11 Best Coolers for Kayaks in 2023 [For All Budgets]

Looking for the best coolers for kayaks?

Then you’ve come to the right place. With so many kayak coolers, finding the right one that fits what you’re looking for can be daunting.  

However, we already did the hard work for you and made a list of the best kayak coolers that would be perfect for your next trip and the factors you should consider before buying one.

Don’t have time to read? This Yeti Hopper Flip 12 is the best kayak cooler that we personally recommend. ▶ BUY ON REI NOW

OUR TOP PICKS

• Best Overall: YETI Hopper Flip 12
• Best Value: Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze Cooler
• Best for Sit-on-Top Kayaks: Perception Splash Tankwell Cooler
• Best Backpack Cooler: IceMule Pro Cooler
• Best for Kayak with Lawn Chair Style Seat: Pelican Exochill Seat Pack

11 Best Coolers for Kayaks

1. YETI Hopper Flip 12

If you’re looking for the best soft cooler for a kayak trip, YETI is one of the most trusted brands in the market. 

Made with a waterproof and puncture-resistant DryHide shell, the Yeti Hopper Flip 12 has closed-cell foam insulation that provides increased insulation. 

We’re very impressed by how this cooler kept our drinks ice cold for the entire day, even in extremely hot weather.

The ice retention is also incredible despite being left inside our hot car. 

We love that this cooler never showed any signs of condensation, and the padded shoulder strap made it easy to carry around.

If you’re on the hunt for the best Yeti cooler for kayak trips that is also portable, make sure to check out the Hopper Flip 12.

2. Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze Kayak Cooler

The Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze Kayak Cooler is one of our favorite budget-friendly coolers for kayaks because of its high level of functionality.

One of our favorite features of this cooler is the flip-open zipperless lid which provides easy access to our food and drinks. 

It’s pretty convenient not having to zip the lid open and close it over and over every time we need to take something out. 

It also kept our drinks cold for the entire day, even in the hot weather. We absolutely enjoyed using the removable shelf.

It was easier to pack our food and drinks, and we loved how we could separate our sandwiches and snacks from our drinks, so they didn’t get crushed.

3. Perception Splash Tankwell Cooler

The Perception Splash Tankwell Cooler is one of the best kayak deck coolers and is perfect for sit-on-top kayaks. 

One of the most versatile coolers on our list, this deck cooler was very easy to attach to a sit-on-top kayak and easy to reach for food and drinks. 

We didn’t have to worry about getting our packed lunch wet as this cooler is made of waterproof materials and welded internal seams, making it splash and rainproof. 

However, we found that the ice retention on this cooler could be better and has a tendency to leak. 

This is a great kayak deck cooler for keeping drinks and food cold, but it’s definitely not made for storing ice.

4. IceMule Pro Cooler

If you’re looking for the best backpack cooler for kayaking, this IceMule Pro Cooler might be the perfect option. 

This cooler stands out with its welded seams and zipperless closure, which makes it waterproof and buoyant.

This kayak cooler bag has impressive insulation and kept our drinks ice cold the entire day. 

The ice retention is also excellent even though we spent the whole day under the sun. 

We could pack a lot of stuff as it has a large capacity, and the padded straps were very comfortable.

Even after floating on the water for hours under the sun’s heat, it didn’t let any water in and kept our drinks cold throughout the day.

5. Pelican Exochill Seat Pack

The Pelican Exochill Seat Pack is the best kayaking cooler for kayaks with lawn chair style seats. 

It has a large capacity that can fit 15 cans and is designed to be attached to kayaks with tubular seats via a bungee ball system that’s easy to use.

This cooler will keep your food and drinks ice cold all day, even on those 95-100 degree days out on the water.

It’s also deep enough to hold bottles of beer upright with some room for ice to spare. 

One of the nice things about this cooler is the front pockets which are extremely convenient for storing small items like wallets, sunscreen, keys, and a bottle opener.

Because of its slim profile, you can even use this cooler on your standup paddleboard, which makes it versatile.

6. Engel HD20 Waterproof Soft-Sided Cooler

For those looking for the best cooler for a kayak that is heavy-duty and durable, the Engel HD20 Waterproof Soft-Sided Cooler is the perfect option for you. 

It has a highly durable outer shell with TPU-laminated front and back sides, making it abrasion-resistant and puncture-proof.

This cooler with its closed-cell foam insulation keeps our food and drinks cold the entire day.

