Best Kayak Coolers of 2025

Jason Kiser Avatar
Jason Kiser
Last Updated: Jan 4, 2025

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Kayak coolers are the perfect solution for keeping food and drinks cold while out on the water. Designed specifically for kayaking, these coolers are compact and lightweight, making them easy to transport and store. They are also durable and waterproof, ensuring that your items stay safe and dry while you paddle. With a variety of sizes and styles available, there is a kayak cooler to fit every need and budget. Whether you're going on a day trip or a multi-day adventure, a kayak cooler is an essential piece of gear for any kayaker.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Skywin Waterproof Kayak Cooler Cover #TOP 1
Skywin Waterproof Kayak Cooler
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Wakeman Kayak Cooler Cover #TOP 2
Wakeman Kayak Cooler
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Pelican Exochill Seat Pack 14L Cooler Cover #TOP 3
Pelican Exochill Seat Pack 14L Cooler
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Kayak Coolers

#TOP 1

Skywin Waterproof Kayak Cooler

Grey
Skywin Waterproof Kayak Cooler Cover
Skywin Kayak Cooler Behind Seat - Waterproof Kayak Seat Back Cooler for Kayaks - Compatible with Lawn-Chair Style Seats, Kayak Accessories Stores Drinks and Keeps Them Cool All Day Kayaking (Grey)

The Skywin Kayak Cooler is designed to fit snugly behind your kayak seat, maximizing storage without sacrificing space for other gear. Its waterproof materials and insulated foam ensure your drinks stay cool for up to 54 hours, making it perfect for long days on the water. With removable mesh pockets, you can easily access additional essentials while keeping everything organized. The included bungee balls secure the cooler to your seat, providing peace of mind as you paddle. This cooler is ideal for fishing trips, camping, or beach outings, enhancing your kayaking experience by keeping refreshments within easy reach.

What We Like
Space-saving design
Long cooling duration
Removable mesh pockets
Secure attachment
Versatile use

Wakeman Kayak Cooler

83-DT6174
Gray
Wakeman Kayak Cooler Cover
Wakeman Kayak Cooler - 18L Seat Back Fishing Cooler - Water-Resistant Insulated Bag - 8-12 Hour Cooling Time - Kayak Accessories Outdoors (Gray)

The Wakeman Cooler is a versatile 18L drink cooler designed for outdoor activities like fishing or kayaking. With a cooling time of 8-12 hours, you can keep your food and drinks cold all day long. Its portable design, including shoulder and backpack-style straps, makes it easy to carry. The water-resistant material ensures durability and suitability for water-based adventures. Additionally, it features a mesh side pocket for snacks and two fishing rod holders for added convenience.

What We Like
18L Capacity
8-12hr Cooling
Portable Design
#TOP 3

Pelican Exochill Seat Pack 14L Cooler

PS3011-00
White
Pelican Exochill Seat Pack 14L Cooler Cover
Pelican Exochill Seat 14L Pack Cooler - Perfect for Kayak with Lawn Chair - Soft Cooler with Shoulder Strap - Insualted

The Pelican Exochill Seat Pack 14L Cooler is a soft cooler that holds up to 14 L, equivalent to 15 cans (without ice). It is made of 420 Denier material with 0.5 inch insulation that keeps food and beverages cold for hours on the water. The cooler has a front pocket with zippers on both sides and a front mesh pocket for small items. It includes two bungee ball attachments, a removable adjustable shoulder strap, and paddle holder straps. The cooler measures 47 cm x 25 cm x 12 cm (18.5" x 9.8" x 4.7") and is designed to be attached to kayak tubular seats.

What We Like
Large capacity holds up to 14 L, equivalent to 15 cans (without ice)
Keeps food and beverages cold for hours on the water with 0.5 inch insulation
Convenient front pocket with zippers on both sides and front mesh pocket for small items
#TOP 4

Dreizack Kayak Cooler

Kayak Cooler for Kayak - Upgrade - Gray
Gray
Dreizack Kayak Cooler Cover
Dreizack Kayak Cooler Bag, 22L Capacity, Gray, Waterproof PVC Material, Behind Seat Access

The Dreizack Kayak Cooler is a versatile and convenient accessory for all your kayaking adventures. With its high-density insulation and leak-proof liner, this cooler can keep your food and drinks hot or cold for up to 16 hours. It features a multifunctional design with removable storage mesh pockets for easy organization of your belongings. The side bottle holder mesh pockets are perfect for keeping your water bottle or umbrella handy. The kayak cooler also has a side opening cover design for easy access to your drinks and food. With adjustable padded shoulder straps, you can carry it by hand or over the shoulder. Whether you're kayaking, camping, or going to the beach, the Dreizack Kayak Cooler is the perfect companion to keep your food and drinks cool all day.

