Stashing food in a bag before going kayaking is my favorite thing to do, so I keep trying new coolers.
Listing down some of the best coolers I’ve used, and I’m sure you will not regret buying them!
Best Kayak Coolers
Yeti Hopper Flip 18
This is one of the best kayak coolers and is flexible enough to go anywhere.
While most cooler brands fail to live up to expectations of their promised durability, Yeti’s soft-sided cooler is an exception. It is puncture—and tear-proof. It keeps your food cold thanks to the stainless steel latches that keep things airtight.
It contains handles and straps, which make it easy to carry. The antimicrobial liner inside facilitates easy clean-up, and the leak-proof zipper keeps water and cold in. I had it with me on my last ride, and I was amazed at its functionality.
Perception Splash Seat Back Cooler
The Splash Seat Back Cooler is one of those coolers that is well designed yet not bulky. It is perfect for small kayak storage. You can attach it to your seat via bungee ball cords that secure the bag nicely.
The cooler has instilled closed-cell foam with RF-welded internal seams. This insulation will keep your drinks cold all day long. With the zipper on the top of the cooler, it’s easy to fetch a snack or drink without getting out of your kayak seat.
You can also store up to 12 cans. I wish there would be a liner to store my sandwiches, but you can still store food on top of your cans without worrying about smashing them.
Seattle Sports Kayak Catch
The Seattle Sports Kayak Insulated Deck Top Cooler is a soft shell cooler best for kayak fishing that keeps your catch cold. It has a zippered enclosure and a fold-down top like a dry bag.
This catch bag is one of the best fishing coolers because it features a really rugged design and a unique insulation system.
The ice retention and foam insulation keep food, fish, or bait nice and cool for several hours. The bungee straps can be attached to nearby gear or tied down to a kayak’s deck, freeing your hands for fishing rods.
Perception Splash Tankwell Cooler
If you like to use your kayak space efficiently, consider getting Perception Kayaks Splash Tankwell Cooler. It can fit where you want it to, like on the stern or deck of the kayak.
This cooler offers an adjustable bungee strap, a durable handle, and D-rings for tying down. It is one of my favorite coolers because I use it for hiking and camping, too.
It’s easy to open, and you can quickly get to your food, such as sandwiches and snacks. It is designed to fit 40-litre-worthy drinks, which is quite good for me.
It might not suit you if you like to keep your food and drinks extra cool. But here’s a catch: use ice boxes along this soft-sided cooler, and you’re good to go.
ICEMULE Pro Cooler
This insulated kayak cooler is a must if you need to store fish. It can hold eight pounds of ice and fish.
The top of IceMule is waterproof and seals out air to compress the bag. This soft-shell cooler keeps its contents cold for over 24 hours.
This type of cooler fits perfectly to kayak space, is portable, and floats even when fully loaded.
CreekKooler Floating Cooler
Floating coolers are handy if you need to keep one but have no space. You can simply attach them to your kayak, and they’re good to go.
This towable cooler features two inches of insulation to hold approximately 30 quarts and 20 pounds of ice.
The cooler has handles on each side, which allows easy attachment. You will also find drink holders when you see a cooler inside.
Types Of Kayak Coolers
As you start shopping for the best kayak cooler, you’ll find a variety of sizes and cooler options to choose from.
Coolers for a kayak come in two types: Hard shell coolers and soft-shell coolers.
As the name suggests, hardshell coolers have a solid construction and are often in the shape of a portable box. They keep food cooler for longer.
Soft-shelled coolers are more flexible and act as insulated bags. They pack down nicely and can take on different shapes.
Styles Of Coolers
Hard shell ice chest coolers are cubicles in shape and keep the food cold for long periods.
Cooler bags are great kayak coolers for those with limited storage space.
Towable coolers are perfect kayak coolers as they can float in the water alongside your kayak.
Things To Consider When Picking Out a Kayak Cooler
The first thing to consider is the size of a kayak cooler. If you have a narrow sea kayak, you can not fit a hard shell ice chest in your kayak.
The hatch openings are too small to fit a cooler inside. If you try to strap it to the deck, your lunch will probably be floating in the water after a few minutes of paddling.
If you have a sit-on-top or recreational kayak, you can comfortably fit a large ice chest with no trouble.
If you plan to take a lot of food and drinks, use the cooler with a larger capacity.
Coolers with storage capacities between 10 liters and 25 liters give you enough space to fit drinks, food, and fish while fitting on the kayak without being too heavy.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re sorted for kayak coolers by now.
Choose the one that is able to fit items like sandwiches and snacks and keep them fresh for long periods of time, and you’re all set to get out on the water!
