It’s a well-known fact that water makes up 71% of our earth’s surface, which is great news for a globetrotting stand-up paddleboarder! No matter where you go in the world, you’re almost sure to find a body of water just begging to be paddled. And, the fact that inflatable paddleboards are so much more portable than their epoxy counterparts makes exploring new waterways easier than ever.
While all inflatable boards are relatively easy to travel with, certain compact designs make it a no-brainer for the paddleboarder on the go. Whether you are hiking to an alpine lake for a weekend getaway, flying for an international vacation, or just want a compact solution for driving or taking public transportation, compact iSUPs are perfect for travel.
Compact doesn’t meant compromise. These are full-size paddle boards that are specifically designed to pack small, use lightweight materials, and still offer a high-quality paddling experience.
Before we take a deeper look into our list though, let’s take a moment to understand the criteria that we considered while testing each of these SUPs to determine if they could hold a spot on this page.
What Makes a Great Travel SUP?
When we’re deciding if a SUP belongs on this list, we run it through a bit more extensive testing than we would for a more standard product review. Of course, we still take a board’s on-the-water performance into account, but we pay extra close attention to the following characteristics:
Pack Dimensions
This is one of the most important aspects to consider when shopping for a travel board, and unfortunately, it’s not usually listed in a SUP’s spec section. And, if you’re someone who’s looking to fly with their SUP often, this information is invaluable. Some of the more advanced compact SUPs on this list can pack down as small as a 2’ x 1’ backpack, and can sometimes (extra emphasis on ‘sometimes’) pass as a carry-on item – depending on the airline and your gate agent’s mood.
Pack dimensions are also important for SUP hikers that like to strap their SUP on their back and reach some never-paddled-before alpine, or generally remote, lakes. Here, there’s a fine line to walk between small enough to wear, but not so small that it becomes uncomfortable to wear.
Pack Weight
Traveling with a heavy SUP just sucks. I don’t really want to sugarcoat it; there’s nothing worse than trying to haul 35+ lbs down a trail or through an airport (especially if you’re already dealing with your regular luggage). While the heaviest board on our list is 23 pounds, most don’t exceed 20 pounds. Of course the included accessories and bag itself also play a role in overall weight and portability.
Pack Fit/Comfortability
If you’re not testing exclusively for travel-friendly SUPs pack comfort is something that you can easily overlook. Most standard SUPs have roller bags, and there are very few instances that you’d actually need to carry your SUP on your back if it’s only going from the garage to the trunk, and then to a local paddling spot. However, if you’re hiking your SUP or walking through an airport, odds are you’ll need to backpack it. The boards on this list come with backpacks that are well-padded on the back and shoulder areas and come equipped with sternum and hip straps to help distribute the load. We wore these packs for longer stretches of time and took more than a couple of them on 3+ mile hikes to ensure that the straps won’t dig or rub you the wrong way.
Performance
As always, performance is huge to us. It’s great if a SUP is lightweight, can be packed down pretty small, and is relatively comfortable to wear, but if the performance isn’t up to par, then everything else goes out the window. Imagine going out for a paddle in a gorgeous new environment, with tons of areas to explore, but your board is unstable or slow, or difficult to maneuver. It would undoubtedly put a damper on the experience and have you coming back to shore much sooner than you would on a higher-performing SUP.
While a couple of the absolute smallest and lightest boards on our list use a smaller size to achieve these metrics, most are still your typical all-around size (or bigger!).
Durability
Admittedly, durability is something that’s more difficult for us to determine. It’s one of those things that may take several seasons of putting boards through the wringer to accurately gauge, but for now, all of the SUPs on this list are constructed with more advanced construction techniques and are built and sold by companies with excellent reputations, warranties, and customer service. Frequently traveling with your SUP can put a bit more strain on it than just occasionally chucking it into the car. Airplanes in particular come with their own ‘roughness’, with being at the mercy of baggage handlers, and it was important to us that we recommend travel-SUPs that can hold up through some abuse.
