7 Best Kayak Seats (2023 Reviews and Guide)

A kayak seat is arguably one of the most important parts of your kayak. Finding the best kayak seat can make a long day of paddling a lot more comfortable. Today we will share kayak seats to help keep your butt and back comfy on your kayak.

Many people complain about the seat in their kayak, which is pretty common with an entry-level or budget kayak. Even if you spend a lot of money on the kayak, the seat might not be right for you.

I can tell you from experience that having a good kayak seat can make a huge difference. The right kayak seat can make or break your experience so you can spend more time exploring in your kayak and less time stressing about your comfort level.

In a hurry? Here are our top picks:

Best Kayak Seat

Let’s get into the seats themselves. Different types of kayaks require specific seats. Then we will discuss what makes the best kayak seat and what you should consider when you buy one.

Sit tight if you are happy with your kayak seat but need an upgrade.

Ocean Kayak Comfort Plus Seat

If back support is what you are after, you are in luck. The Comfort Plus seat from Ocean Kayak gives you plenty of back support. The backrest is extra tall and cradles your back as you paddle. Back support is a big part of a fun day on the water.

Another great feature of this kayak seat is the material.  The nylon construction is breathable, which helps to keep you cool and dry. The Comfort Plus seat has more padding than traditional kayak seats.

This extra padding gives you plenty of comfort and support.  The combination of a high seatback and comfortable pad makes the Comfort Plus a great kayak seat.

Four-way adjustable straps let you tighten the straps to get a firm fit. The high-quality brass clips and sturdy webbing help adjust the seat to fit you properly.

The brass swivel buckles attach to a variety of different kayaks. The seat is easy to install or remove when you store your kayak.

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Pactrade Marine Deluxe Kayak Seat

If you need a kayak seat upgrade or something new, the Pactrade Deluxe Kayak Seat is a great option. This EVA foam kaya seat can make a big difference in comfort and support.  Adjustable front and rear straps let you get a nice, snug fit.

The high back seat is tall and wide, which gives you optimal back support.  The kayak seat has four metal clips to attach securely to your kayak. Since it’s a universal seat, the webbing straps are long so that it can fit a variety of kayaks. I love the wraparound support this kayak seat cushion offers.

The seat also comes with a detachable pack for the back of the seat. You can use the bag to store some accessories or gear you take with you. You can store your lunch, tools, hats, or other clothing. Extra storage is always an excellent addition to a kayak seat.

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WOOWAVE Kayak Seat

This adjustable seat back will give you a lot of back support and comfort. The backrest is tall and supportive and works well for different-sized paddlers. The molded foam kayak seat is comfortable for sitting for long periods. 

WOOWAVE has designed this seat to support your mid and lower back, which is crucial for spending a lot of time in your kayak.

The kayak seat comes with a waterproof, detachable storage bag for things like phones, keys, lunch, or items like that. You can put a few smaller tools and some other gear as well. Extra storage space on a kayak is an excellent feature.

The thick foam seat cushion comes with four-way adjustable straps, which allow you to put the seat in the right position.  It’s easy to loosen or tighten the seat back as needed throughout the day. Copper metal clips are attached to anchor points on your kayak, making it easy to install.

This highly-rated universal kayak seat has a durable foam interior and a high-quality polyester exterior.  The thick foam seat cushion is skid-resistant for all-day comfort.  The last thing you want to do is fight your seat while in your kayak.

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Leader Accessories Deluxe Padded Kayak Seat

The best kayak seats don’t have to be expensive. The Leader Accessories Deluxe Padded Kayak Seat is one of the best kayak seats because it packs a lot of value at a reasonable price.

The seat provides comfortable back support, adjustable straps, and a durable 210D polyester exterior that’s water-resistant. If you are an angler, this is an excellent fishing kayak seat.

The EVA foam interior is durable and comfortable, and the 210D polyester exterior is solid and water-resistant. In addition, the deluxe molded foam cushion provides extra comfort, and the high-grade hooks are corrosion-resistant.

Another great feature is the detachable storage bag on the back of the seat. You can carry your car keys, wallet, cell phone, etc., to and from the water and have your valuables with you all the time.

