There are few hobbies that compare to the thrill of riding down a whitewater river in a kayak while skillfully gliding your way downstream. However, part of the fun is remaining engaged and comfortable throughout the experience so that you can stay on the river for longer periods of time. This is where getting the best kayak seat comes in handy.
We know first-hand how frustrating it can be to become uncomfortable when you are in the middle of a run down the river. This is why we have picked some of the best kayak seats for you to choose from. On this page, you will find our pick for the best sit on top kayak seat, the best high back kayak seat, and the overall best kayak seat.
Best Kayak Seat Reviews
Before we take our pick for the overall best kayak seat, let’s take a look at some of the top options for you to consider. Before making any decision, make sure to check out our pick for the overall best kayak at the bottom of the page.
Leader Accessories Deluxe Kayak Seat
This kayak seat is the best kayak seat if you want a high backrest. Measuring 18 inches high, there is plenty of space for most back sizes. Most back sizes won’t need this much space, making it difficult to find a model with more backrest height. For the price of this model, you would have a difficult time finding another model with this much backspace.
Specifications:
- Top-quality high back kayak seat.
- The backrest is 18” high, 20” wide.
- The seat is 12” high, 15” wide.
- Foam padding for back and butt.
- Two straps in the front and two in the back.
- Comes in either black or grey.
- Fits almost any kayak.
Another feature which is nice about this kayak seat is that it is designed to fit the natural contour of a human body. Each natural weak point of your body posture is designed to be supported by this excellent kayak seat.
Pros:
- Fits your body’s contour.
- Very comfortable padding.
- Strong brass connecting straps.
- Beautiful design.
Cons:
- Slightly less affordable.
Designed to fit any kayak, this is perhaps the best high back kayak seat simply due to its size, easy to adjust straps, sturdy construction, and comfortable design. Although it is priced very competitively given its impressive features, its price is nevertheless higher than some of the other best kayak seat options.
Ocean Kayak Comfort Plus Kayak Seat
This is one of the best kayak seat options because it offers a competitive number of features at an affordable price. Although it doesn’t boast an extremely high backrest or extra wide seat, it is a perfect size for average-sized people. Coming at the price it does, it is the best kayak seat for people who want to save some money.
Specifications:
- High-quality kayak seat.
- Dimensions: 23 x 15 x 2 inches
- Foam padding on the seat.
- UV-resistant nylon material.
- 4-way adjustable mounting straps.
- Fits almost any Ocean kayak model.
One feature which stands out in particular about this model is that it has remarkably strong mounting equipment, including stainless steel and brass parts. The straps connect four ways, two in the front and two in the back. Additionally, the color won’t fade or get too hot in the sunlight due to its UV-resistant nylon. If you have an Ocean kayak model, this seat will likely fit perfectly into your kayak.
Pros:
- Padded back support.
- Brass and stainless steel mounting materials.
- Color won’t fade from the sunlight
- Reinforced stays to help add back support.
- Very affordable.
Cons:
- Designed for Ocean Kayak models.
Although this kayak seat is a great deal and comes with nice mounting materials and UV-resistant nylon, you might have difficulty installing it on a kayak that isn’t designed by Ocean Kayak. If you are rather safe than sorry, make sure that the dimensions listed above match the amount of space that you have in your kayak.
Ocean Kayak Comfort Tech Kayak Seat Back
This is a great sot kayak seat that outshines the more affordable option above that is also made by Ocean Kayak. The difference between these two models is that this one has more padding, extra ventilation, and is built for Ocean Kayak’s sit on top models. If you like the design of this manufacturer’s kayak seats, then this should be one of your top considerations.
Specifications:
- High-quality sit on top kayak seat.
- Dimensions: 21.8 x 14 x 5.8 inches
- Extra foam padding.
- UV-resistant nylon material.
- 4-way adjustable mounting straps.
- Fits almost any sit on top Ocean kayak model.
The backrest on this model stretches 16 inches long, which is competitive when you consider the features that this model has. For example, there is UV-resistant nylon for protection from the sun, sturdy mounting straps, and enough ventilation to keep your back free from sweat. This is a much better design than the other Ocean Kayak seat, and it shows in the price.
Pros:
- A generous amount of foam padding.
- Plenty of ventilation to keep your back dry.
- Excellent mounting support
- Reinforced stays to help add back support.
Cons:
- Slightly less affordable.
- Designed for Ocean Kayak models.
This is an excellent sot kayak seat for people who already have a sit on top kayak manufactured by Ocean Kayak. If you have a different model, make sure to research thoroughly to see if it will fit on your kayak. Due to the extra padding and ventilation, you should expect to pay a tad bit more for this product than you would on other models with fewer features.
Kerco Anger-X Sit On Top Kayak Seat with Back Pack
This is our pick for the best sit on top kayak seat due to the generous backrest size, excellent material, strong mounting equipment, and included backpack. For the features that this product delivers, this sot kayak seat is a really great deal. For example, the backrest measures 18 inches high, allowing for plenty of space to sit back and relax while you are on the river.
Specifications:
- Top-quality high back kayak seat.
- Molded foam and nylon seat materials.
- Four marine-grade brass clips.
- Fits almost any kayak.
This is perhaps the top option if you want the best sit on top kayak seat. It is also a great option for people who want a high backrest since it measures 18 inches high. Since this product comes with a detachable zipped back backpack you can store some extra stuff with you on the go. Since nylon material is resistant to water, the pack contents will be safe from most minor spills.