What We Like
High-density insulation
Leak-proof liner
Multifunctional design
#TOP 5

Yakhacker Kayak Cooler, Waterproof Seat Back Cooler with Lawn-Chair Style Seats, Kayak Accessories Bag, Portable Ice Chest Cooler for Kayaking, Travel, Lunch, Beaches &Trips (Silver)

1101001
Silver
Yakhacker Kayak Cooler, Waterproof Seat Back Cooler with Lawn-Chair Style Seats, Kayak Accessories Bag, Portable Ice Chest Cooler for Kayaking, Travel, Lunch, Beaches &Trips (Silver) Cover
Yakhacker Kayak Cooler, Waterproof Seat Back Cooler with Lawn-Chair Style Seats, Kayak Accessories Bag, Portable Ice Chest Cooler for Kayaking, Travel, Lunch, Beaches &Trips (Silver)

The Yakhacker Kayak Cooler is a great choice for those looking for a reliable and durable cooler for their kayak adventures. It features a leakproof liner, top opening zipper for easy access, adjustable and removable shoulder strap, and multiple pockets for storage. It is designed to fit perfectly for all models with the Lawn Chair seating, and the strong bungee ball system makes it easy to attach to the back of the seat. Customers have found it to be well-made, well-insulated, and able to keep food and drinks cold for hours. The only downside is that it is a bit too large for some people's tastes.

What We Like
Leakproof liner
Top opening zipper for easy access
Adjustable and removable shoulder strap
Multiple pockets for storage
Fits perfectly for all models with the Lawn Chair seating
Strong bungee ball system for easy attachment
Well-made and well-insulated
Keeps food and drinks cold for hours
#TOP 6

Perception Splash Tankwell Cooler

8080038
Grey
One Size
Perception Splash Tankwell Cooler Cover
Perception Splash Tankwell Cooler - for Kayaks

The Perception Splash Tankwell Cooler is a great choice for kayakers looking for a convenient and secure way to store their food and drinks. It features 1⁄2 inch insulating foam to keep drinks and food cold all day, and a zippered opening on top for easy access. It also has adjustable backpack style shoulder straps and a strong haul handle for easy portage. With a 40L capacity and a low-profile shape, this cooler is perfect for a day on the water.

What We Like
Fits within the open storage area of most sit on top kayaks
1⁄2 inch insulating foam keeps drinks and food cold all day
Zippered opening on top for easy access
Adjustable backpack style shoulder straps and strong haul handle for easy portage
Low-profile shape minimizes the impact of wind
#TOP 7

JAYEGT Kayak Cooler Behind Seat

Yellow
Middle
JAYEGT Kayak Cooler Behind Seat Cover
Kayak Cooler Behind Seat - Waterproof Cooler Bag Compatible with Lawn-Chair Seat Kayak,Kayak Accessories Camping Cooler, Portable Ice Chest for Fishing, Beach,Picnic, Trips,Cooler Leak-Proof-Yellow

JAYEGT Kayak Cooler is a convenient and practical solution for storing and keeping your food and drinks at the right temperature while enjoying your outdoor activities. It is designed to fit on the back of your kayak seat, saving space and providing easy access to your drinks and snacks while you paddle. The waterproof and leakproof design ensures that your drinks and food stay dry even in wet conditions. With its long time heat preservation and large capacity space, you can always have cold drinks and hot food on hand. The cooler is perfectly compatible with any lawn chair style seating systems and can be easily attached to the back of kayak seats with strong bungee cords. Its durable construction can handle heavy loads without deforming, making it a great gift choice for kayakers.

What We Like
Convenient storage
Waterproof & leakproof
Long time heat preservation
#TOP 8

MORXPLOR Kayak Cooler Bag

20240607
Lake Green
MORXPLOR Kayak Cooler Bag Cover
MORXPLOR Kayak Cooler Bag,Waterproof Kayaking Seat Back Cooler,Cooler for Kayak Accessories,Ice Chest,Beach Cooler,Camping Cooler Bag

The MORXPLOR Kayak Cooler is designed to keep your food and drinks at the perfect temperature for up to 24 hours, thanks to its high-density PVC exterior and superior insulation materials. With a spacious interior, it can hold 20 cans or 10 bottles of water, making it ideal for a day on the water with friends. Its strong construction features a waterproof zipper and materials that protect against splashes, ensuring your items stay dry. Additionally, the cooler includes removable pockets for storing essentials like keys or phones, providing you with convenient access while you enjoy your outdoor activities.

What We Like
Leakproof and insulated
Large storage capacity
Durable waterproof materials
Convenient storage pockets
#TOP 9

GJL 38 Qt Inflatable Cooler Float

GJL
Grey
Large
GJL 38 Qt Inflatable Cooler Float Cover
Inflatable Floating Coolers for River Lake, 38 Qt Heavy Duty PVC Cooler Float with 4 Handle for River Kayaking, Easy to Lift, Reflective Floating Coolers for Fishing, Includes Inflation Tool.

The GJL Inflatable Cooler is perfect for your outdoor adventures. Made from durable PVC, this floating cooler is designed to withstand scratches and punctures, making it reliable for kayaking, boating, and fishing. Its reflective light gray color helps keep your drinks cool by reflecting sunlight, while the waterproof zippers enhance insulation. With a spacious 38-quart capacity, you can easily store over forty cans, ensuring you have plenty of refreshments for your trip. The four heavy-duty handles make it easy for two people to lift and transport, adding convenience to your outdoor experience.

