Best Inflatable Kayak Pumps (Blow Up Your Adventure!)

Inflating your kayak shouldn’t be a hassle.

That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best inflatable kayak pumps on the market.

These pumps are designed to be easy to use, quick, and portable, so you can inflate your kayak quickly and with minimal effort, even at the water’s edge.

Whether you prefer electric or manual pumps, we’ve got you covered with a range of the best options available.

And if you want to skip straight to the best pump, it is OutdoorMaster’s The Shark II because it’s fast, easy, and can inflate kayaks and SUPs.

Top 9 Best Pumps For Inflatable Kayaks Reviewed

1: OutdoorMaster The Shark II (best overall)

• Type of pump: electric
• Weight: 3.6 pounds
• Max. Pressure: 20 PSI

The Shark II by OutdoorMaster is our top pick for the best kayak pump because it’s fast and efficient. It works with many types of inflatables, including kayaks, SUPs and boats.

This is an electric pump that can run off of a car’s 12-volt DC connector for ease of use. It can also inflate up to three inflatables in a row – ideal for families with more than one kayak or SUP.

It comes with a full set of nozzles to connect to just about any valve, including C7 and H3 high-pressure valves.

A great feature of this electric pump is that the PSI display is digital, so it can be easier to see the pressure. You can also set it to your desired pressure before you begin and it will automatically stop inflation when the set pressure has been reached.

Another useful feature of this one is the dual-stage inflation. This pumps air incredibly fast in the first stage to speed up the inflation process, up to 350-litres per minute. The second stage delivers higher pressure to precise PSI ratings, at a decent speed of 70-litres per minute.

A downside of this one is that you need to be close to your car to inflate your kayak. The DC cord is 9-feet in length and the inflation hose is 4.5-feet.

Pros

• Very fast inflation rate
• Digital PSI gauge
• Automatic shut-off
• Multiple nozzles

Cons

• Needs to be plugged in

2: OutdoorMaster The Whale (best rechargeable)

• Type of pump: electric
• Weight: 3.4 pounds
• Max. Pressure: 16 PSI

This OutdoorMaster The Whale can be an excellent electric air pump if you want to be able to use it while you’re on the go and away from electricity outlets. This one features a rechargeable 6000 mAh battery. It can inflate and deflate at least two kayaks on a single charge.

A nice feature of this pump is that it can be used to inflate and deflate kayaks, SUPs and other inflatables. It comes with multiple nozzles to easily connect to different types of valves.

Another good feature of this one is the digital PSI display. It’s easy to read and easy to set the pump to the required pressure for your kayak. When the pressure is reached, the pump will automatically shut off. The display also shows the battery charge level, so you know when it’s time to recharge.

This delivers a very fast inflation rate to save you time and energy, meaning you can get your kayak on the water quickly. However, it is not cheap.

This can be charged using your car’s DC port or an AC outlet in your home or garage. 

Pros

• Great for kayaks and SUPs
• Rechargeable battery
• Ideal for remote launches
• Multiple valve connectors

Cons

• Expensive

3: Advanced Elements Double Action Pump (best manual)

• Type of pump: manual
• Weight: 1 pound
• Max. Pressure: 15 PSI

The Advanced Elements Double Action Pump is a manual hand pump that features a pressure gauge on top of the hose. This means you can easily keep an eye on the pressure while you are inflating your kayak. However, because the gauge is not digital, it can be difficult to inflate to a precise pressure, particularly under 1 PSI.

This comes with multiple adaptors to work with various brands and types of kayaks, as well as some other inflatables.

This hand pump is designed to be easy to use and has double action inflation, which means it takes half the time to inflate kayaks compared to traditional hand pumps. This should mean your arms are less tired by the time you’re ready to hit the water.

Another handy design feature of this pump is that it’s pretty compact. So it shouldn’t take up much space on your deck if you’re heading off on a multi-day adventure.

Pros

• Built-in pressure gauge
• Multiple adaptors
• Easy to use
• Double action
• Compact

Cons

• Pressure gauge is not digital

4: Intex Double Quick III S Hand Pump (best budget)

• Type of pump: manual
• Weight: 1.9 pounds
• Max. Pressure: not rated

The Intex Double Quick III S hand pump is a budget pump that can be ideal for inflating a variety of watersports equipment. At 14.5-inches tall, this is a compact manual pump that is designed to take up minimal space on your kayak and at home.

A good feature of this hand pump is that it can inflate a kayak at double the rate of traditional hand pumps. It inflates air on the up and the down strokes for increased efficiency. It can also deflate your kayak at the end of the day.

This could be a good choice of manual pump to have as a spare pump. But you might not want it as your main pump since it doesn’t have a PSI rating or a gauge. So it might not be able to inflate your kayak to the correct pressure on its own.

This comes with three different nozzles to connect to different valves.

Pros

• Double action hand pump
• Compact
• Budget-friendly

Cons

• No pressure ratings

5: Advanced Elements 12 Volt Electric Pump

• Type of pump: electric
• Weight: 20 ounces
• Max. Pressure: 0.8 PSI

This Advanced Elements 12V electric pump is designed to work with Advanced Elements inflatable kayaks, as well as other brands. It can also work with other inflatables, such as inflatable mattresses and some SUPs.

