How to Carry a Cooler on a Kayak

Packing a cooler on your kayaking trip shouldn’t compromise your space or stability. Learn to select the right cooler and secure it with confidence as we guide you through effective techniques for how to carry a cooler on a kayak. By the end of this article, you’ll be set to maintain a cool stash without tipping the scales or cramping your style.

Key Takeaways

• Choose between hard-sided coolers for long trips and substantial cooling needs or soft-sided coolers for short trips and space conservation.
• Strategic placement of the cooler on the kayak is critical for stability—options include behind the seat, under the seat, or on the sides, bearing in mind weight distribution to prevent capsizing.
• Maintaining cold temperatures involves tactics such as pre-chilling the cooler, using the right ice packs or substitutes, and ensuring the cooler is packed efficiently to minimize air space.

Choosing the Right Kayak Cooler for Your Adventure

Whether you’re going on a short paddle around the lake or an extended fishing trip, having the right kayak cooler can make all the difference. It’s not just about keeping your food and drinks cold; it’s also about making sure your gear fits perfectly in your kayak and doesn’t tip your boat or block your paddling space. After all, not every cooler is made for the unique challenges of kayak fishing.

Kayak coolers are typically divided into two categories: hard-sided and soft-sided. Your choice between these two types will depend on your specific kayaking needs. If you’re going on a long journey or need to keep a substantial catch cold, a hard-sided cooler might be your best bet. On the other hand, if you’re going on a short trip and need something lightweight and easy to carry, a soft-sided cooler might be the ideal choice. We’ll further examine these two categories.

Hard-sided Coolers

Design-wise, hard-sided coolers are the stalwarts of the cooler. Their sealed insulated lids and thick walls are engineered to maintain ice for extended periods, making them ideal for long kayaking trips. Among the best kayak coolers, models like the Igloo IMX 24 Qt Cooler and Yeti Tundra 35 Cooler are designed to fit in a kayak’s tank well and deliver excellent ice retention, thanks to their extra-thick insulation and rubber gasket.

However, the function of hard-sided coolers goes beyond just keeping your drinks cold. They can double as:

• Dry storage
• A platform for poling
• Live wells
• Rod holders

This multi-functionality makes them an invaluable addition to your kayaking gear, serving various purposes during your trips.

Soft-sided Coolers

On the other side of the spectrum, we have soft-sided coolers. These coolers offer the advantage of being lightweight and portable, a major plus for kayakers. Thanks to design advancements, models such as IceMule and Arctic Zone Titan can keep contents cold for over 24 hours and up to three days, respectively. This makes them a fantastic choice for shorter trips or when you need to conserve space on your kayak.

One of the key features of soft-sided coolers, also known as cooler bags, is their carrying options. Many models of soft side cooler feature:

• Shoulder and backpack straps, easing transportation and making them easy to carry around
• Durability and design with materials akin to whitewater rafts, antimicrobial liners, and leak-proof zippers
• The ability to expand or compress as needed, providing the flexibility to accommodate more items or pack away when not in use

For example, the Yeti Hopper Flip 18 showcases these features and more.

Strategic Cooler Placement on Your Kayak

Having the right cooler is just part of the puzzle. You also need to know where to place it on your kayak for optimal performance. You want it to be secure, accessible, and not interfere with your paddling. Be cautious of it affecting the balance of your kayak, as it could result in capsizing.

There are several places where you can put your cooler: behind the seat, under the seat, or on the side of the kayak. We’ll look at each of these possibilities further.

Behind the Kayak Seat

One of the most common places to put a cooler is directly behind the seat. This placement optimizes space usage and provides stability during paddling. The Perception Splash Seat Back Cooler, for example, is designed to attach to kayak seats with bungee ball cords, providing ease of access and stability.

Securing a kayak cooler behind the seat involves the following steps:

• Use multiple straps threaded through the cooler’s buckle.
• Attach the straps firmly to the kayak, ensuring that the cooler doesn’t move around during your trip.
• Remember that stability is key when paddling, so make sure your cooler is secure before you set off.