What We Like
Durable and puncture-resistant
Reflects sunlight for cooling
Spacious storage capacity
Easy to lift and transport
#TOP 10

HODRANT Large Kayak Cooler

Green
Large
HODRANT Large Kayak Cooler Cover
HODRANT Large Kayak Cooler, Waterproof Kayak Cooler Behind Seat, Kayak Chair Back Cooler Bag for Lawn-Chair Style Seat, Splash Seat Ice Chest Cooler for Kayaking, Fishing & Beaches, Green, Bag Only

The HODRANT Large Kayak Cooler is a waterproof and thermal insulated cooler bag that attaches easily to kayaks with lawn chair style seats. It can hold up to 24 cans and has extra storage pockets for napkins, phones, keys, umbrellas, water cups, snacks, and fish food. The bag features padded handles, a detachable shoulder strap, and a waterproof zipper. It is versatile and can be used for kayaking, beach parties, picnics, fishing, camping, travel, or as a lunch or frozen food bag for daily use.

What We Like
Compatible with kayaks with lawn chair style seats
Leak-proof and thermal insulation
Extra storage pockets
Convenient design with padded handles and detachable shoulder strap
Versatile for multiple use occasions
Buying Guide Image

Choose the Best Kayak Coolers for Your Needs

Introduction

Kayak coolers are essential for those who love spending their time out on the water. Whether you’re fishing, canoeing, or just enjoying a day of relaxation, it’s important to ensure you have the right kind of cooler with you. Not all kayak coolers are created equal, and depending on your needs, there are a few things to consider when choosing the one that’s right for you.

Size & Capacity

When shopping for a kayak cooler, the first thing to consider is size and capacity. Think about how much food and drink you’ll need to keep cool and how much space you’ll have to store the cooler. You should also factor in the size of your kayak and the amount of storage space it has available.

Design & Material

Kayak coolers come in a variety of designs and materials, from hard-sided to soft-sided. Hard-sided coolers are more durable and offer more protection for items inside, while soft-sided coolers are more flexible and lightweight. However, if you’re looking for maximum insulation, you’ll want to opt for a hard-sided cooler.

Material is another factor to consider. The most common materials for kayak coolers are plastic and roto-molded plastic. Plastic coolers are more affordable and lightweight, but they don’t provide as much insulation as roto-molded plastic coolers. Roto-molded plastic coolers are more expensive but they provide superior insulation and are more durable.

Additional Features

When shopping for a kayak cooler, you should also consider any additional features you may need. Some coolers come with built-in cup holders or compartments for utensils, while others have features such as tie-down points for securing the cooler to the kayak. You should also consider any additional accessories such as straps or handles that can make carrying the cooler easier.

Price

Finally, consider your budget. Kayak coolers can range in price from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars, depending on the size and features. If you’re on a tight budget, it’s important to find a cooler that has all the features you need at a price you can afford.

When it comes to choosing the right kayak cooler, there are a few things to consider. Think about the size and capacity you need, the design and material, any additional features you may need, and your budget. With a little research and some careful consideration, you’ll be able to find the perfect cooler to keep your food and beverages cool and fresh while you’re out on the water.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What size cooler will fit on a kayak?

A 20-quart capacity cooler is recommended for kayaks as it fits in most sit-on-top kayak storage wells. This size is convenient to carry and provides sufficient storage space for drinks, food, bait, and catches.

2. Where do you put a cooler on a kayak?

It is best to place the cooler on either the stern or the deck of the kayak. Securing it with ropes is essential to prevent it from shifting. Placing it on the stern is preferred by some as it keeps all the items behind the seat for easy access.

3. Should you store kayak upside down or right side up?

It is recommended to store the kayak deck-side-down to prevent moisture from accumulating in the nooks and crannies, especially if it is kept outside. Moisture can freeze and expand, causing damage to the hull. This applies to both sit-inside and sit-on-top kayaks.

4. Do you leave the plugs in a kayak?

Whether to leave the plugs in the kayak's seat area depends on your size and weight. If you need additional lift, it is advisable to plug the holes. If you are lightweight and require more depth in the water, leave the plugs unplugged. In cases where water enters the kayak due to waves or rain, it is recommended to unplug the holes to allow drainage.

Editor's Notes

During our kayak cooler research, we found 24 kayak cooler products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 11,471 customer reviews through our big data system to write the kayak coolers list. We found that most customers choose kayak coolers with an average price of $33.88.

The kayak coolers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of kayak coolers, including Skywin, Wakeman, Pelican, Dreizack, YAKHACKER. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 891 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Jason Kiser Avatar

Jason Kiser is an editor who lives in California, he previously worked in a travel agency for ten years, which enabled him to travel a number of interesting countries and experience several different cultures along the way. His range of job and travel experiences grant him expertise in hiking, camping, outdoors and fitness.