It has three different adaptors to work with various valves, including Boston valves.

This is a high-volume pump with low pressure. The maximum pressure it can deliver is just 0.8 PSI, which will likely not be sufficient for most inflatable kayaks or SUPs. This means you will probably need to finish off the inflation using a manual pump to get to the correct pressure.

Another downside of this electric pump is that it does not have a pressure gauge.

This one requires an accessory outlet or cigarette lighter in your car to work. 

Pros

• Inflates quickly
• Multiple adaptors
• Plugs into car accessory port

Cons

• Low pressure
• No pressure gauge

6: Goplus Double Action Hand Pump

• Type of pump: Manual
• Weight: 2 pounds
• Max. Pressure: 29 PSI

The Goplus Double Action Hand Pump is a manual pump that can deliver high pressure. It is an efficient hand pump that’s designed to be easy and quick to use.

It has a secure base for stability while in use. It also benefits from having a non-slip handle for better grip. And you’ll find a pressure gauge built-into the top of the pump so that it’s easy to see.

This is a durable aluminum pump that can be ideal for kayak camping trips, as it doesn’t require any electricity. It can also be stored on your deck. However, it’s not particularly lightweight. It’s also 25-inches tall, so it’s not the most compact.

A great feature of this one is that it can also deflate your kayak at the end of your trip, so that it’s quicker to pack up and go home. A downside is that it only has one valve adaptor so may not work with all types of valves.

Pros

• Durable
• Inflates and deflates
• High pressures
• Fast inflation

Cons

• Not as compact as some
• Only one adaptor

7: Tuomico Rechargeable Pump

• Type of pump: electric
• Weight: 4.6 pounds
• Max. Pressure: 16 PSI

The Tuomico Rechargeable Pump is a versatile electric pump that can be ideal for use on inflatable kayaks, SUPs, and rafts.

One of the best features of this kayak pump is that you can power it from your car’s DC port, an AC outlet in your garage, or from the rechargeable battery. It can inflate and deflate kayaks, helping to save you time before and after your paddling adventures.

It has a digital LCD PSI display so you can watch the pressure increase in real time. You can also set the target pressure for your inflatable kayak or SUP and the pump will automatically stop once it reaches that pressure.

However, you can only set the pressure in increments of 0.5 PSI, so you may need to increase the pressure manually with a hand pump depending on your specific kayak.

Another great feature of this portable pump is the carry case that comes with it. This is designed to hold the pump plus all the multiple nozzles and accessories, so you can easily carry it to the water. 

Pros

• Portable carry case
• Rechargeable battery
• Works from DC/AC outlets
• Digital PSI display

Cons

• Pressure goes up in increments of 0.5 PSI

8: Aquaglide Accelerator HP 12V 22 Pump

• Type of pump: electric
• Weight: 4.6 pounds
• Max. Pressure: 20 PSI

The Aquaglide Accelerator HP is an electric pump that can run off of your car’s cigarette lighter or accessory outlet. This is a two-stage pump that delivers fast inflation speeds in the first stage and a more precise inflation in the second stage to reach the correct pressure settings.

It has a digital display to show the PSI levels and you can set the desired pressure for your vessel. When the pump inflates your kayak or SUP to the set pressure, it will automatically stop and shut off.

This is a durable electric pump that can be used on various inflatables. It comes with three adaptors, including attachments to fit Halkey-Roberts valves and Boston valves.

This can be an ideal pump for blowing up inflatable kayaks with drop-stitch floors. However, it needs to be plugged into a 12-volt DC outlet to work, so you need to inflate the kayak beside your car as the cord isn’t long enough to stretch to the front or back of your car.

Pros

• Digital display
• Automatic pressure setting
• Great for drop-stitch kayaks
• Multiple nozzles

Cons

• Only works from a DC outlet
• Cord is not very long

9: Aquaglide Kayak Hand 10 Pump

• Type of pump: manual
• Weight: 1.75 pounds
• Max. Pressure: 10 PSI

This Aquaglide Kayak Hand 10 Pump is a manual pump that can be ideal for a variety of inflatable kayaks, SUPs, and other watercraft.

This can be an ideal kayak pump for taking with you on multi-day kayaking adventures, as it requires no electricity. It’s also compact and lightweight, with folding feet, so it shouldn’t be too cumbersome to store on your kayak. The handle breaks down for storage as well.

A useful feature of this manual pump is that it has dual modes. The single action mode pumps air only on the downstroke. This makes it easier to pump at higher pressures.

The double action mode pumps air on both the up and downstrokes. This delivers a faster rate of inflation. However, this can be a tricky pump to use, as the hose connection can sometimes be difficult to fully attach to the valve on your kayak.

This hand pump comes with a built-in pressure gauge and can deliver a maximum pressure of 10 PSI. It comes with fittings for stem, Halkey-Roberts, and Boston valves.