Pros:
- Backrest is 18” high
- Included with a detachable backpack.
- Durable brass clips for sturdy mounting.
- Foam seat cushion is very comfortable.
- Nylon material will help protect from water damage.
Cons:
- Less affordable than other options.
If you have a sit on top kayak and you want to have plenty of back support, this is probably the best sit on top kayak seat you will find. It may come at an extra cost when you compare it to the other products on this list, but this is well worth the money when you consider the added benefits.
Brooklyn Kayak Company BKC UH-PS223 Kayak Seat
If you have a difficult time finding a sot kayak seat that matches your kayak model, then this universal sot kayak seat will serve your needs perfectly. It is designed to fit on a wide variety of kayaks and comes with a competitive number of features for a reasonable price. This is a great option for people who are sick of sitting on the hard kayak surface and want some relief.
Specifications:
- Top-quality high back kayak seat.
- Backrest is 17.5 inches high and 20.25 inches wide.
- Seat is 12 inches high and 14.75 inches wide.
- Rugged fabric chair.
- Two straps in the front and two in the back.
- Beautiful black and grey design.
- Fits almost any kayak.
Due to its ability to fit on many different kayaks, this sot kayak seat is great for people who rent kayaks. It can easily be installed and taken off within a minute simple by unclipping the hooks and removing the straps. When installed, it is considerably sturdy and provides adequate back support. There are four straps on this kayak seat, allowing you to mount it firmly and support your weight.
Pros:
- Quick and easy installation.
- Great back support.
- Corrosion-resistant mounting equipment.
- Comfortable fabric chair.
- Reasonable price.
Cons:
- The seat could be a little comfier.
This is the best sit on top kayak seat for people who are concerned that other models won’t fit on their kayak or rent kayaks when they use them. It comes at a very reasonable price that most budgets can afford, and provides excellent back support. The metal strapping materials are resistant to corrosion, helping it last longer. However, the chair’s fabric materials could use some extra padding.
Best Kayak Seat: Buying Guide
Although kayaking is a hobby that can be done without a seat, there is no comparison the comfort and added fun that comes with getting one of the best kayak seats. Although each of the above kayak seats are great if you have the right kayak, they won’t necessarily fit on all models. Additionally, there are various other factors which you need to be aware of so that you can decide if you truly want a kayak seat.
Type of Kayak Seat
Some kayak seats are designed to fit on sit in kayaks, others are designed to fit on sit on kayaks. There are some kayak seats which try to fit universally, and some that usually only fit on the kayaks made by their manufacturer. In any case, it is important that you consider the type of kayak seat that you want before you spend your money and realize later that it doesn’t even fit in your kayak. That would be a terrible tragedy.
For best results, check the type of kayak seat, and then make sure that the dimensions match up to the amount of space that you have. If you are over even by a half-inch, you are much better off getting a kayak seat that you are sure will fit in your kayak or you could end up losing money.
Seat Comfort and Backrest
This is probably why you considered getting a kayak seat in the first place. It isn’t that fun to sit on the hard surface of the kayak. Nor is it comfortable for long periods of time. For this reason, many people will make the comfort and backrest size some of their top priorities while they search for the best kayak seat for their needs.
There are many different high back kayak seat options which have backrests at 18 inches, which is enough for the average-sized person. High back kayak seat products usually cost a little bit more, but the added back support is worth the money. Lastly, make sure to check out the material that the cushion is designed with. Many products above such as the Kerco Anger-X Sit On Top Kayak Seat with Back Pack come with foam cushions to keep you comfortable.
Mounting Stability
There is no sense in getting a kayak seat if the mounting equipment isn’t stable enough to support your weight. This is why it’s important that you get a kayak seat which has four straps. Two for the front, and two for the back. Typically, the straps will offset each other when you sit on the kayak seat, providing a sturdy seat. As long as you don’t pressure them with too much weight, any of the best kayak seats will withstand your constant use for years.
However, if you are a little on the heavy side you should make sure that the straps are made of strong metal materials at the ends so that they don’t break easily. The Ocean Kayak Comfort Plus Kayak Seat, for example, comes with stainless steel and brass parts.
Price
Another primary concern for many people is how much that they will need to spend on their kayak seat. After all, everybody works hard for the money that they have. However, there is often a benefit that you receive when you pay a little more than the minimum price for a product. The same holds true for kayak seats. The more you pay, the more features you will get to choose from.
If you want to get the most affordable kayak seat possible, you should set aside a minimum of $30 to ensure that you get a kayak seat that is both affordable and reasonably high-quality. People who value added features and are willing to pay some extra money should have at least $60 ready to spend on the best kayak seat that money can buy. When they consider the added benefits, most people are happy that they spent the extra money.
Our Pick
Getting the best kayak seat means that you need to find a seat that fits onto your kayak with strong mounting equipment. It is also important that you get a kayak seat that is comfortable enough for long periods of time. Usually, this means getting a model with a large enough backrest. However, if you are a careful researcher, all of this can be done online within 15 – 30 minutes.
If you want the best high back kayak seat, you should start by checking out the Leader Accessories Deluxe Kayak Seat, which comes with an 18” high and 20” wide backrest. This is an impressive number when you compare it to the competition. People who want the best sit on top kayak seat should start by considering the Kerco Anger-X Sit On Top Kayak Seat with Back Pack, which is great for most sit on kayaks and also boasts an 18” high backrest. For this reason, this model is also our pick for the overall best kayak seat.
