The-Best-Kayak-Seat

As paddlers, we all know that nothing ruins a kayaking trip quicker than an uncomfortable seat. If you want to make your kayaking excursions so much more pleasant, the seat is the first thing to upgrade. By providing cushioning comfort and back support, the best kayak seat makes a world of difference in how comfortable and enjoyable your paddling experiences are.

To help you find the perfect replacement seat so you can enjoy more time out on the water, the reviews below take a look at the most comfortable kayak seats on the market. The best kayak seats are a combination of many things including comfort, support, and stability. For advice on how to pick the right seat for your kayak, be sure to scroll further down and peruse our buying guide.

1

OUR TOP PICK

Ocean Kayak Comfort Plus

Ocean Kayak Comfort Plus


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Summary

The Ocean Kayak Comfort Plus high back kayak seat is the best seat for a sit in kayak or a sit on top kayak. The best part about it is the high backrest that provides exceptional back support. On top of this, the seat features more padding than the typical kayak seat making it very soft and comfortable to sit in for prolonged durations.   

Material and Features

The seat fabric is a tough nylon pack cloth that can resist damage by UV rays and other elements. Additionally, the seat features a built-in ventilation system to keep you cool and dry and reflective logos to keep you visible when paddling in low-light conditions. All this makes the Comfort Plus high back seat the ultimate seat for kayaking adventures.

Setup and Compatibility 

Further increasing its appeal, the Comfort Plus seat is compatible with many brands of kayaks including Caper, Frenzy, Malibu Two, Malibu Two XL, Nalu, Prowler 13, Scrambler, and Zest Two. It comes with solid brass clips with stainless steel springs that make it easy to clip onto your kayak eyelets and reinforced stays that give it a sturdy structure you will feel secure sitting in. Finally, the 4-way adjustable straps allow you to fine-tune the seat position until it's comfortable for you.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Best For: High back seat with excellent back support
  • 4-way adjustable straps for personalized comfort
  • Brass swivel buckles for ease of attachment to kayaks
  • Molded foam padding on the seat for cushioning comfort
  • Integrated ventilation system keeps you cool and dry
  • Nylon pack fabric is tough and resistant to UV rays
  • Reinforced stays provide structure and enhance support
  • Reflective logos illuminate to keep you visible in the dark
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Back Dimensions: 28.5/16 x 13 inches
Seat Dimensions: 14/16.5 x 13.5 inches
Weight: 1.74 Pounds
Material: Nylon Pack Cloth, Closed Cell EPE Foam

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2

EDITORS CHOICE

WOOWAVE Padded Deluxe

WOOWAVE Padded Deluxe


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Summary

High-quality construction and thick padding make the WOOWAVE Deluxe kayak seat a top seat for ocean kayaks. Both the seat and backrest are generously padded with EVA foam. On top of this, the seat surface is anti-slip and the contoured back is designed to conform to the curve of your back eliminating back issues. Thanks to these qualities, the WOOWAVE is one of the most comfortable kayak seats even for prolonged paddling sessions. 

Material and Features

True to the name, the quality of this high back seat is top-notch. Featuring a 210D polyester exterior and an EVA foam-filled interior, it's built to provide seating comfort for years. As a bonus, the detachable seat bag the seat comes with provides convenient storage space for your belongings. 

Setup and Compatibility

Equipped with four-way adjustable rear and front webbing straps and four copper metal hooks, this seat installs easily on most kayaks. Simply fasten the connecting snaps of the straps on the attachment points on the kayak and adjust the seat to your preferences.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Best For: Padding and ergonomic back support
  • Generously padded seat and back for all-day comfort
  • Anti-slip seat design keeps the seat in place
  • High and contoured backrest provides ergonomic support
  • Universal form-fitting design for all body sizes
  • Comes with a removable seat bag you can use for storage
  • Good high back support
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Seat Size: 12.2 x 15 inches
Backrest Size: 20.5 x 17.7 inches
Weight: 3.64 pounds
Materials: 210D Polyester, EVA Foam

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3

BEST VALUE

Pactrade Marine Adjustable Deluxe Padded

Pactrade Marine Adjustable Deluxe Padded


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Summary

The Pactrade marine kayak seat is the best sit-on-top kayak seat when considering value for money. First and foremost, its construction quality is outstanding. It's composed of a neoprene and 600D polyester exterior and an EVA foam interior with a PE plate. As for comfort, both the seat and backrest are padded and non-slip and the high back provides great lumbar support. Best of all, the Pactrade is affordably priced and won't break your budget.

