Best Kayak Seats for Cushioned Back Support

Are you tired of sore backs and uncomfortable kayak trips? 

Let’s embark on a journey of comfort on the water with my handpicked selection of top kayak seats

Discover ergonomic designs, plush cushioning, and cosy support that will make every adventure a more comfortable and memorable one – for the RIGHT REASONS!

Don’t want to see the shortlist? My top pick for the best kayak seat is the Ocean Kayak Comfort Tech kayak seat because it’s lightweight, breathable, and is compatible with most sit-on-tops and paddle boards.  

Top Picks:

• Ocean Kayak Comfort Tech Kayak Seat (Best For Sit-On-Top)
• Yakpads Cushioned Seat Pad (Best For Sit-Inside)
• Surf To Summit Kayak Seat (Best For Kayak Fishing)
• Perception Framed Kayak Seat (Best Lawn Chair Style)
• Aquaglide Proformance Seat (Best Inflatable)
• OceanMotion Ergo-Fit Kayak Seat (Best For Bad Back)
• Aire Deluxe Kayak Seat (Best Lightweight)
• Woowave Kayak Seat (Best For Comfort On Long Days)
• Skwoosh Expedition Kayak Seat (Best For Touring)
• Pelican Ergoboost Folding Kayak Seat (Best For Lumbar Support)
• Leader Accessories Deluxe Padded Kayak Seat (Best For Paddle Board)
• Pactrade Marine Kayak Seat (Best Budget)

Top 15 Best Kayak Seats Reviewed

1: Ocean Kayak Comfort Tech Kayak Seat (best for sit-on-top)

• Compatible with: sit-on-top kayaks and SUPs
• Dimensions: 17 by 14 inches (seat), 24 by 16 inches (back)
• Material: nylon
• Back Height: 16 inches
• Weight: 1 pound 12 ounces

The Ocean Kayak Comfort Tech seat is one of the best kayak seats in terms of comfort, ease of installation, and compatibility with most sit-on-top kayaks. I’d even recommend this kayak seat for SUPs if you want versatility.

This is a deluxe kayak seat with thick padding on both the seatback and bottom, making it comfortable for long paddling days. However, if you’re anything like me, you might want to add extra padding, especially if you plan to paddle all day on multi-day trips.

Another comfort feature I find useful on this Ocean Kayak Comfort seat is the adjustable straps on the sides. This can let you adjust the angle of the backrest for a more comfortable and tailored paddling position.    

The durable nylon seat is designed to resist moisture and keep you dry. It has a built-in ventilation system for breathability, helping to keep you cool on warm days.

A handy feature on this Ocean Kayak Comfort kayak seat is the reflective logos, so it can boost your visibility in low light for added safety.

Pros

• Adjustable backrest
• Reflective strips
• Breathable fabric

Cons

• Not the thickest padding for all-day paddling

2: Yakpads Cushioned Seat Pad (best for sit-inside)

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• Compatible with: sit-in kayaks
• Dimensions: 16 by 12 inches (bottom), 16 by 9 inches (back)
• Material: neoprene 
• Back Height: 9 inches
• Weight: 2 pounds 11 ounces

The Yakpads Cushioned Seat Pad is a durable seat that is designed to fit sit-inside kayaks, as well as other types of kayaks. 

It has a low back to maintain a low profile in the cockpit. It’s made from elastomer gel (the same material you’ll find in bicycle seats) so it maintains its shape over time, unlike some foam materials. It’s also thin to prevent adding too much bulk inside your cockpit and doesn’t affect your center of gravity. 

This is designed to boost the cushioning of existing seats. This means you can use it pretty much anywhere, like at sports stadiums. The adjustable straps can clip onto existing backrests for a secure fit and the material on the back is non-slip to prevent it from sliding out of place. 

The seat is covered with water-friendly neoprene fabric for durability. This also helps to boost the insulation, keeping you protected from very hot or very cold kayak seats. I also find this helpful on hot and cold aluminium canoe benches (although the seat back won’t stay up on its own on benches but you can lay it flat).

