Buying guide
Comfort Upgrade Kit
Updated How we research
Most people stop paddling because they are uncomfortable, not because they are tired. This collection targets the usual complaints one at a time: a sore back from a thin factory seat, sliding around in the cockpit, blistered hands, a wet seat from open scupper holes, and a boat that feels tippy. The last section covers hulls that give your arms a rest entirely. The page is split into six sections (A better seat; Locking your legs in; Kinder on the hands; A drier cockpit; Extra stability; Let your legs work), followed by every pick ranked by our score so you can compare them in one place.
The short version
We compared 24 picks. Our scores range from 6.3 to 8.6 out of 10.
- Best overall:Aluminum Frame Kayak Seat with 15L Cooler Bag, Breathable Mesh Paddle Board Chair with Adjustable Straps for Sit-on-Top Fishing Canoe and SUP. Highest overall score in this guide at 8.6/10.
- Also great value:2 Pack of Kayak Seat, Deluxe Padded Canoe Backrest Seat, Sit On Top Cushioned Back Support with Detachable Storage Bag and 4 Adjustable Straps. Value score of 10/10, overall 8.4/10.
- Solid build:Old Town Sportsman Salty PDL 120 Pedal Fishing Kayak, Marsh Camo. Build and materials score of 9/10, overall 8.6/10.
- Feature-rich:RANDDER Universal Kayak Scupper Plug Kit Silicone Scupper Plugs Canoe Drain Hole Stopper Bung with Lanyard, Fits 3/4 to 1.5 inch Holes, 4 Pack. Features score of 9/10, overall 8.6/10.
Scores are our editorial assessment, not customer ratings. How we score
A better seat
- Aluminum Frame Kayak Seat with 15L Cooler Bag, Breathable Mesh Paddle Board Chair with Adjustable Straps for Sit-on-Top Fishing Canoe and SUPOur score8.6/10
- TENSPAL Kayak Seat Cushion, Deluxe Padded Canoe Boat Backrest Seat with Back Support, Detachable Storage Bag and 4 Adjustable StrapsOur score8.4/10
- 2 Pack of Kayak Seat, Deluxe Padded Canoe Backrest Seat, Sit On Top Cushioned Back Support with Detachable Storage Bag and 4 Adjustable StrapsOur score8.4/10
- Nexivis Aluminum Frame Kayak Seat with Backrest, Aluminum Alloy Folding Kayak Seat with Adjustable Backrest Support for Fishing and Paddle BoardingOur score8.4/10
Locking your legs in
- NRS Padz Kayak Thigh PadsOur score8.1/10
- NRS Padz Kayak Knee BlocksOur score8.1/10
- NRS Kayak Pro Hip Pads, GrayOur score8.1/10
- Harmony Gear Hip Pad Kit, Supplemental Padding for Sit Inside KayaksOur score7.9/10
Kinder on the hands
- Yakgrips Takeapart Kayak Paddle Grips, No-Slip, Prevents Blisters (Blue) - Cascade CreekOur score7.9/10
- Yakgrips Paddle Grips for Solid Shaft Kayak Paddle, Kayaking Accessories, Non-Slip Grip, Blister Prevention - Cascade CreekOur score7.9/10
- 2pcs Neoprene Kayak Paddle Grip Covers, Boat Oar Sleeves, Black | Breathable Sweat Reduction Design, Helps Prevent Blisters, Comfortable Paddling Accessory for Kayaking and CanoeingOur score6.6/10
- Aurgiarme Neoprene Paddles Grip Sleeve Secure Nonslip Elastic Neoprene Oar Handle Protectors for Canoeing Kayak Rowing EssentialOur score6.3/10
A drier cockpit
- RANDDER Universal Kayak Scupper Plug Kit Silicone Scupper Plugs Canoe Drain Hole Stopper Bung with Lanyard, Fits 3/4 to 1.5 inch Holes, 4 PackOur score8.6/10
- EDSRDPLT 8 Pcs Kayak Scupper Plugs Kit with Silicone Handles, 2 Sizes Drain Hole Stopper for Kayaks Canoes Fishing BoatsOur score8.4/10
- Small Kayak Scupper Plugs Kit, Drain Hole Stopper with Silicone Handle, Universal Plugs for Sit on Top Kayak Canoe Boat, 12 PcsOur score7.8/10
- 8 Pieces Universal Kayak Scupper Plugs Kit, Silicone Scupper Plugs with Lanyard, Drain Hole StoppersOur score7.6/10
Extra stability
- VEVOR Kayak Stabilizers, 2 PCS, PVC Inflatable Kayak Outrigger Float with Sidekick Arms Rod, Standing Float Stabilizer System KitOur score8.0/10
- MooneHived Kayak Stabilizers, 2 PCS Kayak Outrigger PVC Kayak and Canoe Stabilizer System with Pair of Sidekick RodsOur score7.8/10
- Lixada Kayak Outriggers 2 PCS Stabilization System, PVC Inflatable Outrigger Float with Sidekick Arms RodOur score7.4/10
- DAUERHAFT Kayak Outrigger Stabilizer, Portable PVC Inflatable Kayak Stabilizer Kit for Floating and BalancingOur score6.3/10
Let your legs work
- BKC Brooklyn 12.5 Pedal Fishing Kayak, Flipper Drive, Sit-on-Top, 550 lb CapacityOur score8.6/10
