Buying guide
Apartment Storage Solutions
Updated How we research
A kayak is a large object to keep in a small home, but it is not impossible. This collection covers the two workable approaches: buy a hull that packs down, or store a full size boat vertically on a rack that uses wall space instead of floor space. Covers protect the hull from dust and sunlight, and a padded bag keeps the paddle out of the way. The page is split into five sections (Hulls that fold away; Wall and ceiling racks; Covering the hull; Sealing the cockpit; Tidy paddle storage), followed by every pick ranked by our score so you can compare them in one place.
The short version
We compared 20 picks. Our scores range from 6.6 to 8.8 out of 10.
- Best overall:StoreYourBoard Kayak Storage Rack Wall Mount, Holds 4 Kayaks, Padded Arms, Stainless Hardware, Adjustable Levels. Highest overall score in this guide at 8.8/10.
- Also great value:EVRBUL 12ft Kayak Cover, Heavy Duty 420D Outdoor Storage Waterproof UV-Protective Canoe Cover for 10-12 Feet Kayak Canoe Boat SUP. Value score of 9/10, overall 8.0/10.
- Solid build:StoreYourBoard G-Kayak Wall Rack, Heavy-Duty Outdoor Kayak Rack for 2 Boats, Adjustable Storage Wall Mount Hanger, Holds 200 lbs, Silver. Build and materials score of 9/10, overall 8.8/10.
- Feature-rich:Oru Coast Foldable Kayak - Folding Kayak for Travel and Rugged Waters. Features score of 9/10, overall 8.4/10.
Scores are our editorial assessment, not customer ratings. How we score
Hulls that fold away
- Oru Coast Foldable Kayak - Folding Kayak for Travel and Rugged WatersOur score8.4/10
- Oru Kayak Foldable Kayak Lake - Lightweight, Portable and Stable Folding Kayak, 17 LbsOur score8.2/10
- Oru Kayak Foldable Kayak Lake Sport - Lightweight, Portable and Stable Lake and River KayakOur score8.0/10
- Oru Kayak Foldable Beach Sport - Stable, Durable, Lightweight Lake and River Kayak, 28 LbsOur score7.8/10
Wall and ceiling racks
- StoreYourBoard Kayak Storage Rack Wall Mount, Holds 4 Kayaks, Padded Arms, Stainless Hardware, Adjustable LevelsOur score8.8/10
- StoreYourBoard G-Kayak Wall Rack, Heavy-Duty Outdoor Kayak Rack for 2 Boats, Adjustable Storage Wall Mount Hanger, Holds 200 lbs, SilverOur score8.8/10
- Kayak Wall Mount Storage Rack, Heavy Duty Steel, 125 LB Capacity, Powder-Coated Steel Wall Rack for Indoor and Outdoor Storage of Kayaks and SUP PaddleboardsOur score8.0/10
- Wall-Mount 2-Place Log Kayak Storage Rack, Canoe and Surfboard Garage Wall Rack, UnfinishedOur score7.0/10
Covering the hull
- IRSTBL Kayak Cover, Waterproof Premium 600D UV Resistant Canoe and Paddle Board Cover for Outdoor Storage, Fits 12 ft to 14 ft LongOur score8.4/10
- EliteShield Canoe Cover Kayak Cover, Waterproof UV Resistant 600D Marine Grade Polyester Storage Cover, Fits 11ft to 12ft Long, NavyOur score8.4/10
- EVRBUL 12ft Kayak Cover, Heavy Duty 420D Outdoor Storage Waterproof UV-Protective Canoe Cover for 10-12 Feet Kayak Canoe Boat SUPOur score8.0/10
- 100 Percent Waterproof Kayak Cover for Outdoor Storage, Paddle Board Cover 12ft 13ft with 5 Straps for Heavy Wind, Dust and UV ProtectionOur score7.8/10
Sealing the cockpit
- Seals Sprayskirts Deluxe Seal Kayak Cockpit Cover 1.2 Deck, Heavy Duty Tear-Resistant Waterproof Storage and Transport CoverOur score8.4/10
- BKHdesign 900D Kayak Cover, Large 60 x 29 inch Black Waterproof Cockpit Cover for Outdoor Storage and TransportOur score8.0/10
- Explore Land Universal Kayak Cockpit Drape Waterproof Seal Cockpit Cover, 2 Pack, Large 60 x 29 inch, BlackOur score8.0/10
- Explore Land Universal Kayak Cockpit Drape Waterproof Seal Cockpit Cover, 2 Pack, Regular 44 x 28 inch, BlackOur score8.0/10
Tidy paddle storage
- NRS Two-Piece Kayak Paddle BagOur score8.3/10
- METER STAR Kayak Paddle Bag Very Thick and Durable Protective Storage Bag Adjustable Kayak Paddle Carrying Bag for 2-Piece PaddlesOur score7.6/10
- Kayak Paddle Bag 2-Piece Canoe Paddle Protective Storage Bag Portable Paddle Carrying Bag with Adjustable Shoulder Strap for Touring Paddles and SplitsOur score7.1/10
- Hornet Watersports Dragon Boat Paddle BagOur score6.6/10
All 20 picks, ranked by our score
Every product from the sections above, listed once. Sort by the criterion you care about most, or tick up to three to compare.
