Top 10 Best Kayak Seat Reviews [2023] — Adventure In You

The finest kayak seats are sometimes not those that include your kayak. Unfortunately, even if you happen to’ve discovered the kayak of your desires, the seat will seemingly go away you wanting extra. 

The finest kayak seat shouldn’t solely hold you snug, but in addition make you are feeling supported, hold you dry, and permit you to sit for hours on finish with out criticism out of your again or your booty. With any luck, your arms will tire lengthy earlier than your bum. 

We’ve accomplished the exhausting work of rounding up the perfect kayak seats for 2023, so you’ll be able to sit again and loosen up as you examine which seat is finest to, properly, sit again and loosen up when you paddle. 

Quick Answer: Top Kayak Seats

Types of Kayak Seats

There are a number of totally different styles of kayak seats to select from, and it’s finest to know the different sorts earlier than deciding which one is finest for you. 

Basic Kayak Seat

Basic kayak seats are simply what they declare to be, fundamental. They are going to be a few of the most cost-effective fashions on the market, and are a terrific choice if you happen to’re simply seeking to improve from the seat that got here together with your kayak to one thing extra snug. 

Deluxe Kayak Seat

Deluxe seats provide extra by the best way of consolation, padding, and assist. These completely padded kayak seats are made for many who need to keep on the water for longer, or who’re experiencing again ache and wish extra lumbar assist. 

High Back Kayak Seat

Another choice for these searching for extra lumbar assist is a excessive again kayak seat. With a better backrest, they provide most again assist for each your again and backside and are a should for taller paddlers and kayakers who’re planning lengthy excursions. 

Inflatable Kayak Seat

Inflatable kayak seats are newer to the market, however are rapidly turning into a favourite resulting from their feathery weight and comfort. They are additionally a few of the solely seats that may work with an inflatable kayak. That being stated, though extraordinarily snug, many inflatable seats lack the assist that’s wanted for longer journeys. 

10 Best Kayak Seats of 2023

To assist make your alternative that a lot simpler, right here’s a whole spherical up of the ten finest kayak seats of 2023 for essentially the most snug journey on the water. 

Pactrade Marine Adjustable Padded Deluxe Kayak Seat

Weight: 8 lbs | Size: 12″ x 17″ x 14.5″ | Material: Neoprene, Polyester, EVA Foam, PE Plate | Attachment: Snap hooks

Topping the record for the perfect kayak seat is that this ultra-comfortable design from Pactrade Marine. Popular amongst paddlers for its non-slip surfaces and excessive backrest, this can be a nice choose for taller kayakers or these seeking to tackle some tough waters. 

The padded kayak seat can also be well-liked for its affordability, sturdiness, and adjustability, although heavier paddlers might discover that the straps do have a tendency to slide when moist. There’s no want to fret about numbness or discomfort – the EVA foam inside will hold you snug, even throughout lengthy journeys. 

Another notable function of this deluxe kayak seat is the removable backpack that can be utilized for further gear storage or snacks. Although the seat is appropriate with each SOT and SIK, paddlers ought to word that the backpack is simply accessible for sit-on-top kayaks. 

Ocean Kayak Comfort Plus Seat Back

Weight: 1.74 lbs | Size: 23″ x 15″ x 2″ | Material: UV inhibited polyester, closed cell EPE foam padding | Attachment: 4-way adjustable mounting straps

Another prime contender for the perfect kayak seat is that this one-of-a-kind design from Ocean Kayak. With a excessive backrest, this foam kayak seat is ideal for tall paddlers, and the distinctive wrap-around form offers you further facet assist. 

You’ll keep cool and dry with a superior air flow system, and the UV-resistant nylon ensures sturdiness. Other options of this padded kayak seat embrace adjustable straps and reflective logos for enhanced visibility.

It works with each sit-on-top and sit-in kayaks, however one of many drawbacks of this kayak seat is that it’s particularly designed for Ocean Kayaks. It will match varied different fashions as properly, simply remember to examine the specs to verify it should match yours earlier than shopping for.

WOOWAVE Kayak Seat

Weight: 3.64 lbs | Size: 12.2″ x 17.7″ x 15″ | Material: Polyester, EVA foam | Attachment: Adjustable snap hooks

One of the perfect kayak seats for lengthy journeys is that this versatile design from WOOWAVE. Not solely does it work for each SOT and SIK vessels, but it surely will also be fitted for paddleboards, canoes, and fishing boats.  

