The best kayak seats are quick and easy to set up, and offer enough lower back support and posterior comfort to make every paddling escapade on your boat or board an enjoyable experience. Alongside stand-up paddleboards, sit-on-top kayaks are easily the most popular paddling craft on the water, especially in summer, and most people kick off their kayaking journey on such boats.
\nPopular with people ranging from recreational paddlers to kayak fishers, sit-on-tops are typically quite wide, with a fairly flat-bottomed hull shape offering plenty of primary stability. They are relatively easy to paddle, even when conditions get a bit lumpy and bumpy. And, if you do capsize, it\u2019s comparatively simple to right these boats and remount them \u2013 unlike attempting a self-rescue in a sit-inside kayak, which requires reasonably advanced skills and a lot of bailing.
\nBut one of the downsides of sit-on-top kayaks is that they typically don\u2019t have much of a seat, beyond whatever vaguely bum-shaped feature has been included in the design of the plastic hull, which won\u2019t have any padding whatsoever and no back support.
\nThe good news is that you can buy add-on seats and backrests for sit-on-top kayaks. Most of them are fairly inexpensive and they\u2019re very easy to install. Many can also be used on stand-up paddleboards, which, if you have a kayaking paddle, will enable you to effectively transform your SUP into a sit-down paddleboard, which isn\u2019t an awful lot different to a sit-on-top kayak.
\nHere we take a look at the best kayak seats for you, no matter what kind of paddling you primarily do.
\nJump to SUP seats
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\nBest kayak seats for sit-on-tops<\/p>\n
Cambridge Kayak Deluxe padded seat
\nA very tall and wide-backed sit-on-top kayak seat with extensive support, contoured foam features and in-built storage
\nSpecs
\nDesign: Tall kayak seat and backrest; Materials: Polyester, with brass attachment clips; Storage: Large, zipped storage pouch on the rear of the back rest; Seat size (depth x width): 30 x 38cm; Backrest size (height x width): 45 x 53cm
\nReasons to buy
\n+ Highly supportive tall back; Storage pouch on the rear; Good levels of padding; Permits airflow; Very adjustable; Contoured padding
\nReasons to avoid
\n\u2013 Webbing a little fiddly; Pouch zip potentially vulnerable to corrosion; Heavy
\nThe Deluxe Padded Seat from Cambridge Kayaks is high performing and very comfortable, but it is quite a busy bit of kit, with a tangle of straps coming out from the main body like the arms of an overexcited octopus. Once you have these sorted, however, the seat can be fine tuned and adjusted to a really fine degree. The backrest is very high and wide, providing excellent support when you\u2019re putting in a stroke or kicking back and relaxing.
\nThe attachment clips are brass, so they won\u2019t rust or corrode, and both the seat and the backrest feature contoured padding, to allow some airflow to cool your bum and back. The seat has a thick (20mm) horseshoe of padding covered in a rash of raised bumps, which supply grip and stop your bottom sliding and moving around as you paddle, while the centre of the seat has a smoother cushioned area for pure comfort.
\nOne excellent feature of this kayak seat is the large zipped pouch on the rear of the backrest, which can be used to stash all sorts of stuff, from food and drink to a hat, gloves and\/or a cag. I\u2019m a little concerned that the zip on this pouch might corrode after period of exposure to saltwater, but this is something that could be avoided by regular rinsing and the occasional squirt of WD40.
\nNote: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn\u2019t affect our editorial independence.<\/p>\n
Aqua Marina High Back Seat with Cushion
\nA comfort-orientated kayak seat, with generous padding for paddlers\u2019 posteriors
\nSpecs
\nDesign: Kayak seat for leisure paddlers; Materials: Polyester material with EVA pad; Storage: Two bottle holders and a central pouch with Velcro fastener; Size: 38 x 54 x 83cm
\nReasons to buy
\n+ Generous level of cushioning; Great storage; Easy to adjust
\nReasons to avoid
\n\u2013 Plastic attachment clips less robust than other models; No contouring on the seat to allow airflow
\nThis well-priced kayak seat and backrest has excellent carry capacity, with a pair of water bottle holders \u2013 one on each side of the seat \u2013 and a generous-sized pouch centrally located on the rear, which closes with Velcro (a better option than a zip, which can corrode and become unusable).
\nEasy to install, with four straightforward straps that work with the D-rings featured on most sit-on-top kayaks and SUPs, it\u2019s also simple to adjust on and off the water. The seat itself is a big, thick cushion-style affair, complete with EVA elements to help with the padding, which is noted for its comfort.
