Updated September 18, 2023
When you head out for a day of padding you anticipate getting some exercise and having a chance to commune with nature. Unfortunately, many kayaks come equipped with inadequate seating that has little to no padding and perhaps no seatback. What you end up with are memories of how much your back and rear end hurt and how generally uncomfortable the experience was.
That’s where a good replacement seat to suit your physique and needs can make all the difference.
Finding one could take extensive research, so to cut that process down to size, a number of top models have been selected to introduce to you. They are compared on a table, followed by descriptions with key features and photos, and a simple buying guide.
If you have any questions or concerns, please use the comments section at the bottom. I’d love to know your thoughts.
For more reviews of kayaks, canoes, boats, and accessories, please check out these popular posts:
Kayak Storage Racks Kayak Compasses Kayak Anchors Kayak Bilge Pumps Inflatable Canoes Electric Pumps for Inflatables Pedal Kayaks Ocean Fishing Kayaks Fishing Kayak Paddles Waterproof Bags Canoe Paddles Canoes Kayak Shoes Kayak Helmets Kayak Wetsuits Kayak Roof Racks Kayak Carts Kayak Drysuit Review Kayak Paddles Kayak Life Vests Women Kayak Life Vests Marine VHF Radios Small Outboard Motors Kayak Trolling Motors Kayak Fish Finders Marine GPS Marine Binoculars Women’s Kayaks Touring Kayaks Tandem Kayaks Whitewater Kayaks for Beginners Lake Kayaks Ocean Kayaks Fishing Kayaks Beginner Kayaks Recreational Kayaks Inflatable Kayaks Inflatable Boats
Best Kayak Seat Review
- Leader Accessories Deluxe Padded Kayak Seat
- Ocean Kayak Comfort Plus Seat Back Kayak Seat
- Surf to Summit GTE Sport Sit-On-Top Kayak Seat
- Skwoosh High Back Kayak Seat
- YakGear SMR Manta Ray Kayak Seat
- Pactrade Marine Adjustable Deluxe Kayak Seat
- Saturn Deluxe Molded Foam Kayak Seat
- WOOWAVE Kayak Seat Padded Deluxe Canoe Seat
- iGuerburn Adjustable Padded Kayak Seat
Kayak Seat Comparison Table
| Picture | Kayak Seats | Materials | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Leader Accessories Deluxe Padded Kayak Seat | Molded EVA Foam and 210D Polyester | 4.5 | $ |
  | Ocean Kayak Comfort Plus Seat Back Kayak Seat | Nylon and EPE Foam | 4.3 | $ |
  | Surf to Summit GTE Sport Sit-On-Top Kayak Seat | 600 Denier Fabric, EVA, and PVC Foam | 4.7 | $$ |
  | Skwoosh High Back Kayak Seat | Fluidized Gel and Mesh | 4.7 | $$ |
  | YakGear SMR Manta Ray Kayak Seat | EVA Foam | 4.4 | $ |
  | Pactrade Marine Adjustable Deluxe Kayak Seat | Neoprene, Polyester, and Foam | 4.4 | $ |
  | Saturn Deluxe Molded Foam Kayak Seat | Molded Foam | 4.6 | $$ |
  | WOOWAVE Kayak Seat Padded Deluxe Canoe Seat | EVA Foam and 210D Polyester | 4.3 | $ |
  | iGuerburn Adjustable Padded Kayak Seat | EVA and Nylon | 4.2 | $ |
| Picture | Kayak Seat | Materials | Rating | Price |
Leader Accessories Deluxe Padded Kayak Seat
The Leader Accessories Deluxe Padded Kayak Seat is a nice upgrade for kayakers looking for a high-back, customized fit that provides comfortable contoured back and bottom support, great for long-distance paddling.
Fabricated with durable high-quality materials including an EVA foam core, 210D polyester outer fabric, and marine brass clips for the webbing straps, it also has a detachable storage bag on the seatback to keep important accessories in reach.
Available in 3 color styles, the pricing is quite affordable.
