Kokopelli Platte Inflatable Kayak Review

Are you interested in purchasing a lightweight, inflatable kayak that is designed for lakes and gentle rivers? If you are looking for an easy to set up, well made kayak, you’ll want to read my Kokopelli Platte inflatable kayak review. I tested this 1-person inflatable kayak, as did my husband. Read on to learn why I would recommend this inflatable kayak for beginner and intermediate paddlers.

Nancy D. Brown paddles the Kokopelli Platte inflatable kayak in Oregon's McKenzie River. She is wearing a beige straw sunhat, sunglasses, black and white swim shirt, gray lifejacket and holding a kayak paddle with two hands. She is surrounded by a forest of trees behind her and a grass-covered island.

Why purchase Kokopelli Platte inflatable kayak?

Since 2012 Denver-based Kokopelli Outdoor has been designing and manufacturing packrafts, inflatable kayaks and SUPS for the paddler, camper, overland and van life adventure seeker. I learned about Kokopelli boats while attending Overland Expo PNW. While not an overlander myself, I do love to kayak. When I learned about the lightweight kayak at the expo, I was hooked.

As some of you know, I’m a baby boomer with two hip replacements. Neither my husband or I have any interest in adding a roof rack to my Subaru or his Ford truck. We both were drawn to the Kokopelli Platte inflatable kayak for its lightweight, 24 pounds, and convenience. I have an origami foldable kayak that I really like, but it is not designed to go on rivers. The Kokopelli Platte is designed for rivers and lakes.

Kokopelli Platte inflatable kayak and Aqua Marina inflatable kayak are ready-to-go on a cement boat launch next to Oregon's McKenzie River. A kayak paddle rests on top of the blue kayak.

What’s included in the Kokopelli Platte box?

Those new to kayaking will appreciate that everything you’ll need to get paddling is included in the box. However, you will need to purchase a lifejacket. I also keep a tow rope on my kayak and wear a whistle strapped to my lifejacket because feeling safe on the water is my main priority.

Kokopelli Platte includes

The easy-to-set up 1-person inflatable kayak comes with an EVA foam seat (the seat is adjustable.) The 2-piece kayak design weights 24 pounds and is made with reinforced PVC construction. The two pontoon construction includes a removable drop-stich floor. Additionally, a 4-piece kayak paddle and Nano Barrel pump are included in the Platte package. Two removable plastic fins are included for dual tracking. An emergency repair kit is also included with your kayak. The Kokopelli Platte kayak also comes with its own lightweight carrying case. The kayak takes 10 minutes or less to set up, from car to water.

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Two bunge cargo areas are located on the bow and stern. A foot block is also included in this kayak box. There are 20 D-ring attachment points for clipping items such as your cell phone case. Behind the adjustable foam seat is a zippered compartment for your water bottle and more. I also liked the gear loops for strapping down your paddle or perhaps a fishing rod.

Nancy D. Brown seated in Kokopelli Platte inflatable kayak on Fish Lake in Oregon. The Deschutes National Forest is behind her. She is wearing a blue sun hat, dark glasses, a green and white checked UPF50+ sun shirt, gray water leggings and a gray lifejacket. Her left hand dips the kayak paddle in the water.

Inflatable kayak for lakes and gentle rivers

I tested the Kokopelli Platte inflatable kayak on both a mountain lake and a gentle section of Oregon’s McKenzie RIver. While the tracking is superior on a hard shell kayak, or even my Origami foldable kayak, the dual fin tracking on this inflatable kayak is fine for my needs. For the beginner kayaker, you’ll want to consider paddling with or without the removable fins. If you don’t like getting your feet wet when kayaking, go without fins. Otherwise, include the fins. Obviously, you’ll walk the kayak out to a depth were the water is deep enough to accommodate the fins.

There are 4 convertible drain plugs and a self bailing floor. I was able to stay completely dry when paddling on the lake. My river experience was different, but more fun!

Cory Brown paddling Kokopelli Platte inflatable kayak. He is wearing a canvas cowboy sun hat, sunglasses white shirt and shorts and a gray lifejacket. He is holding a kayak paddle with right side making contact with river water. Green bushes and wood logs are in the background.

Platte kayak – take me to the river

In my previous kayak reviews, I’ve been asked about weight capacity. The Kokopelli Platte inflatable kayak has a 330 pound weight capacity and is 10 feet long. My husband is not a small guy. He felt very comfortable in the Platte. You’ll see from the photo above, he was sitting comfortably above the water. He noted that it handled well and the adjustable seat was comfortable.

If weight is not an issue, I’ve seen pictures of people kayaking with their dog in front.

A word of caution; I am not an expert kayaker. I always recommend you survey any body of water before entry. Know your limits and know your kayak limits. The Kokopelli Platte is designed for lakes and class one rapids.

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I was very excited to take the Kokopelli Platte on a calm section of Oregon’s McKenzie River. The most challenging parts were two sections of riffles. Remember to point your inflatable kayak down river and you’ll be fine. With 4 convertible drain plugs in the kayak and a self-bailing floor you’ll probably get wet, but you won’t sink.

Cory Brown paddles the Kokopelli Platte inflatable kayak in a calm section of Oregon's McKenzie River. He is wearing a white shirt, gray lifejacket and beige sun hat. He is holding the kayak paddle in both hands with the left paddle submerged in the water. He is paddling downriver toward a forest of trees.

Kokopelli Platte review summary

In summary, my husband and I are very happy with the Kokopelli Platte’s performance on the lake and rivers. Personally, my goal is to graduate to a Kokopelli whitewater packraft so that I can conquer larger class rapids. I may not be an overlander who sleeps under the stars and forges class 4 rapids. However, I love the sense of community I get when I’m out exploring nature in a kayak, as well as feeling safe on the water.

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Disclaimer: Kokopelli Platte inflatable kayak review, YouTube video and all photography by active adventure travel writer Nancy D. Brown. Kokopelli Outdoor supplied me with this lightweight kayak for test review purposes; however all opinions are my own.