The Best Inflatable Paddle Board For Travel

Adventure and fun await! Stand up paddle boards (SUPs) have quickly become one of the hottest ways to enjoy some time on the water.

Whether you are looking to grab a board to use at your local watering hole or want to see the many wonders the world over, finding the perfect inflatable paddle board may be overwhelming, not to mention extremely time-consuming. After all, it’s not like you can test drive each option and pick your favorite.

We’ve taken some of the stress and guesswork out of finding the best inflatable paddle board for travel by evaluating boards based on several criteria to provide you with in-depth analysis to help you choose which travel SUP is just right for your personal needs.

Inflatable versus Fiberglass

The most obvious difference between an inflatable and fiberglass stand up paddle board is that one involves inflating with air before every use and the other is ready to go right in the water. However, the time trade-off may be worth it for most stand up paddle board users.

The advances in technology have allowed inflatable paddle boards to match the strength and durability of fiberglass boards with the major added benefits of being lighter weight, compact, and portable. It is easy to see that even the most advanced paddle boarders may enjoy using an inflatable stand up paddleboard.

Buying Guide

Things to consider when choosing an inflatable stand-up paddleboard for travel:

Weight: Obviously if you plan on traveling with your inflatable stand up paddleboard than weight is going to be important, especially if traveling by plane. Most inflatable paddle boards are going to fall between 20 and 30 pounds, but a few can be lighter or heavier.

Thickness: The thickness of a SUP is going to have a major influence on the stability and durability of the board. Look for a board that is at least 6 inches thick, this will provide the best stability and when properly inflated should be close to the rigidness of a fiberglass board. More experienced users may want a thinner board to mirror the feel of a hardboard.

Length/Width: The length and width of the board will determine how stable the board can be during use. Taller users will have a higher center of gravity and to balance well may benefit from longer boards, while the shorter or more inexperienced user is going to have a lower center of gravity and can benefit from a shorter length. 9 to 12 foot is a typical size for a stand up paddle board.

Additionally, the width of the board can range anywhere from a super narrow 24” board to a wide 34” board. Wider boards will help less experienced uses maintain balance and provide plenty of room to use the board for other activities like paddleboard yoga.

Performance: A board should perform as intended every time you inflate it. Time will truly be the only test adequate enough to give an accurate test of performance and durability. Some features that may affect performance include a textured deck, multi-layered board bottom, and adjustable fins.

Stability: In general, wider boards will offer a more stable foundation for users that are less experienced or require more stability. Boards made to hold higher air pressure (psi) will usually provide extra stability as they will more closely resemble a hard board when fully inflated.

Material: The material that an inflatable stand-up paddleboard is made of is going to have a huge impact on the durability and longevity of the board. For regular users, boards made of high grade, puncture resistant PVC will have the highest level of durability. Additionally, in cases of puncture, PVC can be easily repaired to extend the life of the board.

Price/Value: Everyone would love to not have to consider the price of an item. I know that when I consider investing in a recreational item like that, I want to get the best value for my money in order to help offset the out of pocket cost. Most inflatable stand up paddle boards can be purchased with a full accessory kit, including a travel bag, hand pump, and paddle.

Purpose: Before selecting a SUP, it is important to consider your plans for the board. Occasional users that only plan on using their board in calm waters such as large lakes and contained rivers will have to worry less about durability upgrades than individuals looking for a multi-purpose board for use in more aggressive waters or using their SUP for surfing waves or as a kayak for river rafting.

Inflation: Every SUP will have guidelines for the inflation rate of that particular board. The best SUPs will come with a hand pump with a simple to read psi gauge for accurate inflation each and every time. Many boards can be inflated in less than 5 minutes, no need to wait around for long!

Portability: A travel board would not be much use if it was extremely hard to transport from place to place. An inflatable stand up paddle board that comes with a convenient travel bag will provide convenience and portability. Look for bonus bag features, like extra storage space, backpack designs for easier carrying, and bags that allow air to flow through to keep your board dry during storage.

The Best Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Boards for Travel

Best All-Around Inflatable SUP

Extremely durable design, quick inflation, multiple attachment possibilities

Best SUP for Yoga

Extra-wide textured deck for safety and durability

Best Budget PRODUCT

Lightweight, portable, and affordable

Atoll 11′ Foot Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board

The Atoll 11’ Inflatable SUP is our top pick for best inflatable SUP. This kit includes a high-pressure Bravo hand pump, a 3-piece collapsible floating paddle, a travel backpack, and a detachable fin for easy storage. This versatile board is 11’ long by 32” wide and has been water tested up to 350 lbs. You also don’t have to worry about losing your board thanks to the 10-foot durable leash.