A downside to this seat is that it requires an existing kayak seat so that the seatback can be secured to a backrest. 

Pros

• Low back for sit-inside kayaks
• Comfortable gel padding
• Low profile cushion

Cons

• Requires existing seat for attachment

3: Surf To Summit Kayak Seat (best for kayak fishing)

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• Compatible with: sit-on-top kayaks, fishing kayaks
• Dimensions: 11.5 by 23 inches (seatback), 13 by 14 by 3 inches (cushion)
• Material: thermal-molded foam
• Back Height: 11.5 inches
• Weight: 2.9 pounds

This Surf to Summit Kayak Seat is an elevated kayak seat that gives you a 3-inch height advantage over your standard kayak seat. This means you can improve your visibility for sight fishing and boost your comfort by sitting in a more natural sitting position. 

With thermal-molded foam padding, this seat is built to provide a good level of comfort for long fishing trips. The seat bottom also features channels for improved drainage. 

There are four adjustable straps to tailor the level of recline for the backrest. 

Another great feature of this fishing kayak seat is the detachable tackle storage pack. This is great for keeping fishing tackle safely stored and within easy reach. This can be even better for kayaks that have limited storage space on deck.

Unfortunately, the tackle pack on the seat does not have rod holders. 

Pros

• 3-inch elevated seat
• Molded foam construction
• Tackle storage bag

Cons

• No fishing rod holders

4: Perception Framed Kayak Seat (best lawn chair style)

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• Compatible with: Perception Pescador Pro and Outlaw kayaks
• Dimensions: 20 by 11 by 23 inches
• Material: aluminum and nylon
• Back Height: 20 inches
• Weight: 3.5 pounds

This Perception Framed Kayak Seat is designed as a replacement seat for Perception fishing kayaks and is compatible with the Outlaw and the Pescador Pro models. 

This means it’s not designed to work with other types of kayaks, which is its downside. However, it can be used on the beach and at your camp after your paddling session or fishing trip.

This lawn chair kayak seat features breathable mesh fabric on both the seat bottom and backrest, providing decent ventilation for long, hot days on the water. I also find it keeps your butt drier than other seats as it’s elevated off the deck.

It features a durable aluminum frame that can be positioned in a high or low position on the deck of your Perception kayak. The webbing straps at the sides allow for a bit of adjustability of the backrest angle, which I find useful. 

Pros

• Can be used on land 
• Breathable mesh seat
• Elevated off the deck

Cons

• Not compatible with all kayaks

5: Aquaglide Proformance Seat (best inflatable)

• Compatible with: inflatable kayaks
• Dimensions: 16 by 16 inches (cushion), 12.5 by 26 inches (backrest)
• Material: EVA foam
• Back Height: 12.5 inches
• Weight: 2.5 pounds

The Aquaglide Proformance Seat is an inflatable kayak seat designed to be used with Aquaglide inflatable boats. 

I think the best thing about this kayak seat is that you can adjust the height of the seat bottom.

The seat cushion is inflatable and can range from 0-inches to 5-inches off the deck depending on the level of inflation. This means you can tailor your position for the optimal paddling posture, stability, and comfort level.

The seat back and cushion are both padded with dual-density foam for added comfort.

Another great feature of this seat is that it has two storage areas. There’s one on the back and one on the seat bottom, so you can boost the storage space of your kayak without affecting the physical space too much. 

This has adjustable straps on the backrest that attach to the deck of your kayak. The seat bottom uses velcro to attach to the deck, reducing movement while allowing a level of adjustability of the position. 

However, because of the velcro, I’ve found that this may not work well with other types of kayaks without some type of modification on the deck or additional straps.

Pros

• Elevated up to 5 inches
• Inflatable cushion
• Storage pockets

Cons

• Might not work with all inflatable kayaks

6: OceanMotion Ergo-Fit Kayak Seat (best for bad back)

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• Compatible with: sit-on-top kayaks
• Dimensions: 19 by 18 inches (seatback), 16 by 13 inches (bottom)
• Material: foam
• Back Height: 18 inches
• Weight: 3.2 pounds

The OceanMotion Ergo-fit kayak seat has very thick foam padding to provide added comfort on longer paddling trips. The backrest also features the same thick padding and benefits from having a more rigid reinforced seatback to provide better back support, particularly if you have a bad back.

