How Do I Choose A Kayak Seat?

Kayak Seat:

You might be wondering if you really need a kayak seat.

Let me tell you something:

Yes, you do. There are a lot of benefits that you can get from using one.

Whether you have sit-inside kayaks or sit-on-top kayaks, you need a good kayak seat for back support. Whether you’re sea kayaking or whitewater kayaking, it may well help you last on the water a whole lot longer.

There’s no doubt about the need for a comfortable kayak seat.

But the real question is…

How Do I Choose A Kayak Seat? Decision-making on this is made really hard by the variety you can find on the market.

There are inflatable kayak seats, a padded kayak seat, etc. Or deluxe kayak seats with four adjustable straps. And lots more.

Online reviews about the best kayak seats on the market are really helpful. You’ll find out which seats have the features that you need. Or which ones offer more benefits than what you’ll pay for.

In this article…

We’ll tear apart each factor that you need to consider when choosing the right kayak seat for you. We’ll also tick off what makes a supportive kayak seat.

Boats steady?

Then paddle on…

How Do I Choose the Best Kayak Seat?

In order to last on the water longer, you’ll need a comfortable seat to keep you company. But it’s more than just looking for a padded seat with back support.

These are the aspects that you need to look into:

Size of your kayak

Measure your original seat, or your cockpit if you have a sit-in kayak. You don’t want an overcrowding kayak seat or one that’s too small. Both won’t give you the maximum comfort.

For example:

I have nothing against the Pactrade Marine seat but their sizes usually don’t fit in sit-in kayaks. To prevent yourself from 

Style of your kayak

They may look alike…

But different kayak types have different styles. A fishing kayak has so many features that aren’t present in a sit-on-top kayak. Well, that one’s an obvious example but you get it…

There are kayak seats that are custom-made for a specific type of kayak. Such as the Sea Eagle Deluxe inflatable kayak seat. It’s specifically made for inflatable kayaks.

But if you can’t find your boat’s soulmate…

… no worries! Most kayak seats on the market have adjustable straps. They’re easy to install especially if your kayak already has eyelets.

Your body type

We’re not judging, but – not all of us are lean. And we may go paddling a lot but sometimes we eat a lot too. Whatever’s your body type – or your appetite – you do you.

But this I must say:

Fitting your kayak seat to your body type is just as important as fitting it to your boat.

Materials

There are materials that are most commonly used by manufacturers in making these kayak seats.

For the exterior:

It’s either neoprene fabric or polyester. 

Neoprene fabric is flexible and weather-resistant. It’s also durable and doesn’t get damaged easily by abrasive surfaces. But it’s not water-resistant.

Unlike polyester, neoprene fabric is usually used for the entire kayak seat.

On the other hand, polyester is a water-resistant material. It prevents your foam from getting soaked. Plus, it can withstand any climate.

As for the interior padding:

We have either EVA or pressure molded foam.

EVA foam is more lightweight and durable. It also isn’t as water-absorbent as other types of padding.

While molded foam is vulnerable to high temperatures. It’s cheaper, though. And another advantage is that it’s pressurized so it doesn’t compress. So if you’re not planning on paddling under heat, this material should be fine for you.

There are other brands, like the Skwoosh Expedition kayak seat, that have nylon gel seat padding. Gel seats are paired with non-slip material to keep you stable so you don’t have to worry about that.

In short…

It’s your choice. Consider the overall environment of the site where you go on kayaking. 

Supportive kayak seats

Kayak seats differ in dimensions, especially the height of the backrest. The higher the seat, the better. At least for me, that is.

But what’s really better…

There are kayak seats made for maximum lumbar support. It’s not just extra padding. The shape and the design of the seat are made to add protection to your lower back and it works wonders.

Comfortable kayak seats

Thicker padding may sound like the best solution for this but that’s not always true. Foam can get soaked up and that’s a major inconvenience even when you’re already out on the water anyway.

But aside from that…

Portability is a factor of comfort. In this area, an inflatable kayak seat towers over the rest. If you want something carried easily and don’t mind that it’s not as durable as the other, this one’s for you.

Features

The best kayak seats on the market naturally have the padding, the lumbar support, the backrest, and even the affordable price. That’s so last season for them.

So what’s the competition?

Additional features are the game-changers in this industry.

If you’re looking for the best value for your buck, look for seats with adjustable straps like the Ocean kayak comfort plus deluxe seat.

Or additional storage that sometimes comes in a detachable backpack like the Pactrade Marine adjustable padded deluxe kayak seat. It may also be in the form of a rear-mounted bungee net. These are very convenient for kayak anglers.

Other seats even offer a fishing rod holder, if you need to accommodate your fishing gear. If you’re bringing drinks, Skwoosh has insulated water bottle holders.

There’s a lot to choose from and they upgrade all the time.

Budget

Important note:

Don’t judge a seat by its price. Not all the expensive ones are the best and not all the cheap ones are the worst. This is actually what makes deciding really hard. So when in doubt – just ask!

There are a bunch of top kayak seat reviews online. Just read up, find out what best suits your needs – and budget – then go for it!

Just watch out!

You might be too enamored by the elastomer gel-filled padding and mesh bungee pouch that you’d read in the description. You might be buying more than you need.

Yes, they’re all quite useful. But they serve specific purposes. 

For example, what do you need a detachable waterproof bag for if you don’t bring electronics with you when you go paddling?