Obviously, all of the SUPs that we’ll list below have their own unique differences, but these overall criteria are the main attributes that they have in common. Without any further ado, however, let’s jump right into our list.
Best Compact SUPs for Travel
(scroll to the right to see all our top rated, best compact sups for travel for 2025)
| Board | Atoll Enclave | iRocker CX Ultra 3.0 | Red Compact 11’ | iRocker XL Ultra 3.0 | iRocker Cruiser Ultra 3.0 | Honu Seaton 10’8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Rating out of 10 | 9/10 | 9.9/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.9/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.6/10 |
| Pricing | See Best Price | See Best Price | See Best Price | See Best Price | See Best Price | See Best Price |
| Best For : | Compact cruiser iSUP with a full feature set and a fantastic vale | All-around performance with snappy response and a full load of on-deck accessories | High performance all-around paddling (11’) or surf-specialty (9’6) with incredible construction | For the Angler on the go - a full size fishing iSUP including all mounting points and other built-in features | Beginner paddleboarders who don’t want to sacrifice stability for a compact, travel-friendly package | High performance paddling on flatwater or surf with one of the best compact paddles available |
| Specs | Enclave | CX Ultra 3.0 | Compact 11’ | XL Ultra 3.0 | Cruiser Ultra 3.0 | Seaton 10’8 |
| Length | 10' 6 | 10’6 | 11’ | 11’6 | 10’6 | 10’8 |
| Width | 34" | 33" | 32” | 34” | 34" | 32.5" |
| Thickness | 6" | 6" | 4.7” | 6" | 6" | 4.7" |
| Weight | 19.8 lbs | 18.5 lb | 23 lbs | 21 lbs | 16 lbs | |
| Capacity | 320 lbs | 240 lbs* | 360 lbs | 300 lbs | 250 lbs* |
Note: It’s important to reiterate that here at SupBoardGuide, we compare boards based on their category and price level (i.e., how much the average consumer wants to spend). For example, with our Best Compact Paddleboards for 2025, we compared paddle board kits with lighter weights designed to fit into smaller bags for quality, stability, and performance. You can see what we think overall about each paddle board listed here by looking at their overall score and rating. You may also notice a few other compact SUPs not making an appearance on our list. Last year several companies ceased their affiliate programs, and while this doesn’t change our view of their products, if you find our testing and reviewing helpful, we ask that you consider supporting brands that continue to support us, first.
Keep that in mind, and let us know if you have any questions!
- Atoll Enclave
- iRocker CX Ultra 3.0
- Red Compact 11’ / 9’6
- iRocker XL Ultra 3.0
- iRocker Cruiser Ultra 3.0
- Honu Seaton 10’8
1. Atoll Enclave
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Atoll EnclaveCheck Latest Price
The Atoll Enclave is a brand-new compact iSUP that focuses on comfort and versatility. The 10’6 x 34” cruiser-style SUP is extremely stable and comfortable thanks to the wide square tail and broadly pointed nose shape. But it still paddles efficiently and easily.
Unlike most compact iSUPs, the Enclave boasts some big features including a full-length deck pad, large cargo areas, and 18 tie down points to let you adjust cargo space or add items like a kayak seat wherever you like (a kayak seat at the front of a board is great for bringing little kids!). The twin fin system gives this shorter board good tracking performance, and by using US fin boxes, you can adjust the tracking/maneuverability performance however you like.
Of course, what the Enclave does have in common with other compact iSUPs is its ability to fold in half and fit into a bag about half the size of a standard iSUP for easy transportation and storage. But, Atoll has done all of this, and is currently offering the Enclave at an incredibly low price making it one of the most pocket-friendly compact iSUPs on the market.