Materials and Features

The construction using neoprene, 600D polyester, EVA foam, and a PE plate makes the chair very stable and ensures it can stand up to harsh marine elements to provide comfort and support for years to come. The included bag gives you a convenient place to stow anything you need as you paddle within arms reach.

Setup and Compatibility

Designed to fit on any kayak and accommodate paddlers of all shapes and sizes, the Pactrade comes with super-long and adjustable front and rear straps. Simple clip on attachment makes it very easy to set up whether you have a sit in or a sit on top kayak.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Best For: Sturdiness, value for money
  • Extremely tough neoprene + 600D polyester fabric
  • Molded foam and a PE plate interior provides firm comfort
  • Non-slip design for stability even when the seat is wet
  • Adjustable front and back straps provide a universal fit
  • Simple clip on replacement for easy installation and removal
  • Included storage bag offers a convenient place to keep essentials
  • Good lumbar support
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Seat Dimensions: 15.74 x 12.59 inches
Back Height: 18.5 inches
Weight: 2.75 Pounds
Materials: Neoprene + 600D Polyester, EVA foam + PE plate

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4

BKC UH-KS222 Universal Sit-On-Top Padded

BKC UH-KS222 Universal Sit-On-Top Padded


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Summary

Composed of multiple padded panels that cushion and support your legs, lower back, and torso, the BKC UH-KS222 is the perfect seat for sit on top kayak if you need lower back support. On top of this, the seat adjusts to provide support and comfort for any kayaking adventure from whitewater to fishing and fit any paddler - kids, petite, or plus sized. 

Material and Features

The BKC UH-KS222 features tough marine-grade construction. The woven nylon fabric the seat and backrest are made of is resistant to rips, punctures, sun, and saltwater damage. The hardware is marine-grade brass that doesn't rust or corrode. You can rest assured the seat will serve you for years to come even if you use it for sea kayaking. The zippered pocket on the back is a good place for a water bottle holder. 

Setup and Compatibility

Thanks to the four-way adjustable straps, the BKC UH-KS222 fits well on all brands of sit-on-top marine kayaks. Setup from installation to dialing in the straps for comfort only takes a minute. This level of adjustment also makes it perfect for fishing, tackling whitewater rapids, or kayaking in the ocean.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Best For: Sit on top kayaks
  • Universal fit for young, old, small, and extra large paddlers
  • Fully adjustable marine-grade construction suitable for any kayaking adventure
  • Multiple padded panels support the legs, lower back, and torso
  • Adjustable front and rear straps provide a universal fit on kayaks
  • Installation and adjustment are easy and only take a minute
  • Handy water bottle pouch at the back keeps your drink accessible
  • Good lumbar support
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Seat Dimensions: 24 x 20.5 x 15.5 inches
Weight: 1.8 pounds
Materials: Woven Nylon, Marine-Grade Brass

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5

Seamander Pack of 2 Padded

Seamander Pack of 2 Padded


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Summary

A pack of two padded kayak seats at an affordable price, the Seamander kayak seats are a fantastic way to upgrade the seating on a tandem kayak without spending a fortune. The seats are amply cushioned, feature high backrests, and each paddler can fine-tune their seat for optimal comfort and support. 

Material and Features

The material the Seamander kayak seats are made of is a tough nylon that can withstand the rigors of kayaking. As for the hardware, the marine-grade brass buckles are strong and resistant to rust and corrosion. 

Compatibility and Setup

Since each seat comes equipped with plenty of straps, the seats are adaptable to any sit on top kayak. Installation is a breeze and the adjustable straps allow each paddler to dial in their seat position for personalized comfort.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Best For: Tandem sit on top kayaks
  • Pack of two kayak replacement seats at an affordable price
  • Universal design with straps makes seats adaptable to any kayak
  • Multiple straps provide custom comfort for each paddler
  • High back kayak seats provide great back support
  • Side straps allow customization of backrest position
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Seat Size: 14.76 x 12.01 inches
Backrest Size: 20.28 x 17.72 inches
Weight: 2.23 ounces
Material: Tough Nylon

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6

Pelican Boats Sit On Top

Pelican Boats Sit On Top


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Summary

The Pelican Boats kayak seat is an affordable yet comfortable replacement kayak seat for Pelican sit on top kayaks as well as other kayak brands. Sturdy, well-cushioned, and featuring an articulated design, it's a very comfortable kayak seat upgrade that will transform your kayaking experience. 

