Inflatable Stand Up Paddleboards have always been known for their easy storage and transportation thanks to their ability to deflate and their light weight. In recent years, several brands have fully embraced the idea of portability with the creation of some seriously compact iSUPs that travel even easier than “regular” iSUPs. With the advancement of materials and construction, these compact iSUPs are small enough to go anywhere with you (literally anywhere, even as carry-on luggage!) without sacrificing their performance characteristics.
We’ve tested and compared the top compact iSUPs on the market today and put together this list of our favorites. Each one has its own strengths and weaknesses, so we categorized them based on what they are best for, rather than ranking them against each other. Keep reading to see which compact travel iSUP is right for you!
Best Compact & Travel iSUPs Comparison Chart
| section-hd | Top Compact & Travel iSUPs |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BOARD | DIMENSIONS | CAPACITY | WARRANTY | PRICE | |
| iRocker All Around 11’ Ultra | iRocker All Around 11’ Ultra
| 11'0" x 31" x 6" 21.6 pounds | 290 lbs | 3 years, 60-day return period | Read ReviewCheck Price |
| Blackfin XL Ultra | Blackfin XL Ultra
| 11'6" x 34" x 6" 23 pounds | 360 lbs | 3 years, 60-day return period | Read ReviewCheck Price |
| Red Paddle Co. Compact 12’ | Red Paddle Co. Compact 12’
| 12’0” x 32" x 4.7" 22.4 pounds | 265 lbs | 5 years, 30-day return period | Review Coming SoonCheck Best Price |
| Kokopelli Chasm-Lite | Kokopelli Chasm-Lite
| 10’0" x 30" x 6" 12.9 pounds | 250 lbs | Lifetime, 30-day return period | Read Review Check Price |
| iRocker Cruiser Ultra | iRocker Cruiser Ultra | 10'6" x 32" x 6" 21 pounds | 300 lbs | 3-years, 60-day return period | Read ReviewCheck Price |
| Nixy Huntington G4 Ultra Compact | Nixy Huntington G4 Ultra Compact
| 9’6” x 32" x 6" 18.8 pounds | 250 lbs | 2-years, 30-day return period | Review Coming SoonCheck Price |
iRocker All-Around 11’ Ultra: Best All-Around Compact iSUP
11’0” x 31” x 6” | 21.6 lbs
Bag Size: 21”x16”x10” | Kit Weight: 33.3 lbs
Read Full Review Here
The iRocker All-Around 11’ Ultra iSUP earns our pick for the Best All-Around Compact iSUP because it does a fantastic job of balancing size, weight, stability, performance and versatility in a highly affordable package.
The iRocker All-Around 11’ Ultra uses woven drop stitching and a dual-layer lightweight PVC tarpaulin to keep the weight just under 22 lbs for this 11’ long, 32” wide iSUP. Those same advanced materials also make it incredibly stiff for its weight. When you combine that with the twin 9” fins you get a sleek, easy to transport, and high-performing paddleboard. It even has lots of additional features like dual cargo areas, dual passenger handles, kayak seat compatibility and multiple threaded accessory mounts. Just to top things off, it comes standard with iRocker’s excellent electric pump.
Bottom Line:The iRocker All-Around 11’ Ultra is a true all-around iSUP with great performance and value in a small package.
Blackfin XL Ultra: Best Compact iSUP for Fishing & Larger Paddlers
11’6” x 34” x 6” | 23 lbs
Bag Size: 21”x16”x10” | Kit Weight: 35 lbs
Read Full Review Here
The Blackfin XL Ultra was just released last summer and it’s already making a splash as a fantastic compact iSUP for fishing and larger paddlers.
The Blackfin XL Ultra is a full-size fishing iSUP at 11’6” x 34” x 6”, but packs down into the nearly-half-size Ultra backpack for easy transportation and storage. In addition to being full-size, the XL Ultra is full-featured with multiple cargo areas, threaded mounts, and two Scotty-style rack mounts at the rear of the board.
The rigid construction and 34” width make the XL Ultra extremely stable, even in choppy conditions, and the twin fin system is tool-less and allows the board to track incredibly well.
Bottom Line:The Blackfin XL Ultra is the best compact iSUP for anglers and larger paddlers.
Red Paddle Co. Compact 12’ : Best Touring Compact iSUP
12’0” x 32” x 4.7” | 22.4 lbs
Bag Size: 22” x 16.5 x 12.5” | Kit Weight: 34 lbs
Review Coming Soon
Red Paddle Co. is known for their innovative designs, excellent construction quality and high performance on the water. The Red Paddle Co. Compact 12’ takes advantage of all of these to be the Best Compact iSUP for Touring.
There’s so much to say about the Red Paddle Co. Compact 12’ that I’m not going to be able to fit all here. The Compact 12’ is the largest board on our list and is the only one that is truly a touring iSUP capable of a multi-day trip. The MSL Fusion construction with full-length stringers is lightweight and stiff, and the 4.7” thickness keeps the total board weight low, while also lowering your center of gravity for improved stability. The twin click-fins are easy to use (and easy to customize with other fins as desired) and the included Titan II is one of the best hand pumps on the market for speed, efficiency, and durability.
Bottom Line: If you need a compact travel iSUP and plan to get away from it all for a few days at a time, the Red Paddle Co. Compact 12’ is the ticket for you.
Kokopelli Chasm-Lite: Most Compact and Best for Hiking
10’0” x 30” x 6” | 12.9 lbs
Bag Size: 22” x 14” x 10.5” | Kit Weight: 20.2 lbs
Read Full Review Here
Think of a compact iSUP. Now think smaller and lighter. Now you have the Kokopelli Chasm-Lite. The Chasm-Lite is the lightest, most compact iSUP available today and is the Best choice for Hiking to those picturesque mountain lakes.