- Size: back – 20” width x 18” height, bottom – 15” width x 12” depth
- Materials: EVA molded foam interior, 210D polyester cover
- 2 adjustable webbing straps in front and 2 in the rear with marine grade solid brass connecting clips
- Detachable rear bag for storage
- Comfortable, ergonomic, high-back, contoured, padded design supports the back and bottom
- Comes in black, black/gray, and gray/black piping
- Rating: 4.5
- Price: $
View More From Leader Accessories
Ocean Kayak Comfort Plus Seat Back Kayak Seat
The Ocean Kayak Comfort Plus Seat Back Kayak Seat has a wrap-around design and high back that cradles you and provides comfortable full torso support.
4-way adjustable straps with stainless steel springs and high-quality brass clips enable a custom fit for almost any body type and extra padding on the seat adds to the comfort of a long day on the water.
UV-resistant nylon inhibits fading and internal stays provide structure and support.
In addition, reflective logos add to visibility in low light.
It all combines for a comfortable safe ride at a reasonable price.
- Size: 23” x 15”
- Materials: UV-resistant nylon pack cloth, EPE foam padding
- Internal stays for structure and support
- High-back, wrap-around design for full torso support
- Extra seat padding
- 4-way adjustable mounting straps with stainless steel springs and brass clips for a custom fit
- Reflective logos for low-light visibility
- Comes in black
- Rating: 4.3
- Price: $
Surf to Summit GTE Sport Sit-On-Top Kayak Seat
The Surf to Summit GTE Sport Sit-On-Top Kayak Seat is designed for smaller paddlers with extra lower back support but has suitable lumbar support for any sized person.
It has thick thermoformed foam panels for a comfortable conforming fit with molded-in grooves. Durably constructed with a Lycra foam laminate, it uses 600 denier fabric to reinforce stress points.
Held firmly in place with 2 front and 2 rear easy-adjust straps, it also has a large built-in cargo pack on the back of the seat.
Available in black/gray, this is a premium seat with a fairly high price to match.
- Size: back – 13” height x 24” width, seat – 14” depth x 14” width x .75” thickness
- Materials: 600 denier fabric at stress points, Lycra foam laminate with EVA and PVC foam
- Tri-laminated backrest structural support
- Molded-in channeling grooves
- Thick padded thermoformed foam panels
- Easy to use multi-adjustable front (2) and rear (2) straps to lock in the seat position, with solid brass clips
- Built-in oversized cargo pack on the seatback
- Comes in gray/black
- Rating: 4.7
- Price: $$
The Skwoosh High Back Kayak Seat is well designed for comfortable all-day paddling with its fluidized gel waterproof seat cushion, high, contoured seat back with adjustable side wings, fiberglass battens for stability, and adjustable lumbar supports.
It has easy no tools installation with 4 straps and attachment points with corrosion-resistant hardware and back-of-the-seat storage with bungee webbing.
Constructed with waterproof materials including the seat cushion and durable 600 denier polyester seatback, it will provide years of service.
- Size: back – 20” height x 26” width, seat – 13” depth x 16” width
- Materials: nylon seat bottom, fluidized gel pad seat, 600 denier polyester
- Waterproof seat cushion
- Fiberglass battens in the seatback for stability
- Adjustable lower back lumbar support
- 2 x 1.5” rear lower and 2 x 1” upper front attachment straps with corrosion-resistant hardware
- Expandable bungee storage on the seatback
- Comes in black
- Rating: 4.7
- Price: $$
YakGear SMR Manta Ray Kayak Seat
The YakGear SMR Manta Ray Kayak Seat is an affordable model with an adjustable contoured back and non-skid bottom with thick EVA foam that will make your days of paddling much more comfortable.
Suitable for most body sizes, it attaches easily using 4 straps with sturdy brass clips and has 2 D-rings on the seat back for accessories.
It also has gutters on the bottom of the seat for the removal of excess water.
