Those who are in search of a kayak cooler have come to the right place. Whether you’re hoping to crack open a cold crisp beverage while you paddle, or need to keep your camp food cold until you make it to shore, a kayak cooler is a must for a day out on the water.
Kayak coolers are becoming one of the most sought-after accessories, and there are plenty of (if not too many) options to choose from. But before you go for just any old ice chest, you’ll need to do your research and determine which type of cooler for a kayak is best for you.
What Is An Ideal Kayak Cooler
There is no definitive answer to this question as everyone’s needs and wants are different. However, there are a few key features that make a kayak cooler ideal for most people.
The first thing to look for is insulation. The cooler should have thick insulation so that it can keep your food and drinks cold for a long time.
Another important feature is portability. The cooler should be lightweight and easy to carry so that you can take it with you on your kayak trips.
It’s also important that the cooler is durable. It should be able to withstand wear and tear and keep your food and drinks cold even in harsh weather conditions.
Finally, the cooler should be affordable. It’s important to find a cooler that fits within your budget so that you can get the most value for your money.
Types Of Kayak Coolers
Kayak coolers are typically divided up into two categories: ice chests and coolers bags.
Ice chests: They look like the traditional coolers you might have at home. They have hard sides and are usually bigger square or rectangular coolers. They have a lot more space but aren’t as easily portable.
The nice thing about the ice chest, too, is that you can put things like sandwiches and snacks in it without fear that they’ll get crushed like you would in a soft-sided cooler.
Cooler bags: They are soft-sided and usually smaller than ice chests. They might not have as much carrying capacity, but they can be tailormade to fit perfectly in your kayak or carry with you on your travels.
Things To Consider When Picking Out A Kayak Cooler
The first thing to consider is the type of kayak you’ll be using. If you have a narrow sea kayak, you’re going to have an extremely tough time trying to fit a hard shell ice chest in your kayak.
The hatch openings are too small to fit a cooler inside. If you try to strap it to the deck, you’ll probably have your lunch floating in the water after a few minutes of paddling.
But if you have a recreational kayak with a lot of space, you’ll be able to fit a large ice chest comfortably with no trouble. Some kayaks even have an extra space specifically for coolers and other storage behind the seat.
No matter what kayak you have, be sure to choose a reputable cooler brand that is waterproof, durable, and has the right storage capacity for your needs.
You’ll want a cooler that isn’t too heavy, so you can easily transport it. It should keep its contents cold or frozen for an extended period of time, and be durable so it can withstand any rugged adventures.
Recreational and sit-on-top boats are the perfect cooler-carrying kayaks. The wide hulls and ample deck space mean that you can take hard shell ice chests and cooler bags of almost any style.
If you’ll be out all day or need a lot of space, look for an ice chest with a large storage capacity. Find one that can sit securely on your boat without getting in your way. If you have a sit-on-top, make sure that your boat has space for a hard shell ice chest to be easily secured.
Best Kayak Cooler While Kayak Fishing
Kayak fishing is a great way to get out on the water and fish for your favorite species. And, if you’re like most anglers, you’re always looking for ways to make the experience better. One way to do this is to make sure you have the best kayak cooler for your needs.
There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a kayak cooler. The most important is how much insulation the cooler provides. The best kayak coolers will have at least two inches of insulation, and some have up to six inches. This insulation is necessary to keep your food and drinks cold for long periods of time.
Another important factor to consider is the capacity of the cooler. If you plan to take a lot of food and drinks with you, you’ll need a cooler that has a larger capacity. And, if you plan to use the cooler to store fish, you’ll need one that is large enough to accommodate them.
The final factor to consider is the type of cooler. There are a number of different types available, including soft-sided coolers, ice chests, and coolers that fit in the kayak’s storage well. The type of cooler you choose will depend on your needs and preferences.
Once you’ve considered these factors, you should also think about ice retention and easy access in your kayak. From there it’s time to start shopping for the best kayak cooler. Kenai coolers are a great option for a kayak cooler with their 25-quart cooler.
The Kenai 25 cooler features carry handles for easy carrying of its compact size, and several different colors to choose from, providing ice retention for a full day plus more. This 25-quart hardshell cooler offers a quality drain plug with excellent latches. It’s built with rotomolded construction to withstand being lugged around the great outdoors and is practically indestructible.