Best Kayak Seat for Bad Back
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Kayaking is not enjoyable if you are sitting on a stiff, hard seat. This is especially so, when you own inflatable kayak and you are not enjoying it due to the pain in your back. Instead of buying a brand new kayak, one great option is just to consider a kayak seat upgrade.
Getting a kayak seat pad can be overwhelming for a first time buyer. That’s why we have spent time researching the important features that a kayak seat should have. We have finally compiled a comprehensive kayaks buyers guide, listing the finest kayak chairs in the market. Among our top picks, we found Ocean Kayak Comfort Plus Seat Back the best kayak seat.
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Why Trust Us
Jules and Ken
We are outdoor lovers, travellers, and writers all rolled into one. You have seen our posts here reviewing lots of different types of outdoor gear, camping equipment, RV equipment, kayaking, to cycling. Our reviews are guided by our years of experience being outdoors. We are happy to share our knowledge with you to make a better choice when you are outdoors.
Whether you are looking for the best affordable, the best overall or best quality kayak seats, just know that you are at the right place. We have reviewed it all and you can save the trouble of reviewing it yourself. In this guide, we have listed down 5 seats as our top picks for Best Kayak Seat For Bad Back.
Top Kayak Seats
This kayak seat is suitable as a sit on top kayak seat and it also flexible to be used with many other kayak brands. You can adjust your seat according to your comfort position using the 4 way adjustable mounting straps. You do not need to worry about rusting metals as its 4 brass swivel buckles used for installation are corrosion resistant.
One of the highlights of this kayak chair is, it has superb back support providing the kayaker great comfort. This kayak seat cushion has injection molded EVA foam and padding which provides optimal lumbar support for all body types. These elevated kayak seats have a built in ventilation system, making the seat breathable. You will not feel uncomfortable and sweaty when sitting in long periods of time during hot summers.
The seats are designed to be long lasting for many years. Because you will mostly be in the sun, there is UV protection on the seat to prevent damage which is usually caused by long hours in the sunlight. One safety feature included is the reflective logos that glow in the dark. This provides better visibility during low light conditions. As seat comes with no frills of a storage area, you can check out our recommended waterproof bags to store your valuables separately.
We find Ocean Kayak Comfort Plus Seat Back one of the most comfortable kayak seats to sit back and relax due to its cushioned backrest and a plush chair features.
Pros
- Extra padding
- UV resistant fabric
- Reflective straps
- In-built Ventilation system
Cons
- No storage options
PROS
CONS
- Extra padding
- UV resistant fabric
- Reflective straps
- In-built Ventilation system
- No storage options
One of the amazing features of this seat is, it comes with a detachable storage bag for extra storage. You can use it to store your hat and packed lunch. However, note that this bag is not waterproof.
The seat has 4 way adjustable reinforced front and rear webbings. It is for you to adjust, pull and tighten it into place. It makes any old kayak look brand new!
The seat is constructed with top-notch materials using 210D polyester shells. In terms of comfort, its multiple EVA foam padding makes sitting comfortable without feeling bulky. Its high back kayak seat is 17.7 inches long, offering comfort especially for your neck. You can lean back or sit straight, however you like.
It is very easy to install and remove, just connect the two front snap hooks to the D rings at the front of the kayak and hook up the 2 rear hooks to the D rings at the rear of the kayak. It can be used on both a SIK (Sit In Kayak) or a SOT (Sit On Top Kayak).
Whenever you are not using it, just remove the seat to protect it from the UV rays of the sun. WOOWAVE Kayak Seat Padded Deluxe Canoe Seat is very flexible to be used on canoes, rowboats, or even fishing boats.
Pros
- Detachable storage bag
- Affordable
- Multiple EVA foam
- High back seat
Cons
- Detachable bag is not waterproof
PROS
CONS
- Detachable storage bag
- Affordable
- Multiple EVA foam
- High back seat
- Detachable bag is not waterproof
If you are a person who is looking for good back support, this is the seat for you. As the name also implies, this seat is ergonomically designed with extra thick padding on both its back and firm cushioning at the bottom.
This raised kayak seat is 16 inches wide at its widest point, and the back seat is 19 inches wide at its widest point. It has 4 straps hook to allow the adjustment from 6 to 22 inches for adaptability and support.
It is even designed with an anti-slip system so the seat will not move around especially when in contact with water. This gives the kayaker great grip especially when entering or exiting the kayak.
Like the WOOWAVE Kayak Seat, this seat also has a detachable storage bag. It is not insulated and waterproof, but it is designed to store small belongings such as your phone or money.
Pros
- Ergonomic design
- Detachable Storage bag
- Wide seat
- Non slip
Cons
- Maybe slightly larger for smaller persons
PROS
CONS
- Ergonomic design
- Detachable Storage bag
- Wide seat
- Non slip
- Maybe slightly larger for smaller persons
This seat is constructed with highly durable 600D neoprene and polyester on the outside. This will keep the seat dry and comfortable throughout the adventure. On the inside it is built with EVA foam and PE plate which ensures that this seat will stay long lasting. It is light in weight, making it portable to carry around.