The seat padding on the bottom is 2.5-inches thick, which helps to provide a decent amount of cushioning for most paddlers. However, some paddlers might find the padding a little too thick and hard. 

The backrest padding is 2-inches thick. The backrest also benefits from being 18-inches high for increased back support.

There are four adjustable straps on the backrest so you can adjust the angle and level of support. 

Another useful feature I’ve found is the storage bag that attaches to the back of the kayak seat, so you can keep your essentials close by while you’re on the water.  

Pros

• Storage bag included
• Reinforced backrest
• Thick padding

Cons

• Padding is not very soft

7: Aire Deluxe Kayak Seat (best lightweight)

• Compatible with: sit-on-top kayaks
• Dimensions: 14 by 7 inches (seat pad), 11 by 17 inches (backrest)
• Material: PVC and foam
• Back Height: 11 inches
• Weight: 2 pounds

The Aire Deluxe Kayak Seat is a lightweight and relatively compact seat that can be ideal for use on inflatable kayaks and other sit-on-top kayaks. However, it has webbing attachment straps with buckles so it may not work with all kayaks or you may need to do a little modification to the straps or your kayak first. 

This is a comfortable kayak seat that can be a great choice for fishing kayaks, as it has a built-in tackle storage compartment with a bottle holder and a fishing rod holder. 

It features PVC fabric wrapped around foam blocks for comfort and support. However, the PVC material is not breathable so you might find yourself sticking to it on a hot day – I know I would. 

The lack of ventilation also means it doesn’t drain water very well. But it is waterproof and similar to the fabric on an inflatable kayak.

The seat is low profile to minimize weight and make it more aerodynamic. However, I’ve discovered that the seat bottom might be a little too low profile for some, as its compact size means it’s only 7 inches long – not the best for large paddlers.

Pros

• Great for inflatable kayaks
• Fishing rod holder
• Durable PVC construction

Cons

• Fabric not breathable 

8: Woowave Kayak Seat (best for comfort on long days)

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• Compatible with: sit-on-top kayaks, SUPs
• Dimensions: 18.5 by 20 inches (seatback), 13.8 by 13.8 inches (bottom)
• Material: foam and polyester
• Back Height: 18.5 inches
• Weight: 4.4 pounds

The Woowave Kayak Seat is an ergonomically designed kayak seat that is engineered to provide comfort for long days on the water. 

The seat features very thick EVA foam padding (2.6 inches) on the seat bottom, giving you a slightly raised position off the deck for a drier ride. However, I found that the extra padding may prove to be too much for some paddlers, as it’s not the softest of seat pads.

The tall backrest benefits from having contoured padding for added back support. You can also adjust the angle of the backrest using the straps. 

This is designed to work with most sit-on-top kayaks, as well as paddle boards and other vessels with suitable attachment points. 

Pros

• High backrest
• Contoured padding
• Extra padding

Cons

• Not the softest padding

9: Skwoosh Expedition Kayak Seat (best for touring)

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• Compatible with: sit-on-top kayaks, SUPs
• Dimensions: 20 by 11.75 inches (seatback), 13 by 16 inches (bottom)
• Material: gel, polyester, and nylon
• Back Height: 20 inches
• Weight: 3.1 pounds

The Skwoosh Expedition Kayak Seat is one of the best kayak seats in terms of comfort and storage for touring expeditions. 

One of the best features of this universal kayak seat, in my opinion, is that it has lumbar support. There is a separate lumbar panel so you can set it to the correct height to suit your body shape and desired level of back support. 

Another excellent feature of this kayak seat is that it has bungee cords on the back so you can stash gear for easy access. It also comes with two bottle holders so you can stay hydrated on long expeditions. 

