The best inflatable kayak seats of 2023

Paddle with style and comfort this summer - we've rounded up the very best inflatable kayak seats of the year.


by Ryan Houghton |
Updated on

Should you find yourself coursing down scenic rivers or drifting along lakes this summer for an adventurous, nature-packed getaway, there's a strong likelihood you'll be aboard an excellent kayak.

Regardless of whether or not you're planning on kayaking alone on a one-person inflatable kayak, or you're eager to get the entire family afloat - if you're planning an entire day's excursion, you'll quickly run into some noticeable pains and aches. Kayaks have no back support at all, so with all likelihood your posture is bound to take a nosedive, and backache is quite the opposite of fun.

The best inflatable kayak seats at a glance:

Best kayak seat: FOLCONROAD Kayak Seat with high backrest - View on Amazon
Best value kayak seat: Aqua Marina High-Back Kayak Seat - View on Amazon
Best kayak seat for storage: BEYOND MARINA Kayak Seats - View on Amazon

For those eager to keep rowing till sunset, we've gathered some truly excellent kayak seats from across the web - perfect for taking a load off, kicking back and truly embracing those magical summer moments - or for some getting in some extra exercise.

Easy to install with plenty of padding, storage-efficient, and best of all - affordable, these simple, yet effective inflatable kayak seats absolutely change the game when it comes to prolonged comfort while out on the water.

Best kayak seat

Description

For the ultimate comfort, excellent quality and plenty of back support, look no further than

Pros

  • Excellent folding design
  • Very comfortable and breathable
  • Great storage options

Cons

  • Detachable bag isn't incredibly waterproof

Best value kayak seat

Aqua Marina High-Back Kayak Seat
Price: £43.85

Description

If you're travelling light on a multi-day excursion, packing efficiency is essential. This

Pros

  • Great value
  • Comfortable support
  • Incredibly compact
  • Easy to install

Cons

  • Not as much cushioning as alternative options

Best kayak seat for storage

Description

For those looking for the next level of premium kayak seat quality, with plenty of comfortability,

Pros

  • Incredibly comfortable
  • Great back storage bag for quick access to essentials
  • Easy to install
  • Versatile

Cons

  • Bulkier than other options

Best easy installation kayak seat

HOMCOM Deluxe Kayak Seat Sit On Top Padded Backrest

Rrp: £25.99

Price: £21.24
Alternative retailers
Robert Dyas£19.99View offer
Aosom UK£23.99View offer

Description

When shopping for the ideal inflatable kayak seat, you've probably quickly realised just how

Pros

  • Easy to install
  • Comfortable and durable
  • Excellent value

Cons

  • Some users reported issues with straps - but this is uncommon

Best ultra-lightweight kayak seat

Goosehill Kayak Seat
Price: £39.99

Description

Tough, durable, yet incredibly lightweight, the Goosehill Kayak Seat is the perfect blend of

Pros

  • Perfect for easy carrying
  • Great support
  • Easy to install
  • Great value

Cons

  • Not as comfortable as other options

Are kayak seats universal?

Kayak seats are, for the most part, universal - they will fit most kayaks, provided you have the suitable clips and D-Rings on your watercraft.

You can easily purchase D-rings and tie-down clips online - and very affordably too.

Best D-ring

PLCatis Kayak D Rings Strong Load 200KG Kayak Tie Down Loop
Price: £10.48

Description

These PLCatis D Rings should do the job perfectly. Although the screws can be a bit fiddly to get

Pros

  • Incredibly tough
  • Easy to install
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Screws can be a bit fiddly

Are kayak seats worth it?

For a quick and easy way to ease back pain, allowing you to really embrace the moment - kayak seats are essential, they're also incredibly versatile and are perfect for encouraging you to get back out into the water for some great exercise.

Kayaking vs paddleboarding - what's the best?

Both watercraft are incredibly popular, and most importantly - fun, but is there a clear winner in terms of overall performance?

Generally speaking, it's much easier to go faster in a kayak, they can have plenty of storage space for bags, and you're not standing up for a good while, so for some, kayaks are the clear victor.

However, there is some simple pleasure in coasting along riverbanks atop a paddleboard, and they're truly great exercise.

Ryan Houghton is a tech writer and reviewer for What's The Best, specialising in PCs and gaming. He is a keen PC gamer and an avid reader.

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