Material and Features

To provide a dry seating experience and ensure the seat withstands all elements to stand the test of time, the fabric of choice is a tough nylon that repels water and doesn't rip, puncture, or disintegrate easily. For comfort, it has an articulated design and an adjustable web-strap system.

Setup and Compatibility 

Thanks to the universal adjustable design, the Pelican seat fits not only Pelican kayaks but also other sit on top kayaks. Installation is easy as the straps easily attach to D-rings. Lastly, the multiple adjustable straps allow you to adjust it to the ideal position.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Best For: Sit on top kayaks
  • Water repellent kayak seat fabric keeps you dry
  • Universal adjustable kayak seat for sit on top kayaks
  • Well-cushioned and supportive for comfortable kayaking
  • Articulated design maximizes seating comfort
  • Multi adjustment straps for personalized comfort
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Seat Dimensions: 9 x 19 x 8 inches
Weight: 1.5 pounds
Material: Water Repellent Nylon

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7

Harmony Gear Standard Sit-on-Top

Harmony Gear Standard Sit-on-Top


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Summary

With a supportive back panel, an articulated design that conforms to your body shape, and a skid-resistant bottom, the Harmony Gear standard kayak seat is an incredibly stable, supportive, and comfortable seat for kayak. It's also inexpensively priced and one of the best kayak seats when it comes to value. 

Material and Features

For comfort and durability, both the seat and backrest are composed of nylon-covered foam. Even the hardware is corrosion resistant so this sit on kayak seat is up to the rigors of saltwater kayaking. 

Setup and Compatibility

Being fully adjustable, the Harmony Gear Standard seat fits nicely on most sit on top kayaks. It's very easy to clip onto a kayak and fully adjustable so you can even adjust the position of the back band.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Best For: Sit on top kayaks
  • Skid-resistant bottom ensures you won't slip around
  • Fully adjustable to fit any sit on top kayak and all paddler sizes
  • Articulated design conforms to your body for comfort
  • Adjustable back panel provides great back support
  • Provides incredible comfort and value for money
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Seat Dimensions: 15 x 10 inches
Back Height: 13 inches
Weight: 1.65 pounds
Material: Nylon

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8

RELIANCER 2 Pack Padded

RELIANCER 2 Pack Padded


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Summary

The RELIANCER pack of two padded kayak seats is an economical way to give your tandem kayak an upgrade. Featuring thickly padded bottoms and 18 inches tall backrests, the seats are supportive and comfortable enough for all-day paddling. To sweeten the deal even further, each seat comes with a zippered storage bag.

Material and Features

Featuring a water and UV-resistant exterior made of neoprene and polyester and EVA foam on the inside, the seats are durable and don't get soggy. The brass clips are strong and rust-proof thus durable enough for sea and ocean kayaking. The seats surfaces are non-slip and the straps widened to ensure stability.

Setup and Compatibility 

Thanks to four adjustable mounting straps, the RELIANCER sit on top kayak seats fit well on most sit-on-top kayaks including inflatable kayaks. The brass clips make it easy to clip the seats to your kayak, while the wider than average straps ensure the seat is solid.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Best For: Tandem sit on top kayaks
  • Four adjustable front and rear straps provide a universal fit
  • 18 inches tall backrest provides high back support
  • Extra thick seat and backrest foam padding for cushioning comfort
  • Non-slip seat and widened attachment straps prevent slipping
  • Each seat comes with a handy detachable storage bag
  • Uv resistant
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Backrest: 18 x 20.4 inches
Seat Size: 12.2 x 15.3 inches
Weight: 5.75 pounds
Materials: Neoprene + Polyester, EVA Foam

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9

YakGear Manta Ray Sit On Top and Sit Inside

YakGear Manta Ray Sit On Top and Sit Inside


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Summary

Whether you're looking for a sit on top or sit in kayak seat upgrade, it's hard to go wrong with the YakGear SMR Manta Ray foam kayak seat. It's compatible with sit inside kayaks, sit on top kayaks, and even canoes. Comfort, support, and stability are top notch as the seat combines an adjustable 19 inch tall back with a 1.5 inches thick padded and non-skid bottom.

Material and Features

For long-lasting seating comfort, the Manta Ray padded seat for kayak features 1-1/2 inch thick EVA foam padding and rust-resistant brass snaps. The seat fabric is water-resistant and the gutters on the bottom help channel water away. Lastly, two D-rings on the back of the seat allow you to connect accessories you need handy. 