The board is made of military grade PVC, that is up to 40% lighter than other models. You don’t have to worry about waiting for your board to completely dry before packing it up thanks to the heavy-duty backpack style bags breathable design.

Recreational paddle boarding has never had more options, this board features 15 D-rings on the deck to allow you to attack everything from a kayak seat to a small cooler. The extra layer of PVC on the bottom helps this paddle board hold up to 300 pounds making this perfect for 1 or 2 riders.

Editor’s Rating: 4.9/5

Pros:

• A hand pump is super easy to operate and inflates the board in less than 10 minutes with ease
• Superior durability handles the rough waters of the ocean
• Packing into the travel backpack is simple and easy, no fighting to stuff it in!

iROCKER Cruiser Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board

The iRocker Cruiser is an inflatable SUP that is designed for all skill levels. This paddle board features a wide 33-inch deck that is 10’6” long. The wide tail ensures superior stability on even the choppiest waters.

Available in 5 different colors this SUP kit comes with the board, a fiberglass paddle that can be easily converted to a kayak paddle, an iRocker patented hand pump, 3 removable fins, a coiled ankle leash, and a roomy backpack style carry bag.

This board is made of premium quality 4-layer, military grade PVC this board will stand up to the toughest conditions and the updated textured deck makes this the best SUP for yoga enthusiasts and beginner paddle boarders.

Take along all your extras thanks to the roomy backpack with plenty of space to add in your favorite accessories, conveniently packed right in with your board. A bit of research will show that the iRocker Cruiser is repeatedly listed as the top board for beginners across all inflatable paddle board reviews.

Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5

Pros:

• Board rigidness at full 15 psi easily as sturdy as solid boards
• Extra wide deck, great for newer users or multiple riders
• The coiled leash will not tangle or get in the way during use

Peak Expedition Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board

Individuals looking for a SUP that can be easily used for multiple activities such as fishing, snorkeling, and touring would easily fall in love with the Peak Expedition Inflatable SUP. This blow-up paddle board features a unique touring design with a soft deck pad for added comfort and flexibility.

This board is available in both 10’6” and 11’ lengths, and both feature a 32” wide deck. Built to hold up to 350 pounds, this is a great board for both single users and couples. Use this as a training board, the 11’ board is roomy enough for an adult and a child.

This kit has everything you need to jump on the water including a high-pressure hand pump, coiled leash, detachable fin, a floating paddle, and a bonus waterproof cell phone case. Everything fits perfectly into the included SUP travel bag.

Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5

Pros:

• Board is super lightweight, only 19.5 pounds for the 11’ board!
• Versatile cargo straps on front and pack to secure multiple items
• The padded deck is comfortable for yoga and easy on feet while standing for long periods of time.

Roc Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board

Roc’s premium iSUP is 10’5” long and feature a wide 32” deck, this board comes with a detachable fin, floating alloy paddle, hand pump, waterproof phone and key bag, leash, and backpack style travel bag. This board is a great beginner board and supports up to 275 pounds, perfect for single or double riders.

This versatile board can be found in 3 different colors and can be outfitted will tons of accessories thanks to the included cargo straps and 6 D-rings. This board also features convenient carry handles for easy transportation once inflated. This board is the lightest of our boards at a low 17.6 pounds.

Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5

Pros:

• Non-slip traction deck pad
• Lightweight for ultimate portability
• Packed easily into the travel bag
• Fully adjustable paddle, great for different height users

SereneLife Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board

SereneLife offers a great SUP that is versatile enough for use by beginners, advanced, even for yoga. This board comes with a safety leash, removable center fin, bungee cord cargo tie downs, a repair kit, and carry bag.

This board provides the ultimate in portability as it is designed to be easily rolled up for transport or storage. The added carry bag is a bonus, not a requirement for traveling with this board. This simple board is 10’ by 30” and features a non-slip padded deck for added stability and maneuverability.

Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5

Pros:

• Simple board and accessory kit, good for occasional users
• Adjustable oar
• Bonus repair kit

ISLE Airtech Inflatable Explorer Stand Up Paddle Board

Dedicated stand-up paddlers will love the Isle Airtech Explorer Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board. This board features sturdy Airtech construction that will handle riders up to 300 total pounds.

Great for riders that love to brave the wilder side of paddle boarding, this board comes with an adjustable carbon paddle, high-pressure hand pump, coiled ankle leash, a convenient snap-in travel fin, and backpack style carry bag.

