Aqua Marina Memba 390 Kayak
Rating
Performance: 7
Size/Weight: 7
Durability: 8
Setup: 7
Value: 6
OVERALL: 7.0
A touring kayak that actually fits into your car boot
The Aqua Marina Memba 390 is one of those inflatables that quietly proves you do not need a hard-shell to have a proper touring kayak experience. It is aimed at those who want to cover some distance, go on real adventures and still be able to pack everything into a backpack at the end of the day. It promises strong tracking, solid stability and long-term durability and overall it feels like a serious bit of gear rather than a casual beach toy.
Comparison
Rank: #6
Open Size: Long and sleek
Packed Size: Mid-size, moderate
Weight: Moderate
Capacity: High
Best For: Couples or mates who want a portable kayak for real day trips and touring.
Pros: Excellent tracking, strong build, stable, packs into a car easily.
Cons: Seats lack long-term comfort, pack-down can be fiddly, occasional side pull.
Verdict: A serious inflatable touring kayak that delivers great performance with a few comfort trade-offs.
Skip ahead to First Impressions, Setup/Packdown, Paddling Experience, or the Final Verdict, check out how the Aqua Marina Memba 390 Kayak compares to others in our list of the Top Ten 2 Person Inflatable Kayaks or see how we choose the best inflatable kayak.
Specs:
Open Size: 390cm x 90cm
Packed Size: N/A
Weight: 17kg
Capacity: 180kg
Approx Price: $929.00
First Impressions
When you first pull the Memba 390 out of the bag, it feels reassuringly tough. The materials are thick, the seams look well finished, and the separate drop-stitch floor immediately stands out as something more advanced than your average inflatable.
Once inflated, it has a proper kayak shape, long and narrow, not short and chunky like a lot of recreational inflatables. It feels stable underfoot and gives off that ‘this will go the distance’ vibe. The cockpit is roomy enough for two adults to stretch out comfortably and the overall look is clean and practical rather than flashy.
Setup/Packdown
Setup is not difficult, but there is a bit of a routine to it. You need to insert the drop-stitch floor correctly first, then inflate the side chambers and finally pump up the floor to higher pressure. It takes around 10 to 15 minutes with the included pump, which is pretty reasonable for a tandem kayak. The pressure gauge is a big help, as getting the balance right between the chambers really matters for performance.
Packing it down is slightly more fiddly. The removable floor is great because you can dry everything properly, but it also adds an extra step. Folding and rolling the whole lot back into the bag can feel like a bit of Tetris, especially if you are in a hurry or everything is still damp. It does all fit, but it is not quite the effortless pack-down you get with simpler inflatables.
Paddling Experience
Tracking is excellent for an inflatable, thanks to the long hull and twin fins. It holds a straight line easily, which makes longer paddles far less tiring. The drop-stitch floor makes it feel solid and responsive, with none of that spongy bounce you get from softer inflatables. It handles calm rivers, lakes and even light chop with confidence, and it feels safe and predictable even with two people on board.
It is not the fastest kayak in the world, but it moves well and feels like it wants to keep going. Occasionally, it can pull slightly to one side, which usually comes down to uneven inflation. Once everything is balanced properly, that issue mostly disappears. Stability is very good and it feels forgiving enough for less experienced paddlers while still being capable enough for more ambitious trips.
Final Verdict
The Aqua Marina Memba 390 is a genuinely impressive touring inflatable that gets the important things right. It tracks well, feels well-built and is tough enough to handle years of use without falling apart. The main compromises are comfort and convenience. The seats are fine for short sessions, but on longer paddles, you will start wishing for better back support. Pack-down also takes a bit more effort than some simpler models. Still, if your priority is performance and portability in one package, the Memba 390 is hard to beat for the price.
Want to see how the Aqua Marina Memba 390 Kayak compares to other kayaks we tested? Head over to our list of the Best Two-Person Inflatable Kayaks.
Water & Outdoors reviews are written by our staff writers, who combined have over fifty years of experience on the water and outdoors. We may earn commissions if you choose to buy through a link you’ve clicked on our website, however this does not influence our reviews. For more information, please see our Editorial Policies.