The kayak seat construction features fluidized gel in the seat cushion, which maintains its shape and provides comfort without adding bulk. The seat bottom is only an inch thick so you can retain your low paddling position for stability and power paddling. 

However, the gel padding may not be thick enough for some kayakers.

Pros

• Lumbar support
• High backrest
• Storage bungees

Cons

• Seat bottom not very thick

10: Pelican Ergoboost Folding Kayak Seat (best for lumbar support)

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• Compatible with: Pelican Catch Mode, some fishing kayaks
• Dimensions: 16.9 by 20 by 15.2 inches
• Material: polyester, aluminum
• Back Height: 15.2 inches 
• Weight: 7 pounds

The Pelican Ergoboost Folding Kayak Seat is a lawn chair kayak seat with lumbar support and extra padding for a comfortable ride. This aluminum framed kayak seat is specifically designed to be used on the Pelican Catch line of fishing kayaks. However, with a little adjustment, it is compatible with some other kayaks. 

This features padded mesh fabric for comfort and back support, with adjustable straps to alter the angle of the backrest for a tailored paddling or fishing position. The fabric also allows for air to circulate and water to drain. 

A great feature of this kayak seat is that it folds down for storage or if you want it out of the way for standing up to fish. 

This is a durable kayak seat that’s also pretty heavy. It’s also large, which can make it a good choice for larger paddlers looking for a more spacious seat. It also keeps you sitting above the deck for a better vantage point for fishing.

Pros

• Lumbar support
• Extra padding
• Adjustable backrest

Cons

• Won’t work with all kayaks

11: Leader Accessories Deluxe Padded Kayak Seat (best for paddle board)

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• Compatible with: sit-on tops, paddle boards
• Dimensions: 20 by 18 inches (backrest), 12 by 15 inches (cushion)
• Material: EVA foam, polyester
• Back Height: 18 inches
• Weight: 3 pounds

This Leader Accessories seat is a deluxe padded kayak seat that can be ideal for attaching to a paddle board. Being a universal kayak seat it will also work with most sit-on-tops and inflatables, as long as your vessel has suitable attachment points to install a seat.

This is a quality kayak seat that comes with a detachable storage bag that can be useful on a paddle board with limited storage space for small items. 

The Leader Accessories kayak seat features an EVA foam interior with durable polyester fabric for breathability. 

The EVA foam in the backrest provides a decent amount of back support, so you can comfortably paddle for a few hours at a time. However, the kayak seat padding on the bottom might not be sufficient for a long paddling session.

There are four adjustable straps (two for the front and two for the back) and brass connector hooks so you can secure the kayak seat to the deck of your SUP or kayak to prevent it from moving around. 

The backrest is ergonomically designed to provide back support and is tall enough to support larger paddlers. 

Pros

• Universal kayak seat
• EVA foam construction
• Detachable storage bag

Cons

• Seat padding is not the thickest

12: Pactrade Marine Kayak Seat (best budget)

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• Compatible with: most kayaks and SUPs
• Dimensions: 17 by 20 inches (backrest), 14 by 12 inches (bottom)
• Material: neoprene, polyester, EVA foam
• Back Height: 17 inches
• Weight: 3.4 pounds

This Pactrade Marine kayak seat is an affordable kayak seat that can be easy to install on most kayaks and can also work with paddle boards, canoes, and some other vessels if you have the right connection points. 

This is the best budget kayak seat in terms of value. It is made from EVA foam and wrapped in neoprene and polyester for durability and breathability.

This is a basic kayak seat that can be ideal if you’re on a budget but it doesn’t have some of the extra comfort features that some of the other kayak seats have.

While the EVA foam padding offers a little bit of comfort and the high backrest offers a degree of back support, it may not offer adequate lumbar support or comfort for long trips. But it does have adjustable straps to tighten the backrest angle. 

A handy feature of this kayak seat is the detachable storage bag that’s included. This can attach behind the kayak seat to keep smaller items close to you.