- Excellent construction with fusion PVC, welded rails, and PVC stringers
- Very rigid construction, even compared to non-compact boards
- Tracks well thanks to twin 8” fins
- Maneuvers easily
- Great 5-piece carbon fiber paddle feels great
- Travel-friendly without sacrificing performance
- Heavier than other compacts due to added materials, but still reasonably light
- We wish the Enclave included a compact electric pump rather than a single chamber hand pump
2. iRocker CX Ultra 3.0
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iRocker CX Ultra 3.0Check Latest Price
This year iRocker has completely revamped their lineup of compact iSUPs and brought them all under the iRocker name brand. The CX Ultra 3.0 is a new compact board that borrows some shape features from both the former Blackfin CX Ultra and the iRocker Cruiser and All Around Ultra boards.
The new CX Ultra 3.0 is 11’ long, 33” wide, and has a wider nose and tapering tail shape that gives it plenty of stability, but with a more efficient and playful paddling experience. It’s a highly versatile board that’s equally at home cruising around with friends as it is paddling for miles on end. With a feature set that is anything but compact, the iRocker CX Ultra 3.0 lets you easily manage cargo, accessories, and even passengers, though we do wish the deck pad were longer to make more room on the board.
iRocker has created a true all-around board that happens to be compact, rather than a compact board that kinda works well. And with the new rechargeable iRocker Power Pump Max included with the board, you can truly go off grid with this all-in-one kit.
- Extremely compact and portable – without losing any performance or stability
- Good blend of stability and efficiency
- New welded seam construction for better durability and heat resistance
- Included rechargeable pump adds a lot of value and portability to this kit
- New Magnetite accessory mounting system
- Versatile features without crowding the SUP deck
- I’d like to see an extended deck pad to better use the full size of the board
- Paddlers under 5’4 may find the 5-piece paddle to be a little too long for optimal paddling, even adjusted to its shortest position.
3. Red Paddle Co Compact 11’ / 9’6
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Red Paddle Co. Compact 11’Check Latest Price
Red Paddle Co. was one of the first companies to jump into the compact SUP market, and in true Red Paddle Co. fashion, they’ve pulled no punches.
The Compact 11’, 9’6, and now even a 12’!, iSUPs are high-performance machines on the water and pack down to levels I only thought possible near a black hole’s event horizon. Okay, that may be a bit of an exaggeration, but not by much.
The Compact 11’ folds into a bag – along with its kit components – that’s just 22” x 16.5” x 12.5” – And that’s the 11’! 🤯
The 11’ and 9’6 Compacts have split deck pads that allow them to be folded up the middle (hotdog style) before being rolled up. However, Red Paddle Co. has made this, sometimes challenging, packing job a little bit easier on their most recent Compact series by sectioning out their deck pad horizontally as well, giving the board pre-determined ‘folding points’ that the paddler won’t have to wrestle with.
You don’t have to guess and check where to fold it either, as the board wraps around the included Titan II hand pump when rolled up. This is the most efficient hand pump on the market and adds a huge value to the kit overall. It does come with a bit of a weight penalty for the kit, but compared to less-efficient mini pumps or heavy battery-powered electric pumps, it’s worth it.
The downside with this setup is the depth of the bag. This, combined with the very lightly padded shoulder straps, can make this bag a little uncomfortable to wear and carry for longer hikes – though this is really our only ‘qualm’ with this board. We really like how small this bag is, as it can be stored under the backseat of a truck and is super easy to bring through an airport with little fuss.
Where the Red Paddle Co. Compact really shines for us is in the performance category; this SUP has been Justin’s personal favorite for about 2 years now. One highlight is that this SUP is only 4.7” thick (others are typically 6” thick), which lowers the paddler’s center of gravity and offers a more stable feeling in chop or waves. And, combined with Red Paddle Co.’s rigid, woven drop stitch construction and quad stringer system, the Compact feels a lot more like a hardboard than other inflatable SUPs. We also love the maneuverability that comes with their twin fin system, as it gives the compacts such a fun, playful feel.
