Intex Challenger K1

Size, weight, capacity

Fully inflated, the Intex Challenger K1 is 9 ft. (274 cm) long and 30 in. (76 cm) wide. This is a little narrower than a lot of inflatables on the market, but the flat hull and high sides ensure that you remain stable out on the water.

One of the key selling points of any inflatable kayak is how easy it is to transport it from your car to the water. The Intex Challenger K1 weighs just 28 lbs. (12.7 kg), light enough to easily load and unload from your vehicle. If you need to carry your kayak any distance, load it up into a backpack and you will be able to carry the whole setup to your chosen lake.

The capacity of 220 lbs. (100 kg) is not enormous, and paddlers nearing the top end of the weight limit may find the cockpit area too snug to fit comfortably in.

Features

Everything you need to use your Intex Challenger K1 is provided in the bag. This includes the kayak itself, an inflatable seat, a collapsible paddle, and a hand pump. Intex has fitted a Boston valve to make inflation and deflation quick and easy.

The kayak is made from rugged vinyl, which balances weight against durability. The I-beam floor keeps the kayak stable and gives it greater rigidity without needing to raise the pressure. At the rear of the hull is a removable skeg to give you greater directional control and tracking.

The cockpit area of the Intex Challenger K1 is snug and fits closely around the paddler. This makes it a more comfortable, connected ride and makes you feel more stable in your kayak too. The inflatable seat attaches using a velcro strip on the underside and adjustable straps to keep the back upright and supportive. The surround is low profile so that smaller adults and young kayakers can easily paddle the Intex Challenger K1.

Carrying handle rope is attached around the bow and stern to make it easy to move this kayak on the land. A cargo net is attached at the bow to stow equipment on the water.

Performance

When you take the setup out of the bag, the first thing you realize is that the paddle isn’t likely to propel you any major distances. That said, it’s a lightweight collapsible paddle that fits into the bag and is included in the price, so there are no real complaints to be had.

The cockpit is snug and comfortable, which gives you more control over the kayak but may feel restrictive for larger paddlers. Generally, the Intex Challenger K1 is an easy kayak to paddle, with the skeg doing a lot of work to give you directional control.

Because of the relatively low-pressure design, you may feel that the kayak becomes unstable and wobbles at speed. Also, while the skeg does well to keep you in a straight line, it won’t give you much help in the wind, where this lightweight kayak struggles.

Generally, the Intex Challenger K1 is an excellent lightweight and affordable option for campers and families looking to enjoy a relaxing day by the water. It is easy to paddle and makes kayaking accessible. The ease of transporting it to and from your car is a particular bonus and the fact that Intex includes a pump and a paddle in the kit goes a long way to explaining why this is a popular inflatable recreational kayak.