\nThere\u2019s no contouring on the seat or the back, however, so breathability could be an issue and it might get a bit hot and sweaty if you\u2019re paddling in warm environments. When it\u2019s not in use, this seat can be stored in bungee netting.<\/p>\n
Palm Deluxe Backrest
\nA sturdily built, supportive seat and backrest that\u2019s easy to set up and excellent to use on the water
\nSpecs
\nDesign: Seat and backrest; Materials: Nylon-elastane mix fabric, polyester webbing and powder-coated steel attachment clips; Storage: None; Seat size (depth x width): 32 x 40cm; Backrest size (height x width): 39 x 50cm
\nReasons to buy
\n+ Excellent, long-lasting attachment clips; Works on a range of sit-on-top kayaks; Well-padded, contoured seat and back; Tall back; Good airflow; Easy to use\u00a0
\nReasons to avoid
\n\u2013 No pockets
\nThis well-thought-through and nicely designed kayak seat and backrest from specialist paddling brand Palm Equipment is really simple to set up, and supplies top-end comfort. The powder-coated steel attachment clips that clip on to the boat\u2019s D rings won\u2019t corrode even after repeated exposure to saltwater, and they\u2019re the best on any kayak seat we have tested.
\nThe 25mm polyester webbing is also highly robust, with really solid stitching, and the straps are extremely easy to adjust, both before you launch and while you are sat in the seat, out on the water.
\nThe backrest is nice and high, supplying genuine support for your spine while you\u2019re paddling (or simply sitting back and enjoying the view). Featuring 40mm-thick thermoformed foam, this deluxe model boasts padding in all the places it\u2019s really required.
\nThe cleverly contoured design cushions your buttocks and supplies back support while also allowing some air to flow to these areas too, so you don\u2019t get too sweaty when you\u2019re digging in and paddling hard.
\nBuy the Palm Deluxe Backrest from Escape Watersports
\nBest kayak seats for SUPs<\/p>\n
Two Bare Feet High Back SUP Seat
\nA really good, affordable SUP seat that also works well with most sit-on-top kayaks and provides excellent back support
\nSpecs
\nDesign: SUP seat; Materials: 600D Polyester Fabric Padded Seat with EVA material; gold-plated Zinc alloy quick-shackle attachment clips; Storage: None; Seat size (depth x width): 30 x 40cm; Backrest size (height x width): 35 x 55cm
\nReasons to buy
\n+ Supportive backrest; Comfortable padded seat; Easy to attach; Versatile across a range of sit-on-top kayaks and SUPs;\u00a0Contoured back rest for airflow
\nReasons to avoid
\n\u2013 No contouring on the seat; No storage<\/p>\n
Although designed to work as a sit-down option for stand-up paddleboarders, this seat and backrest can be fitted to most sit-on-top kayaks to provide additional comfort and support. The gold-plated zinc attachment clips are resistant to corrosion and the four cords are satisfyingly simple to set up, and easy to adjust when you\u2019re out on the water.
\nThe wide backrest can be tightened up to curve around your torso, to provide really good lower body and back support while you\u2019re paddling hard. The seat is comfortable, with 10mm of EVA-bolstered padding, but it\u2019s not contoured, so there\u2019s no airflow and it can get a little warm.
\nThe backrest bears the Two Bare Feet branding and is contoured, with several troughs, so there is a bit more breathability here. Overall, this is a nice, no-messing-required SUP seat that\u2019s supportive and easy to use.
\nBuy the High Back SUP Seat from Two Bare Feet<\/p>\n
Isle Cloud Kayak Seat
\nA sumptuously thick and forgiving seat for optimum cushioning while you kayak, with a semi-rigid, reinforced backrest.
\nSpecs
\nDesign: Inflatable seat and fibreglass-reinforced backrest; Materials: EVA padding in the seat, with a fibreglass-reinforced back support; Storage: Web pouch on the rear of the backrest; Seat size (depth x width): 52 x 43cm \/ 20.5 x 17in; Backrest size (height x width): 51 x 66cm \/ 20 x 26in
\nReasons to buy
\n+ Supremely cushioned seat; Extremely supportive backrest; Easy to assemble and adjust; Mesh pocket on the rear of backrest
\nReasons to avoid
\n\u2013 No contouring on the seat; Height can affect centre of gravity; Pricey
\nThe standout feature of this advanced kayak chair and backrest is the super-sized seat cushion, which, when fully inflated, is over 10cm\/4in thick, providing a sumptuously bouncy, cloud-like ride.
\nBesides the pneumatic cushioning, this SUP seat also has EVA padding. Designed for use on stand-up paddleboards and sit-on-top kayaks \u2013 and Isle\u2019s innovative in-betweener craft, which is essentially both a SUP and a kayak \u2013 the height of the Isle Cloud seat is so generous it will affect your centre of gravity and balance, so that\u2019s something to be aware of and might take some users a bit of time to get used to.