Pros

• Storage bag included
• Durable fabric 
• EVA foam padding

Cons

• Not the most comfortable kayak seat for long trips

13: GTS Expedition Molded Foam Kayak Seat 

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• Compatible with: sit-on-tops, paddle boards 
• Dimensions: 18 by 21 inches (seatback), 16 by 18 (seat pad)
• Material: EVA foam, plastic
• Back Height: 18 inches
• Weight: 3.7 pounds

The GTS Expedition kayak seat is crafted from EVA foam with a polyethylene and fabric layer for added strength and durability.

This is a quality kayak seat that features a 2-inch thick layer of EVA foam padding in the kayak seat cushion for all-day paddling comfort. But it’s not the cheapest seat on the market.

The backrest is 18-inches high and features ergonomically contoured padding made from thermoformed foam for support. The backrest is designed to hug your spine for improved back support on long trips. 

The kayak seat also benefits from having deep channels for extra drainage to keep you drier on the deck.

A nice feature of this kayak seat is its six-point attachment system. It still has four attachment points but the additional two points of adjustment mean you can infinitely adjust the kayak seat to suit your paddling style, using two upper and two lower pull points. 

Pros

• Good back support
• EVA foam construction
• Drainage channels

Cons

• Pricey

14: Skwoosh Paddling Cushion

• Compatible with: most kayaks and canoes
• Dimensions: 16 by 13 inches
• Material: nylon, gel, foam
• Back Height: N/A
• Weight: 13 ounces

The Skwoosh Paddling Cushion is a kayak seat cushion rather than a traditional kayak seat. This means it can provide an extra layer of padding for most kayaks and most kayak seats. 

The downside to this one is that it doesn’t have any back support since there is no backrest. This is a seat pad only. 

It can be an ideal addition to a sit-inside kayak where you may be limited for space in a small cockpit. 

This is a waterproof kayak seat that features lightweight gel and a layer of foam for pressure relief and comfort. The foam also gives the kayak seat an added layer of security – it floats. 

The non-skid bottom helps the kayak seat to stay in place while you’re paddling. And the lightweight construction means it doesn’t add too much extra weight or bulk to your load.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Works with sit-inside kayaks
• Floats

Cons

• No backrest

15: Seattle Sports Paddler Pad Seat Cushion

• Compatible with: most kayaks and canoes
• Dimensions: 13 by 10 inches 
• Material: EVA foam
• Back Height: N/A
• Weight: 3.7 ounces

This Seattle Sports Paddler Pad is not technically a kayak seat in the traditional sense but it can boost the comfort of other kayak seats. It can also be used on canoe bench seats. I discovered that some paddlers also use it to provide additional padding on a backrest. 

This is a very lightweight and compact kayak seat. It is made from a piece of EVA foam and is just under an inch thick. 

It’s designed to be used in conjunction with other seats. It doesn’t have any attachment points so it may slide around a little. But this also means it’s easy to remove it and use it elsewhere, such as on other vessels or at your campsite. 

With it being so lightweight, this could be a useful accessory if you have an inflatable kayak, as it won’t weigh down your load when carrying your gear to and from the water. 

Pros

• Lightweight
• Compact
• Versatile

Cons

• Thin padding

Should I Upgrade The Seat That Comes With My Kayak?

Not all kayak seats are the same when it comes to quality. Some seats that come as standard with the kayak will be much more comfortable than others. 

So, whether you need to upgrade your seat will depend on the type of kayaking seat you have and the level of comfort you want.

Most kayak seats that are designed for sitting on for long periods will tend to offer more comfort and back support than those designed for sitting for short periods. 

Some recreational kayaks, for example, may only have a seating area molded into the deck rather than an actual seat. If you have a seat like that, you may want to upgrade it, as this generally won’t be comfortable if you want to paddle for any length of time. 

If your kayak already has a comfortable kayaking seat, you shouldn’t need to upgrade it. 

That being said, if you frequently find yourself becoming uncomfortable, with a sore back or a numb butt, then it might be a good idea to invest in a higher quality seat.

Kayak back pain can be a real, well, pain. And the right seat shape and style for your paddling activity can help to improve your posture and limit your pain.