- Old Town Sportsman Salty PDL 120 Pedal Fishing Kayak, Marsh CamoOur score8.6/10
- Old Town Sportsman PDL 106 Pedal Fishing Kayak, Ember CamoOur score8.6/10
- Brooklyn 10.0 Single Pedal Fishing Kayak by BKC, Sit-On-Top with Flipper Drive and RudderOur score8.0/10
All 24 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.
#1An aluminum frame kayak seat with a 15L cooler bag and breathable mesh, a chair-style seat for sit-on-top fishing kayaks, canoes and SUPs.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + 15L cooler bag keeps drinks and bait cool right behind you
- + Breathable mesh stays cooler and dries faster than foam pads
- + Adjustable straps help fit sit-on-top decks, canoes and boards
- - Check the hinge and joint hardware shown in listing photos
- - Raised chair seat can feel less stable for nervous beginners
#2RANDDER's universal kayak scupper plug kit, a 4 Pack of silicone plugs with lanyards that fit 3/4 to 1.5 inch holes.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + Fits 3/4 to 1.5 inch holes, covering most scupper sizes
- + Lanyards keep plugs attached so they are not lost
- + Silicone flexes to seal slightly irregular scupper holes
- - 4 Pack may not cover kayaks with many scuppers
- - Plugs can pop out if pushed in too loosely
#3The BKC Brooklyn 12.5 pedal fishing kayak with flipper drive and a 550 lb capacity for big anglers and heavy tackle loads.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + 550 lb capacity leaves room for a large angler plus crates and coolers
- + Flipper drive keeps both hands free for rods, net and electronics
- + Longer hull than the smaller Brooklyn pedal model tracks and cruises better
- - Heavy loaded weight means a trailer or cart is close to essential
- - BKC fit and finish is simpler than Old Town pedal kayaks
#4Old Town's Sportsman Salty PDL 120 in Marsh Camo, a pedal fishing kayak built with saltwater use and inshore fishing in mind.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 7/10
- + PDL pedal drive is a proven Old Town system for hands-free fishing
- + Salty version is set up for saltwater flats and inshore trips
- + Marsh Camo finish blends into grassy shorelines and marshes
- - Saltwater use means rinsing the drive and hardware after each trip
- - Premium Old Town price is well above budget pedal kayaks
#5The Old Town Sportsman PDL 106 in Ember Camo, a shorter pedal fishing kayak for ponds, creeks and tight spaces.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 8/10
- + Shorter 106 hull turns quickly in creeks, coves and small ponds
- + PDL drive offers forward and reverse for fine boat control
- + Lighter and easier to transport than the longer Sportsman models
- - Less deck space for crates and gear than longer Sportsman boats
- - Slower top speed makes big-lake runs take longer
#6TENSPAL's deluxe padded kayak seat cushion with backrest, detachable storage bag and 4 adjustable straps.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + Padded backrest adds support on sit-on-top kayaks
- + Detachable storage bag holds snacks and small items
- + 4 adjustable straps fit many kayak attachment points
- - Straps need suitable D-rings or pad eyes on the kayak
- - Seat padding can hold water after rain or splashes
#7A 2 pack of deluxe padded kayak seats with backrest, storage bag and 4 adjustable straps for sit on top kayaks.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 10/10
- + 2 pack outfits two kayaks or both seats in a tandem
- + Cushioned back support reduces fatigue on longer paddles
- + Detachable storage bag adds handy storage
- - Check the foam density listed before long paddling sessions
- - Needs D-rings or attachment points on each kayak to mount
#8Nexivis's aluminum frame folding kayak seat with adjustable backrest support for fishing and paddle boarding.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Aluminum frame gives firm, raised support
- + Adjustable backrest suits different sitting positions
- + Folds flat for transport and storage in a car trunk
- - Frame seat may not fit narrow sit-in cockpits
- - Heavier and bulkier than simple padded cushion seats
#9EDSRDPLT's 8 Pcs kayak scupper plugs kit with silicone handles in 2 sizes for kayaks, canoes and fishing boats.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + 8 Pcs in 2 sizes covers many scupper holes