Under the Kayak Seat

Another good place to store your cooler is under the kayak seat. This not only conserves comfort and leg space but also provides stability. It’s especially beneficial for sit-in kayaks, where storage space is at a premium and additional space behind the backrest is limited.

If your kayak has adjustable seat heights, you can raise the seat to create additional space for the cooler. With the cooler situated under the seat and the height adjusted, securing it ensures no shifting during use.

On the Kayak’s Sides

Strapping a cooler on the side of a kayak can provide convenient access to gear and provisions. However, it’s crucial to maintain proper weight balance to ensure safety and maneuverability. This placement is most suitable for less bulky items and calm water conditions. You’ll need to place the cooler carefully to prevent interference with your paddling range.

You can attach the cooler to the kayak side using buckles, straps, or even the cooler’s own shoulder strap. If you’re attaching a single cooler to one side, it’s important to evenly distribute weight to prevent capsizing, or alternatively, hang another cooler on the opposite side to counterbalance the weight.

Floating Cooler Solutions for Kayaking

Sometimes, no matter how compact or well-placed your cooler is, you just need more cooling space. That’s where floating coolers come in. These coolers are designed to float alongside your kayak, providing additional cooling space without overloading your kayak.

There are several floating cooler options available, including soft coolers, the Creekkooler Pup Floating Cooler, and DIY floating cooler holders.

Creekkooler Pup Floating Cooler

One of the top floating cooler options available on the market is the Creekkooler Pup Floating Cooler. This cooler offers superior insulation and spacious storage, making it an ideal choice for kayaking trips. It’s constructed with heavy-duty blow-molded materials, designed for durability and longevity.

Featuring a quick-connect lid and a reinforced tow rope, the Creekkooler Pup can be safely and conveniently towed behind a kayak. This allows you to save space on your kayak while still having easy access to your food and drinks.

DIY Floating Cooler Holders

If you’re more of a DIY enthusiast, you can also make your own floating cooler holder. These can be made using simple materials like PVC pipes, pool noodles, and waterproof containers. A common approach involves using a large plastic bin as the base, insulating it with foam, and encasing it with a pool noodle frame for buoyancy.

The beauty of DIY floating cooler holders is that you can customize them with additional features such as handles, bungee cords, or hooks for attaching to the kayak. You can also add personalized touches like paint, decals, or additional waterproof compartments to make your homemade floating cooler truly unique.

Tips for Maximizing Ice Retention and Keeping Your Catch Cold

Ensuring your cold drinks stay cold and your catch stays fresh is about more than just choosing the right cooler. It also involves using that cooler effectively. This includes using a well-insulated cooler, pre-chilling the cooler, and using the right ice packs or ice substitutes.

We’ll probe into these aspects further.

Pre-chilling Your Cooler

Pre-chilling your cooler is a crucial step in ensuring your contents stay cold for as long as possible. This process involves filling your cooler with ice several hours before your excursion to lower its internal temperature.

This step ensures a longer-lasting ice presence as it no longer has to cool down the cooler but merely maintains the pre-existing low temperature. Just before you depart on your kayaking trip, top off the cooler with fresh ice for maximum ice retention.

Using the Right Ice Packs or Ice Substitutes

The type of ice you use in your ice chest can also impact how long your items stay cold. Block ice is recommended for extended retention due to its longevity, outlasting both chipped ice and large ice cubes.

Another key tip for preserving ice for a longer duration is to eliminate empty space in the cooler. This involves efficient packing to reduce air pockets that accelerate melting. Remember, the more air in the cooler, the quicker the ice melts.

How to Transport a Cooler on a Kayak?

Transporting a cooler on a kayak requires more consideration than simply tossing it in the back of your car. It requires careful planning and consideration to ensure it doesn’t interfere with your paddling or tip your kayak.