How To Choose A Kayak Seat

Kayak Seat Style

There are a few different types of seats to choose from. The most suitable one will generally depend on your type of kayak and the type of kayaking you plan to do.

You might also want to think about your kayaking posture and your paddling style. 

Universal Kayak Seats 

This type of seat will generally suit most recreational kayaks, as well as most paddle boards. This seat shape is usually designed like a clamshell and generally features four adjustable straps to connect it to the deck of the kayak.

However, some sit-inside kayaks and some paddle boards may not always have the correct mounting points and D-rings to attach a seat, so you might need to make some modifications to your craft before installing a seat.

If you want to use this type of seat in a sit-in kayak you may want to check the height of the seatback doesn’t interfere with the cockpit rim, especially if you plan to use a spray skirt. Universal seats are often too tall to be used in a sit-inside kayak.

Solo Piece Or Twin Set Kayak Seats

A solo piece kayak seat (also called a twin set kayak seat) is, rather confusingly, two separate pieces. This can be useful for a sit-inside kayak as the back tends to be lower. 

You can also usually mix and match the seat bottoms with the backrests to make the best kayak seat for your specifications.

Lawn Chair Kayak Seats

These types of seats are most commonly used and preferred by kayak anglers on fishing kayaks. Lawn chair kayaks seats provide an elevated seating position, allowing your knees to bend. This can be more comfortable, especially if you have bad knees. 

These framed seats also tend to mean a drier ride, as you’re not sitting directly on the deck. However, the higher you sit off the deck, the more your stability will be affected.

Inflatable Kayak Seats

Inflatable kayak seats can be ideal for inflatable recreational kayaks and can sometimes be used on paddle boards and other vessels too.

Inflatable kayak seats can often be found with partial foam construction, which can improve comfort levels compared to a standard inflatable seat. Just remember, you’ll need a pump to inflate the seat.

These tend to be lightweight and easy to pack into an inflatable kayak gear bag. 

How Does The Type Of Kayaking I Do Impact My Choice Of Kayak Seat?

The type of kayaking you do will usually affect the range of seats available to you. 

If you’re a kayak angler, for example, you may prefer to have a seat that is raised off the deck.

On the other hand, an elevated kayak seat may not be the best kayak seat if you want to paddle long distances in a touring kayak, as the higher center of gravity will affect your stability, speed, and paddling efficiency.

It can be best to opt for a kayaking seat that suits both your activity and the type of kayak you have. 

Lower profile seats can be more useful if you like to paddle at speed or if you have a sit-in kayak with a cockpit rim to consider.

Kayak seats with higher backrests tend to be good for paddling at a more relaxed pace or if you plan to stop regularly to fish, watch wildlife, or take photos.

What You Should Look For In A Kayak Fishing Seat

Back support can be one of the key features to look for in fishing kayak seats. A comfortable seat bottom can also be useful if you plan to fish for several hours. 

Some kayak seats designed for anglers will often have additional features, such as height adjustable seat bottoms and storage pockets. Some fishing kayak seats are also made with fishing rod holders and bottle holders built into the backrest.

Check out our guide to the best fishing kayaks.

Support And Padding

The combination of good back support and decent padding generally means a comfortable seat. However, the type of support and the level of padding varies between kayak seats. 

Lumbar support can be a good feature to have as this can improve the level of back support, keeping you more comfortable for longer while minimizing back pain.

Padding usually comes in the form of gel or EVA foam. Gel can be thinner than foam, meaning it doesn’t alter your center of gravity in the kayak. However, foam can be more rigid, which can be beneficial for providing adequate support in the backrest. 

But foam kayak seats can compress over time, reducing the level of padding. Gel generally doesn’t do this.

If your seat doesn’t have enough padding on the seat bottom you can usually add a pad or cushion to make it more comfortable without having to change the entire kayak seat. 

Breathability To Stop Sweating

Breathability is a key feature of many kayak seats. When you’re sitting down for long periods of time, especially during a paddling workout, you want the seat to allow air circulation, otherwise you could get uncomfortably sweaty.

