Best Kayak Seats | Buying Guide & 2022 Reviews
There is a lot to keep in mind when selecting the best kayak seats. One of the main factors to think about is comfort, but you also want to ensure any seat you choose will provide enough support for you to maintain good posture. Any decent kayak seat should also be hard-wearing and designed to cope with regular exposure to water and the elements. It should also be easy to install in your kayak of choice, with user-friendly adjustments and durable clips and clasps. Our guide includes all the main factors to consider when choosing the best seat possible for your kayak.
Kayak Seat Varieties
Before you delve into the details of any particular seat, you need to make sure it is compatible with your kayak. Many kayak seats available today can be used with a variety of different vessels, ranging from modest paddle boards to larger fishing kayaks and boats. Seat styles themselves will also vary. More basic options include minimal padding and a stripped-back design. These are fine if you only wan to spend a short amount of time on the water, but they are not suitable for those who want to enjoy the water for hours at a time. Inflatable seats are another option. These offer a good level of basic comfort and are relatively versatile when it comes to installing in different types of kayak. However, they can often lose air pressure, affecting the amount of cushioned support provided. Unless you are purchasing a more expensive option, they are also likely to include inferior attachments and leave little room for adjustment. The best option to go for is a kayak seat that includes a decent level of EVA foam at the seat and back. Seats of these type can folded down and stored away when not in use. They are also relatively easy to attach to a wide variety of kayak types.
Seat Comfort & Ergonomics
This is a key area to focus on when selecting a new seat for your kayak. If you want to be out on the water for hours at a time before returning to shore, your seat should be comfortable enough to allow for this. A padded seat and backrest is therefore essential. A good layer of EVA foam will provide you with sufficient support and comfort for long sessions on the water. This material is also very durable and will maintain its integrity for a long time. Back support is particularly important when it comes to selecting a suitable seat for your kayak. Sectional lumbar support will not only eliminate the likelihood of you suffering from fatigue when paddling, it will also help you maintain a good posture. This will not only make for a more comfortable kayaking experience, but also help you maintain a proper paddling technique. Form-fitting seats are often the best option if you can afford them. They provide superior levels of comfort for a wide variety of users, meaning you have to worry less about making adjustments each and every time you come to add the seat to your kayak.
Durability & Materials
As your kayak seat will be regularly exposed to the elements, the materials used in its construction should be able to cope with this. The outer material of your seat is very important in ensuring the internal filling maintains its shape and does not suffer any water damage. A rugged polyester or neoprene material is always advisable. These materials not only boast good waterproofing properties, they will also handle regular exposure to UV rays without the worry of fading. Quick-drying materials are also the way to go as this will prevent mould from building up when your seat is folded away and stored.
Easy Adjustment
Your seat will need to be installed and correctly configured within your kayak cockpit every time you come to use it. Therefore, it needs include user-friendly straps for effortless adjustments. The most basic of seats may only include two straps, but these are best avoided. For maximum convenience, choose a seat with a 4-way strap adjustment. With two straps at the front of the seat and two at the back, you can quickly and effortlessly secure your seat to your kayak. Not only will this ensure your seat is in a more stable position, it will also allow you to make subtle adjustments that directly impact comfort.
The seat should also have a stable underside to ensure it does not move around when you are in motion on the water. Non-slip padding is therefore a must, with any anti-slip material providing enough coverage that the entire seat is kept locked firmly in place. Adding a footrest to your kayak is also a good idea. Along with a non-skid base, a footrest will ensure each kayak occupant is kept secure for the duration of your time on the water.
Additional Features to Consider
If your kayak is relatively small, you may want to think about additional storage. Smaller kayaks tend to be quite limited when it comes to integrated storage and holders, so investing in a seat with added storage capacity is a good idea. Even if a seat does not include integrated storage, it may come with a storage bag that doubles up as a backpack that can be used by the user when on the water. These bags are usually fairly compact, but should provide enough capacity for things like water bottles and other small items.