The EVA foam interior is durable and comfortable, providing extra padding for your lower body. Two straps in front and two in the rear provide a secure fit, and the high back design is great for the butt and back support.

The seat is versatile, and you can use it for kayaking and paddleboarding. So enjoy more comfort on your next kayaking trip without breaking the bank.

The negative thing about this kayak seat is the padding for your butt is kind of thin. You might be better off with the OceanMotion extra thick seat if you want more padding.

This seat is a great option if you can stand up in your kayak, stretch out occasionally, and don’t mind the thinner padding.

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OceanMotion Ergo-Fit sit on top Kayak seat

If you are looking for extra thick padding, then OceanMotion Erog-Fit sit-on-top kayak seat is worth a look. This seat provides a robust 2.5 inches cushion for your butt. The thick padding and reinforced seatback help to minimize fatigue on those long days on the water.

Front and rear adjustable straps hold the seat firmly in place.  This adjustable padded deluxe cushion has excellent rig back support, and you can adjust the straps to fit your body. 

It’s more rigid and does not wrap around like other kayak seats. What sets this one apart is the amount of padding.

The seat has a non-slip bottom, but some complain it still moves around.  I think that is a common theme with some of these universal seats. It’s hard to get a material that won’t slide around on hard plastic, especially if some water is involved.

The back of the seat has a storage bag to keep supplies or gear, like your lunch, keys, phone, small tools, etc. Any additional storage space on a kayak is a plus!

This seat cushion is designed for sit-on-top kayaks.  Many other seat cushions are versatile and can fit a variety of sit-ins or sit-on-top kayaks.

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WOOWAVE Kayak Seat Thickened

If you’re looking for a kayak seat that will provide you with extra thick seat padding and upper back support, the WOOWAVE Kayak Seat is a great option to consider.

This seat gives you superior comfort, and the design contours to your body curve, so you get the support where you need it. This is an excellent sit-on-top kayak seat.

The 4-way adjustable reinforced front and rear webbing straps also make it easy to install and remove and allow you to fine-tune the position of the upper back.

The thick seat gives you much-needed comfort while you’re out paddling. And since this kayak seat is made of durable EVA foam interior and 210D polyester exterior, both high quality, you can be sure it will last for a long time.

The anti-slip design ensures that you stay in place while still paddling, which is excellent for keeping up your speed and momentum. The kayak seat also provides high back support to ensure your back stays comfortable.

The WOOWAVE Kayak Seat is one of the best kayak seats, both for its fit and top-notch features.

Consider investing in this kayak seat while you paddle for superior comfort. You’ll be glad you did.

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Yakpads Cushioned Seat Pad

Most people spend way too much time sitting, so it’s important to ensure you’ve got the best kayak seat available.

If you’re looking for one of the best kayak seats on the market, you should check out the Yakpads Cushioned Seat Pad. This seat pad is designed with your comfort in mind.

Unfortunately, most sit-inside kayaks have only contained thin pads for padding. Fortunately, the Yakpads Cushioned Seat Pad is here to change all that.

This kayak seat has a low-back design for lumbar support, gel-filled construction to eliminate pressure points, and adjustable stabilizer straps to perfectly fit any sit-inside kayak.

This kayak seat pad can be used over your existing seat for added comfort.

The fully insulated design will keep you comfortable even on long excursions. The best part is that it’s perfect for men, women, and kids. So you can’t go wrong with a Yakpads Cushioned Seat Pad.

If you’re looking for the best kayak seat on the market, look no further than the Yakpads Cushioned Seat Pad.

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What Makes a Comfortable Kayak Seat?

Many factors go into a great kayak seat.  Let’s consider some things to choose a kayak seat.

Back support

Not all kayak seats are created equal, and every person has different needs, so keep this in mind when looking for the best kayak seat.

As a guy who suffers from back pain, I understand the value of a seat with excellent back support.  If you are going to spend hours on the water sitting on your butt, you need proper back support.  This includes the upper, mid, and lower back.

Look for a kayak seat that will support your back.  Some seats are more upright and rigid, while other seatbacks are a wraparound style.