This SUP is built to withstand whatever adventure you take it on, built from high-quality, military grade PVC and outfitted with extra gear storage so you don’t have to leave anything behind. This board can be purchased in 11’ or 12’ lengths and 32” wide.

Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5

Pros:

• 14 D-Rings for accessorizing
• Extra storage options
• Lower psi requirement, but holds well

Tower Inflatable 10’4” Stand Up Paddle Board

The Tower Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board is a solid 10’4” long and 32” wide. The shortest board on our list, this board is for great for all skill levels and make a great board for younger riders.

The shorter length and large bottom fin help to stabilize the board for even the most inexperienced riders. This board comes with everything you need for a day on the water, a 3-piece fiberglass paddle, a roll-up carrying strap for easy securing and a removable main fin.

This is the perfect board for individuals just starting out with inflatable boards.

Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5

Pros:

• Durable, fiberglass paddle is sturdy and adjustable
• Removable fin for increased versatility
• Comfortable deck pad

Vilano Journey Inflatable SUP Stand up Paddle Board Kit

The Vilano Journey Inflatable Stand up Paddle Board features high-grade PVC, a diamond groove patterned deck for extra traction, 11 D-rings and bungee front deck for added storage capacity.

This kit includes the board, a hand pump with a pressure gauge, 3-piece collapsible paddle, board carry strap, coiled ankle leash, and convenient backpack style carry bag. This board measures only 10’ by 31.5”, making this one of the smaller inflatable stand up paddle boards on our list.

Designed for more advanced users, this versatile board can easily be used in all types of water recreation activities from traditional paddle boarding, to kayaking, and river rafting, thanks to the integrated D-rings and drop-stitch construction, this board is built to last through all of your water adventures.

Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5

Pros:

• Gauged hand pump for easy and accurate inflation
• Convenient carry strap, you can leave the bag in the car

Smaller and narrower, makes it possible to get into tighter coves for fishing or floating out of the way of boats and other distractions

Retrospec Weekender 10′ Inflatable Stand Up Paddleboard

The next board on our list is the Retrospec Weekender, this 10’ inflatable stand up paddle board is a narrow 30 inches. This high-impact board can hold up to 275 pounds and is made of military-grade PVC.

The convenient roll-up design makes this board especially portable; you can carry it alone is with the included backpack style carry bag. This kit also includes an adjustable paddle, 3 removable fins, and a hand pump. You can also flaunt your own style with 15 color options available.

Editor’s Rating: 4.4/5

Pros:

• Extremely durable survived a rocky beach tumble
• Once fully inflated, rigidness resembles a hardboard
• Great recreational board
• Would make a great child's board

Pathfinder Inflatable SUP Stand Up Paddle Board

Our final inflatable stands up paddle board is the Pathfinder. This versatile board features a smaller profile at only 5” (versus the other boards 6”), 9’9” long, and a narrow 30.3-inch deck.

The kit includes a detachable center fin, adjustable paddle, gauged hand pump, and backpack style carry bag. This is the smallest board on our list and supports a maximum weight of 240 pounds, making this board a great board for children or use as a training board with one adult and a smaller child.

The board is made of PVC and feature durable drop stitching for increased seam security.

Editor’s Rating: 4.4/5

Pros:

• Great kids board
• The gauged hand pump is accurate and it easy to operate

Comparison Table

Tips for Traveling with your Stand-Up Paddle Board

Protection: When traveling with your inflatable paddle board, you want to take some extra precautions to protect the board from punctures or other damage. If possible, adding extra padding around the board in the carry bag may help to decrease the potential for damage. Extra caution should also be taken if traveling during excessive heat. Storing the board for extended periods of time in high heat may cause weak spots to form in the PVC.

Packing: When packing your board for travel, make sure to consider any regulations that may affect some of your accessories, such as detachable tail fins. If you are taking your board on a plane, some accessories may be prohibited by some airline regulations. For non-flight travel, you may want to include a packing slip in your board bag to ensure you do not leave anything behind at your destination.

Plan Ahead: Planning ahead can ensure that you have fewer surprises when you arrive at your destination. Keep in mind your transportation needs, especially if traveling to a new place. You want to be sure your board is safe and securely transported to and from your destination. Plan to check your board. If you are traveling to an excessively warm climate, you may want to place small towels in between the rolls of the board to absorb excess heat during transport.

Conclusion

We hope you have found this guide helpful in understanding the different options available and what to look for when purchasing an inflatable stand up paddleboard for you or a loved one. Whether you are getting your first inflatable stand up paddleboard or adding to your collection, every board on this list is sure to provide endless hours of wet and wild adventures!