If you’re thinking of buying an inflatable canoe, then there are some questions you should answer before you go out shopping. First, how do you plan to use it? Is this going to be used in whitewater, or just paddling around on a lake? Will you be using it for fishing? Will it need to hold one person or more? What type of transport do you have, and will it need to fold up completely? What’s your budget? Will you need to haul gear? Will you ever need to mount a trolling motor? How much back support do you need?

The terms Inflatable Kayak and Inflatable Canoe have become almost interchangeable, since most use a double kayak paddle for ease of paddling over the inflation chambers, but there are differences. Kayaks don’t have the center well that’s capable of hauling camping gear. So that’s one of the first determinations you need to make. Kayaks are somewhat more stable in whitewater but don't haul much, canoes haul more.

Another determination is whether you need a craft that is easy to paddle. Some models have a hard hull, and/or a hard bottom or rigid panel. This makes them easier to handle, since they track better and don’t sway as much when you’re switching from side to side. However, depending on the design, they can be harder to transport, since they don’t fold as small, if at all, and they’re heavier.

If you’re backpacking or need to cart your inflatable craft on a plane, there are inflatable canoes and kayaks like the Advanced Elements Firefly that fold small enough to fit in a plane’s overhead compartment, and weigh in at a very light 22 pounds. This particular model is for one person, and can’t handle cargo, but it can handle whitewater up to class 3.

If you’re only going to paddle around on a lake, then a low profile and very inexpensive design such as the Intex Challenger K1 will be okay. But if you’re going on any whitewater whatsoever you’ll need to buy an inflatable canoe or kayak rated strong enough for the rapids you’ll be traversing. Many are rated up to class 3 rapids, and a few handle up to class 4. Do not buy a cheap canoe and expect it to survive whitewater! Make sure the canoe you buy will handle the type of whitewater you plan on travelling.

Models like the Sea Eagle 330 and 370, and the Prowler Trident 13 Angler allow for cargo carrying over 450 pounds. However, the Prowler is not designed for whitewater. The Sevylor Colorado 2 person canoe handles up to 440 pounds, but is also not a whitewater canoe. The Sea Eagle models are rated for up to class 3 whitewater.
Some models will allow fishing easier than others. Models like the Prowler Trident 13 Angler and the Sevylor Colorado 2 person Canoe are designed for fishing, and the Sevylor Colorado allows a trolling motor to be attached.

The Coleman Exponent Fastback Inflatable Kayak is capable of taking up to class 4 rapids, has a decent seat that offers good support, and transports in the trunk of a Miata, but it doesn’t hold very much cargo.

The cheaper canoes and kayaks may not offer a lot in the way of back support if you need something that has a good firm seat. If this is something that is of concern to you, it might be best to try out the ones of interest to you in one of the local sporting goods stores that have floor models. If you are exceptionally tall, it seems some of the models don’t accomodate that well. Check review sites or the floor models at your local sporting goods store if you have very long legs and make sure to get an inflatable canoe that will handle your height right.

Another factor is what is offered in any canoe package. Some include a pump, some don’t. Some include a carrying case, some don’t. Some include the paddle, some don’t. Make sure you get all those questions answered so you can add in the extra costs and be sure you’re comparing apples to apples when you’re making your decision.