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You can find some pretty cool spots with an inflatable kayak. Photo: Lindsay Gough//The Inertia
Exploring the coastline and waterways is your thing. Once you’ve experienced the freedom of being on the water, it’s hard to stay on land for long. Whether you want to get away from the crowds or just cast a line, your entertainment options increase exponentially with a personal watercraft.
But I understand that not everyone (including myself) can afford a luxury boat. Even if you can, you need a place to store it or pay extra for mooring. The solution to this? An inflatable kayak. And while there are a plethora of quality inflatable kayaks out there, one that stands out for its versatility, stability, and durability is the Lono Aero ($1,549) by BOTE. I tested it this year and it quickly became an essential part of the summer adventure quiver. Read on to find out why.
| Benefits | The inconvenients |
| Exceptional stability and durability | Dear |
| Multiple customization options | It takes some time to set up |
| Convertible between SUP and kayak | Difficult to move once packed |
Length: 12’6″
Weight: 51 books
Weight capacity: 400 pounds
Packaged dimensions: 41 × 19 × 13 inches
Storage space: High walls and long hull provide plenty of free storage, elastic straps on nose and back, removable velcro storage pockets, cooler port (sold separately)
For a single-seater inflatable kayak, the Lono Aero is larger at 12’6″ long. While you can certainly fit another rider in the boat, it’s rated for just one person. For a quick comparison, it’s two and a half feet longer than its more agile cousin, the Zeppelin Aero. But the extra size makes the Lono much more stable and allows you to take a lot more stuff along for the ride. For example, the removable rear lid has a cutout that fits perfectly with BOTE’s five-gallon tank Kula CoolerOr, if you don’t want to go overboard, a generic five-gallon bucket can also fit in there.
Setting everything up was pretty complicated, with six chambers in total to inflate, including the seat. BOTE includes handy instructions on laminated cardstock to help you through the process. And while it’s not rocket science, it definitely takes a bit of time to put all the pieces together and get it ready to paddle for the first time.
Once on the water, the extra effort is worth it. The kayak is incredibly stable and moves quickly through the water. The cooler port is conveniently placed within easy reach, perfect for pulling out an ice cold beverage when you need it. Even in choppy conditions, the boat sails effortlessly. However, due to the high sides inflated to 10-15 PSI, wind plays a role, so it was best to face directly into the wind or away from it. Otherwise, I found myself getting tossed around a bit.
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Babysitting is easy enough with views like this. Photo: Steve Andrews//The Inertia
If there’s one thing BOTE does well, it’s packing features into their products. While they usually come at an additional cost, in many cases it’s worth it. Lono Aero This is perhaps one of the most feature-rich inflatable kayaks on the market. Here are the highlights.
Magnepod: Just in front of the seat is a small magnetic disk embedded in the floor. BOTE offers a series of accessories that are compatible with this, which are also magnetized, allowing for safe and secure placement, even in rough waters. You can get Bluetooth speakers and glasses that connect easily to the deck and can withstand a bit of rocking and shaking from the waters below without fear of coming loose. I tried BOTE Magnéboom swell speaker and while it’s not the loudest speaker on the market (a good thing for others on the water), it’s nice to have it out in the open without worrying about it falling overboard.
RAC Receivers: The Lono Aero comes with two Rac receiver mounts to further customize the platform. BOTE offers a multitude of options that fit this receiver system. This is great for fishing, securing extra luggage, and more. It’s the little details like this that help elevate this craft from an inflatable kayak to an inflatable fishing kayak.
Pedal drive system: Although I have not tested it, the Lono Aero is equipped to become a pedal-powered watercraft with BOTE APEX Pedal Drive There is an attachment available on the front, as well as an attachment point for the rudder included on the back of the kayak. The only downside is the $900 cost. But for long distances and those who want to sit back and enjoy the view a little more than paddle, this is a great option.
They certainly make accessorizing easier. Photo: Lindsay Gough//The Inertia
Having a kayak this durable and versatile doesn’t come without its cost. Besides the price, the thick materials and many parts add up to a heavy load. It took a few tries to fit everything into the carrying case, and once fully packed, it’s not the easiest to move around, weighing in at 51 pounds. The bag comes with two wheels for easier portability, but that’s not practical if you have to navigate stairs or deep sand to get to the water. So if you’re on a mission to get from your car to the waterline, you might want something a little more portable.
That’s a lot to put in a bag when deflated. Photo: Steve Andrews//The Inertia
Considering how much you can customize it and how durable it is, the Lono Aero is a top choice for an inflatable kayak that will last for many years. The added features of thick high-pressure sidewalls and a cooler-sized rear section are huge bonuses and a cut above the competition. I haven’t even mentioned the seat yet, but the rigid construction that mirrors the rest of the boat was one of the most comfortable seats available and something that sets BOTE apart.
It’s not the easiest thing to move around once packed up, but when inflated and on the water, it rides like a dream and rivals solid kayaks for stability on the water. It’s also nice that the boat can convert into a SUP if you prefer to be on two feet sometimes, but not all the time. Overall, this is a great option for day trips and fun overnighters when you want to bring a few extras and not worry about getting bogged down. We could also see this as a great daily ride option as a fishing kayak, especially if you were to add some of the extra accessories like the Rac receivers. To see how this inflatable kayak stacks up against the competition, check out our article on the best inflatable kayaks.
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Editor’s Note: Need a life jacket? Check out our article on the best life jackets for paddle boarding. For more gear reviews and features Inertia, Click here.