Product Reviews
Looking to upgrade your kayak with a new seat? Whether you are looking for improved back support or detachable convenience, you are bound to find something that fits the bill in our pick of products. Read on for a selection of the best kayak seat models currently available.
2 Pack of Kayak Seat Deluxe Padded Canoe Backrest Seat Sit On Top Cushioned Back Support SUP Paddle Board Seats with Detachable Storage Bag
If you are looking to upgrade the seats in your tandem kayak, this pack of two deluxe sets are a good option. These padded seats are each equipped with adjustable 4-way straps, allowing for easy mounting in a wide variety of kayak interiors. These adjustable mounting straps mean you can use these seats in conventional sit-on kayaks, canoes, inflatable models, fishing boats and more. They can also be used with some paddle board vessels. These seats also deliver a very comfortable experience. The backrest features an extra thick layer of EVA foam, with a section design that ensures first-rate lumbar support. If you are regularly on the water for many hours at a time, this padded backrest support is essential.
You can also enjoy superior padding at the seat. Again, a thick layer of EVA foam has been used to improve overall comfort for the user. This foam seat padding also provides you with essential shock-proof performance, which is crucial if you enjoy paddling on choppier waters. High-quality craftsmanship can be found in every detail of these seats. The snap hook connecting buckles are made from high-grade solid brass, with the material suited to use in moisture-rich environments. Even when exposed to saltwater on a regular basis, these hooks will not rust and become unusable. The webbing straps are also thick and solid in construction, allowing for easy fastening to your canoe or kayak of choice. The adjustable buckle has also been designed to ensure easy fitting to most kayak and boat types. When properly installed, these seats will dramatically improve the enjoyment of your kayaking adventures. Not only are they comfortable, they will also improve your posture. This makes them a must for the angler or kayakers looking to improve their paddling technique.
WOOWAVE Kayak Seat Padded Deluxe Canoe Seat Adjustable Boat Seat Cushioned Fishing Seat High Back Comfortable Backrest Support with Detachable Back Storage Bag for Universal Sit
This WOOWAVE kayak seat is an affordable choice for those looking to upgrade their kayak cockpit. This deluxe kayak seat is made from high-grade materials, with EVA foam padding and a 210D polyester exterior ensuring this seat scores well for durability. The non-slip foam cushion will provide you with proper support for the duration of your time on the water, while also ensuring you are kept comfortable at all times. This premium kayak seat also features a 4-way adjustable design, with reinforced webbing straps at the rear and front so you can firmly fix your seat in place. The straps are particularly durable and designed to resist corrosion and everyday wear and tear. This means you will not have to worry about shopping around for a replacement ahead of time.
The thick foam filling of the seat and backrest delivers superior levels of comfort. The higher backrest also makes this seat a particularly ergonomic option. The anti-slip design means the seat is kept firmly in place while you are on the water, while the contoured shape of the backrest means you can enjoy consistent support that is matched to the natural curves of the body. This seat is easily installed and removed, with simple snap attachment to make quick work of fitting. It is also very straightforward to perfectly align the seat with your exacting requirements, allowing for bespoke installation. In addition to the kayak seat itself, you will find a detachable storage back included. This means you can separate your seat form you kayak once you are finished on the water, protecting it from unnecessary wear and tear when it is not being used. This is certainly an affordable option, but if you are looking to kit out a tandem kayak, you will of course need to purchase two seats.
Harmony Gear Standard Sit-on-Top Seat, Black
This Harmon Gear sit-on seat is an inexpensive option for those looking a versatile seating solution for their kayak. This practical seat design has been designed with flexibility in mind, with simple installation and ease-of-use the main draw. Although relatively basic in its design, this seat provides you with a soft and comfortable place to station yourself when out enjoying kayaking experience days. However, it offers little in the way of padded comfort and does not include a high back seat. If you are looking for a significant amount of padding or high back support, this Harmony Gear seat might be too limited for your needs. That being said, this gel seat has plenty of impressive features that make it a worthwhile addition to your inflatable kayak.
