When it comes to kayaking, having the right gear can make all the difference out on the water. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or just starting out, the right kayaking accessories can enhance safety, improve comfort, and generally make thigns a lot more fund. From essential safety equipment to handy tools and comfort upgrades, this ultimate list covers everything you’ll ever need on the water. Take a look below to explore the must-have accessories that will take your kayaking experience to the next level!
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Dry bags are an essential kayaking accessory for keeping your gear safe and dry while on the water. Whether you're stashing a change of clothes, snacks, or electronics, a reliable dry bag ensures your items stay protected from splashes and unexpected submersions.
As ever, there are many options available but I've shortlist a few of the best ones you can get online so you don't have to do all the research yourself.
If it's value for money you're looking for, you can't go wrong with the Ultra Dry Adventurer. It also comes with a separate dry pouch for your phone. Available in a number of sizes and colours
Next up we have another amazon favourite which has over 2,700+ reviews. This guarantees to be 100% waterproof and similar to the Ultra Dry Adventurer comes in multiple colours and sizes. And if you're looking for a larger size, the unigear comes in a 55L version. Again, you can't go wrong when it comes to vaue for money with this bag.
Finally we have the more premium and well known brand Yak Dry pack. This dry pack is on the more expensive end for bags but not without reason. It's known as a Molle system backpack which is the current standard for load bearing equipment for NATO armed forces. You'll easily store a number of key accessories for your day out with peace of mind that they'll stay 100% dry in this bag.
Very well regarded and at a great price point is the Lomo rebel deck. This tough neoprene spray deck comes with liquid sealed seams (this basically just means an adhesive is used where the the material joins to avoid leaks through the material) and a very durable perimeter shock cord, keep the deck in place in all conditions. They come in a variety of sizes but boast being exteremly fleible and easy to fit. Reviews of this spraydeck often talk about the excellent value, quality and ease of fitting.
For a little more you can get the Nookie Spray Deck which reviews highlight the ease of getting on and off whilst still staying super strong. Again, seams are liquid sealed and its a very versatile deck fitting the vast majoriry of kayaks. A number of owners of this deck mention how they have had theirs for several years and used for both river and sea kayaking with good results.
No more worrying about dragging your kayak around from the car to the beach. The C-Tug is best in class when it comes to taking the strain for you, whether you're heading across uneven terrain to rivers or deep sandy beaches, the C-tug can most likely handle it. With its lightweight and compact design, it can easily travel with you wheverever you're paddling!
This flat folding Kayak trolley is lightweight yet capable of transporting the heaviest of kayaks. For easy storage it folds down completely flat wiht detachable wheels making it the perfect choice for those with tighter boot space. The cart comes with puncture proof wheels and a powder coated aluminium frame protecting it from ever rusting.
It also comes with a strap ready to go to make transporting easy and secure although worth noting some mention the need for a seocnd to keep it super secure. Reviews also point to the smooth ride in transporation and as the wheels are not 'hard plastic' they are pretty quiet.
The Osprey Buoyancy Aid 50N Jacket is a certified and reliable safety essential for kayaking, paddleboarding, and other watersports. Offering 50N of buoyancy and a slimline profile, it ensures freedom of movement and comfort on the water. Durable materials, adjustable shoulder and waist straps, and high-visibility yellow accents enhance safety and longevity.
Available in multiple sizes, it provides a snug, secure fit for various body types. Easy to care for—just rinse and air dry—this buoyancy aid is ideal for peace of mind during water adventures.
The Typhoon Yalu Wave XT Buoyancy Jacket is an excellent choice for water sports enthusiasts looking for a high-quality, affordable, and reliable buoyancy aid. Made from lightweight, hi-tech materials, it meets British Safety Standards (BS EN393:1994) and CE approval, providing 50N of buoyancy to keep you safe while Kayaking.
Featuring a front zipper for easy on-and-off access, adjustable straps, and a removable crotch strap for added security, this jacket ensures comfort, flexibility, and freedom of movement. Perfect for activities like Dinghy Sailing, Canoeing, and Kayaking, it offers a great balance of style and functionality.
The Helly Hansen Rider Vest Buoyancy Aid offers a stylish and secure flotation solution for a wide range of water activities. Designed for unisex use, this safety-certified buoyancy aid is perfect for yachting, jet skiing, surfing, paddle boarding, and more. With a front buckle and adjustable bottom hem, it stays comfortably in place, ensuring peace of mind while you're out on the water. Its breathable and durable design makes it ideal for activities like dinghy sailing, fishing, swimming, and snorkelling, offering both comfort and reliability. Enjoy more time in the water with this easy-to-use, quick-setup buoyancy aid.
The RUK Kayak Paddle Leash is a practical and affordable solution to keep your paddle secure on the water. Designed with simplicity and durability in mind, it features a coiled bungee that stretches and recoils seamlessly without hindering your paddling. The leash comes with sturdy nylon clips that resist rust and corrosion, making it ideal for both saltwater and freshwater use.
The paddle attachment uses velcro with neoprene for a snug, slip-free grip. Reviewers praise its sturdy fittings, effective design, and ease of use, noting it stays out of the way while paddling. For its price and reliability, it’s a must-have accessory to avoid losing your paddle, saving both hassle and expense. Suggest getting 1.5m as some comments the 1.3m isn't quite long enough.
The Tbest Kayak Paddle Leash is a durable and lightweight safety tether designed to keep your paddle secure during kayaking, fishing, or SUP activities. Featuring a strong velcro strap and a high-quality stainless steel spring clip, it provides a reliable attachment to your kayak and paddle.
The elastic cord allows free hand movement, while its versatile design makes it useful for securing rods, nets, or other gear. Reviewers praise its sturdy construction, effective shock cord length, and dependable snap clip, making it a highly recommended addition for peace of mind on the water.
The BeGrit small boat anchor is a great little anchor for your kayak, canoe or small boat. At 0.7kg it’s light and tough, made from rust resistant carbon steel with a 4 fluke grapple design that works on sand, weed or rock. Easy to use – just fold out the flukes, lock them in and your good to go. The kit includes everything you need – 10m rope, buoy, hook and storage bag so it’s easy to carry and store. Perfect for peace of mind whether you’re taking a break to snack or securing your spot against the tide!
The Gradient Fitness 1.6 kg folding anchor is a compact and reliable choice for keeping your kayak, paddleboard, or jet ski steady. It folds down to a convenient 30 cm x 8 cm size and comes with a padded storage bag to prevent scratches. Designed for any environment—sandy, muddy, rocky, or weedy—it’s rust-resistant and includes 7m of marine-grade rope, a stainless steel snap hook, and a PVC buoy.
Owners who reviewed this anchor love its durability, ease of use, and ability to hold steady even in windy conditions, making it ideal for fishing, SUP yoga, or relaxing on the water.
The Gradient Fitness Shoulder Strap is designed to make transporting your Kayak or board a breeze. Featuring a comfortable, padded shoulder piece that attaches easily to loops around your board or Kayak, this strap is perfect for all types of paddleboards and kayaks. The adjustable tri-glide pieces ensure that the strap fits any board width, while the reinforced custom metal hardware and padded buckles guarantee durability and prevent scratches. Ideal to take some of the weight with this hands free approach and portable design.