Drainage is also important for kayak seats because it can help to keep water away from you while you’re paddling – important if you don’t want to be sitting in a puddle of water on your deck.

The types of materials used in kayak seat construction can affect how breathable the seat is. Some fabrics, such as nylon and polyester, can offer a good degree of breathability in kayak seats. 

Framed kayak seats often feature breathable mesh fabric, which can do a good job of keeping you dry.

How To Install A Kayak Seat

Step 1: Position the seat on the kayak

Place your seat in the correct position in your kayak, making sure it’s as far back in the molded seat area as it can go. 

Step 2: Attach the back straps

Grab one of the straps on the back of the seat and attach it to the D-ring on the corresponding side of the kayak. 

Tighten the strap so that the backrest is upright against the molded section of your kayak’s seat well.

Do the same with the other strap on the other side.

Step 3: Attach the side straps

Attach one of the straps on the side of the seat and clip it to the D-ring on the side of your deck. This D-ring should be roughly in line with the forward edge of the seat bottom. But this will vary depending on your specific kayak or SUP.

Tighten the strap to secure the seat in place. You can allow for a little bit of movement in the loose strap so that there’s some give when you lean back

Repeat this step with the strap on the other side.

Step 4: Sit In, Check, And Make Adjustments

Now that all four adjustable straps are clipped onto the corresponding D-rings and the seat is securely in place, sit in the seat. 

You will usually be able to tell immediately if the angle of the backrest is in the right position or not. Use the straps at the side to adjust the backrest. Tightening the straps will bring the backrest further upright. Loosening the straps will allow the backrest to recline.

You may need to play around with the straps a little before you find the perfect angle.

Video: How to Install a Kayak Seat

Frequently Asked Questions On Kayak Seats

Can I Use The Same Kayak Seat For Different Types Of Kayaks?

Most kayak seats are compatible with a range of different kayaks, so you could potentially use the same seat with multiple kayaks. 

How Do I Maintain And Clean My Kayak Seat?

You should rinse the seat in clean, fresh water after each use.

For a deep clean to get rid of dirt, you can use a mild soap and water solution.

You can also use WD-40, or a similar product, on the metal clips to keep the moving parts moving.

How Does Ventilation Affect The Comfort Of A Kayak Seat?

If your seat is not ventilated, you’ll probably know about it pretty quickly, as it can make you sweaty.

If you’ve ever sat in a golf cart on a hot day, you’ll already know. 

What Are The Signs That I Need To Replace My Kayak Seat?

If your current kayak seat is no longer providing you with comfort or back support, it could be time for a new kayak seat.

If the materials are weakening, such as fraying fabric, this could also be a sign it’s time to replace the seat.

Do Sit-On-Top Seats Work With Sit-In Kayaks Or Paddle Boards?

Most sit-on-top seats will usually work with paddle boards if they have suitable connection points.

Some sit-on-top seats will work with some sit-inside kayaks, particularly recreational kayaks with large cockpits that are not designed for spray skirts. 

Most sit-in kayaks generally won’t have D-rings in the cockpit to connect a seat. 

Seating For Success: The Final Verdict

As you can see, there is more than one factor that makes the best kayak seats. 

If you’re after the best kayak seat for a sit-on-top kayak, in my opinion, it’s the Ocean Kayak Comfort Tech. This is easy to install on most kayaks and SUPs and has reflectors to boost your visibility on the water. 

My choice for best kayak seat for a sit-in kayak is the Yakpads cushioned gel seat because it’s lightweight and can easily fit in most cockpits without affecting your center of gravity. It can also be used in conjunction with other kayak seats. 

The second runner-up, and winner of my award for the best kayak seat for fishing, is the Surf to Summit Drifter seat. This has tackle storage and lets you sit 3-inches off the deck for more comfort and easier sight fishing.

Remember to think about your own particular kayak when looking for the best kayak seats to fit. The right kayak seat for one paddler might not be the right one for you.

We also have a kayak cooler seat guide for the fishing lovers among you 🙂