Best Kayak Accessories

1. Our Top Pick: C-TUG Kayak Cart

First up on our list is the C-TUG Kayak Cart, as this is an excellent accessory that no one really knows that they need until they try one out for themselves. We’ve all been on the beach, tugging with all our might and trying to get the kayak to slide up the sticky sand, thinking that there must be a better way!

Luckily there is, and it’s called a kayak cart. We guarantee that purchasing a model of your own will change your kayaking experience forever. The C-TUG Kayak Cart is easy to assemble, doesn’t require any tools to do so, and can be quickly packed back way once you reach the edge of the water.

When packed away, this cart takes up very little space and will easily be able to fit into your storage space. This means that you can enjoy your time on the water without having to worry about the frustrating task of hauling your vessel back onto the beach. Instead, you can use the cart to effortlessly pull it back in.

The metal used to create the C-TUG isn’t likely to corrode or rust, making it safe to use in saltwater as well as freshwater. It is also UV-resistant, allowing you to use it time and time again without having to worry about it being damaged from the sun.

The pads that hold your kayak are covered in rubber to prevent damaging the vessel, and they can be adjusted to the right size for your model. This kayak cart can hold models up to 300 pounds, taking a great amount of weight off your shoulders – literally!

The wheels are made from rubber and can be used on all types of terrain, including sand, gravel, and dirt. They’re also extremely durable and won’t be getting a puncture anytime soon!

2. YakAttack GT175 Generation II GearTrac

The YakAttack GearTrac is an excellent accessory, as it allows mounting other accessories to your kayak to be even easier. Many accessories come with mounts, and these mounts are often easily attached to gear tracks. You can choose to get this GearTrac in a range of different sizes – 4, 8, 12, and 16 inches – so you can choose how big or small your model is. This is particularly helpful as you can determine where you want to place this accessory, you don’t just have to place it wherever it is able to fit.

This heavy-duty GearTrac has been designed specifically for use around and in the water. Not only is the mount durable, the hardware is as well. The screws that come with it are made from stainless steel, and they are strong, sturdy, and rust-resistant.

Although there are four different lengths to choose from, the width remains the same no matter the length. It is 1 ¾ inches wide, allowing you to mount it on even the thin areas of your kayak. You only have to mount it from the front, so you don’t need to get inside your kayak to secure it to your kayak.

Accessories that you can mount to this GearTrac are rod holders, fish finders, camera mounts, as well as many more. Opting for an accessory such as the GearTrac is extremely beneficial and should be among the first things you purchase, as it is a staple that will help you with all the other accessories you buy.

3. Complete Grapnel Anchor System

The Complete Grapnel Anchor System can be used for a number of different types of boats, including kayaks. If you enjoy using your kayak to fish and need to remain still in one place at a time, this is certainly a great accessory for you to use.

This anchor weight 3 ⅓ pounds and made of durable material. It won’t have any trouble hooking in sand, gravel, mud, and rock, so you can use it effectively almost anywhere. The line it comes with is 25 feet long and marine-grade, making it very durable and hardy for prolonged use in both saltwater and freshwater.

The  Grapnel Anchor System is ideal for fishing or swimming without your kayak. You’ll be able to leave it in one place and return back to it once you’re finished exploring the water. No one wants their kayak drifting away and leaving them stranded, so this is a very handy accessory to keep with you.

You can even store it safely under most boat seats so it won’t clutter your limited space up. It comes with a nylon storage bag to keep it in, and this is also padded for your protection. The whole system weighs only 3.2 pounds, so it’s not going to add too much weight to your deck, either.

4. GoPro Floaty Backdoor

Have you ever been on such a journey with just you and your kayak, that you wish you could replay over and over again? If you have, perhaps it’s time to take the plunge and choose a GoPro so that you can show off your adventures to everyone you know. Having said that, not all GoPro’s are suitable, as some are not waterproof. Don’t just hope for the best with a waterproof case, choose the GoPro Floaty Backdoor as kayaking is what it is designed for.

The neon orange coloring is so that you have a higher chance of finding it in case it falls into the water. Moreover, it is designed to float in water, so you won’t have to get your snorkel out and go diving. You’ll still be able to find it and get it back without having to get wet.

You’ll also receive anchors and tethers to help keep it secured to your kayak. Just because it’ll be easier to find if it should fall off, doesn’t mean that you want it to. You can attach this Backdoor to a number of GoPro housing cases, so it should be compatible with your chosen case.

The GoPro Floaty Backdoor has been specially designed to be used in watersports, such as kayaking, surfing, and paddleboarding, so it shouldn’t affect the image quality of your footage at all. What it should do, however, is give you extra peace of mind that your camera isn’t going to go missing when you’re out in rough waters. If you’re someone who likes to record their adventures, this is definitely a worthwhile investment for you.

5. Garmin Fenix 3 GPS Watch

A GPS system is very beneficial for kayakers who like an adventure, as they allow you to venture into unknown waters without fearing that you won’t be able to get back to land. The Garmin Fenix 3 GPS Watch is not only a GPS system, but also a watch, making it two accessories in one.