This comfortable kayak seat is pretty heavy duty in its design. The outer material is very resilient to water exposure and will cope well with regular kayak adventures. The skid resistant bottom also means the seat will stay firmly in place once properly attached to the cockpit interior of your kayak. The hardware has also been designed with constant water exposure in mind. All the clasps and fastenings have been manufactured from materials that are resistant to corrosion, meaning you will not have to worry about replacing your seat for a while. The seat is also easily adjusted to best meet the requirements of your individual kayak and its interior dimensions. The articulated design also makes it a very comfortable option. If you can look past its shortcomings, this inexpensive kayak seat is definitely something to consider. It might lack premium comfort features and a high back rest, but it is very versatile and will accommodate a wide variety of users with ease.
penban Deluxe Padded Kayak Seat Fishing Boat Seat with Storage Bag,Detachable Universal Paddle-Board Seat,Adjustable Paddle Board Seat,Fitting Design for All Body Sizes
This deluxe penban seat is a great choice of upgrade for any type of kayak. This premium seat is filed with durable EVA foam, providing you with exceptional cushioning that will help alleviate back pain. The seat pad and back of the seat are also covered in durable 210D polyester that will ensure long-lasting use, even if you are someone who regularly enjoys getting out onto the water. This seat also includes marine-grade hooks, which makes it easy to attach your seat to a new kayak in moments. Not only will these hooks allow for firm attachment of your seat to your kayak cockpit, the copper material also makes them very resistant to corrosion. You also have a 4-way adjustable strap system on hand here to make quick work of fitting the seat to your sit-in kayaks of choice. With two straps at the front and two straps at the rear, it is easy to fix the seat in a range of kayak interiors, while leaving you with plenty of scope for adjustment.
You also have plenty in the way of high back support here. There is plenty of cushioning provided for your spine and seat, with an ergonomic design to ensure you are not leave suffering from back aches and pains. The form-fitting style of this seat also makes it suitable to a wide range of users, no matter their individual shape and size. This seat is a perfect fit for a new kayak, but it can also be used with other vessels, including fishing kayaks and rowing boats. A waterproof storage bag is also includes so you have somewhere to keep your seat safely stored away when you are finished on the water.
OceanMotion Ergo-Fit sit on top Kayak seat
This OceanMotion Ergo-Fit seat has been designed for use with sit-on top kayaks, but will also accommodate a wider range of boat types. You can expect amazing comfort with this seat, with incredibly thick padding on offer and a reinforced backrest that makes it a far more rigid option than some alternatives. This extra level of ergonomic support makes this a good option for those who suffer from fatigue and strains during hours-long kayak adventures. The universal design of this kayak seat also allows for easy installation. You can use it with most sit-on kayak types, although it may prove a little too large for the narrowest of vessels.
This comfortable kayak seat includes 4-way attachment straps for easy fitting. You will find two straps at the front and two at the back of the seat to ensure it is firmly fixed to your kayak interior. The brass clips are very resistant to corrosion and are also incredibly durable in their own right. They will easily attach to D-rings or your attachment points of choice. When not in use, this seat folds flat and can be neatly stowed away in the waterproof storage bag provide. Although slightly more expensive than some seat models in this list, this seat offers all the comfort features and user-friendly functionality you would expect from a first-rate product.
Pactrade Marine Adjustable Padded Deluxe Kayak Seat Detachable Back Backpack/Bag Canoe Backrest
This deluxe kayak seat from Pactrade Marine is more affordable than other options, but does skimp on comfortable features and user-friendly design. The interior padding of this seat will definitely ensure you have a comfortable kayaking experience. EVA foam and PE plate can be found in the backrest and seat pad itself, while the exterior material is a combination of 600D polyester and neoprene. This makes the overall seat a particularly durable choice and well suited to those who regularly enjoy adventures on the water. Adjustable straps can be found at the front and back of the seat, making quick work of fixing this seat into your vessel of choice.