This generously padded kayak seat is extraordinarily snug, with EVA foam and a excessive backrest that gives wonderful lumbar assist. 

Paddlers additionally love this comfortable seat for its waterproof storage pouch that may be connected to the again. Other fashionable options embrace adjustable straps with copper hooks and non-stick surfaces, to not point out its cheap price ticket.

In addition, this foam kayak seat is extraordinarily light-weight, which makes for straightforward set up and elimination. 

Skwoosh Paddling Cushion

Weight: 2.15 lbs | Size: 16″ x 13″ | Material: Pressure relieving fluidized gel, mesh prime | Attachment: No set up required

Those searching for a bit further cushion on their bum will love this no-nonsense padded kayak seat. It might look easy in design, however its gel and foam inside makes for an especially snug expertise.

The exterior of the cushion is product of extremely sturdy nylon, so there’s no want to fret about water harm. The non-stick backside will hold the seat in place, however paddlers ought to word that there are not any straps or different safeguards if you happen to capsize. If it does occur to get away from you, it should at the very least float on prime of the water. 

This is likely one of the finest kayak seats for these searching for one thing small and simple to retailer, and it’s additionally extremely light-weight, making it straightforward to absorb and out of your kayak. 

You can use the cushion by itself, or on prime of one other seat for added padding. Although this padded kayak seat is nice for relieving stress within the again and backside, these searching for extra lumbar assist might need to select a seat with a backrest. 

GTS Sport Sit-On-Top Kayak Seat

Weight: 2.7 lbs | Size: 14″ x 14″ x 13″ | Material: Fabric, EVA foam, PVC plastic foam | Attachment: Adjustable snap hooks

Comfort and assist are the names of the sport with this padded kayak seat from Surf To Summit. With its enhanced thermo-molded foam padding and excessive backrest, paddlers of all sizes will be capable of conquer lengthy journeys with ease. 

The 4 adjustable straps will be certain that you keep put throughout your paddle, and thumb-operated rigidity locks enable for straightforward readjustment throughout your journey. 

Though marketed as an SIT design, this foam kayak seat will even match loads of sit-in ‘yaks. If you do select to make use of it with a SIK, you’ll, sadly, lose the advantage of gaining access to the sewn-in cargo pack on the again. 

Surf To Summit Outfitter Series Kayak Seat

Weight: 2 lbs | Size: 14″ x 16″ x 13″ | Material: Molded foam and material | Attachment: Adjustable snap hooks

Surf To Summit makes a second look on our record of the highest 10 finest kayak seats with this sturdy Outfitter Series seat. This is a superb fundamental choice for these seeking to improve to a extra snug seat for his or her sit-on-top kayaks.

Although fundamental in design, this padded kayak seat provides distinctive decrease lumbar assist at an affordable worth level. The sturdy seat is constructed from plastic, foam, and material, compressed and molded right into a form that may hold you snug for hours on finish. It’s additionally made to face up to loads of use and abuse, so there’s no want to fret about sporting this mannequin out rapidly. 

The foam kayak seat is supplied with 4 adjustable straps to maintain you in place and a zippered storage pouch on the again in your snacks or gear. 

Sea Eagle Deluxe Inflatable Kayak Seat

Weight: 3.5 lbs | Size: 14″ x 12″ x 19″ | Material: Inflatable | Attachment: No set up required

If you’re available in the market for an inflatable kayak seat, Sea Eagle makes a few of the finest. 

It’s typically exhausting to discover a seat that works with inflatable kayaks since you don’t need to puncture the fabric. This deluxe kayak seat solves that drawback, permitting you to improve to one thing extra snug and supportive. 

Made of thick, canvas materials, the comfortable seat is leakproof and provides further cupboard space with a pocket within the again. You’ll get a lift in peak of about 5” inches, and with 14” of again assist, even taller paddlers will keep snug. 

Although this seat is a superb alternative for inflatable kayaks, paddlers ought to word that it’s going to not work with hard-sided fashions. 