The first aspect to consider is the size and weight of the cooler. It should be:

• Small enough to fit comfortably in your kayak
• Large enough to hold all your food, drinks, and catch
• Light enough that it doesn’t make your kayak too heavy to paddle.

After determining the appropriate size and weight, you can view the most effective methods to secure the cooler to your kayak.

Which One Is The Best Kayak Cooler?

The solution to this query is largely dependent on your individual needs and the nature of your kayaking trip. If you’re going on a short trip and need something lightweight and easy to carry, a soft-sided cooler with an appropriate carrying capacity like the IceMule or Arctic Zone Titan might be your best bet.

On the other hand, if you’re planning an extended trip or need to keep a substantial catch cold, a hard-sided cooler like the Igloo IMX 24 Qt Cooler or Yeti Tundra 35 Cooler might be more suitable. Each type boasts its own advantages and could be the superior kayak cooler depending on the circumstances.

How do you secure a kayak cooler?

Securing a kayak cooler is all about ensuring it doesn’t move around during your trip, especially in rough waters. The last thing you want is your cooler tipping over and all your food and drinks ending up in the water.

Securing a cooler can be accomplished by employing multiple straps that are threaded through the cooler’s buckle. This will attach it firmly to the kayak, ensuring that it doesn’t move around during your trip. Remember that stability is key when paddling, so make sure your cooler is secure before you set off.

What size cooler fits a kayak?

The appropriate cooler size for a kayak is largely contingent on the type and dimensions of your kayak. Generally, a 20-quart cooler is often the ideal size for most sit-on-top kayak storage wells, balancing compactness for transport and sufficient storage capacity for essentials.

Remember, the cooler should fit comfortably in your kayak without obstructing your paddling or tipping your kayak. It’s always a good idea to measure your kayak’s storage space before purchasing a cooler to ensure a perfect fit.

How do I keep my catch cool while kayak fishing?

Keeping your catch cool during a kayak fishing trip is crucial to maintaining its freshness. While a well-insulated cooler aids in keeping your catch cold, proper packing of your fish in a fish bag is equally crucial.

To properly pack a fish in a cooler, follow these steps:

• Gut and behead the fish.
• Stuff the cavity with ice.
• Layer the bottom of the cooler with ice.
• Place the fish on top of the ice.
• Cover the fish with more ice.
• Make sure the meltwater drains and that empty space is limited.

Following these steps will ensure that your catch stays fresh and cold for the duration of your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to put a cooler on a kayak?

To put a cooler on a kayak, secure a soft-sided cooler with straps in front of the cockpit, ensuring it is easily accessible for drinks and snacks.

Can I bring a cooler on a canoe?

Yes, you can bring a cooler on a canoe as long as it is not more than 29 inches in length to ensure it fits in the storage sections. Soft-sided coolers work best for kayaks.

What size cooler fits on a kayak?

A 20-quart capacity cooler is the best option for a kayak as it fits in most sit-on-top kayak storage wells and provides enough storage space for drinks, food, bait, and catches.

What factors should I consider when choosing a kayak cooler?

Consider the type of kayak, available space, weight, insulation, durability, and storage capacity when choosing a kayak cooler. Also, decide whether you prefer a hard-sided or soft-sided cooler.

Where should I place my cooler on my kayak?

You can place your cooler behind the seat, under the seat, or on the side of the kayak, depending on the size and shape of your cooler and the type of your kayak. It’s important to consider the balance and accessibility when choosing the placement.

Conclusion

Selecting the ideal kayak cooler and mastering its efficient use can notably enrich your kayaking journey. Whether you’re going for a short paddle around the lake or an extended fishing trip, having the right cooler can make all the difference. It extends beyond merely retaining the freshness of your drinks and catch; it’s about guaranteeing your gear fits perfectly in your kayak without tipping your boat or obstructing your paddling area.

So, go ahead, choose the right cooler, and enjoy your kayaking adventure to the fullest!