- + Silicone handles make plugs easy to pull out
- + Good value for kayaks with several drain holes
- - Measure your scupper holes before choosing plug sizes
- - No lanyards mentioned, so plugs can be lost
#10NRS Padz kayak thigh pads, adhesive foam pads for outfitting a sit-inside kayak for better control and comfort.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Thigh contact improves boat control for edging and rolling
- + Padding reduces pressure points under the deck
- + NRS Padz is a widely used outfitting line
- - Needs contact cement or adhesive to install properly
- - Pads may need trimming to fit your cockpit shape
#11NRS Padz kayak knee blocks, foam blocks that add knee contact and comfort in sit-inside kayaks.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Knee blocks fill gaps for a snugger fit in the cockpit
- + Closed foam padding cushions knees on long paddles
- + Pairs well with other NRS Padz outfitting pieces
- - Blocks usually need shaping to match your knee position
- - Adhesive installation is permanent once set
#12NRS Kayak Pro Hip Pads in gray, seat-side pads that fill space around the hips in sit-inside kayaks.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Hip pads stop sliding side to side in a roomy seat
- + Pro version is aimed at serious outfitting
- + Gray color matches most seat and cockpit colors
- - Seat width must allow room for pads, so measure before gluing
- - Check whether adhesive is included before installing
#13VEVOR's 2 PCS PVC inflatable kayak outrigger floats with sidekick arm rods, a standing float stabilizer system kit.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + Standing float design is aimed at anglers who fish upright
- + VEVOR is a large brand with wide product support
- + Inflatable floats pack down smaller than rigid outriggers
- - Inflatable floats need topping up and puncture checks
- - Arm rods may need adapters to fit some kayak tracks
#14BKC's Brooklyn 10.0 single pedal fishing kayak, a compact sit-on-top with a flipper drive and rudder for hands-free anglers.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + Flipper drive gives hands-free propulsion at a compact hull length
- + Rudder steering lets you hold position while you cast and reel
- + Shorter hull is easier to store and load than long pedal boats
- - Short pedal kayak is slower over distance than longer pedal models
- - Flipper drives need shallow water awareness to avoid fin strikes
#15Harmony Gear's hip pad kit, supplemental padding that fills gaps between hips and seat in sit inside kayaks.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Supplemental padding reduces side-to-side movement in the seat
- + Kit format offers pieces for both sides of the seat
- + Harmony Gear is a paddling accessory brand
- - Designed for sit inside kayaks only, not sit-on-tops
- - Foam thickness may need trimming for a proper fit
#16Cushioned slide-on grips from Cascade Creek for take-apart kayak paddles. The padding conforms to the hand to reduce pressure on the palms, and the grips are washable.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Cushioned design conforms to the curve of the hand and reduces pressure on palms and tendons
- + Installs by wetting the inside of the grip and sliding it on: the inner design holds it in place
- + Washable with mild dish detergent, and sold in several colors to match a boat
- - This is the Takeapart version that slides on from the shaft end, so a one-piece paddle needs the solid shaft model
- - The listing does not state the grip length or the shaft diameters it fits
#17Cascade Creek Yakgrips for solid shaft kayak paddles, non-slip sleeves aimed at preventing blisters on long paddles.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Made for solid shaft paddles, the most common recreational type
- + Non-slip surface keeps a secure hold when hands are wet
- + Cushioned grip helps reduce rubbing that leads to blisters
- - Sizing is for solid shafts, so check fit on oval or bent shafts
- - Grips can slide if the shaft is very smooth or oily from sunscreen
#18A small kayak scupper plugs kit with silicone handles, 12 Pcs of universal drain hole stoppers for sit on top kayaks, canoes and boats.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 9/10