Crack of Dawn Apex 1 Deluxe Kayak Seat

Weight: 2.69 lbs | Size: 20.5″ x 16″ x 19″ | Material: Thermal molded foam | Attachment: Adjustable snap hooks

For these seeking to cruise in consolation, the Apex 1 from Crack of Dawn is maybe the perfect kayak seat you’ll discover. 

Popular with paddlers primarily for its consolation, this deluxe kayak seat is product of thermal-molded foam, making it as sturdy as it’s cozy. It additionally has a terrific air flow system that may hold you cool and dry when you row. 

This foam kayak seat is likely one of the thickest you’ll discover in the marketplace however weighs lower than three kilos. With a 19” backrest, it provides wonderful lumbar assist for kayakers of all sizes, and the strap system is extraordinarily versatile with eight other ways to latch on. 

This padded kayak seat can also be extraordinarily reasonably priced, making it a no brainer in our guide. 

Harmony Gear Standard Sit-on-Top Seat

Weight: 1.6 lbs | Size: 15″ x 10.5″ x 13.5″ | Material: UV-resistant nylon lined foam | Attachment: Adjustable snap hooks

Another nice fundamental choice for sit-on-top fashions is this light-weight kayak seat from Harmony Gear. It’s mushy and supportive, totally adjustable, and one of the vital cheap choices on our record.

This padded kayak seat includes a skid-proof backside to maintain you in place, anti-corrosive {hardware}, and adjustable straps. The nylon exterior is extraordinarily sturdy and light-weight, making set up and storage a breeze. 

Kayakers love the ergonomic design, and a few report top-notch lumbar assist, even after hours on the water. The seat is barely much less padded than a few of the different fashions on our record, and it undoubtedly has its nay-sayers in relation to consolation and assist. That being stated, it’s a good substitute for worn-out or sun-damaged seats. 

Yakpads Cushioned Seat Pad

Weight: 1.40 lbs | Size: 12″ x 16″ x 12″ | Material: Elastomer gel-filled padding, lycra-faced neoprene | Attachment: Adjustable stabilizer straps

Turn your current mannequin into the perfect kayak seat round with this cushioned seat pad from Yakpads. Designed to suit excessive of most kayak seats, this high-backed gel cushion will go away you with a extra snug set-up so you’ll be able to row with ease. 

Made with elastomer supplies, the padded kayak seat will hold you comfortable and assist get rid of stress factors when you paddle. It gives each rear and lumbar assist and is simple to put in and modify. The backside options non-slip materials, and the pad totally insulated to maintain you on the good temperature when you’re on the water. 

This will not be a viable choice if you happen to’re searching for a wholly new kayak seat, however relatively is a superb different to spruce up your current set-up. 

Why You Need a Comfortable Kayak Seat

A cushty kayak seat could be the solely factor between you and a profitable tour. The finest kayak seats are those that may permit you to paddle for hours on finish with out getting sore. 

Forget about numbness or heading in early resulting from different aches and pains. An excellent seat may assist wick away moisture, stop chafing, and offer you wonderful lumbar assist.

There’s rather a lot that goes into discovering a cushty kayak seat, from measurement and elegance to padding and form. 

This is why now we have compiled the above record of the ten finest kayak seats for 2023, together with a number of ideas for selecting the proper seat for you. 

Key Considerations for Buying a Kayak Seat

When you’re available in the market for the perfect kayak seat, you’re clearly going to need to choose one thing snug. But rather a lot goes into making the coziest cushion round, so remember to do your analysis and don’t simply choose one thing fairly. 

Read on for some key issues you must consider earlier than shopping for a kayak seat. 

Fabric Type

The seat’s material kind is extra vital than you would possibly assume. It will have an effect on the seat’s long-term sturdiness, breathability, water resistance, and your individual consolation in addition. The finest kayak seats are normally constructed from one (or a mix) of three material sorts. 

Nylon: Nylon is maybe the most typical, and finest material used for kayak seats. It’s light-weight and cheap, but it surely’s actual star qualities are that it’s UV resistant and water repellent. Strong and sturdy, a nylon kayak seat will seemingly final you a lifetime (or near it anyway).

Polyester: Nearly within the league with nylon for its sturdiness, polyester material is one other sturdy choice for kayak seats. It’s mushy, including to the consolation facet, and it received’t chafe due to its wicking expertise. It absorbs moisture and can hold you dry, making it a terrific alternative for warm-weather paddling.