\nThe semi-rigid backrest is reinforced with fibreglass, so you can really push into it when applying a paddle stroke, or lean back securely when just chilling on the water. If you\u2019re sit-down paddling a SUP, this seat can also be combined with a foot brace (also available through Isle) that will allow you to really put some power into your stroke by engaging your core.
\nThe seat cushion is removable, so you could use it as a kid\u2019s seat elsewhere on the board or in another boat. On the rear of the backrest there is a mesh pocket for stashing an extra layer, a snack or a water bottle.
\nBuy the Cloud Kayak Seat through IsleSurfAndSup.com<\/p>\n
Aquaplanet Kayak Seat
\nAn add-on seat for transforming SUPs into sit-down paddling craft and making sit-on-top kayaks more comfortable
\nSpecs
\nDesign: SUP seat and backrest; Materials: Neoprene; Storage: Large, detachable, zippered storage bag on rear of backrest
\nReasons to buy
\n+ Tall back; Easy to install and adjust; Good storage; Folds down small when not in use
\nReasons to avoid
\n\u2013 Minimal padding on seat; Zip on storage pouch might corrode
\nThis slimline seat and backrest is ideal for SUP paddlers who want the option to sit down every now and then \u2013 perhaps when tackling more technical water, or simply when their legs are tired. It folds down so flat that is can simply be stashed under the deck bungees until required.
\nIt\u2019s easy to install when you do want to avail of a seat, with four attachment clips, and the backrest is nice and high for optimum support. On the downside, there isn\u2019t much padding for your posterior, so comfort levels aren\u2019t high.
\nThis seat will fit many sit-on-top kayaks too, but this minimalist padding approach might make many boat paddlers look to other models featured here, which have better cushioning. On the back of this seat you will find a removable storage pouch that zips shut, and can be used to carry all kinds of small items from food and drink, to kayak sunglasses, hats and extra layers.
\nBest advanced kayak seats for serious paddlers<\/p>\n
GTS Expedition Molded Foam Kayak Seat
\nDesigned by paddlers for paddlers, this is an advanced seat for those going on longer and larger adventures than your average beach goer
\nSpecs
\nDesign: Sit-on-top kayak seat; Materials: Thermoformed foam, plastic and fabric; Storage: None included (bottle holders and packs can be bought separately); Seat size (depth x width): 18 x 16in \/ 46 x 40cm; Backrest size (height x width): 18 x 21in \/ 46 x 53cm
\nReasons to buy
\n+ Super secure six-point fit; Contour moulded seat for superior comfort and performance; Excellent back and lower body support;\u00a0Comfortable seat
\nReasons to avoid
\n\u2013 Won\u2019t work with all boats \/ boards; No storage included; Pricey
\nA premium-priced, performance-orientated seat and backrest for paddlers who spend serious amounts of time on the water, whether they\u2019re fishing or exploring, and expect plenty of return on their investment.
\nIt is a serious investment \u2013 it costs almost as much as some kayaks do \u2013 but for your outlay you get a very cleverly contoured, highly supportive seat, plus a tall, thermoformed foam backrest, complete with grooves shaped to support your spine and wrap around lumbar region for additional stability in technical water.
\nThe 5cm\/2in-thick seat has plenty of supportive padding, which is also contoured both for better breathability around your bum area, and to allow water to drain away from the seat quickly and effectively. The 6-point triangulated rear strapping system is category leading \u2013 it keeps the seat very firmly in place and enables the paddler to customise the positioning for optimum comfort levels.
\nBuy the GTS Expedition Molded Foam Kayak Seat direct from Amazon
\nBuy the GTS Expedition Molded Foam Kayak Seat direct from Walmart
\nBuy the GTS Expedition Molded Foam Kayak Seat direct from Surf to Summit<\/p>\n
Sea to Summit Solution Gear Tripper Kayak Seat
\nA superb seat that helps sit-on-top paddlers fine-tune their performance while sitting comfortably
\nSpecs
\nDesign: Kayak seat and backrest; Materials: Thermoformed foam with alloy in the backrest; Storage: Three mesh pockets on the rear
\nReasons to buy
\n+ Broad and highly supportive back; Contoured to facilitate airflow and water drainage; Easy to use
\nReasons to avoid
\n\u2013 Seat could be more padded; Pricey
\nFrom excellent Australian brand Sea to Summit comes this very well designed, simple-to-use kayak seat and backrest, which is compatible with almost all sit-on-top kayaks. Both the seat and the backrest are well contoured, which promotes airflow and means water can drain out easily.
\nThe tall, wide backrest can be pulled in tight and it features alloy elements, making it super supportive when you\u2019re putting in some effort and paddling hard, and also comfortable if you are leaning back and taking in the view across the waves.