You’ll be able to keep track of time while knowing exactly where you are and how far away you are from land. These pieces of information can be very important when out on the water, so this is definitely an excellent accessory to carry with you.

The watch is waterproof up to 100 meters, so you don’t have to worry about getting the odd splash of water on it. You could even wear it while swimming, as long as you don’t drop it lower than the allowed distance. The main display shows a compass and barometer, so you don’t have to spend ages looking for the information you need the most.

You can also sync the watch to your phone through an app, so you can get notifications from your phone while on the water. This will help you keep in touch with land in case there is an emergency. The watch can also store up to 10,000 tracks so you can get back to them whenever you want.

If you’re looking for a GPS system that doesn’t take up much room on your limited deck, this is an excellent choice as it literally resides on your body. Moreover, it serves more than one purpose and can prove very useful when away from your usual technology.

6. SealLine Boundary Dry Pack

While you’re out on the water, you may want to take some necessities with you. Your phone, some food for lunch, and a spare hoodie may be among the items that you want to take with you on your kayak, but simply placing them in the storage hold may result in them getting wet from strong waves or fast speeds.

Thankfully, SealLine has designed and created their Boundary Dry Pack to prevent mishaps such as these. The bag is made from completely waterproof material that is also very durable, and large enough to pack your essential items within it. Your belongings will be safe within this dry pack, so you don’t have to worry about them while enjoying your time on the water.

You can choose between four colors – black, green, red, and yellow – so that you can not only choose your favorite color, but you can also match them well to your kayak. Moreover, choosing a brighter option will allow you to see the pack easily, should it fall into the water accidentally.

There’s the option to choose between a 35- and a 65-liter, depending on how much you need to pack. The larger pack would be ideal for hunting or fishing, while the smaller alternative would be better suited to a simple day trip out onto the water. The largest capacity pack weighs only 3.6 pounds, so you won’t be weighed down by this one.

SealLine has made sure to make their Dry Pack as comfortable as possible, with cushioned and adjustable straps. This is very helpful if you needed to carry your gear for a longer time, especially while hauling a heavy kayak behind you.

7. Kayalu Kayalite LED Kayak Light

Having a light on your kayak is very helpful if you prefer to paddle in the evening or nighttime. However, it is essential if you’re planning on kayaking in waters in which other boats are present. You don’t want to hit or be hit, so the Kayalu Kayalite LED Kayak Light is an excellent accessory for night paddlers.

This light comes with a steel clip to ensure it will fit onto most vessels. Moreover, you’ll also receive some bungee cables which can easily attach to a number of places on your boat. The exterior of the light is made from marine grade materials, making it suitable for use around and in the water.

Moving onto the light itself, the LED is bright white and offers 200 hours of battery life when using 3 AA batteries. These are included within your purchase so you don’t need to go rummaging frantically through your house looking for the right size batteries. The light can float and is waterproof up to 1000 feet, so it will be difficult to lose this accessory.

One thing to remember is that this light is not a flashlight and therefore will not work like one. It is used effectively to notify other boats on the water of your presence, but it will not show you where you’re going. You’ll need to buy a separate flashlight for this, so don’t expect the Kayalu Kayalite LED Kayak Light to illuminate your pathway.

8. CreekKooler Floating Insulated Cooler

Have you ever been so excited to get onto the water in your kayak, with a few drinks and some nice food, but when you actually get into your vessel, you find yourself cramped up and uncomfortable from the lack of space. Luckily, CreekKooler has come up with an ingenious solution that will allow you plenty of legroom without having to leave your cans at home.

The cooler is 30 quart and well insulated, ensuring your food and drink remain cool throughout the day. In fact, this cooler can actually keep ice frozen for up to 48 hours, meaning that it will be effective no matter how long your journey is. This has proven to be very beneficial for people embarking on camping trips.

The shape of the cooler is similar to that of a kayak, and it can be pulled along right behind you. The lid is completely sealed, ensuring you won’t be having to deal with any soggy sandwiches on your trip – and we all know there’s nothing worse than that. Dragging the cooler behind you allows more room for your legs or for gear.

The maximum capacity of the Floating Insulated Cooler is 20 pounds of ice, and you can fit up to 30 12-ounce cans within it. What’s more is that the lid features four cup holders which makes it easy to rest your drink down while you’re not using it. Finally, there are handles on either side of the cooler to allow easy portability.

9. Campingandkayak Paddle Leash Set

Paddles are notorious for floating away at the most inconvenient times, so a Paddle Leash Set might just be what you’ve been missing. This particular set offers three separate leashes, so you can use them for more than just your paddle. If you enjoy fishing on your kayak, you can also use one for fishing poles. You could even use one for a floating cooler, like the one we just looked at.

Each of the three leashes is 20 inches long. They are made similarly to bungee cords and therefore stretch well while remaining durable. Moreover, you can easily attach the leashes together to create a longer one if you desired. To attach the leashes to your kayak, simply use the steel carabiner. This has been tested and verified to be safe to use in saltwater as well as freshwater.

You could actually use these leashes to attach anything to your kayak that you don’t want to be lost in the water, should your vessel flip or get knocked too hard. In fact, you could attach any of the other accessories that we’ve looked at here in this article. These leashes are made in the USA.

