2 person inflatable boat - best bang for the buck

[sajor75]

Hey guys, being a outdoors forum id thought some of you could recommend me a good 2 person inflatable boat , things im looking for are tough material(puncture proof), can handle at least 300lb, space for me and my pack and items, comes with some type of air pump , if possible light and best bang for the buck. I intend to use it mostly in calm waters to travel to different sections of a lake but i might occasionally take it on medium rapids like tubing rivers so i wouldn't want the boat to puncture in a rock.

[nonot]

I've used an Aire 2 person tandem inflatable on river trips and those seemed pretty robust.

If you search for 2 person inflatable kayak, google will have all sorts of recommendations for you.

You likely want to get a good air pump separately regardless of what you end up choosing, usually the pumps they include in any kayak deal are pretty bargain basement type quality.

[toddak]

I've used a Sea Eagle inflatable kayak for years on flatwater and easy rapids. Very durable. I wouldn't say its light (~40 lbs) but I can fit it in a large backpack.

[te_wa]

have you seen the rafts that are MADE for such adventure? super durable, light, and can handle rivers... but they come with a price. the 2 brands of REAL rafts, not vinyl pool toys, that come to mind are Kokopelli (teva joe's personal favorite i'd guess) and Alpacka.
there are a few cheaper options but weight capacity is reduced, as is quality. Klymit makes a tiny raft for just over $100, and Supai has a couple that are affordable.. but lack any amenities (read: comfort)

if I was/were rich, i'd go with an Alpacka SCOUT and a carbon paddle. ugh... $$$

[sajor75]

@te_wa , no kidding man, Alpaka rafts start at $600 + lol, I was thinking something in between these elite rafts and the ones considered pool toys, im light weight (140lb) and 5"7 so weight and most of my adventures are solo, so looking for a 2 person inflatable boat/raft for me and my pack. This looks interesting.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006IXB73C?tag=hikearizona

[nonot]

@sajor75
If you want to just tool around a lake, those cheap pool toys will work just fine. If you want to run rapids and smash into rocks, you need the expensive ones.

[azbackpackr]

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