Back support is a huge factor when you are kayaking.  You are sitting, in a lot of cases, on a hard piece of molded plastic. Getting a proper seat cushion and support is extremely important.

Padding

Adequate padding is crucial to a kayak seat. You will sit for a long time and may not have many opportunities to get up and stretch your legs, butt, and back. Choose a seat that has a good amount of padding.

If your existing kayak seat is super thin or your kayak doesn’t come with a cushion, you should immediately look for a comfy seat. There is no point in being uncomfortable as soon as you hit the water.

Adjustable

The best kayak seats are adjustable to get the right fit.  An adjustable kayak seat is also helpful if different people will use the kayak.  Look for a seat that you can adjust the top and the bottom.

An adjustable seat will fit your kayaking style. You may want to lean back and relax if you are on calm water.  If you are on faster-moving water, you want to sit more upright to be in action.

One thing I like to do is vary my posture when I am on the water.  Sometimes I like to lean back and extend my legs to give my butt and back a break. It’s all about finding the right position, so an adjustable seat is the only way to go.

Comfort

Duh, your seat needs to be comfortable, right?  All kayak seats are not made equally, though. What works for your buddy may not work for you.

Finding a comfortable kayak seat is going to be different for everyone. Some people need more padding than others. 

Some folks will prefer a wraparound style as opposed to a rigid back.  Find a seat that fits you comfortably so you can spend more time on the water.

Breathable

Okay, I live in a warm-weather climate, and in the summer, I sweat moe than I care to admit when I am on the lake.  A breathable kayak seat is a must in my eyes.  Different materials will breathe better than others, so keep that in mind.

A ventilated kayak seat will help circulate air and keep you from getting too hot.  The right material and breathable design will help keep you dry, not all sweaty and stinky.

Size

A kayak seat needs to be the right size for you.  Taller people will need a higher seatback than shorter people, and some will need a wider backrest than others.  Just make sure you keep the seat size in mind when looking for the best kayak seat.

Will the Seat Fit Your Kayak?

Check with your manufacturer to see if there is a recommended kayak seat.  Not all kayak seats will fit on all kayaks.  Some seats are specifically designed to sit on top kayaks and won’t fit a sit-in kayak. That’s not to say that a sit-on-top kayak seat won’t fit a sit-in kayak.

You may also have to adjust your kayak since universal seats require deck loops to attach to.  If you have questions, contact your manufacturer to see how this will work for your kayak.

Price

Price is always important when you are choosing a kayak seat. Just because it’s the most expensive seat doesn’t mean it’s the best kayak seat or the best for you.  You can spend a lot of money on a kayak seat, so you want to ensure it’s going to do the job.

Durability

The best kayak seats will be durable and last a long time.  Think of all your seat will be exposed to, sun, wind, rain, etc. You want a seat that will stand up to the elements.

Plus, you will sit on the seat, adding to the wear and tear.  Your seat will undoubtedly get wet, so you want a material that will stand up to the rigors of kayaking.

How to Install a Kayak Seat

This post is not a guide on installing a kayak seat, but there are some things to keep in mind. You will need to ensure your kayak is equipped for your new seat.

Some kayaks are equipped with hooks to attach your new seat easily.  Some kayaks don’t have hooks, and you may have to put some on yourself. It’s a good idea to check with your manufacturer before you drill into your kayak.

Many universal kayak seats come with straps and buckles that make it easy to install and remove the seat for storage.

FAQ’s

Will a Kayak Seat Work on an Inflatable Kayak?

This depends on whether or not the kayak is equipped with the right hooks/anchors. Some inflatables will work with a universal kayak seat, and some won’t line up.

How Can I Make My Kayak Seat More Comfortable?

A kayak seat upgrade can help provide more cushion for your butt and support for your back. The WOOWAVE Kayak Seat is an excellent all-around seat that provides comfort and stability. You can also try a YakPads kayak seat cushion to fit over the top of your existing seat.

Wrapping Up

A good kayak seat can make your day on the water more enjoyable. The seat that comes with your kayak may not be the best quality.  Or your kayak may not come with a seat at all.

Try to vary your posture and stretch your legs if possible.  A good seat will help, but remember you are still sitting on your butt all day!

Let me know if you have any questions.