The amount of space that you have on a kayak is going to be limited and you want to make sure that you can take everything that you want with you on your adventure. The solution is going to be in getting the best deck bag in order to have that extra space.
In order to ensure that you are getting the best kayak deck bags we have developed a buying guide to give you all the information you need and have also completed kayak deck bag reviews. By the time you get to the end of this guide, you’ll know what is the perfect product for you.
OUR TOP PICK
Chinook Aquatidal 25
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Large compartments
- Durable nylon
- Contoured shape
EDITORS CHOICE
Attwood Waterproof
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Water resistant console
- Easy to access side mesh pockets
- Mounts to deck rigging
- Provide additional deck storage space
BEST VALUE
Seattle Sports Vinyl
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Versatile bag
- Heavy-duty design
- Highly rated
Seattle Sports Deluxe 15L
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Large capacity
- Versatile bag
- Versatile bag
Overboard Gear Waterproof
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Thick PVC material
- Fully waterproof
- Shoulder strap available
ADVANCED ELEMENTS Quickdraw
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Bright design
- Highly durable
- Contoured shape
Sea to Summit Solution Access
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Two color options
- Stiffener inserted
- Watertight zip
Taj M’Haul
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Zip-seal closure
- A number of pocket options
- Easy attachment
Chinook Aquawave 20
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Stylish design
- Ripstop nylon
- Side storage panels
Chinook Aquawave Kayak Deck Bag
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Large compartments
- Internal stiffener
- Multiple lashing options
- Provide additional deck storage space
How To Choose The Best Kayak Deck Bag – Buying Guide
Material
When it comes to any product that is used for outdoor activities, you want to make sure that it is going to be strong enough to deal with the harsh environment that it is going to be in, therefore you want to be able to use the best materials.
Ripstop nylon is going to be a highly durable material and the likes of thick PVC would be a great option too. You want to make sure that it’s going to be resistant to any tears or abrasions that can occur from daily use.
Pockets And Compartments
Just as with a roll top backpack, the pockets and compartments are going to be important and you want to make sure that everything is going to be placed in the right position. When you’re on a kayak, you want to be able to have easy access to the equipment that you need.
This is often going to be a matter of personal preference and some will want more pocket options and some will want a more simple solution. This is going to be up to you and how you like to organize your kayaking essentials.
Straps And Buckles
One of the great features of these kayak deck bags is that they will be very easy to attach to your kayak and they will also have rigging on them that is going to make it easy to attach other items to it as well. This will vary from one kayak deck bag to the next.
It is important though to check the straps and buckles that are going to be on the bag to make sure they are going to be compatible with your kayak deck bag. You want to make sure that it’s as secure as possible in order for all your items to stay safe.
Use
When choosing your kayak deck bag, it’s important to know what use you are going to have and what type of kayaking trip you are going to be going on. One of the key issues that you are going to have to address is one of capacity.
If you are going to be on a longer overnight kayaking trip then you obviously want a bigger bag but if you are going on rougher waters, then getting a bag that is going to be highly resistant to water will be important. It’s all about matching the kayak deck bag to the situation you’re in.
Ease Of Access
One of the most important aspects of a bag is that it is going to be easy to access. You want to be able to have essential items at easy reach as well as other important aspects such as food and water. Some kayak deck bags are going to be a lot easier to access than others.
There is a balance to be had there as it’s going to be hard to have a fully waterproof bag that is easy to access. Having side pockets and mesh pockets are also going to be important for you to have even easier access to your problems.
Rolling
Whenever you are on a kayak, you want to prepare yourself for the possibility of rolling. No-one wants it to happen but if it does, you don’t want your possessions strewn across the water where you are going to have to try and collect them.
Due to this, you want to have a high level of waterproofing but you also want the deck bag to be as secure as possible. This means that aspects like D-rings and secure buckles are going to be important so that when you kayak self-rescue, everything is still in place.
Size
The standard size of kayak deck bags is going to be quite small as they should be able to hold all the essentials that you need for a day out on the water. There are times where you are going to need a higher capacity though, if you are on a kayaking camping trip, for example.
It’s best to be cautious when choosing your bag to make sure that you are going to have enough space. There are also options such as waterproof backpacks and dry bags that are going to be able to give you even more storage options.
Related Reviews: Waterproof Duffel Bag & Dry Bag
Zippers
Zippers are one of the most underrated aspects of any bag as if they fail, you’re left with a bag that is not going to be secure and one that you will have to replace or fix straight away. Having heavy-duty zippers is important.
On the highest quality products, this is going to be the case and you can be reassured that you aren’t going to be left with a defective bag. You also want to have a tight seal to ensure that they are going to be as water-resistant as possible.
Waterproof vs. Water resistant
It’s important to know the waterproof vs water resistant difference as it can be the difference between your items staying dry or being soaked through. It’s important to point out that almost all kayak deck bags aren’t going to be waterproof.
That is in the respect that they won’t be able to be submerged, especially if they have a zip. Some kayak deck bags will be though but most will have very tight zips or roll-top closures and will prevent almost all the water from getting into the bag.
Related Review: Waterproof Messenger Bag ,Kayak Canopies
FAQs
Q: What Is The Difference Between A Deck Bag And Regular Backpack?
While a deck bag and a regular backpack are going to have a lot of similarities, they are very different products. A deck bag is intended to be attached to the front of a kayak and will have a contoured shape to ensure that it is as easy to access as possible.
A regular backpack isn’t going to be able to be attached in the same way and instead will be designed to be able to be worn around the shoulders. There are backpacks though that are going to be good to wear while kayaking for additional storage.
Q: Why Are Kayak Deck Bags Essential?
The need for a deck bag will depend on the type of trip you are going to be doing. Their ability to be tied to the front of a kayak makes them very easy to use where you are going to be able to easily access any of the key items you are taking with you.
A deck bag is going to be the easiest way to get items and make sure that you don’t have to land your kayak or stop paddling for too long. Along with a backpack, a deck bag is going to be your quickest way of getting exactly what you need.
The size and shape that you need are going to be determined by the type of trip that you are going on. The longer the trip you are going on, the more essential it is going to be to have a bag to have those items available.
Q: How To Clean A Kayak Deck Bag?
Due to the water resistant and durable design of these kayaks, they aren’t going to get too dirty and should be easy to clean. Machine washing isn’t going to be an option but this is rarely going to be required for your back bag.
If there are stains on the bag then a simple solution of mild soap and warm water should be able to do the bag. For deeper cleans, soaking is going to be an option but you always want to make sure that you are air drying it and never putting it into a dryer.
Globo Surf Overview
A deck bag can be an essential part of your kayaking adventure. This is going to be especially important if you are on a long trip but it’s going to be ideal for any type of kayaking trip where you need to have quick access to important items.
Getting the right size is going to be important and this will be based on the amount of gear that you are going to be taking with you. After that, you want to make sure that it’s going to be compatible with the kayak that you have.
Once you have considered those key features, then there are other important decisions to make such as the number of pockets, the straps as well as other things like the ease of access, its water resistance and how secure it’s going to be.
This guide should have given you all the information that you need in order to choose the best deck bag for you. Once you have, you know that you’re going to be able to go on your kayaking adventure and have quick access to all the essentials that you need.
More Kayak’s Accessories:
- Kayak Hoists
- Gifts For Kayakers
- Kayak Covers
- Kayak Flags
- Kayak Cup Holders
- Kayak Canopies
- Kayak Bilge Pumps
- Kayaks Loaders
- GoPro Kayak Mounts
- Paddle Floats
- Kayak Scupper Plugs