So, while a SUP from Red Paddle Co.’s compact series is definitely a sizeable investment compared to other compact iSUPs, it would make a great choice for a paddler that wants the highest performance possible out of an expertly designed compact SUP.
- Folds tightly into a compact backpack
- 4.75” thickness lowers the paddler center of gravity and gives this SUP a hardboard-like feeling
- Is shipped with Red Paddle Co.’s Titan II Pump, the most efficient hand pump on the market
- Extremely lightweight at just 18.5 lbs, which is nearly unrivaled in the category of 11’ iSUPs
- Twin fin system makes for nice maneuverability without hindering tracking
- 5 piece paddle packs down into the small bag
- Red Paddle Co MSL construction is one of the best in the industry
- We’d appreciate more padding on the shoulder straps, as the backpack can be uncomfortable to carry for longer periods of time
- The 5-piece paddle has a large amount of flex, making it less ideal for larger paddlers
4. iRocker XL Ultra 3.0
iRocker XL Ultra 3.0Check Latest Price
If you’ve checked out iRocker’s paddleboards in the past you’ve probably seen or read about the Blackfin Model XL, and maybe even the Blackfin Model XL Ultra. This year iRocker is simplifying their paddleboard lineups and bringing all of the “Ultra” models under the iRocker brand.
The new iRocker XL Ultra 3.0 carries over the same shape and size that we’ve loved about both the Blackfin Model XL and Blackfin XL Ultra, but with the new Ultra 3.0 lightweight construction and feature set. This 11’6 x 34” iSUP is the largest in iRocker’s compact lineup and is one of, if not the biggest compact iSUP available. This makes it a great choice for larger paddlers who want a compact iSUP for traveling without sacrificing stability and performance.
Like the new CX Ultra 3.0, the XL Ultra 3.0 has multiple cargo areas, threaded mounts, magnetic mounts, and even passenger handles. It comes with a five-piece paddle and rechargeable electric pump, and still fits into a comfortable backpack that’s about half the size of a traditional iSUP.
- One of the largest size compact iSUPs with full-size performance
- Great stability, but can still paddle quickly when you want it to
- New welded seam construction for better durability and heat resistance
- Included rechargeable pump adds a lot of value and portability to this kit
- New Magnetite accessory mounting system
- Versatile features without crowding the SUP deck
- We’d like to see an extended deck pad to better use the full size of the board, especially to share with a passenger or pet
5. iRocker Cruiser Ultra 3.0
iRocker Cruiser Ultra 3.0Check Latest Price
The iROCKER Cruiser Ultra 3.0 comes from the same lineup as the CX Ultra 3.0 and XL Ultra 3.0 that we discussed above. However, all three differ quite a bit in performance and features.
These iSUPs share a similar size when inflated and when packed, but the Cruiser Ultra 3.0 is wider and shorter (10’6 x 34”) and features a much wider tail and broader nose shape. This makes the Cruiser noticeably more stable and maneuverable, but isn’t quite as fast or efficient on the water. It still has the same updated construction and heat-welded rails for maximum longevity.
It’s also one of the best choices on our list for beginner paddlers who want a stable and versatile paddleboard in a small package. And the Cruiser Ultra does still feature multiple cargo areas, threaded mounts, and kayak seat compatibility.
- Extremely compact and portable – without losing any performance or stability
- High level of stability, even compared to other 34” boards
- New welded seam construction for better durability and heat resistance
- Included rechargeable pump adds a lot of value and portability to this kit
- New Magnetite accessory mounting system
- Versatile features without crowding the SUP deck
- We’d like to see the deck pad extended for more space for SUP Yoga, or paddling with a friend or pet
6. Honu Seaton 10’8
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Honu Seaton 10’8Check Latest Price
The Seaton is at the top of our list for several very good reasons. First, let’s talk about size. The Seaton is a full 10’8” long, 32.5” wide, and 4.7” thick. This is about as ideal as you can get for a high-performance all-around SUP to begin with. But when you have to pack up at the end of the day, the board folds down into a bag that’s 24” x 17” x 13”. Did I mention the board only weighs 16 pounds?
