The Best Kayak Seat Cushion

Buying Guide

Body posture is an important part of a successful kayaking adventure. You’ll want to position yourself to maximize stability, but you’ll also want to be comfortable throughout your time on the water. This is especially true if you plan to be out there for hours at a time.

The ideal position for kayaking is with your back straight and your legs out in front of you. But even if your kayak has a seat with a backrest, those seats can be uncomfortable, especially after you’ve been at it a while. They also tend to retain extreme temperatures, which can become really uncomfortable if you’re on the water on an extra-chilly or overly hot day.

A kayak seat cushion can be an affordable, easy way to add a little comfort to your favorite watercraft. These cushions often fold up for portability, allowing you to easily transport it to the water. But the best thing about them is that they typically come with extra padding that makes your day much more enjoyable, whether you’re fishing or paddling.

Stability is another feature you’ll often get from kayak seats. Many come with straps and some even have anti-slip features that will provide stability even if the waters get rough. Combine this with the safety features, and there are plenty of benefits to a kayak seat.

• One handy feature you’ll find with some kayak seats is an extra storage bag attached to the back. This gives you somewhere safe to store items like your wallet, car keys and phone.
• Water-resistance is an important feature in a kayak seat. You’ll want a seat that keeps you relatively dry if water happens to splash into the boat.
• Kayak seat cushions have varying degrees of padding and contouring. Pay particular attention to whether you’ll get support in the areas you need. A soft, comfortable seat won’t help if it doesn’t provide the support you need for your back, for instance.
• Gel is a great way to get the comfort you need without extra bulk or weight. Gel filling also helps resist extreme temperatures and retains its shape even when wet.
• Some kayak seats are designed to be universal in nature, working with a variety of kayak types and sizes. Others are more restrictive. Make sure the kayak seat you’re choosing will work with your kayak before you buy.
• Chances are, your kayak seat will never end up in the water, but if it does, having a seat that’s buoyant and brightly colored could become very useful.