What we find the most impressive about this bag is its ice retention as it managed to hold ice for more than 24 hours, and there weren’t any leaks or condensation.

It also has a single padded strap and tote handles, but our favorite is the integrated bottle opener. 

The only downside is that it’s pretty bulky, but the build quality is amazing.

7. Reliable Fishing Products Insulated Kayak Bag

Finding the best kayak fishing cooler is very important whether you’re just starting out or already a seasoned angler. 

The Reliable Fishing Products Kayak Bag is one of the best on the market and the perfect cooler for kayak fishing.

This kayak cooler has a tapered design which is great for those with limited space. 

Its closed-cell foam insulation also holds ice pretty well despite the hot weather. One downside is that the melted water leaks out of the zipper. 

However, it will keep your catch cold and fresh the entire day, and won’t leave any fishy smell after you rinse it out.

8. Engel UC Series Drybox Cooler

Completely waterproof and airtight, this Engel UC Series Drybox Cooler is the best option for a waterproof cooler for kayaks. 

This drybox is lightweight yet durable, so it’s easy to lug around. 

It even has a small compartment for your phone or keys, which makes it convenient when you’re out kayaking.

This kayak cooler has a spacious interior that can fit a lot of drinks inside. 

It has two metal latches so it’s airtight and helped keep our drinks cold, and you won’t have to worry about any leaks.

However, the ice retention is not as good but it works great for short kayaking trips and even trips to the beach.

9. CreekKooler Floating Cooler

Perfect for those with limited storage, the CreekKooler Floating Cooler is the best floating cooler for kayaks. 

If you need to carry a lot of gear in your kayak, this is a great way to add extra storage for food and drinks.

This cooler lived up to its claim of 48-hour ice retention, even in hot weather. 

It managed to keep our drinks nice and cold the entire day while tracking perfectly behind our kayak. 

We recommend tying it as close as possible to your kayak to reduce drag.

The biggest downside to this cooler is its inconsistencies with its build quality with some having issues with it being leak-proof. 

No leash or cord is included, so you have to get that separately.

10. ORCA 20 Cooler

For those on the hunt for the best cooler for kayaking that has superb ice retention, the ORCA 20 Cooler is the one you should go for. 

It has twelve fun color options to choose from, and its integrated insulation can hold ice for up to ten days.

This kayak ice chest is very durable and keeps our food cold for days. The insulation also works well in hot weather, as its ice retention is among the best on this list. 

We love that the drainage spout also helped release air pressure buildup and made the cooler easier to open.

For ultimate ice retention, we recommend pre-cooling it before use. This is definitely an amazing cooler that is durable, high-quality, and worth every penny.

11. Pelican Dayventure Sling Soft Cooler

Not only is the Pelican Dayventure Sling Soft Cooler one of the best coolers for kayaking, but it’s also stylish and portable. 

It has a wide opening for easy access and comes with padded shoulder straps. 

The insulation also worked well and kept our drinks and food cold for extended periods. 

As much as we love how stylish it looks, the side handle is not the most durable and will easily rip if you’re carrying a heavy load. 

This is not the most durable cooler on this list, but if you’re after a stylish cooler that will keep your goods cold all day, this is the one to buy.

Types of Kayak Coolers

Hardshell Cooler

A hardshell cooler can carry a lot of food and beverage inside since it has a larger storage compartment compared to other kayak coolers. 

The best thing about it is its insulation, so there’s no need to bring extra ice packs to keep your food and drinks fresh. 

The downside is that transporting a hardshell cooler can be quite challenging due to its size, meaning that you will have to attach it to the back of your kayak. 

Softshell Cooler

If portability is your main priority and not the size, a softshell cooler is the best option for you. 

Due to their compact size and flexible shape, you can place it anywhere in your kayak. 

You can place it under the dry hatches, under the seats, or even strap it behind your backrest. 

But one thing to consider is that you can only carry a small amount of food and beverage. 

You also have to bring extra ice packs since the insulation is not as good compared to the hardshell coolers. 

Floating Cooler

From the name itself, this kind of cooler does not take much storage in your kayak since you can just attach it to your kayak’s tail by using a leash. 

You don’t have to worry about trying to fit it inside your kayak, which is perfect for those with limited storage. 

The best thing about this type of cooler is that it has the best insulation and can carry more than enough stuff for your kayaking trip. 

So, you won’t find yourself in the predicament of taking more than one cooler and trying to make it fit inside your kayak. 

Catch Cooler

If kayak fishing is more your thing, then this type of cooler is best suited for you. 