Setup and Compatibility

Versatility is where the YakGear Manta Ray high seat for kayak shines. Thoughtful placement of the buckles make it adaptable to any type of kayak while the fully adjustable straps enable it to accommodate paddlers of all shapes and sizes. The straps and D-rings make it very easy to install on a sit on top kayak. If you own a sit in kayak, however, you will need to purchase the Yak Gear 5-piece pad eye kit in order to install the seat.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Best For: Sit on top kayaks and sit inside kayaks
  • Extra-tall 19 inches padded and adjustable back provides excellent support
  • 1.5 inches thick kayak padded seat with a non-skid surface
  • Rust-resistant brass snaps make it suitable for sea kayaks
  • Water gutters channel water away keeping the seat dry
  • Two handy D-rings on the back for attaching accessories
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Seat Dimensions: 15 x 19 x 1.5 inches
Weight: 2.5 pounds
Material: EVA Foam, Brass Snaps

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10

Surf To Summit GTS Expedition Molded Foam

Surf To Summit GTS Expedition Molded Foam


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Summary

Finally, the Surf To SUMMT GTS Expedition is the best sit-on-top kayaks seat to invest in for the ultimate support and comfort while paddling. Composed of a contour molded 18 inches tall thermoformed foam backrest and a 2 inches thick padded seat, it's easily the most comfortable kayak seat on the market. The firm and comfortable support it provides will enable you to paddle for hours at a time without issues. 

Material and Features

This top of the line kayak seat is also exceptionally durable. This is thanks to a unique construction where a flexible polyethylene plastic sheet is sandwiched between a molded EVA foam face and a 600D fabric/foam laminate back. The backrest is contoured to conform to your back and has grooves that give your spine support and promote a healthy posture, while the deep channels on the seat allow water to drain easily.  

Setup and Compatibility

What else sets the Sea To Summit GTS Expedition apart from other kayak replacement seat options is that it has a 6 point rear attachment design. Thanks to this, the seat fits well on any sit on top kayak, provides personalized comfort, and guarantees that kayak seat slippage is a thing of the past. 

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Best For: Long paddling expeditions
  • Exceptionally thick seat padding – 2 inches thick
  • 18” backrest and 2” thick seat provide unrivaled support and comfort
  • Thermoformed layered construction provides firm yet comfortable support
  • Deep channels in the seat bottom funnel excess water
  • 6 point rear attachment system eliminates kayak slippage
  • Mesh bungee pouch provides convenient storage space
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Dimensions: 16 x 18 x 2 inches
Weight: 3.7 pounds
Materials: EVA foam, 600D Fabric/Foam Laminate

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How To Choose A Kayak Seat – Buying Guide

Features-of-a-kayak-seat

Type of Kayak

Before you order a kayak seat, it’s very important to ensure it’s compatible with your kayak. Most kayak seat replacements are designed for sit-on-top kayaks and some brands only make seats for their own kayaks. 

The good thing is that most aftermarket kayaks seats feature multiple adjustable straps and buckle designs that make them adaptable to any type of kayak. However, most replacement kayak seats require you to purchase a kayak accessories/accessory kit in order to install them as sit-in kayak seats.

Type of Kayaking

Choosing the ideal kayak seat replacement comes down to the type of paddling you enjoy. Whitewater kayaking requires a comfortable, supportive, stable, and non-skid seat that will stay in place as you tackle whitewater rapids. If you enjoy kayak fishing, there are fishing kayak seats with rod holders attached. 

Body Type

Your body shape and size will also determine which one of the best kayak seats you should pick. It goes without saying that you should fit comfortably in your kayak seat. Beyond this, your body will also determine whether a high back seat for kayak or a seat with lower back support will suit you best. If you’re tall, you will need tall kayak back support. If your body needs lower back support, you should go for a kayak seat designed to offer this kind of lumbar support.  

Padding

Prolonged sitting on a non-padded kayak seat is very uncomfortable and can leave you with a sore behind. For this reason, the upgrade should have a cushioned kayak seat and backrest. Most importantly, the amount of padding should be generous enough to provide a soft cushioned surface to sit on and rest your back on.

When it comes to kayak padded seats, there are three different types of padding kayak cushion seats use. A gel cushion seat for kayak or a thermo-molded foam padded seat is the best when it comes to comfort. Pressure molded foam is the most firm and durable foam padding. Because of this, it’s the perfect padding if you kayak often or are looking for a fishing kayak seat.  

