddling on all water types. Fully constructed with polyethylene plastic material, this kayak has fully adjustable backrest support and seat bases that lowers and rises as per your comfort need.

This kayak is also loaded with some of the top-rated features like adjustable seats, storage batch, bungee lacing, carry handles, large cockpit size, and a rudder system for navigation. 

21.Pelican Mist 100XP Angler 

This is another ultimate sit-on-top small kayak for fishing and duck hunting experince. With this beast, you can cast your line far from the crowd and get the best catches of your life. If going anywhere without your cell phone makes you cringe, this kayak has got a smartphone holder and paddle ties plus rod holders for added fishing functionality.

22.TAHE Beach LP1 Mini Inflatable Kayak

The TAHE Beach LP1 inflatable kayak is a lightweight and easy-to-use kayak. It is the best use in flat water.

This Kayak inflates in under 5 minutes for quick and easy access to the water. It comes with three air chambers to provide rigidity and stability.

With adjustable, removable inflatable seat offers a comfortable and ergonomic position while doing water rides. 

23.Aquaglide Backwoods Purist 65 Mini Inflatable Kayak

Aquaglide Backwoods Purist 65 Mini Inflatable Kayak is a  packable, lightweight kayak perfect for backcountry, RVs, and travel. It’s ideal for recreational paddlers with limited storage space and the best use for fishing.

With Aquaglide purist 65, you can explore and hike mountains and rivers for fishing. It packs with an ultralight sleeping bag and is easily transported in your backpack. 

You can easily carry the inflated kayak by the 2 side handles and ensure your gear with an integrated bungee system on the front and rear decks.

24.Advanced Elements PackLite Small Inflatable Kayak

The Advanced Elements PackLite is a lightweight and extremely portable kayak. It weighs just over 5 pounds in its bag and can quickly be stuffed into a backpack and taken on your next adventure in the outdoors.

The PackLite is reasonably wide, making it more durable than we had expected, but it is pretty short and has no skeg. This marks the boat as highly maneuverable and able to turn on a dime.

While it isn’t our first option for smooth tracking and efficient paddling, you can’t beat the portability this model provides when trying to get out to those remote locations.

FAQs About Small Kayaks