Pedal Kayaks · Fishing
The Hobie Mirage iTrek 11 sounds like a contradiction: an inflatable kayak with a real pedal drive. But Hobie’s drop-stitch construction inflates rock hard, and the MirageDrive GT with Kick-Up Fins drops right in like it does on their hard hulls.
The Hobie Mirage iTrek 11 sounds like a contradiction: an inflatable kayak with a real pedal drive. But Hobie’s drop-stitch construction inflates rock hard, and the MirageDrive GT with Kick-Up Fins drops right in like it does on their hard hulls. The result is a 10 foot 8 inch fishing kayak that packs into a rolling bag and weighs 28 pounds as a bare hull. .
If you want to skip ahead and see what it costs, check the current price here.
I’ve watched inflatables go from pool toys to serious fishing tools over the last decade, and the iTrek 11 is one of the boats that proves the category has grown up. Let’s get into it.
Who the iTrek 11 Is For
This is for the angler whose life doesn’t fit a hard kayak. Apartment with no storage, small car, RV travel, a boat with limited deck space, or a vacation home you fly to. The rolling bag (about 33.5 by 24.6 by 15.75 inches packed) goes in a trunk, a closet, or below deck. With a 400 pound capacity, it handles most solo anglers plus real fishing gear.
It’s also for travelers who want Hobie pedal performance anywhere. Pedal across a mountain lake on a road trip, fish a new state every weekend, and never touch a roof rack. If that lifestyle sounds like yours, this is your boat.
Stability: Surprisingly Solid
Here’s what surprises first-timers: it feels like a hard boat. The drop-stitch center chamber inflates to 10 PSI and the side pontoons to 3 PSI, creating a rigid platform that’s 40 inches wide. That’s wider than many hard-shell fishing kayaks, and it shows. It’s stable enough to stand on thanks to the EVA deck pads, and it tracks well with the removable rudder. Inflatables used to mean wobbly, and this one simply isn’t.
Comfort: Elevated Seating
The aluminum-frame elevated seat with breathable mesh is a big deal on an inflatable. Sitting up higher improves your casting vision and keeps you drier, and the mesh keeps air flowing on hot days. A seat-mounted cup holder handles your drink, and the seating position works well with the MirageDrive pedals. For long days, it’s far more comfortable than sitting on a paddle board or a basic inflatable floor.
Storage and Rigging: Travel-Ready Kit
The package includes a lot: the MirageDrive GT, a 3 or 4 piece travel paddle, high-pressure hand pump, high-volume electric pump, rolling storage bag, and drink holder. On the boat you get a rear cargo area with bungee tie-downs, EVA standing pads, carry handles, and locking valves for fast inflation and deflation. The wide open deck takes a crate, a cooler, and rod holders easily. It’s not as rigging-friendly as a hard hull with gear tracks, but for a packable boat it’s well equipped.
Drive Performance: Real MirageDrive Power
This is the same MirageDrive GT pedal system Hobie puts in their hard kayaks, with Glide Technology and Kick-Up Fins. Pedaling is efficient and quiet, and the Kick-Up Fins deflect off stumps, rocks, and shallow bottoms then snap back into place, which is perfect for skinny water. The ambidextrous rudder steering mounts on either side of the seat. Speed is genuinely good for an inflatable: owners report keeping up with hard-shell pedal kayaks without working harder. Setup takes minutes with the included pumps.
Hobie’s fin drive also has a meaningful edge over the propeller-style pedal drives most other brands use, and it shows up in shallow water. A propeller typically sticks down a foot or slightly more below the hull and needs a foot of depth or more to spin freely — run skinny and you are either dragging it through the bottom or pulling the whole drive up. Hobie’s fins do not have that problem. They can lay almost flat against the underside of the hull and still flutter enough to keep you moving. You can pedal through water so shallow a propeller drive would be stuck in it.
Honest Drawbacks
Hobie was bought out by Bass Pro Shops in 2026. There has been a period here in 2026 where parts have been scarce for pedal drives during the transition period. This has prevented many from purchasing. However, some dealers are starting to get parts in stock. Before purchasing in 2026 verify that you can find parts like replacement mirage drive fins. In 2027 we imagine parts will be much more accessible. We have spoken with the company on this topic. We are very confident in the brand.
It’s an inflatable, so setup and breakdown take more time than dropping a hard kayak off the roof, usually 10 to 15 minutes each way. Sharp objects are the eternal enemy: oyster shells, barnacles, and fish hooks demand respect, though the 550 denier PVC hull is tough. Wind affects it more than a hard hull since it sits higher. And the price is real Hobie money, so you’re paying a premium for the packability. Puncture repair on the road is possible but it’s a chore you’d rather avoid.
Specs
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length | 10 ft 8 in |
| Width | 40 in |
| Weight | 28 lbs fitted hull (44 lbs fully rigged) |
| Capacity | 400 lbs |
| Drive type | MirageDrive GT pedal drive with Kick-Up Fins |
Hobie Mirage iTrek 11 Inflatable Fishing Kayak FAQ
How long does the Hobie iTrek 11 take to inflate?
With the included high-pressure hand pump and electric pump, most owners are on the water in about 10 to 15 minutes.
Can you stand and fish from the iTrek 11?
Yes. The 40 inch wide drop-stitch platform with EVA deck pads is stable enough for standing and casting in calm water.
Does the iTrek 11 come with the MirageDrive?
Yes. The MirageDrive GT with Kick-Up Fins is included, along with paddles, both pumps, and the rolling storage bag.
How durable is the inflatable hull?
It’s built from 550 denier PVC with drop-stitch construction and a triple-chamber design. It’s tough for an inflatable, but still avoid dragging it over oyster shells and sharp rocks.
Where to Buy
If the Hobie Mirage iTrek 11 Inflatable Fishing Kayak sounds like your kind of boat, check the current price:
Also check out our reviews of the Hobie Mirage iTrek Angler 12 Inflatable Fishing Kayak, Hobie Mirage iTrek 14 Duo Inflatable Fishing Kayak, Hobie Mirage iTrek 9 Ultralight Inflatable Fishing Kayak, Hobie Mirage iTrek Angler 10 Inflatable Fishing Kayak, and Hobie Mirage Outback Fishing Kayak.
For the latest colors, specs, and warranty details, see the official Hobie website for the Hobie Mirage iTrek 11.
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