Those who’re in the hunt for the most effective cooler for kayaking have come to the appropriate place. Whether you’re hoping to crack open an ice-cold beer whilst you paddle, or have to hold your camp meals (or recent catches!) chilly till you make it to shore, a kayak cooler is a should for decent days out on the water.
Kayak coolers have gotten some of the sought-after equipment, and there are many (if not too many) choices to select from. But earlier than you go for simply any outdated ice chest, you’ll have to do your analysis and decide which kind of cooler is greatest for you.
We’ve carried out the arduous be just right for you and put collectively a information for the most effective kayak coolers and different key issues to make your selection simple. You can thank us later.
Quick Answer: Best Kayak Coolers
10 Best Coolers for Kayaking
There are so many kayaking coolers available on the market as of late that making a call may be daunting. We’ve discovered the ten greatest coolers for kayaking, each arduous shell and soft-sided, to assist along with your choice.
Ice Mule Pro Cooler
Weight: 3.1 lbs | Dimensions: 14″ x 11″ x 17″ | Capacity: 23 liters (18 cans + ice)
Coming in at first place for the most effective cooler for kayaking is the 23-liter backpack cooler from Ice Mule. This firm is understood for making high-quality soft-sided coolers, and the professional mannequin is not any exception.
Doubling as a dry bag with its roll-top and waterproof design, this kayak cooler bag can match into most hatches or bungee decks, so it’s nice for individuals who are quick on area. There’s additionally an air valve to set free extra air, so you may roll it all the way down to an excellent smaller dimension so long as you don’t fill it to the brim.
If you’re hoping to stuff as many beers into it as you may, it is going to maintain 18 of them, plus ice!
The professional mannequin is extremely moveable and buoyant, however the most effective half about this kayak cooler bag is that it’s going to hold your stuff ice-cold for as much as two days.
YETI Hopper Flip 12
Weight: 5.4 lbs | Dimensions: 14″ x 11″ x 14″ | Capacity: 12 cans + ice
Those who aren’t frightened about dropping a bit further money in trade for the most effective kayak cooler ought to look no additional.
The YETI hopper flip is likely one of the most sturdy soft-sided coolers available on the market, with its leakproof zipper and waterproof, dry conceal shell.
This kayak cooler bag is insulated with closed-cell rubber foam and can hold all of your drinks and meals chilly all day, irrespective of the temperature. It can maintain as much as 12 cans plus ice and has a large mouth that makes it simply accessible.
Although this can be a soft-sided cooler, it most likely gained’t be capable of squeeze into small hatches. Luckily, there’s a hitch level grid that makes it simple to connect to nearly something.
Perception Splash Tankwell Cooler
Weight: 5.25 lbs | Dimensions: 21.5″ x 8″ x 17.75″ | Capacity: 40 liters (20 cans + ice)
Made to suit completely within tank wells, this spacious, soft-sided cooler is likely one of the greatest coolers for kayaking. It’s additionally extraordinarily reasonably priced, coming in at underneath $100.
But you gained’t suppose finances when you have a look at the specs of this kayak cooler bag. Its flat, broad design makes it excellent for many tank wells, and the big zippered opening makes getting issues out a breeze. It can maintain as much as 20 cans with ice and is assured to maintain your stuff cool all day.
The materials and zippers are water resistant, however this kayak cooler shouldn’t be submerged in water. The backpack straps make for simple, hands-free portability, which may actually turn out to be useful when it’s time to get your kayak out of the water and onto your car.
Polar Bear Coolers 48 Pack
Weight: 3.7 lbs | Dimensions: 21″ x 13″ x 13″ | Capacity: 48 cans + 20 lbs ice
Known for its modern and trendy look, this soft-sided bag is likely one of the greatest coolers for kayaking.
But this bag is well-liked for extra than simply its trendy exterior. Its geared up with high-density foam insulation that may hold your ice frozen for as much as 24 hours, together with rust-proof zippers, heavy-duty tie-downs, and a padded shoulder strap for simple transportation.
This spacious kayak cooler can maintain as much as 48 cans and 20 kilos of ice, which makes it superb if you happen to’re paddling with a gaggle, however not so nice if you happen to’re seeking to save on area. Polar Bear does make smaller kayak coolers if you happen to love the design however don’t have area for one thing this cumbersome.
Perception Splash Seatback Cooler
Weight: 5.25 lbs | Dimensions: 11.75″ x 18″ x 5″ | Capacity: 12 cans + ice
Save on area with this slim kayak cooler from Perception.
This sensible, out-of-the-way kayak cooler bag sits inside simple attain proper on the again of your chair. The solely draw back is that the design solely works with sit-on-top kayaks which have garden chair fashion seats.