- Size: back – 19” height x 21.5” width, seat – 15” depth x 1.5” thick
- Materials: EVA foam, unidentified fabric
- Non-skid seat bottom with water gutters for drainage
- Adjustable seatback
- Fits most body sizes
- 4 straps with brass clips for installation
- 2 D-rings on the seat back for attachment of accessories
- Best used on sit-on-top kayaks
- For sit-inside models you need the YakGear 5 Piece Pad Eye Kit (PEK5) available separately
- Comes in black
- Reasonably priced
- Rating: 4.4
- Price: $
Pactrade Marine Adjustable Deluxe Kayak Seat
The Pactrade Marine Adjustable Deluxe Kayak Seat has a contoured, adjustable high back with non-slip surfaces for secure positioning whether upright or reclined.
Made from durable 600D polyester, neoprene, and EVA foam, it provides comfortable support for a range of body sizes but some users have suggested a little more padding in the seat might help for long days on the water.
Designed for sit-on-top kayaks, it can be installed in sit-inside models with only a few adjustments.
It comes with a sizable detachable bag to house accessories on the back of the seat and the pricing is pleasingly low.
- Size: back – 17” height x 19.75” width, seat – 12” depth x 14.5” width
- Materials: neoprene + 600D polyester, EVA foam + PE plate
- 4 adjustable front and rear straps with metal snap hooks
- Contoured, padded high back
- Non-slip padded surfaces
- Detachable backpack/bag on the seatback
- Rating: 4.6
- Price: $$
View More From Pactrade Marine
Saturn Deluxe Molded Foam Kayak Seat
The Saturn Deluxe Molded Foam Kayak Seat is a comfortable model with a high back that includes a sizable zippered bag on the seatback that has 2 rod holders built-in for an angler.
The seat is thermally molded with a firm center section for back support, and softer sides. There is also a 2” seat cushion for extra padding for your bottom that can be detached and used as a throwable PFD.
4 adjustable straps with marine-grade snap hooks permit attachment to practically any kayak.
- Size: back – 18” height, 2” thick seat cushion
- Materials: molded foam
- 4 adjustable front and rear straps with marine-grade snap hooks to accommodate almost any kayak
- Thermal-molded construction with firm back support and softer sides
- Detachable 2” cushion can be used as a throwable PFD
- Large detachable zipper pack on the seat back that includes 2 rod holders with Velcro closure
- Rating: 4.6
- Price: $$
WOOWAVE Kayak Seat Padded Deluxe Canoe Seat
The WOOWAVE Kayak Seat Padded Deluxe Canoe Seat has a high-back form-fitting design suitable for a range of body sizes and for kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and other watercraft that have D-rings for attachment.
Constructed of durable EVA foam and 210D polyester, it has a comfortable non-slip surface, solid back support, and a contoured fit for a comfortable day of paddling.
Installation is easy with 2 front and 2 rear 4-way adjustable straps with copper metal clips.
It comes with a detachable bag for accessories and a 1-year guarantee, all for a reasonable price.
- Size: back – 17.7” height x 20.5” width, seat – 12.2” depth x 15” width
- Materials: EVA foam, 210D polyester
- Easy installation with 4 adjustable front and rear straps with copper metal snap hooks
- Non-slip padded, contoured high-back and seat with a form-fitting design to suit a range of body sizes
- Detachable seat bag for accessories
- Suitable for kayaks, canoes, and other watercraft with D-rings
- Money-back guarantee and replacement within 1 year
- Rating: 4.3
- Price: $
iGuerburn Adjustable Padded Kayak Seat
The iGuerburn Adjustable Padded Kayak Seat is another comfortable high-back design with a similar configuration to the WOOWAVE seat just above.
It uses EVA foam padding and nylon for a non-stick, contoured, soft surface with good back support.
The 4 straps and brass snap hooks allow easy installation and are designed to fit sit-on-top kayaks and canoes.
It also comes with a handy backpack/bag on the seatback to keep some key accessories handy.
The pricing is quite affordable.
