You can find some pretty cool places with an inflatable kayak. Photo: Lindsay Gough//The Inertia
Exploring the coastline and waterways gets into your veins. Once you’ve felt the freedom of moving around on the water, it’s hard to just stay on land for any extended length of time. Whether you want to get away from the crowds or just cast out a line, your options for fun go up exponentially with a personal watercraft.
But I get it – not everyone (including yours truly) can afford a fancy boat. Even if you can, you need somewhere to store it, or pay a premium for moorage. The answer to that? An inflatable kayak. And while there are a multitude of great inflatable kayaks out there, one stood out for its versatility, stability, and durability. It’s the Lono Aero ($1,549) from BOTE. I’ve been testing it out this year and it has quickly become an essential part of the summertime adventure quiver. Read on to find out why.
Bote Lono Aero: First Impressions
| Pros | Cons |
| Exceptional stability and durability | Expensive |
| Multiple customization options | Takes a while to set up |
| Convertible between SUP and kayak | Difficult to move around when packed |
Length: 12’6″
Weight: 51 lbs
Weight Capacity: 400 lbs
Packed Dimensions: 41 × 19 × 13 inches
Storage Space: High walls and long hull make for ample free storage space, bungee straps on nose and rear, velcro removable stash pockets, port for cooler (sold separately)
For a single-person inflatable kayak, the Lono Aero is on the larger side at 12’6″ long. While you could certainly fit another rider in the boat, it’s intended for just one person. For a quick comparison, it’s two and a half feet longer than its more nimble cousin, the Zeppelin Aero. But the added size makes the Lono much more stable, and allows you to pack much more along the way. For example, the removable back cover has a cutout that perfectly fits BOTE’s five gallon Kula Cooler. Or, if you don’t want to get all fancy, a generic five-gallon bucket fits inside as well.
Getting everything set up was fairly involved, with six chambers in total to inflate, including the seat. BOTE includes some handy instructions on laminated cardstock to help you with the process. And while it sure isn’t 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, though, the extra effort is worth it. The kayak is incredibly stable and moves fast across the water. The cooler-port is well-placed within arm’s reach, perfect for pulling out a frosty beverage whenever you need it. Even in choppy conditions, the boat cruises effortlessly. However, due to the high walls that are inflated to 10-15 PSI, the wind does play a factor, so it was best to face directly into or away from the wind. Otherwise, I found myself getting pushed around a bit.
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Childcare is pretty easy with views like this. Photo: Steve Andrews//The Inertia
Notable Features of the Lono Aero
If there’s one thing that BOTE does well, it’s load their products with features. While they usually come with an added cost, it’s worth it in many cases. The Lono Aero might be one of the most feature-rich inflatable kayaks on the market – here are the highlights.
Magnepod: Right in front of the seat is a small magnetic disk built into the floor. BOTE offers a suite of add-ons that are compatible with this that are also magnetized, allowing for safe and secure placement, even in rough waters. You can get bluetooth speakers and drinkware that easily connect to the deck and can withstand a bit of rocking and jolting from the waters below without fear of coming loose. I tried BOTE’s Magneboom Swell speaker and while it’s not the loudest speaker out there (a good thing for others on the water), it’s nice to have it out in the open without fear of it going overboard.
RAC Receivers: The Lono Aero comes with two Rac receiver mounts to customize the rig even further. BOTE offers a host of options that fit with this receiver system. This is great for fishing, securing extra luggage, and more. It’s the little details like this that help elevate this watercraft from inflatable kayak to inflatable fishing kayak.
Pedal Drive System: While I didn’t test this out, the Lono Aero is equipped to become a pedal-powered watercraft with BOTE’s APEX Pedal Drive add-on. There is a port in the front ready to go for it, and attachment point for the included rudder on the back of the kayak. The only downside is the cost at $900. But for long distances and those who want to sit back and take in the view a bit more then paddling, this is a great option to have.
They sure make it easy to accessorize. Photo: Lindsay Gough//The Inertia
Drawbacks
Having such a durable, versatile kayak does not come without a cost. Aside from the literal price point, the thick materials and numerous pieces make for a heavy load. It took a few tries to pack everything back up into the carrying case, and when fully packed, it’s not the easiest to move around, weighing in at 51 lbs. The bag comes with two wheels for easier portability, but that isn’t handy if you have to navigate stairs or deep sand to get to the water. So if you have a bit of a mission to get from your car to the waterline, you might want something a bit more portable.
It’s a lot to pack into a bag when deflated. Photo: Steve Andrews//The Inertia
Final Thoughts
Considering how much you can customize it, and how durable it is, the Lono Aero is a prime choice for an inflatable kayak that will last many years. The added features of thick, high-pressure sidewalls and a back section to fit a cooler are huge bonuses and a step above the competition. I didn’t even mention the seat until now, but the rigid construction that mirrors the rest of the craft was one of the most comfortable seats available and something that sets BOTE apart.
It’s not the easiest thing to move around when packed up, but when its inflated and on the water, it moves like a dream and rivals solid kayaks for its 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. All in all, it makes a great option for fun day trips and overnights when you want to pack a few extras and not worry about being bogged down. We could also see this being a great daily-driver option as a fishing kayak, especially if you were to add on some of the additional accessories like the Rac receivers. To see how this inflatable kayak stacks up against the competition, check out our Best Inflatable Kayaks article.
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Editor’s Note: Need a life jacket? Check out our Best Life Jackets for Paddle Boarding article. For more gear reviews and features on The Inertia, click here.