Pros

• Two pump modes
• Portable
• Multiple valve fittings

Cons

• Difficult to connect the hose to valves

Choosing A Pump For Your Inflatable Kayak

Electric Or Manual

One of the biggest questions to ask yourself when choosing a kayak pump is whether you want an electric one or a manual one.

There are advantages to both. Obviously, an electric pump is going to be much faster than a manual pump. An electric pump will also require less physical effort from you than a manual one.

But an electric pump will require a source of power, which could be either directly from your car’s accessory outlet (or home AC outlet) or from a battery. This is worth thinking about if you like a lot of space to inflate your kayak, as you might have to inflate your kayak very close to your car or a power outlet.

A manual kayak pump will generally be much more portable than an electric kayak pump. So you can easily pack it in your gear bag or store it on your deck in case you need it while you’re on the go.

A manual pump also requires no electricity. So you can hike into remote areas with your inflatable kayak and your hand pump to inflate your boat at remote launch sites.

Manual pumps can be either hand pumps or foot pumps. Foot pumps for inflatable kayaks are generally not as easy to find as hand pumps.

Rechargeable electric pumps are usually more portable than standard electric ones. But they will need to be recharged eventually, so they might not be the best options for kayak camping or very remote launching (unless you have a portable battery).

You may even find that you prefer to use two types of pumps to blow up your kayak. An electric pump can do the bulk of the inflation process and you can use a hand pump to finish it off and reach a more precise pressure level.

Video: How to Use Hand Pump to Inflate Inflatable Kayak

Types Of Valves/Nozzles

Kayak pumps usually come with more than one type of connector or adaptor that links the hose on the pump to the valve on the kayak. This is useful because not all inflatable kayaks have the same valves.

The more adaptors or nozzles a kayak pump has, the more likely it is that it will fit your kayak. But this is not guaranteed.

It’s important to make sure the valves on your specific inflatable kayak will be compatible with the nozzles on the pump you choose.

Common types of valves on inflatable kayaks can include Halkey-Roberts valves as well as Boston valves. These are generally compatible with most types of kayak pumps and SUP pumps.

PSI Rating

PSI stands for Pounds per Square Inch. PSI is a unit of pressure. Most inflatable kayaks have a recommended PSI number for optimum performance and safety.

The recommended PSI can vary between kayak brands and models, so it’s important to know the correct PSI for your particular kayak so you can avoid overinflation and underinflation.

Inflatable kayaks that have drop-stitch construction will generally have a higher PSI rating than standard inflatables. This means they will require a pump that can inflate to high pressures.

Both manual and electric pumps can be high-pressure pumps, as it depends on the individual pump. The higher the PSI rating of the pump, the more air it should be able to force into the kayak. However, if your kayak does not require very high pressure, you may not need a high-pressure pump.

What You Should Probably NOT Use To Inflate A Kayak

You might be considering other ways to inflate your kayak rather than use a specific kayak pump. But your options are generally pretty limited. Bike pumps will usually not work with any type of inflatable kayak, as the valves are not the same and the pressure and volume of air from a bike pump is not suitable for a kayak.

You should also never use compressed air to inflate your kayak. This can cause the kayak to over-inflate and burst. 

Inflatable Kayak Pumps FAQs

To What PSI Should I Inflate My Kayak?

This will vary depending on your specific kayak and could be anywhere from 1.5 PSI to 12 PSI. It’s important to know the recommended PSI for your particular boat. You may also find that the sides of the kayak need to be a different pressure from the floor.

Is It Possible To Over-Inflate A Kayak?

Yes, this is possible. Overinflated kayaks could be at risk of popping because of the additional pressure on the fabric.

Should I Always Deflate My Kayak When Not In Use?

Ideally, yes. You should deflate your kayak if you’re not using it, as it can degrade the materials and could damage the kayak, particularly if the kayak is exposed to hot sun.

Do I Need A Bilge Pump For Inflatable Kayak?

This probably depends on the type of paddling you plan to do and the type of kayak you have. Many inflatable kayaks are self-bailing, especially kayaks that are designed for whitewater.

Self-bailing kayaks will generally not need a bilge pump but it doesn’t hurt to have one on board.

Do Inflatable Kayaks Puncture Easily?

No, inflatable kayaks tend to be very durable, which is why they’re often used for whitewater trips. They can withstand bumps against rocks and scrapes on sand.

If you do happen to get a puncture, inflatable kayaks can usually be repaired easily using a patch kit (often included with the purchase of the kayak).

Wrapping Up Pumps For Inflatable Kayaks

The best inflatable kayak pump is The Shark II by OutdoorMaster. This electric pump can inflate kayaks quickly to a set pressure and automatically turn off when it’s finished. This is an easy-to-use high-pressure pump that is designed to work with various types of valves for added versatility.

Another excellent kayak pump, if you’d prefer a manual pump, is the Advanced Elements Double Action Pump. This can be easily carried on board your kayak for extended trips. It also inflates quickly with inflation on both the up and down strokes for added efficiency.

Remember, not all of these kayak pumps are designed to work with all types of inflatable kayaks. Check the valves on your kayak first and make sure you choose a pump with the right connectors to suit your kayak’s valves.