The sturdy waterproof materials and water resistant zippers hold out splashes and rain, and the thick closed-cell insulation will hold your meals and drinks chilly all day.
This kayak cooler bag can maintain as much as 12 cans plus ice. You’ll even have further area to connect gear due to the sturdy webbing loops positioned throughout the cooler.
YETI Roadie 24
Weight: 12.8 lbs | Dimensions: 16.5″ x 14.5″ x 17.5″ | Capacity: 18 cans + ice
One of the smallest hard-sided kayak coolers out there is the Roadie 24 from YETI. This is the most recent mannequin of the Roadie sequence and is lighter, can maintain extra, and performs higher than its predecessor. This new model can be taller, permitting you to retailer wine or different tall bottles with ease.
Even although it’s not sufficiently small to suit right into a storage hatch, this is likely one of the greatest coolers for kayaks as a result of it gained’t take up an excessive amount of area on board. Although small in dimension, this sturdy cooler can match as much as 18 cans with a 2:1 ice ratio. The permafrost insulation will hold your meals and drinks chilly for days on finish, even within the hottest temperatures.
This kayak cooler solely has one deal with, which doesn’t make it highly regarded when it comes time to tie it down, however so long as you’re not going by means of tremendous uneven water, the nonslip toes ought to hold it in place.
Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze
Weight: 1.9 lbs | Dimensions: 12.7″ x 7.6″ x 10.2″ | Capacity: 9 cans
The most cheap choice on our record of the most effective coolers for kayaking is this hybrid design from Arctic Zone. Soft on the surface with a detachable hardbody liner, this can be a nice choose for individuals who don’t wish to shell out an excessive amount of dough for a kayak cooler.
For a finances cooler, this dangerous boy will hold your stuff ice-cold for as much as 36 hours, and there’s a divider tray so you may hold your meals separate out of your ice and drinks. Other perks embody a lot of further pockets and elasticized gear straps for extra storage, together with a padded shoulder strap and facet carry handles.
The downfall with this cheaper kayak cooler is that the hardbody liner just isn’t very sturdy. It may also solely maintain as much as 9 cans, and if you happen to pack it full, there’s little or no room for ice.
Stanley Adventure Leakproof Outdoor
Weight: 3.9 lbs | Dimensions: 13.3″ x 11.1″ x 8.6″ | Capacity: 7 quarts (9 cans)
Just as a result of there aren’t any frills to the Stanley Adventure doesn’t hold it from being on our record of the most effective coolers for kayaking.
This no-nonsense arduous facet is sweet and small and tremendous simple to move. The double foam insulation will hold your meals and drinks ice chilly for as much as 27 hours, and the silicone gasket on the lid ensures that the kayak cooler is totally leakproof. Some kayakers do report that this makes the cooler arduous to open, which isn’t superb while you’re making an attempt to paddle.
This seven-quart kayak cooler can maintain as much as 9 cans, however when packed full, you gained’t have a lot area for ice. If you don’t thoughts a bulkier mannequin, Stanley additionally makes a 16-quart mannequin.
Engel Cooler/Drybox
Weight: 6.75 lbs | Dimensions: 16.6″ x 11″ x 13″ | Capacity: 19 quarts (30 cans)
This is a good choice for these in search of a kayak cooler that may maintain quite a bit – if you happen to’ve received the area for it, that’s. This is likely one of the bulkier arduous sides on our record, however it’s nice for individuals who are hauling a lot of meals and/or drinks. This 19-quart mannequin can maintain as much as 30 cans with ice, and there’s a detachable tray so you may hold some stuff dry and off the ice.
The hermetic lid retains this kayak cooler 100% waterproof, and it’s surprisingly light-weight for a way large it’s. The price ticket makes this high choose much more attractive, coming in at just below $60.
Unfortunately, this kayak cooler does have its downsides. The straps should not identified for being very comfy or sturdy, and the insulation doesn’t hold issues as chilly as a few of the different coolers on our record.
CreekKooler PuP Floating Cooler
Weight: 7.5 lbs | Dimensions: 28″ x 15″ x 8.75″ | Capacity: 15 quarts (15 cans + ice)
Probably the most effective kayak cooler for individuals who are actually quick on area is this distinctive floating cooler from KreekCooler.
It may be towed behind any kayak, and the watertight lid ensures that every one your stuff will keep dry. This pull-behind cooler boasts sufficient area for as much as 15 cans with ice, although some paddlers report having to play Tetris to make that quantity match.
The foam insulation and double-wall development will hold your drinks ice-cold all day, and the sturdy materials may also hold them secure from any particles you would possibly encounter alongside the way in which.
Our favourite options of this kayak cooler are the 2 can holders built-in on high – speak about comfort!