- + 12 Pcs is the largest count here, handy for spares or two kayaks
- + Silicone pull handles make removal easy with wet hands
- + Small size suits the narrower scuppers on rec kayaks
- - Small plugs will be loose in the wide scuppers of big fishing kayaks
- - No lanyards are mentioned, so spare plugs are useful
#19MooneHived's kayak stabilizers, 2 PCS PVC outrigger floats with a pair of sidekick rods for kayaks and canoes.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 9/10
- + Pair of floats and sidekick rods comes as a complete system
- + Outriggers help standing anglers and nervous paddlers feel steadier
- + PVC floats deflate for compact storage between trips
- - Mounting hardware for your specific kayak may not be included
- - Floats add drag, so paddling speed drops noticeably
#208 Pieces Universal Kayak Scupper Plugs Kit, Silicone Scupper Plugs with Lanyard, Drain Hole Stoppers
A generic 8 pieces universal kayak scupper plugs kit with silicone plugs, lanyards and drain hole stoppers for sit-on-tops.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 9/10
- + 8 pieces cover the scupper holes on most sit-on-top kayaks
- + Lanyards keep each plug tethered so none float away
- + Silicone body squeezes into holes of slightly different sizes
- - No hole diameter range is given, so measure your scuppers first
- - Check the silicone hardness suits a snug fit for your holes
#21Lixada's kayak outriggers, a 2 PCS stabilization system with PVC inflatable floats and sidekick arms.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10
- + Two inflatable floats balance the kayak on both sides
- + Sidekick arms extend floats away from the hull
- + Budget system for trying outriggers before investing more
- - Check the mounting hardware fits your kayak's hull shape
- - Budget PVC may be less durable under sun exposure
#22A pair of neoprene sleeves that slide over a kayak or canoe paddle shaft, listed with a breathable, sweat-reducing design to help prevent blisters on the hands.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 7/10
- + Neoprene sleeves are listed as anti-slip and shaped to fit the hand, which suits paddlers who want a softer hold on a bare shaft.
- + Sold as a set of 2, so one sleeve goes on each hand position of a standard double-bladed paddle.
- + The listing says the wrap reduces friction between hand and shaft, aimed at blisters, calluses and fatigue.
- - The listing is thin on measurements, so shaft diameter compatibility has to be checked before buying.
- - At roughly $16 it costs more than several other neoprene grip sets, and the brand is not widely known.
#23Neoprene grip sleeves with foam padding and a textured surface for kayak paddles, oars and canoe paddles. A low-cost soft cover for paddlers who want cushioning on a bare shaft.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 5/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 7/10
- + Neoprene cover with foam padding adds cushioning and a non-slip surface to a bare shaft
- + Listing describes the sleeve as buoyant, and as suited to kayak paddles, oars and canoe paddles
- + Elastic fit with a textured pattern is described as accommodating a range of shaft sizes
- - The listing gives no dimensions, shaft diameter range or piece count, so check the photos before ordering
- - Unknown brand with vague, loosely translated feature bullets and few hard specifications
#24DAUERHAFT's portable PVC inflatable kayak outrigger stabilizer kit, sold for floating and balancing small boats.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 5/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 7/10
- + Portable inflatable design deflates for travel
- + Kit format is meant to add side floats to a kayak
- + PVC floats are easy to rinse and dry after saltwater use
- - Check whether the listing is for one float or a matched pair
- - Arm and mount details are missing from the listing
Popular right now
- Wildlife Watching From a KayakArticle
- Why Your Sit-On-Top Kayak Has Water Inside and What to DoArticle
- Best Sit-On-Top KayaksBuying guide
- Turning and EdgingArticle
- Best Whistles and Signaling Devices for KayakingBuying guide
- Best Kayak Safety GearBuying guide
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.