It is specially made for fishing since its shape is designed to carry different sizes of fish. 

Its insulation is designed to store fish and keep them cold and fresh during your kayaking trip. 

You can easily secure these catch coolers with bungee cables or straps to the stern of your kayak. 

The only disadvantage of this type of cooler is its soft side, as you can’t attach rod holders with base plates. 

What size cooler is good for a kayak?

If you’re thinking about what size cooler is good for a kayak, it actually depends on the length of your trip, and what you will use it for. 

If you’re more into kayak fishing, the best option for you is a cooler that is larger that can accommodate your day’s catch. 

If you are on a multiday trip involving a night of camping, you will need multiple larger coolers. 

If you just want a way to keep some drinks and a few snacks cold for a few hours, then a small 12-can cooler will be perfect.

The size of the kayak you’re using and the amount of storage space it has is very important. 

Make sure to measure your kayak’s storage space before buying a cooler.

Generally, a 20-quart capacity cooler is the best size that you can tow along on your kayak trips. 

The size is enough to store food and drinks and not too big that you’ll hurt your back carrying it from your car to your kayak. 

Factors To Consider When Buying a Kayak Cooler

Choosing the best kayak cooler for your trip is not a daunting task if you know what you’re looking for. 

The primary considerations in choosing a kayak cooler are its weight, insulation, use, waterproofness, and how it is stored. 

Your kayak cooler must not be too heavy to carry from your car to the water, and you don’t want that extra unnecessary weight while paddling. 

Needless to say, it must also be able to keep your food and drinks cold and fresh throughout the trip.

Attachment 

When looking for the best kayak cooler, it must have a good attachment system. This means that you can easily secure it to your kayak by using a rope, straps, or bungee cords. 

It should have an integrated lock system and molded tie-down slots for easy tying so you can rely on your cooler to stay secure throughout your trip. 

If you don’t want to invest in a floating cooler for your kayak but you still want the same functionality, you can purchase a small inflatable cooler float instead. 

Weight

The amount of weight you will want to carry will depend greatly on the type of kayaking you are planning to do. 

If you are only going for a leisure paddle or you are doing a few hours of fishing, weight will not be an issue. 

However, if you are doing a multiday expedition, you will need to pay close attention to every ounce as you will have a lot more gear, including your kayaking dry bag.

Softshell coolers are typically lighter than hardshell coolers, but the hardshell option retains ice better. 

If you have to carry more ice to account for it melting faster in a soft shell, you might end up carrying more weight overall.

A great alternative is a floating cooler if you do not mind towing it, as it adds zero weight to your kayak.

If you plan on transporting your heavy coolers, make sure to wear water shoes with some support and traction.    

Insulation

It is a no-brainer that insulation is essential for a kayak cooler. After all, this is the main purpose of a cooler. 

A common misconception is that softshell coolers are not a good option because of the material has less insulation. 

However, throughout the years, much has changed, and softshell coolers now have great insulation that can almost compete with hardshell coolers for shorter trips. 

Two of the best insulations in kayak coolers are closed-cell rubber foam insulation and injected polystyrene insulation. 

You are good to go if you buy kayak coolers with this kind of insulation.  

Use

Knowing how you plan to use your kayak cooler is important to identify what works best for you. 

If you want a cooler for your kayak fishing trips, then choose one that can store and carry your day’s catch, such as a floating cooler or a catch cooler. 

If you want a cooler for a multi-day kayaking trip, you better choose one that can carry provisions for a couple of days and has insulation capable of retaining ice for the length of your trip. 

As a general rule, hard shell coolers work best on these kinds of longer trips.

Whether you’re going on a short kayaking trip on the lake or paddling out to check out a sea cave, make sure to get the right one for your needs. 

Waterproofness

When buying coolers for kayaks, you have to ensure they are waterproof. 

This might easily slip from your mind when shopping for one, but waterproofness is very important since you’ll spend most of your time on the water.  

No one wants a soggy sandwich after all. 

Not all kayak coolers are created equal, and you don’t want water seeping into your cooler. Look for one that has watertight and airtight lids. 

Always check the material and specifications to ensure you’re getting your money’s worth. 

Wrap-Up: 11 Best Kayak Coolers

The best kayak coolers are those with great insulation, waterproof, portable, have a good attachment system, and can be easily carried around. 

Once you get past all of these, your can rest assured that your food will stay fresh and drinks will always be cold. Now order your cooler and start planning your best kayak trip yet.