
Inflatable Kayak#7 of 13 in Inflatable & Folding
Aquaglide Chelan 120
by Aquaglide
The Aquaglide Chelan 120 is a solid entry-level inflatable kayak that balances stability, portability, and comfort for recreational paddlers exploring calm lakes, slow rivers, and coastal bays.
- Easy quick setup
- Stable comfortable ride
- Packs down compact
- Length
- 12 ft
- Weight
- 33 lbs
- Capacity
- 400 lbs
- Width
- 36 in
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01The review
The Aquaglide Chelan 120 is a single-person inflatable kayak built for paddlers who want the convenience of a portable boat without sacrificing the stability and comfort of a hardshell design. Constructed from Aquaglide's durable PVC tarpaulin material with a rugged nose cone and welded seams, the Chelan 120 is engineered to handle lakes, slow-moving rivers, and calm coastal waters with ease. Its drop-stitch floor delivers a rigid, high-pressure platform underfoot, which translates into better tracking and a more efficient paddle stroke compared to softer inflatable designs, while the inflatable side tubes provide ample primary stability for anglers, casual paddlers, and anyone new to kayaking.
At roughly 12 feet in length, the Chelan 120 strikes a balance between glide efficiency and nimble handling, making it equally at home on a weekend fishing trip or a relaxed paddle with the family. The cockpit is spacious and designed for comfort, featuring an adjustable, padded seat that supports the lower back during long outings, along with adjustable foot braces that let paddlers of different heights find a secure, locked-in position for better power transfer. Multiple D-ring attachment points around the deck allow for easy rigging of gear, dry bags, or fishing accessories, while the open bow and stern areas provide extra storage for overnight trips or day-long excursions on the water.
Portability is where the Chelan 120 truly shines, as it deflates and rolls down into a compact size that fits into a backpack-style carry bag, making it ideal for paddlers with limited storage space or those who want to hike into remote put-in spots. A high-volume pump is included to get the kayak inflated and ready to launch in minutes, and the boat's puncture-resistant construction means it can handle the occasional brush against rocks or shoreline debris without compromising performance. Whether you're exploring a quiet alpine lake, casting a line from the water, or introducing a friend to the sport, the Aquaglide Chelan 120 offers a dependable, easy-to-transport kayak that doesn't ask paddlers to compromise on ride quality or durability.
02Spec sheet
| Length | 12 ft (366 cm) |
|---|---|
| Width | 36 in (91 cm) |
| Weight Capacity | 400 lbs (181 kg) |
| Kayak Weight | 33 lbs (15 kg) |
| Material | PVC Tarpaulin with Drop-Stitch Floor |
Manufacturer specifications. Dimensions and weights can vary slightly between production years and outfitting packages.
03Pros & cons
What we like
- Lightweight and easy to inflate in under 10 minutes
- Stable, wide hull great for beginners and recreational paddlers
- Packs down small for car trunk or closet storage
- Responsive tracking once fin is attached
- Comfortable seating for multi-hour paddling sessions
- Good value compared to hard-shell kayaks of similar quality
Watch out for
- Not ideal for advanced whitewater or very choppy conditions
- Single fin limits tracking compared to multi-fin setups
- Seat padding can feel thin on longer trips
- Pump and paddle sold separately on base model
- Can be slower than hard-shell kayaks of similar length
04Key features
- Single-person inflatable kayak with drop-stitch floor
- Durable PVC tarpaulin construction with welded seams
- Adjustable padded seat with high backrest support
- Spray-deflecting bow design for drier paddling
- Multiple grab handles for easy transport and lift
- Removable fin for improved tracking in open water
- Included coiled leash to secure paddle during use
- Compact duffel-style carry bag for storage and travel
05Verdict
The Aquaglide Chelan 120 is a solid entry-level inflatable kayak that balances stability, portability, and comfort for recreational paddlers exploring calm lakes, slow rivers, and coastal bays. While it isn't built for aggressive whitewater, its sturdy construction and easy setup make it a dependable choice for weekend adventurers and beginners looking to get into paddle sports without the storage hassles of a hard-shell kayak.
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