Intex Explorer K2

Size, weight, capacity

Fully inflated, the Intex Explorer K2 is 10 ft. 3 in. (312 cm) long and 36 in. (91 cm) wide. These dimensions give the Explorer K2 a reasonable cruising speed and plenty of space for two adults to get comfortable on board, while also keeping the kayak stable.

The Intex Explorer K2 weighs just 36.7 lbs. (17 kg) and packs down into a small enough package to be carried by one person. Loading this into the trunk of a car or back of a truck is easy enough, but you might not want to be hauling it too far to the water.

A weight capacity of 400 lbs. (181 kg) isn’t enormous but enough for two small adults, or an adult and a child with plenty of gear on board.

Features

In the bag that the Intex Explorer K2 comes in you also get two collapsible paddles, a hand pump, and a removable skeg that slots in at the underside of the hull. Intex has fitted the Explorer K2 with three Boston valves, dividing the sides from the floor, which makes inflation and deflation quick and easy while also increasing safety.

There is a 10 cm scale on the inner wall of the chamber that shows when the kayak is fully inflated. Intex has fitted an I-beam floor in the Explorer K2 to give the kayak more structure and increase its stability. High sides enhance this stability even further and make it easy to get in and out of.

The seats are separate from the kayak, inflating individually. They attach to the kayak with a velcro strip on the base and two adjustable straps that go around the back of the seat to maximize support. The rear seat can be moved forward or backward to either allow more legroom for the stern paddler or to increase storage space at the back.

Image: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyg1cYMmc8E&

The rugged vinyl construction keeps the Explorer K2 lightweight and easy to transport, but strong enough to withstand regular use. Grab lines on either end make it easy to move this kayak around on the land or take it to and from the water once inflated.

Performance

There’s a good reason why the Intex Explorer K2 is one of the most popular recreational inflatable kayaks on the market. This kayak is easy to paddle and stable enough to suit paddlers of all levels, whether they have kayaked before or not.

The onboard space is enough for two smaller adults, or an adult and a youth paddler. But you won’t want your youth paddler to be too young. The high sides of the Intex Explorer K2 make it difficult for small paddlers to reach the water easily.

The seating system is straightforward and relatively comfortable. The adjustable straps and moveable rear seat let you get comfortable, but they are only supportive enough for short trips. If you’re heading out for the day, you’re probably going to want to hit the beach regularly.

In terms of speed, the Intex Explorer K2 isn’t going to break any records. It’s stable and easy to paddle but isn’t the fastest kayak on the market. This is Intex’s mid-range tandem option and it suits short tours and days out on the lake, but you won’t be going any great distances. The skeg does a great job to keep the Explorer K2 going straight, but in windy conditions the flat hull and high sides make this hard to control.