#1StoreYourBoard's kayak wall mount storage rack, holding 4 kayaks with padded arms, stainless hardware and adjustable levels.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 8/10
- + Holds 4 kayaks, great for families and clubs
- + Padded arms protect hulls from dents and scratches
- + Stainless hardware resists rust in damp garages
- - Needs a large, strong wall section to mount
- - Four-level rack is overkill for a single kayak
#2StoreYourBoard's G-Kayak wall rack in silver, a heavy-duty outdoor rack for 2 boats that holds 200 lbs.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 8/10
- + 200 lbs capacity handles two heavy kayaks
- + Rated for outdoor use on fences and exterior walls
- + Adjustable arms suit different hull shapes
- - Outdoor storage still needs a cover to protect hulls from UV
- - Two-boat limit is restrictive for households with larger fleets
#3Oru Coast, a foldable kayak built for travel and rugged waters, Oru's high-performance model for experienced paddlers.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 7/10
- + Designed for rougher coastal conditions than Oru's lake models
- + Folds for air travel or small-car trips to remote launches
- + Long, efficient hull suits distance paddling and touring
- - Premium price is far above Oru's recreational folding kayaks
- - Longer setup and more skill needed than beginner foldables
#4IRSTBL's premium 600D UV-resistant kayak cover, fitting 12 ft to 14 ft long canoes and paddle boards.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + 600D fabric is thicker and tougher than lighter covers
- + Fits 12 ft to 14 ft boats like touring kayaks
- + UV-resistant coating helps protect hulls outdoors
- - Too long for short rec kayaks, which leaves loose fabric
- - Thicker fabric is bulkier to fold and store
#5EliteShield's navy 600D marine grade polyester kayak and canoe cover, fitting 11ft to 12ft long boats.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + 600D marine grade polyester is durable for outdoor storage
- + Fits 11ft to 12ft kayaks and canoes, a common rec kayak range
- + Navy color hides dirt and looks tidy next to a house or shed
- - Size range suits only mid-length boats, not short or long ones
- - Check whether tie-down straps are included with the cover
#6Seals Sprayskirts' Deluxe Seal kayak cockpit cover, 1.2 deck size, a heavy duty tear-resistant storage and transport cover.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 7/10
- + Seals is a specialist sprayskirt and cockpit cover maker
- + Heavy duty, tear-resistant fabric survives highway wind
- + Keeps rain, leaves and critters out of the cockpit
- - 1.2 deck sizing must match your cockpit rim
- - Premium brand costs more than generic drapes
#7The NRS two-piece kayak paddle bag, a padded protective case for storing and transporting split paddles.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 8/10
- + NRS is a trusted paddlesports brand with durable soft goods
- + Sized for two-piece paddles, the most common split design
- + Protects blades from scratches in truck beds and on flights
- - Not sized for four-section travel paddles or one-piece shafts
- - Holds one paddle, so a family set needs several bags
#8Oru Kayak Lake, a 17 Lbs foldable kayak that sets up from a box shape, ideal for apartment dwellers and calm-water paddlers.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + 17 Lbs weight is light enough to carry on a shoulder strap
- + Folds into a compact box that fits in a closet or car trunk
- + Stable Lake design suits beginners on ponds and calm lakes
- - Built for calm water, not for rough seas or long touring days
- - Folding process takes practice before it becomes quick
#9The Oru Kayak Lake Sport, a foldable kayak that adds features to the basic Lake for lake and river paddlers.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 7/10
- + Sport version adds upgrades over the entry-level Oru Lake
- + Handles both lakes and gentle rivers in a portable package
- + Stores in a small space without a roof rack or garage
- - Compare the folded weight with the standard Lake model before buying
- - Folding hulls need care at creases to stay watertight long term
#10A heavy duty powder-coated steel kayak wall mount storage rack with a 125 LB capacity for kayaks and SUPs.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + 125 LB capacity is clearly stated for planning heavy boats
- + Powder-coated steel resists rust indoors and outdoors
- + Holds kayaks and SUP paddleboards on the same wall rack
- - Wall mounting requires finding studs and drilling
- - Check the bracket steel gauge shown in the listing photos
#11EVRBUL's 12ft kayak cover in heavy duty 420D fabric, waterproof and UV-protective for 10-12 feet boats.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + Fits 10-12 feet kayaks, canoes and SUPs, the most common sizes
