Whitewater Chops in a Small Package: AIRE Tributary Spud Inflatable Kayak Review

As we started down the wild and scenic Rogue River in Southern Oregon, I was keenly aware of how goofy I looked floating next to fully loaded oar rigs. I was paddling a cranberry pink, 7-foot-long inflatable kayak stuffed with 4 days’ worth of gear. My knees flexed against my thigh straps, and my tiara, which I had taped to my helmet, glittered in the mid-morning light.

It was time to see what the AIRE Spud could do.

The Spud is a rather plump boat originally made by AIRE to function as a children’s inflatable kayak. The Spud can be rolled, looped, and sent down some gnarly lines if the paddler is game enough. At only 21 pounds and nearly half the price of the adult Tomcat Solo, the Spud is a popular choice for adults who want a playful and portable craft.

In short: For folks looking for an inflatable boat that will stow away easily for van life or travel, or folks looking for a playful addition to their quiver, the Spud is a great addition to the fleet. Note that this boat isn’t for everyone. It is small — built for smaller hips and smaller paddlers. But if it fits, the Spud is an epic adventure boat built to last.

The playful Spud isn’t the only capable inflatable kayak out there. To see more IKs and how the Spud stacks up against them, check out GearJunkie’s Best Inflatable Kayaks Buyer’s Guide.

AIRE Tributary Spud Inflatable Kayak Review

On-the-Water Testing

At 5’6” I fit inside the Spud comfortably in a paddling position (legs bent), with the seat in the middle and dry bags tethered down in the back of the boat. Before the Rogue, I paddled class I-III whitewater on the McKenzie and Willamette rivers with and without thigh straps and with the seat toward the center and back of the boat. My 200cm Werner and Aqua Bound paddles maneuvered the Spud easily.

Paddling from the Alameda put-in to Foster Bar on the Wild and Scenic Rogue River (over 40 miles over 4 days) was the crux of my testing of this inflatable kayak. I knew the boat could handle whitewater, but I was unsure of how well it would maneuver weighed down with 3 nights’ worth of gear and snacks.

At Home in the Splashy Stuff

The Spud is remarkably stable for its diminutive size. The boat is so small that it rides in and out of the troughs of waves almost completely before breaking through the crest — like a rubber duck. Even in what looked like boat-swallowing waves (for a Spud, at least), I would emerge unscathed (but very soggy).

I ran the Spud through two class IV rapids in Mule Creek Canyon named Coffee Pot and Blossom Bar. Coffee Pot is an evil-looking boil with a tight right-side entrance known for sucking tubes. Blossom Bar is known for its consequential right turn to avoid a toothy wall of rocks with sieves and strainers called the Picket Fence. In both instances, the Spud was a rockstar.

I was surprised that I didn’t spin in Coffee Pot, given its strong, swirling current (I had spun only moments earlier), but I was still able to punch through. In Blossom Bar, the Spud was easily paddled along the desired line and stayed upright when, later in the rapid, I bounced off a large boulder in the middle of the run called “Volkswagen Rock.” This kayak, again, is remarkably stable and can muscle through most things with strong paddle strokes.

Flatwater, River, and Camping Chops

Because of its large, bulky tubes and potato-like shape, the Spud tracks just okay in flat water. You won’t win any races against more dynamic boats, but it’s not terrible.

In strong eddies or currents, the Spud likes to spin but is easy to correct and get back on course (or paddle backward in a pinch). The boat can also hold a nice angle if you need to ferry across a river.

What I enjoyed most about this inflatable kayak was the challenge of packing so much into such a small boat. On the last 2 nights of the trip, I also slept inside my boat — the coziest I’ve slept outside in a long time.

The ties and handle in the back of the boat make it convenient to lash gear down, but note that taller paddlers will not be able to fit gear if they have to move the seat to the very back of the boat. For larger paddlers, check out the AIRE Tater (the adult version of the Spud).

What I Packed in the Spud

• Sealine 30L (at full capacity) and 20L (at half capacity) dry bags
• Packtowl
• Lunch and snacks for 4 days
• 1 Nalgene (clipped to the front of the boat)
• NEMO Dragonfly Osmo tent
• 20-degree sleeping quilt
• Sea to Summit Ultralight Air Sleeping Pad
• Layers
• Rain jacket
• Toiletries
• Throw bag/rescue gear

I was able to flip the boat back over easily to self-rescue, but the extra weight took some getting used to. For a 2-day self-supported IK trip, the Spud could accommodate a minimalist setup. For a raft-supported trip (like this one), 4 days felt just fine.

Comparison: AIRE ‘Spud’ or Full-Grown ‘Tater’

The Spud was so popular with adult paddlers that AIRE released its adult counterpart — the Tater. At 8’4″, the Tater is a longer and wider craft. As far as features go, the boat is virtually the same except for its 275-pound load capacity. I was able to test the Tater alongside the Spud.

For smaller paddlers who want a boat that feels playful — stick with the Spud. The Spud and Tater are both fun boats shaped to maximize play while staying stable, but the Tater is not as playful when you’re a small paddler and can feel bulky. I saw patrons ride and paddle the Spud who were taller than me (about 5’10”), and they could sit with their legs bent and the seat pushed back.

Since this may be uncomfortable for some larger paddlers or paddlers with a small dog, the Tater could be a great choice if you still desire the rounded shape of the Spud. Upgrading to a paddle larger than 200cm will make paddling the Tater a bit more comfortable if you choose this route.

Alternatively, if you don’t mind a longer, heavier boat — like if you are sizing up to carry more gear — upgrade to the Tomcat Solo, which will give adult riders and gear some breathing room. The Tater is the better option if you want an IK that paddles more traditionally with a longer profile.

AIRE Tributary Spud Inflatable Kayak: Conclusion

The AIRE Spud is a fun boat at a really great price tag. At 22 pounds and with some expert folding skills, the boat packs down small enough to stick in a larger backpack and lug upstream, or packed in a duffel for international trips. Adding thigh straps really increased this little boat’s maneuverability and capability, and I plan to take it on plenty more class III+ and IV whitewater.

No, it won’t be the best flatwater raft or inflatable touring vessel (look to something like the Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Kayak for that). But it’s also not designed for it. With a rotund and forgiving profile, ample rocker, and enough cushion to brace against, there’s little holding you back from really mashing on the Spud. Even still, for most paddlers, there will be ample space in the back of the boat for storage of camp equipment.

A children’s inflatable kayak? Hardly. The AIRE Spud has some serious chops in the rough stuff and has earned a reputation for a good reason.