A padded clip surface with contoured textures means this seat remains firmly in place when you are on the move, making it a good option for those who enjoy slightly more challenging conditions on the water. It offers decent enough UV-resistant properties, although it does lack an advanced ventilation system. That being said, for the recommended retail price of this Pactrade Marine seat, that is excusable. This seat also includes a detachable storage bag that can be used to house the seat when it it isn’t being used. It also serves as handy extra storage for smaller accessories when you are out kayaking. This is very convenient if your kayak does not include bottle holders and other integrated storage solutions.
Detachable Universal Paddle-Board Seat – Adjustable Paddle Board Seat, Form-Fitting Design for All Body Sizes, Large & Small, Compatible for Kayaks, Rowboats, Fishing Boats – SereneLife SLSUPST15
This adjustable kayak seat is fairly inexpensive, yet still offers advanced comfort plus some user-friendly features. High-grade materials make this seat particularly durable, with the EVA foam interior providing exceptional cushioning. The polyester exterior also makes it a heavy duty option and one that will last for a significant amount of time. Both the seat pad and backrest include a layer of EVA foam, with the backrest also including sectional bars for advanced ergonomic support. These sections will help paddlers maintain better posture, while also ensuring less chance of them slipping free of a desirable position. Premium copper hooks are also included here, holding up well against regular exposure to water with minimal chance of corrosion.
The 4-way adjustable strap design of this seat also makes it very simple to install. There are two straps in the rear and two in the front, allowing to fix the seat firmly in place with a variety of kayak types. If you have multiple kayaks and want to use the same seat with all of them, this product is a good option. It will also prove a good match with any new kayak you buy. The form-fitting design of this seat also means it can be utilised by a broad range of users. If you regularly take a fellow water enthusiast out with you for tandem kayak adventures, this versatile seat will comfortably accommodate their individual shape and size.
Homde SUP Accessories: Kayak Seat & Footrest for Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board Detachable
This kayak seat from Homde SUP Accessories relatively simple in its design, but it should more than impress when it comes to functionality and comfort. This great value package includes both a collapsible seat and footrest, allowing to instantly customise your kayak interior for comfort and performance. The kayak seat and backrest includes a thick layer of EVA foam that will provide you with cushioned support and comfort for the duration of your kayak adventures. The outer seat fabric is made from heavy-duty polyester, ensuring the seat maintains its form and function for a long time.
The inclusion of 4-way adjustable straps also make it easy to install this seat to your kayak of choice. Not only can it be used with conventional kayaks, it can also be added to many types of paddle board with ease. The adjustable straps also make it easy to reconfigure the exact placement of the seat to your liking, providing bespoke support and comfort. The inclusion of a footrest further enhances comfort and safety when paddling. A durable bag is included for convenient storage of your seat when it is not being used, while a patch repair kit is also thrown in so you can remedy any damage as and when it occurs.
Top Kayak Seat Picks
By now you should have plenty of ideas of what to look for when selecting a new seat for your kayak. Weary of spending too much money on a new seat? You may be best sticking with something like the Harmony Gear standard seat. Although it does lack additional cushioning and there is little scope for refined adjustments, it offers all the basic functionality required for recreational kayaking. Despite the limited scope of its design, it is also surprisingly hard-wearing.
If you are looking for multiple seats, consider the two pack from Reliancer. This great value set I ideal for those who enjoy tandem kayaking, or those who simply want to have a spare seat to hand. Not only will you make instant savings by buying two seats at once, you do not have to make any sacrifices when it comes to durability and quality. These seats are ergonomically designed for maximum comfort, while the materials used in their constructions means they will last for a considerable amount of time.
If you are keen to upgrade to a more premium seat, the OceanMotion Ergo-fit is perfect. Not only does this seat include a significant amount of padding and exceptional back support, the form-fitting design will significantly diminish back ache and fatigue. This seat is also manufactured to a very high standard, with first-rate materials and corrosion-resistant attachments ensuring a long service life.