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Back Support

A supportive backrest is essential for a comfortable kayaking experience. Due to this, back support is one of the most important aspects to consider when choosing a kayak seat. The best kayak seats feature high back panels that are rigid enough to provide excellent back support and keep back issues at bay. 

On top of this, a high back kayak seat should allow you to adjust the backrest to your desired angle. It’s also great if the back panel is ergonomically designed to conform to your body.

Seat Fabric

Most of the best kayak seats are made of high-denier polyester or nylon, as these fabrics are resistant to rips, punctures, and degradation by UV rays. Nylon is the front runner in kayak seat fabrics because it’s lightweight yet water repellent and incredibly strong and durable. Polyester, on the other hand, is soft and has superior wicking capabilities. This makes it a great kayak seat fabric for warm weather kayaking. 

Stability

In order to provide a comfortable, supportive, and safe seating experience, a kayak seat should be stable once installed on the kayak. It should hold in place without sliding around. To ensure the kayak seat will be able to support the weight of your body without slipping, choose a kayak seat equipped with at least four attachment straps. Seats with non-slip bottoms are also incredibly stable even when wet. 

Features

Beyond a padded seat and kayak back support, some of the best kayak seats come equipped with extra features you might find handy depending on the type of paddling you enjoy. The most common feature is a pouch attached to the back of the seat to provide handy storage space for items you need within easy reach. Some touring kayak seats have water bottle holders, while some specialty kayak seats for fishing come with fishing rod holders.

Budget

Since kayak seats can be as cheap as $25 and as expensive as $280, it’s a good idea to set a budget before you start shopping. This will help you find the best seat for a kayak that will provide the comfort and support you need without breaking your budget. The best thing is that you don’t have to go for the most expensive seat. Most good kayak seats are in the $40 – $70 price range.

FAQs

Do-Sit-On-Top-Seats-Work-With-Sit-In-Kayaks-Or-Paddle-Boards

Q: Do Sit-On-Top Seats Work With Sit-In Kayaks Or Paddle Boards?

A: 

Yes, most kayak seats for sit on top kayaks are also compatible with sit in kayaks and even standup paddleboards. Such versatile sit on top seats have multiple adjustable straps and clips that make them adaptable to sit inside kayaks and paddle boards. As long as your sit inside kayak or SUP has hooks, you can attach a seat meant for a sit on top kayak on it.

Q: Should I Upgrade the Seat, Pad or Cushion of My Kayak?

A: 

Whether to replace the entire seat or upgrade only the pad or cushion will depend on how good the current kayak chair is. If you love the back support the current chair offers but find the padding wanting, the easiest way to make the kayak seat more comfortable is to get a good cushion for kayak seat. If the whole chair for kayak is uncomfortable though, it's best to upgrade the entire seat. 

Q: How Do I Attach A Seat To My Kayak?

A: 

To attach a seat to your kayak, all you have to do is clip it onto the hooks on your kayak then tighten the straps. If your kayak doesn’t have eyelets, you can buy and install them.

Q: Will Having A Seat For My Kayak Make A Difference?

A: 

Absolutely yes. Whether you are cruising around for two hours or spending long hours fishing, having a supportive and comfortable seat will make all the difference in how comfortable and enjoyable your kayaking experience will be. A comfortable and supportive seat will allow you to paddle longer without discomfort or back issues. 

Q: How To Secure A Seat To My Kayak?

A: 

The best way to secure a seat to a kayak is to tighten the straps gradually until the straps are taut and the backrest is vertical yet slightly curved. This will ensure that the seat does not shift around when you're paddling. 

Q: What Is A Kayak Seat? How Do They Work?

A: 

A kayak seat is a lightweight and adjustable seat designed to be used on a kayak. Kayak seats attach to a kayak via straps and clips and provide the support and comfort needed when paddling.

Q: How To Choose Seats For Kayaks?

A: 

The best kayak seat to go for comes down to the type of kayak you have, the type of kayaking adventures you enjoy, and your personal preference. The most important thing is to ensure the seat you choose is stable, supportive, and comfortable. 

Q: What To Avoid When Buying?

A: 

A flimsy seat that won't hold in place or a heavy seat that will make your kayak unstable are no nos. You should also avoid too much seat padding as it can upset the center of gravity on a sit on top kayak.

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If you can only spend money on one thing in regards to your kayak, make it the seat. An uncomfortable kayak chair can ruin all your kayaking trips and take a toll on your body. Look for a seat that has enough padding to make the trip comfortable yet enough stability to stay in place even in rough waters. All the best kayak seats featured in the kayak seat reviews above meet these criteria.

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