- + 420D fabric blocks UV that fades plastic hulls
- + Waterproof cover keeps rain and debris out
- - 420D is a lighter fabric than the thickest covers in this guide
- - Longer boats beyond 12ft will not be fully covered
#12BKHdesign's 900D kayak cover, a large 60 x 29 inch black waterproof cockpit cover for storage and transport.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + 900D fabric is thick and resists tearing
- + 60 x 29 inch size fits large recreational cockpits
- + Black cover hides dirt during outdoor storage
- - Large size will be loose on small touring cockpits
- - Black fabric absorbs heat in direct sun when stored outdoors
#13Explore Land's universal cockpit drape, a 2 Pack of large 60 x 29 inch black waterproof cockpit covers.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + 2 Pack covers two kayaks or keeps a spare
- + Large 60 x 29 inch size fits big rec cockpits
- + Universal elastic edge stretches over the rim
- - Too large for small sea kayak cockpits, where it will sag loosely
- - Check the fabric weight listed before buying for harsh sun
#14Explore Land's universal cockpit drape in regular 44 x 28 inch size, a 2 Pack of black waterproof covers.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + Regular 44 x 28 inch size fits smaller cockpits snugly
- + 2 Pack is handy for households with two kayaks
- + Waterproof seal keeps rain out during storage
- - Will not stretch over large recreational cockpits
- - Elastic edge can loosen after long sun exposure
#15The Oru Kayak Beach Sport at 28 Lbs, a stable folding kayak with a roomy open cockpit for lakes and rivers.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 7/10
- + Open cockpit is easy to get in and out of for casual paddlers
- + Sport trim adds comfort features over the standard Beach model
- + 28 Lbs weight is still manageable for one person to carry
- - Heavier than the Oru Lake and Inlet folding models
- - Wide stable hull is slower than the sleeker Coast or Bay
#16A 100 Percent waterproof kayak and paddle board cover for 12ft 13ft boats, with 5 straps for heavy wind.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + 5 straps hold the cover in place during strong wind
- + Fits 12ft 13ft kayaks and paddle boards with room to spare
- + Protects against dust, rain and UV during long-term storage
- - 100 Percent waterproof claim may not hold at seams long term
- - Check the seam taping quality shown in listing photos
#17METER STAR's thick, durable kayak paddle bag with an adjustable fit, made to carry and store 2-piece paddles.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Thick protective material cushions blades during transport
- + Adjustable design adapts to different paddle lengths
- + Budget alternative to branded paddle bags
- - Lesser-known brand, so zipper and strap quality are unproven
- - Only for 2-piece paddles, not one-piece models
#18A generic 2-piece paddle bag with an adjustable shoulder strap, made to carry touring paddles and split paddles.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10
- + Adjustable shoulder strap frees hands for kayak carrying
- + Fits touring paddles and splits for sea kayakers
- + Works for canoe paddles as well as kayak paddles
- - Check the fabric thickness shown in the listing photos
- - Title gives no padding details, so fragile blades may need wraps
#19A wall-mount 2-place log kayak storage rack, an unfinished wooden garage rack for canoes and surfboards.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 7/10
- + Rustic log design looks good in cabins and garages
- + 2-place layout holds two kayaks or canoes
- + Unfinished wood can be stained to match decor
- - Unfinished wood needs sealing for outdoor use
- - No padding listed, so hulls may need extra protection
#20A 51 inch paddle bag from Hornet Watersports with a long adjustable strap, short carry handle and large front pocket, made for one paddle of 51 inches and under.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 6/10
- + Listed size is 51 inches by 8.5 inches at the blade end, with room for one paddle of 51 inches and under.
- + Long adjustable carrying strap and short handle give two ways to carry it.
- + Large front pocket is listed for small items, so the bag can hold accessories next to the paddle.
- - Listed as a dragon boat paddle bag, and 51 inches suits split paddles but not a full-length one-piece kayak paddle.
- - At about $50 it costs more than the mesh bags in this guide and the listing does not describe padding.
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Based on the last 28 days of search and visitor data.
Kayak Nest curates picks for US shoppers. Scores are our editorial assessment. We may earn a commission from links on this page.