The Kokopelli Chasm-Lite draws from a long pedigree of high-performance packrafts and blends it with modern lightweight drop stitch materials to create the near-impossibly light (12.9 lbs) iSUP. The Chasm-Lite is the smallest board on our list at 10’ long and 31” wide, but it is still surprisingly stable. The included drybag backpack not only easily packs the board, 4-piece paddle, mini pump, and your other accessories, but still has plenty of room for water, lunch, jacket, and all of your other day-hiking needs. The Chasm-Lite kit is so small that it can even fly as carry-on luggage for many airlines.
Bottom Line: The Kokopelli Chasm-Lite is the smallest, most packable iSUP around and is the obvious choice for hikers chasing the blue lines.
iRocker Cruiser Ultra: Best Compact iSUP for Beginners
10’6” x 32” x 6” | 21 lbs
Bag Size: 21” x 16” x 10” | Kit Weight: 32.7 lbs
Read Full Review Here
The iRocker Cruiser Ultra focuses on stability and maneuverability, while still staying extremely versatile and affordable, making it our pick for Best Compact iSUP for Beginners.
The iRocker Cruiser Ultra is wider than the other iRocker “Ultra” SUPs, and its wider, square, tail make it extra stable on the water. At 10’6” long and 32” wide it’s a great size for nearly all paddlers without being too long or wide for shorter paddlers, while still being large enough for taller paddlers (truly I find this size to be the “Swiss Army Knife” of board sizes). The Cruiser Ultra has multiple cargo areas, passenger handles, threaded accessory mounts, and is kayak seat compatible. It also comes standard with an electric pump to make inflation a breeze.
Bottom Line: The iRocker Cruiser Ultra has everything a beginner paddleboarder needs in a small package for a great value.
Nixy Huntington G4 Ultra Compact: Best Compact for Surfers and Dog Lovers
9’6” x 32” x 6” | 18.8 lbs
Bag Size: 25” x 19” x 12” | Kit Weight: 30lbs
Review Coming Soon
The Nixy Huntington G4 Ultra Compact iSUP has something that no other compact iSUP does – a nearly full-coverage deck pad. At almost 7’ long, this deckpad makes it possible to comfortably stretch out, or bring along your favorite four-legged friend with confidence.
In addition to the extra-large deck pad, the Nixy Huntington G4 Ultra Compact also has multiple cargo areas, three threaded accessory mounts, and is kayak-seat compatible. The shorter length of just 9’6” and long-reaching deck pad (all the way to the tail!) also makes it a great option for those that like to catch the occasional wave.
Bottom Line: The Nixy Huntington G4 Ultra Compact is the Best Compact iSUP for paddling with your pooch or catching the occasional wave.
Compact and Travel Inflatable Stand UP Paddleboard FAQs
What is a Compact iSUP?
Compact iSUPs aren’t measured by their inflated size, but rather by the overall size and weight of the kit when deflated and packed into its transportation bag. Compact iSUPs typically fold in half along the centerline before folding, allowing them to fit into a backpack-style bag that is around half the size of a traditional iSUP bag. Compact iSUPs are also made with higher-end, lighter-weight materials to help reduce the weight of the board. Accessories are also modified in order to best fit in these smaller bags.
What to look for when choosing a Compact iSUP?
Choosing a Compact iSUP starts the same as selecting a “regular” iSUP. You want to match the size, shape, and features of the paddleboard to yourself and your style of paddling. Once you know what size and features you need, then you can select a Compact iSUP based on its weight and packed size to meet your travel needs. Compact iSUPs are quite easy to fit into cars and other ground transportation, however most will still need to be checked-luggage on flights.
What accessories work with Compact iSUPs?
Compact iSUPs will work with any compatible accessories that work with “regular” iSUPs. All of the compact boards on this list have a standard Halkey-Roberts valve (fits most hand and electric pumps), threaded mounts use a standard M8 bolt, and the fin boxes are the same as the “regular” size iSUPs available from the same brands. These compact paddleboards do include compact paddles. Rather than shrinking the paddle, though, it is made of either 4 or 5 sections (instead of the regular 3 sections) so it can pack easily into the smaller bags.
Recommended Gear for Compact Inflatable Stand Up Paddleboards
While the compact iSUPs on our list come as kits with almost everything you need to be on the water, there are a few extra things that can make your paddling safer and more comfortable.
- PFD – A PFD (Personal Flotation Device), sometimes called a life jacket or buoyancy aid, is a critical piece of safety equipment while on your SUP and may be required by local law. There are thousands of options for PFDs, and it is important to choose one that not only fits you well, but is designed for paddling. For Compact iSUPs I like to use an inflatable belt-pack PFDinflatable belt-pack PFD that is lightweight and small enough to pack with your board.
- Dry Bag – Not everything we bring with us on our SUPs should get wet. Soggy sandwiches and waterlogged phones can ruin a good day out on the water. A small dry bag to fit your phone, keys, and other small personal items is an easy addition to your compact iSUP. See ourBest SUP Dry Bag reviews here.
Final Thoughts – Best Compact iSUPs
Just like any “regular” iSUP the Best Compact SUP is really going to depend on your exact needs, and just like any “regular” iSUP, compact SUPs will vary greatly depending on size, shape, material, construction, etc. While this list isn’t exhaustive of all compact iSUPs available, we think it provides a representation of the best quality, best performing compact inflatable stand up paddleboards from the best brands around. So now the only question is – where will you take your Compact iSUP first?