Read More: Top 10 Best Kayak Seat Reviews [2023]
Why You Need a Kayak Cooler
There’s nothing much less satisfying than popping open a heat beverage or munching down a melted sandwich after a protracted arduous paddle.
If you’re occurring an prolonged kayak tour, you’ll want one thing that may hold your rations ice chilly for days on finish. Even if you happen to’re simply going out for a day, you’re by no means assured shade whilst you paddle, so a kayak cooler is a should if you wish to hold your whole drinks and snacks chilly.
The greatest coolers for kayaking may also double as a dry bag, permitting you some extra space for storing that’s typically arduous to return by on small vessels.
Types of Kayak Coolers
There are two forms of kayaking coolers, soft-sided or hardshell. Both are nice for various causes, and also you’ll want to think about each sorts earlier than deciding which one is greatest to your wants.
Hardshell Coolers: Hard-sided coolers are nice for kayaking if you happen to’ve received the area for them. They are usually extra sturdy than their soft-sided counterparts, along with having the ability to maintain extra and hold issues cooler for longer. Lots of sit-on-top kayaks have a big sufficient tank properly to suit a hardshell cooler, however if you happen to’re paddling with a smaller yak or a SIK, it is perhaps arduous to seek out area for one among these dangerous boys.
Soft-sided Coolers: Soft-sided coolers have improved immensely over time, and if you happen to can afford a high-quality one, they’re typically simply as insulated as a tough shell. Many kayak cooler baggage are made to slot in small areas, like a hatch and even on the again of a chair. Another plus of a softshell is that they often have shoulder straps that make transportation a breeze.
Choosing the Best Kayak Cooler
Before you decide to a kayak cooler, there are few issues it’s best to think about. Everyone’s wants and preferences will differ, however hold these items in thoughts as you hunt for the most effective cooler for kayaking.
Type
As talked about above, there are usually two choices for kayak coolers – hard-sided and soft-sided.
Hard-sided coolers are usually greater, heavier, and dearer, however provide extra space to your meals and drinks and often have higher ice retention.
Soft-sided coolers are often smaller, lighter, and extra moveable.
Size and Capacity
Kayak coolers are available all sizes and styles, so it’s necessary to determine the place you wish to stow your cooler when you get it on board.
Many soft-sided kayak cooler baggage can match right into a hatch, however if you happen to’re considering of buying a hard-sided cooler, ensure that the size will match into your tank properly or beneath your seat.
You’ll additionally wish to think about how a lot a kayak cooler can maintain. If you’re hoping to guzzle a 12 pack out on the water, be sure to get your self a cooler that has a big capability AND can match in your ‘yak.
Weight
Weight is a big issue when choosing out the most effective cooler for kayaking. Not solely will you wish to think about the burden of the cooler and the burden capability of your kayak, however you’ll additionally want to consider how heavy the cooler will likely be when it’s full and the way you’re going to move the cooler.
Soft-sided coolers are usually extra light-weight, and lots of have comfy shoulder straps that make for simpler portability.
Attachments
In addition to dimension, form, and weight, you’ll even have to consider the way you’re going to connect your cooler to your kayak.
This is why some suppose that soft-sided baggage are the most effective coolers for kayaking – they’ll often be stuffed right into a hatch with no second thought. If you’ve a sit-on-top kayak, you’ll have a better time becoming a cumbersome hard-shell, however you may additionally wish to think about tying down your cooler with bungees or latching it to some D-rings.
Kayak cooler designs hold getting increasingly inventive, so you too can search for a design that may match on the again of your seat, in open storage areas, and even one that may be pulled behind your boat on the water.
Insulation
Hardshell kayak coolers are sometimes considered superior relating to insulation and ice retention, however soft-sided coolers have actually stepped it up in the previous couple of years. A superb high quality cooler, whether or not arduous or smooth, will a minimum of hold your meals and drinks chilly for a full day on the water.
There are just a few totally different sorts of insulation utilized in kayak coolers, however two of the most effective are closed-cell rubber foam and injected polystyrene insulation. If you discover a cooler with both of these kind of insulation, you’ll know your stuff will keep ice chilly in any sort of climate.
Closure
The sort of closure can have a big effect in your general expertise with a kayak cooler.
Zippers are some of the frequent forms of closures, and so long as you’ve one which’s good high quality, this can be a legitimate choice.
Latches are well-liked on many arduous shell coolers and so they make it simple to get to your meals and drinks, even if you happen to’ve solely received one hand free.
You may additionally wish to discover a cooler that has a big opening so that you don’t should dig round when you get it open.
There you’ve it – the ten greatest kayak coolers on the market! Hopefully you’ve discovered your subsequent journey companion to maintain your bevies and each day catches ice chilly whereas out on the water.
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