Another interesting idea is to attach your kayak to yourself using the leashes. This would ensure that your vessel doesn’t go floating off without you while you’re not in it. While pulling your kayak over areas that are particularly shallow and therefore cannot be paddled over, this is a very beneficial solution to a lost kayak.

10. Sokoo 22W Solar Charger

If you’re looking to set off on a long adventure with just your kayak and a few essentials, a solar charger could be an excellent companion to keep your gadgets up and running while you’re off the grid. Not only is the Sokoo 22W Solar Charger lightweight and easy to transport, but it is also waterproof.

The whole charger measures in at a mere 12.2 x 6.3 x 1 inches when folded, making it excellent for storing in your kayak without taking up too much space. While open and ready to charge, it still only takes up 22 inches in length, so you really won’t be giving up much space at all. Weighing in at 17.5 ounces, you won’t be weighed down much either.

The 22W charger offers 5V of power that you can use through the dual USB ports. This means that you can charge two devices at one time, as long as they can be charged with a USB cable. Small gadgets often fit this niche, such as your phone, camera, fish finder, or GPS system.

Sokoo has created its Solar Charger to be made out of canvas fabric, which has been coated with PVC to ensure it remains waterproof. This is a great beneficial feature as you won’t have to worry about it falling in the water or getting splashed every now and again. Simply position this charger towards the sun and enjoy fully charged gadgets throughout your whole adventure.

11. Stohlquist Edge Life Jacket

When going out onto deep water, it is highly recommended that you take a life jacket with you to remain safe. Life jackets can literally be the difference between life and death, so choosing a high-quality and well-fitting option is essential.

Life jackets get a bad reputation thanks to them often being uncomfortable, however, the Stohlquist Edge Life Jacket has been created with this in mind. It is both comfortable enough to wear for prolonged periods of time, as well as being an excellent and efficient safety feature.

Kayaking is quite an active sport, and this life jacket ensures that you have enough mobility to paddle properly without any added effort. The material its made from is flexible, lightweight, and durable, as well as being equipped with reflective strips to keep your presence known.

The jacket has adjustable shoulder straps, a waist buckle, and four adjustable side straps. These all help towards you getting a comfortable fit that won’t come loose easily. You can wear this life jacket in any type of water thanks to the added foam that will allow you to float easily.

You can choose from three chest sizes to get the closest fit to your body, and the adjustable straps will do the rest. The sizes are also graded, ensuring that you have enough protection and buoyancy that your body requires. Lastly, this life jacket has a zippered pocket that can house your essentials so that they won’t get wet or lost while you’re on the water.

12. Yakpads Cushioned Gel Seat Pad

Kayaking is great, but there’s no denying that the seat can sometimes become rather uncomfortable. The good news is the YakPads has created a Cushioned Gel Seat Pad that eradicates this problem. The elastomer gel is used to reduce the pressure that is usually the main source of the lack of comfort. This gel also maintains the seat’s thickness and shape so that it doesn’t become less effective over time.

What’s more is that the gel is also insulating, ensuring that you don’t have to endure a freezing or boiling seat. The seat itself comes with straps that can be adjusted to allow you to attach it onto almost any seat, whether that be a kayak seat or another alternative, perhaps a stadium, office, or car seat.

The exterior is quick-drying and non-slip to prevent you from slipping all over your vessel. If you’re planning on being on the water for many hours, this is a great accessory to have. You can also choose between a high back, a low back, just lumbar support, or only the seat.

13. Suspenz EZ Kayak Rack

This kayak rack is very easy to use and beneficial if you live in a smaller space with little room to house a kayak or small boat. You can either mount it inside or outside, so if there is still not enough space inside, you can leave it outside in a garage or shelter. Wherever you mount it, your kayak will be safely off the floor and away from any damage, such as scrapes or bashes.

The rack reaches out at 21 inches away from the wall you attach it to, making it a great space saver. It can hold a vessel up to 100 pounds and the steel frame is powder-coated to make it all the more durable, so you can leave it outside with no hesitation.

The steel frame is both wrapped in foam and covered with a 600 denier nylon fabric to protect your kayak further. Your vessel could not be safer with the EZ Kayak Rack, especially when you use the safety straps that hold your vessel tightly.

14. Scotty #279-BK Rod Holder

If you enjoy fishing in your kayak, a rod holder could be a great accessory for your vessel. Scotty’s #279-BK Rod Holder does not come with a mount, giving you the opportunity to choose the best one for your kayak.

The back holder itself is cushioned to protect your bait caster reel, and the front holder keeps the spinning reel at the correct position. Not only is this strong rod holder durable and versatile, but it is also completely adjustable. This means that you can tweak it until it is optimized to your rod.

An impressive feature is the sturdy strap that can be secured over your rod, preventing it from being pulled from your kayak while you’re not holding it. This allows you to fish handsfree and gives you the opportunity to let go of your rod every once in a while. The holder is made of nylon with fiber reinforcements, so rest assured that this rod holder is reliable, incredibly strong, and durable.