\nThere are three mesh pouches on the rear of the backrest, which you can use to stash all sorts of things within easy reach, from hats, gloves and additional layers through to food and drink.
\nBuy the Solution Tripper Kayak Seat via eBay
\nBuy the Solution Tripper Kayak Seat direct from Sea to Summit
\nBest kayak seat for children<\/p>\n
Harmony Gear Kids Kayak Seat
\nA kayak seat to keep your pint-sized paddling partner comfortable and engaged in the boat
\nSpecs
\n \u2022 Design: Child\u2019s kayak seat; Materials: 800 Denier Nylon; Storage: None; Suitable for: Children weighing under 38kg \/ 84lb; Seat size (depth): 5cm \/ 2in
\nReasons to buy
\n+ Keeps kids comfortable; Elevates little ones so they can join in and paddle; Easy to use on a variety of craft; Anti-slippage bottom
\nReasons to avoid
\n\u2013 Not designed for SUP boards
\nIntended to keep children comfortable while you concentrate on the paddling (and\/or to elevate the young person so they can join in with their own oar), the Kids Kayak Seat from Harmony Gear can be used in various boats, from double and single kayaks through to canoes.
\nThere are no straps to fiddle around with, you just put the seat wherever you want it (somewhere you can see your little passenger, for obvious reasons) and the no-slip bottom keeps it in place (up to a point!). The seat is 5cm\/2in thick, and provides plush amounts of cushioning to keep kids happy and comfortable.
\nBuy the Harmony Gear Kids Kayak Seat from Amazon<\/p>\n
How to choose the best kayak seat for you
\nThere are myriad kayak seats available out there, but many of the no-name generic ones are substandard, badly designed and made with poor-quality materials, including attachment grips that corrode and seize up after exposure to saltwater. We recommend considering the following factors before making a purchase.
\nMaterials
\nThe best material for the padding used in kayak seats is a closed-cell foam like EVA, which is supportive enough to supply some cushioning without being too soft, and won\u2019t absorb water and become heavy. Check that the attachment clips used on the seat are made with a metal that won\u2019t corrode \u2013 look for powder-coated alloys, brass or at least stainless steel clips.
\nEven plastic, which might not seem as strong, will outlast a cheap metal clip that rusts or corrodes. Check that the seat material is robust (poly or nylon ripstop fabrics are good) and that the stitching is decent, especially where the straps connect to the main seat.
\nIf the seat features a zipped pocket, ensure that it\u2019s a good zip (Velcro is better). Even if all the right materials are used, it\u2019s still important to thoroughly rinse your seat in fresh water after each use on the sea.
\nBeware kayak seats with substandard grips, and always rinse metal and moving elements (including zips and grips) with fresh water and allow to dry after use in the sea
\nDesign
\nLook for a simple (see below) but effective design, with four main attachment straps and contouring in both the seat and the backrest, which will aid airflow and make the seats much less sweaty to use, and also allow water to drain away.
\nEase of use
\nMost seats for sit-on-top kayaks and SUPs are extremely simple to use, and so they should be. All good boats and boards have four D-rings \u2013 two just behind where you sit while paddling, and one either side of your thighs \u2013 and all you need to do is secure the attachment clips to these rings, and then tighten the straps until the seat feels comfortable and supplies some support for your back.
\nComfort and support
\nThe best kayak seats will offer support to your lumber area (lower spine) while you are paddling \u2013 so you can push back into it and engage your core while applying a forward stroke \u2013 and be padded enough to make it comfortable enough to remain in a seated position for an extended period of time. A tall back can offer extra support when you\u2019re taking in the view or perhaps while fishing, but the lumber area is the important bit, and some side support can be beneficial too.<\/p>\n
Storage
\nPockets and pouches for stashing useful items \u2013 extra layers, a hat, gloves, sunglasses, snacks and water \u2013 are a nice extra touch. Just beware cheap zips that will quickly become inoperable after exposure to saltwater.
\nCompatibility and versatility
\nIf you have a sit-on-top kayak and a stand-up paddleboard, it\u2019s great to get a seat that can be used on both. The good news is that most seats can be used on the majority of boats and boards, but this isn\u2019t always the case, so do check carefully before making a purchase.
\nDidn\u2019t find what you\u2019re looking for? Head to Amazon\u2019s dedicated sailing page for more marine products.
\nThe post Best kayak seats and SUP seats for back support on paddling adventures appeared first on Yachting World.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The best kayak seats are quick and easy to set up, and offer enough lower back support and posterior comfort to make every paddling escapade on your boat or board an enjoyable experience. Alongside stand-up paddleboards, sit-on-top kayaks are easily … <\/p>\n