Did I mention this is a high performance all-around board? The 20 PSI max pressure keeps the seaton impressively rigid, the shape is stable for beginner paddlers, and the twin 7” fins expertly balance tracking and maneuverability. Because Honu uses a standard FCS fin system, you can even swap them for shorter fins when you want to really rip in the surf zone.
The pièce-de-résistance is the included paddle. The Seaton is the only board in Honu’s lineup that comes standard with a paddle, but again we see no compromises here*. Honu includes a special 4-piece version of their Evolution Carbon paddle (one of our favorite paddles!) and paddle bag with the Seaton.
*Ok, there is one catch… the paddle doesn’t fit directly into the Seaton’s bag. This may or may not be a deal breaker for you depending on your exact travel needs, but It’s definitely something that I consider worth working around considering the overall quality and value of this package.
- High performance construction with a 4.7” thickness and welded rails
- Stable shape that is easy to paddle
- Twin two-tab fin system with 7” fins for balanced performance, but versatility if you want to switch things up
- Ultra light (16 pound) board that packs into an impossibly small bag
- Fantastic 4-piece, full carbon fiber paddle included
- Comes with a miniature dual-chamber hand pump
- Honu 2+2 year warranty
- The paddle does not fit directly into the SUP bag, but it does come with its own padded carrying bag
Tips for Traveling With Your SUP
Traveling, in general, can be anxiety-inducing, so throwing a SUP in the mix can only add to that. Of course, the best way to combat this is to go in with a plan and know what to expect.
Know your Airline’s Bag Restrictions
Over the last few years, it seems like airlines have made a lot of changes to their bag restrictions. With some making travelers pay for carry-on items, and others changing their size limitations. It’s hard to know exactly what’s clear to throw in the overhead bin.
When it comes to compact SUPs, there are some that can pass as a carry-on, if packed correctly. However, even with these SUPs, you may need to check at least one bag anyway since a paddle is often not allowed to be carried onto the plane.
No matter what though, it’s always good to get thoroughly familiar with your airline’s baggage rules and pack and plan for your SUP accordingly.
Protect Your Gear
While your SUP itself can take a good beating, the more fragile items in your SUP pack are your pump and paddle. We recommend wrapping these items inside your SUP as you’re packing it up. The tough PVC will provide a lot of protection and help to stabilize everything whether you’re flying or hiking into a body of water.
If you will be checking your SUP for air travel, whether compact or not, it may be a good idea to pack the entire package into a simple, lightweight duffel bag. This helps protect the straps, clasps, buckles, etc on the outside of the SUP bag, and it adds another layer of protection in case of a broken zipper or clasp. After all, airlines aren’t known for being the kindest to even obviously delicate baggage.
Opt for a Manual Pump
This is probably the only time we’ll ever favor a manual pump here on SUPBoardGuide, but it does help to lighten your overall load. This is especially important if you’re hiking with your SUP. There’s also the added risk that an electric pump would get damaged if taken through an airport, which would obviously render your SUP useless when you arrive at your destination.
Summary of Best Compact SUPs for Travel
We think being able to easily travel with your SUPs is one of the best perks of inflatables. If you’ve ever paddled with an epoxy board, you know that it is a hell of a hassle, and comes with constant worrying that your board will be in several pieces upon arrival.
And, while all of the SUPs on this list will be especially great for traveling due to the criteria we discussed in the beginning, the truth is that nearly an inflatable is ‘travel-friendly’ to a degree. As long as it folds down into a bag, it can ultimately be toted anywhere with just some careful planning and mindfulness.
The bottom line is that there are an endless amount of gorgeous places to paddle all over the globe, and it’d be a shame if we didn’t venture to at least a few of them.
As always, we hope you’ve found this page helpful, but don’t hesitate to reach out to us in the comments below with any questions.
Safe Travels!
SupBoardGuide
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