Neoprene: Although it’s not the most well-liked material for kayak seats, Neoprene is a superb alternative for many who are likely to get moist whereas paddling. This makes it best for sit-on-top kayaks, or for paddlers taking over tough waters. It’s constructed from the identical materials as wetsuits and bathing fits, so it may deal with saltwater like a champ. 

Padding Type

This is the massive leagues by way of consolation in kayak seats, so pay attention up. The padding in your seat goes to find out how snug you keep throughout your tour. And though you might be tempted to go for the thickest, most padded kayak seat you’ll find, overstuffing = overheating. 

That being stated, you received’t need to forego padding altogether. The finest kayak seats provides you with a beneficiant cushion with out overdoing it. Below we’ve damaged down the most typical padding sorts. 

EVA Foam: This is likely one of the most typical forms of foam kayak seats on the market resulting from its cheap price ticket and comparatively lengthy lifespan. It’s not essentially the most sturdy in the marketplace, nonetheless, and those that paddle typically will ultimately see some compression. EVA foam kayak seats provide good air flow so that you received’t overheat throughout your excursions and they’re undoubtedly a cushty choice for these seeking to improve.

Thermo-molded Foam: Another snug choice for paddlers searching for the perfect kayak seat is one made with thermo-molded foam. These are a few of the cushiest seats on the market, however kayakers touring in heat climate needs to be cautious, as these are usually not nice within the warmth.

Pressure Molded Foam: This is the one foam kayak seat that guarantees to not compress, making it good for frequent paddlers who spend loads of time on the water. The stress molded foam is each sturdy and cozy, albeit not the perfect in scorching climate.

Gel: Gel kayak seats are sometimes thought of a few of the most snug. They boast superior weight distribution and assist, and received’t compress over time. Gel seats can overheat in heat climate, so make sure you discover one with an excellent exterior material that may hold you cool and dry. 

Size and Style

There are some things to think about when desirous about the scale and elegance of your new kayak seat. 

First of all, you’ll need to be certain it matches your kayak. Some seats are made particularly for sit-on-top or sit-in kayaks, and a few are made to suit solely sure fashions. 

When it involves becoming the individual sitting in it, you must hold a number of issues in thoughts. The kayak seat needs to be large sufficient in your backside and lengthy sufficient to assist your thighs with out going previous the knee. 

Taller paddlers ought to discover a seat with a excessive backrest, and if you happen to want extra deal with the decrease again, select one thing with good lumbar assist. 

The form of the kayak seat and its padding will even range. If you’re hoping to take care of an excellent posture when you paddle, search for extra contouring within the padding. Some seats provide facet assist, which is usually a saving grace for some however a hindrance for others who want to maneuver round rather a lot, like anglers. 

Back Height

Your again is simply as vital as your backside in relation to selecting the perfect kayak seat. You ought to purpose for a seat that covers as a lot of your again as attainable to attain most lumbar assist and luxury. You must also search for a seat that’s adjustable so you’ll find the angle that fits you finest. 

Mounting Straps

Straps are additionally a vital a part of staying snug, so be sure to select a kayak seat with adjustable attachments. Corrosive-resistant {hardware} is likewise vital if you happen to cruise in saltwater.

Most kayak seats include straps that provide a common match, however as talked about above, you’ll need to make it possible for they work together with your particular kayak. 

Storage

As an added function, a few of the finest kayak seats provide further storage. This normally comes within the type of a small backpack or pouch on the again of the seat that you need to use for gear or snacks. 

This is useful and is usually a good funding in case you are quick on area in your kayak. If you could have a sit-in kayak, make it possible for the seat sits up excessive sufficient so that you can entry the additional pouch. 

Price

Price is usually the deciding issue when selecting the perfect kayak seat for every particular person. Luckily, there are good choices at each worth level, with the typical price coming in round $60-$80. 

Keep in thoughts that if you happen to do select to go for the most affordable choice you will have to exchange it earlier than one of many dearer ones, which can seemingly find yourself costing you extra in the long term. 

Hopefully after studying this rundown of finest kayak seats, you could have a fairly good concept of which one will serve your functions finest. Because bear in mind, there’s nothing extra useful than being snug out on the water!

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