Like other kayak seats reviewed earlier, this seat comes with a removal zippered pouch at the back of the seat. The bag is sized at 13″X10″X4.5″, which is sufficient to store your snacks or fishing accessories.
We found this kayak seat to be very compatible for both Sit In and Sit On kayaks that you find in the market. However, it lacks the ventilation system. Thus, if you plan to use it for long hours, you may find it less breathable. With the anti slip top, even if the kayak gets wet, it will keep you sitting in a proper posture on the kayak.
This seat comes with 4 hooks to prevent the chair from wobbling. So make sure your kayak has 4 deck loops, 2 in front and 2 behind. Otherwise, purchase the deck loop tie downs. When you attach the seat, check that it is either perpendicular to your kayak or leaning slightly forward to get that full back support.
Pros
- Affordable
- Removal zippered pouch
- Durable
Cons
- Less breathable
PROS
CONS
- Affordable
- Removal zippered pouch
- Durable
- Less breathable
You will love the high backrest, measuring 18″ high X 20″ wide. This is ideal for large size kayakers. Otherwise you will find this seat very comfortable and supportive. It does not affect you moving around the kayak. You can easily stand up and paddle without removing the kayak seat.
Built with durable EVA foam interior and 210D polyester exterior, this seat does not easily succumb to damage due to exposure to sun and sea water. There is padding designed in the center of the seat as well as backrest to remove pressure off your back and bottom.
You will find installation a breeze. It comes with high grade hooks which are corrosion resistant, so you won’t have to worry about replacing rusty hooks. One feature we love about this seat is it comes with a water resistant bag which is located behind the seat. You can use it to store your valuable items such as your car keys and phones.
Leader Accessories Deluxe Padded Kayak Seat is definitely a solid kayak seat for such an affordable price.
Pros
- Water resistant pouch
- Affordable
- High back rest
Cons
- None
PROS
CONS
- Water resistant pouch
- Affordable
- High back rest
- None
View More Kayak Tips
Buying Guide
Comfort
If you plan to use the kayak for more serious purposes or longer hours, then you may want to consider a seat that comes with additional support to improve comfort.
Usually a thicker padded seat can help alleviate the pain when sitting for long hours. But too much padding will cause your bottom to sink and limits your movements in the kayak.
A common material used for most seats for kayaks is EVA form, due to it being lightweight, durable and water resistant. Gel cushioning is also another popular choice, as it conforms to your body type and weight, yet it does not feel bulky.
Durability
The popular materials used in seat covers are neoprene, nylon and polyester. Neoprene is usually used in scuba diving suits as it is stable when exposed to different temperatures. It is known to be resistant to abrasion and tears. It is also water resistant, which means you do not need to worry about water seeping into the foam.
Nylon is one type of material that is very lasting, even under UV rays and saltwater. Nylon does not cost that much, yet it is water resistant. It prevents water from flowing into the cushion.
Polyester is a weaker material, which is pleasant to touch. However, it absorbs water, sweat and moisture. Polyesters with 600 deniers or higher have similar levels of durability as nylon.
Mounting straps help tie the seat down to the kayak. The straps should be thick and strong so that they will not fray easily. Most importantly, the hooks should be corrosion resistant if you are mostly in salt water.
As you will be in the water most times, find a seat that is easy to dry and wipe off. Also if there is UV ray protection, your seat stays protected longer. A durable seat saves you the hassle of getting replacements.
Back Height
Tall back seats are great choices for neck and back support, making them comfortable kayak seats. They are usually above 18″ and above. However, if it is too high, then simple actions like turning around to reach something at the back of the kayak, is restricted.
Stability
A good seat keeps the kayaker firmly in the cockpit, instead of falling in the water. It is usually done by using straps to secure the seat to the kayak.
Also note that when seats are higher, it helps in the motion of paddling. But when it is too high, it may affect the stability in rocky waters.
Breathability
The seats should allow air flow through the padding, which is important especially during hot summers.
Storage
Some seats have add ons like storage pouches, which are essential if you are kayak fishing. It can be also used for your lunch snack, or small items like your fishing hat. If you already have sufficient storage compartments within your kayak, then having storage options may not be necessary.
Compatibility
It is important to know that not all kayak seats fit all kinds of kayaks. Check if the seat is compatible with SOT (Sit On Top) Kayaks, SIT (Sit In) Kayaks or SUP (Stand Up Paddle boards).
Our Verdict
You will not go wrong with any of these kayak backrests, as they are one of the best kayak seats we have found compared to other options you see on the market. To help you make a decision, we recommend Ocean Kayak Comfort Plus Seat Back as the best seat for Kayak. It has exactly what a kayaker needs, a seat with ventilation system, great padding for good back support, without all the bells and whistles.
Whats Next
If you are looking to upgrade your paddles for your kayaking adventures, here are our recommended kayak paddles we have found.
I hope you enjoyed this review and if you have questions about any of the 5 best kayak seats, or want to leave your own personal review, feel free to leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you.
