What Are the Best Coolers for Your Kayak

It is no secret that we love kayak fishing. It is one of the best budget ways to get out on the water and kayaks have an advantage over other vessels since they are so much more stealthy. One of the downsides to a kayak however is the limited amount of storage space, which makes you have to evaluate every item on your kayak gear list. Bringing a cooler in your kayak is one of the heaviest and largest items, but it’s also a necessity if you’re planning on keeping fish or need to keep drinks or food cold. The best kayak cooler is lightweight, has excellent ice retention, and fits in your kayak hatch or cargo area.

There are two types of coolers that can be used for kayak fishing:

The market is currently saturated with coolers since high performance and indestructible coolers have become popular. I sure wish I had thought of starting a billion dollar industry back when I was using a disposable foam cooler. What this means for the consumer is that there are an abundance of brands, styles, and cooler options to choose from which is great! The ones included on this list are brands that I know will stand behind their products and make quality coolers that perform well. I also only highlighted specific coolers from these brands on our list of best kayak coolers, however most brands make multiple designs that would work well for kayaks — see the table below for additional options.

The size and weight of a kayak cooler is one of the most important things to consider when making your choice. The cooler needs to fit where you want it and it should not add a substantial weight to your kayak which can cause you to sit lower in the water and wear out more quickly while paddling. A heavy kayak with a wet ride isn’t fun for anyone. An average kayak rear cargo area is usually designed to fit a least an average milk crate which is 12”x12”. Usually the rear storage area is larger and can accommodate larger coolers. Also don’t forget that soft sided coolers be flexed a bit to squeeze into a hatch or cargo hold. I personally love having my cooler in the center or front hatch because it is easier to access and helps distribute the weight of the kayak much better. Wherever you choose to stash your cooler always be sure to measure your area before buying to make sure it fits, and take into consideration how much it will weigh when filled with ice.

Polar Bear coolers have been around for a while and are the perfect kayak cooler that blends performance and functionality while at the same time not breaking the bank. The Classic 12 Pack cooler has thick padded insulation and is really just the right size to fit in most kayaks. I can also attest to the durability of these coolers, I’ve had mine for over 9 years and still use it for kayak fishing. This is one of my favorite choices because it fits securely in the front hatch and I can wedge it in place to balance the weight with the zipper facing up for very easy access.

The KULA coolers are a unique option that aren’t for everyone, but some people swear by them. This one is different because it’s a round cooler. These coolers are made by BOTE, a company that makes the best fishing paddleboards on the market. It seems that this cooler is designed specifically for their paddleboard, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a great kayak cooler. These coolers are incredibly durable and have a single point latch with an included bottle opener. The rubber padded bottom makes it grip your kayak well and it doesn’t bounce around once strapped in. One thing I’m not a huge fan of is the handle because it is bulky and gets in the way – I would opt to remove this. A pro is that there are strap down points in the sides of the cooler lid which is excellent.

The Seattle Sports kayak catch bag is the top insulated fish bag for kayaks. The design of this bag is meant to be mounted on the front bow of a kayak or inside the front hatch due to the shape and side access. The length and shape of the bag makes it perfect for keeping medium sized fish, but not so much for food and drink. This is my go to bag for when I’m out fishing to save some fillets. The material is durable and strong nylon and the included straps built into the cooler bag make it easy to attach to any kayak. Best kayak cooler choice for keeping your catch.

The ICEMULE Pro cooler is featured in the main article image and is one I actively use in my Jackson Kraken 13.5. It fits perfectly in kayaks that have a center console hatch for storage and holds fish or drinks easily. The one feature that is unique about this cooler is that the insulation comes from an air layer between the interior and exterior liner that you can control by blowing into it and sealing. This has pros and cons. One of the big benefits is that this cooler can be deflated and rolled down fairly small, which is excellent for storing when not in use. One of the downsides is that when fully inflated this cooler is round and bulky, so you have to only inflate it once it is in your kayak hatch. I typically only use a small amount of air which is plenty to keep ice for the day, but doesn’t make it too large.

ORCA soft shell coolers are very high quality. The first thing you’ll notice when you pick one up is how surprisingly light yet rigid it is. This is an excellent choice for a rear cargo area cooler for several key reasons. The first being that it retains its shape well and has a flip top lid. It is easy to access this cooler and you don’t have to worry about anything falling out. The zipper is also very thick and heavy duty with a waterproof lining seal, and there is an exterior waterproof pocket on the side of the cooler. The integrated handles are strong and make it easy to carry and can double as bungee strap points to secure it to your kayak. There are also numerous clip points on the cooler to secure any number of items you need. This is the ideal cooler for a kayak cargo area and the number one on my list, the only potential downside could be the price.

If a hard shell cooler is your first choice for a kayak and you don’t mind the weight, then look no further than YETI. They previously offered the YETI Roadie 20, and now produce the YETI Roadie 24. Both are excellent sizes for kayak fishing coolers, with the Roadie 24 being a bit taller and thinner. The cooler fits perfectly in the back of most kayak rear deck cargo holds and can be easily strapped down through the integrated strap mounts in the handle swivels. You can’t go wrong with this cooler. Everyone knows YETI, they started the rugged cooler revolution.