- Size: back – 17.2” height x 19.9” width, seat – 11.7” depth x 14.8” width
- Materials: EVA foam, nylon
- High-back design with a non-stick contoured, padded surface
- Easy installation with 4 adjustable front and rear straps with brass snap hooks
- Detachable backpack/bag for accessories on the seatback
- Rating: 4.2
- Price: $
Kayak Seat Buying Guide
Replacing a Kayak Seat
Often times manufacturers don’t install the highest quality seating designs and materials as stock on kayaks. The original seats may have minimal padding and perhaps no seatback. Cheaper seating also wears out more quickly. In either case, purchasing a new seat as an aftermarket accessory can allow the opportunity for an upgrade that can be more comfortable and effective for you. Many aftermarket seats have features like high backs, lumbar support, and thicker padding adding significantly to the experience, health, and comfort-wise.
Fortunately, removing the old seat and replacing it is usually easy to do with no extensive mechanical skills or toolbox necessary.
Benefits of a Good Kayak Seat
- Comfort – Hours on the water sitting on a poorly padded seat or one without a shape that suits your body can turn the time into agony. The right amount of padding, ergonomically placed to suit your body, with back and lumbar support, if needed, can make all the difference.
- Stability – You want a seat with a strapping system that holds the seat securely in place without any shifting of position as you move and paddle. A stable position for your body in the seat, as well, enabled by the structure and design of it with features like a contoured fit or high back, will add to the torsion of your lower body as you maneuver for more effective paddling.
- Storage – When you get on board a kayak you are immediately aware that space is at a premium. A good kayak seat often provides a place for storage in the form of a zippered bag, mesh pouch, bungee webbing, rod holders, or other attachment points that allow placement of items in a handy position such that they don’t take up room somewhere else.
Seat Types
- Basic Seats – These have the configuration and padding suitable for short excursions without a lot of time on the water. Often it is just a matter of a little bit of padding to add modestly to your comfort level. These generally will be comparatively inexpensive.
- Deluxe Seats – These are the next step up from the basic seats and often include several features enhancing comfort. These likely include more padding, and may also have more ergonomic styling that contours to the body using foam inserts or a high back. If you are trying to upgrade a sit-inside kayak you will have to be especially careful that the features are compatible with the kayak. Pricing is accordingly higher.
- High Back Seats – These provide better back support that many appreciate for extended time-frames. This is especially applicable for taller paddlers and fishermen. Again, make sure that your kayak is compatible.
- Inflatable Seats – These are easy to store in deflated form making them convenient. They have a reputation for offering less comfort and support than standard kayak seat designs but these days there are models that provide high levels of both convenience and performance.
Foam Types Employed
Most kayak seats employ some form of EVA foam or gel.
- EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) is a durable material that is flexible but fairly firm. It can be pressure-molded or thermo-molded for a contoured shape to conform to body shapes.
- Memory Gel – This is softer than EVA and will take on your body contours. Used also in pillows and mattresses, it feels soft and pleasant but unfortunately, with age, the gel can break down.
Fabrics Employed
For use in kayak seating, durable fabrics that can stand up to the water, sun, and weather are the standard. The best are nylon and polyester with the occasional use of neoprene.
- Nylon rates best for durability and is water-repellent.
- Polyester is not quite as durable as nylon but is softer and has superior wicking capability. If you are sweating, it will be more comfortable for skin-to-fabric contact than with nylon.
Additional Reading
For more reviews of kayaks, canoes, boats, and accessories, please check out these popular posts:
Kayak Storage Racks Kayak Compasses Kayak Anchors Kayak Bilge Pumps Inflatable Canoes Electric Pumps for Inflatables Pedal Kayaks Ocean Fishing Kayaks Fishing Kayak Paddles Waterproof Bags Canoe Paddles Canoes Kayak Shoes Kayak Helmets Kayak Wetsuits Kayak Roof Racks Kayak Carts Kayak Drysuit Review Kayak Paddles Kayak Life Vests Women Kayak Life Vests Marine VHF Radios Small Outboard Motors Kayak Trolling Motors Kayak Fish Finders Marine GPS Marine Binoculars Women’s Kayaks Touring Kayaks Tandem Kayaks Whitewater Kayaks for Beginners Lake Kayaks Ocean Kayaks Fishing Kayaks Beginner Kayaks Recreational Kayaks Inflatable Kayaks Inflatable Boats
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