11 Best Kayak Covers

A kayak, even a budget model, should provide many years of fun and enjoyment. After all, there is nothing to go wrong with a kayak as there are hardly any moving parts. Unfortunately, exposure to the elements can fade and even degrade your kayak’s hull, and it can become brittle and crack as a result.

This is easy to avoid if you store your kayak indoors, but if you don’t have space and need to store your kayak outside, the elements can noticeably shorten the life of your kayak.

That’s where the best kayak cover comes in.

A fabric cover will protect your investment from rain, dust, snow, sleet, and ultraviolet light, all of which can damage the hull. Most covers are easy to fit and can be left on for months at a time if necessary, ensuring your kayak is ready for that break in the weather when you can go out paddling again.

A cover may seem like an unnecessary add-on, but if you store it outdoors, they should be considered all but essential. So, don’t neglect your kayak. Use a cover to protect it so that, when it’s time to paddle, your boat is in the best possible condition.

Best Kayak Cover

1. Wilderness Systems Universal Fit 

Kayas are made to last, but they are not indestructible. Long-term exposure to the elements can degrade them, leaving them discolored and prone to cracking. If you want your kayak to last (and last, and last!), you need a cover. This Wilderness Systems universal kayak cover will preserve the life of your sit-on top boat.

Key Features

• 601 denier marine-grade polyester for UV and water protection
• Contoured to fit snugly
• Bungee hem for a secure fit
• Adjustable straps for security
• Available in five sizes

While this product IS a universal cover, it’s still important that you buy the right size for your kayak. But, once you’ve for the right one, this cover is easy to fit and will protect your kayak from rain, dirt, snow, and UV light.

Pros

• Easy to deploy and remove
• Fits all sit-on kayaks
• Contoured for a snug, secure fit
• Well-made

Cons

• Doesn’t protect the bottom of your kayak

Available from extra-small to extra-large, these covers will protect kayaks measuring nine feet to 15 feet. The contoured shape means it fits snugly, even if you leave your seat(s) and other accessories attached. Easy to deploy and remove, this is an excellent cover for sit-on kayaks.

2. GymTop

If you plan on leaving your kayak outside in all weathers and seasons, this is NOT the cover for you. But, if you want to keep it free from dust and protect it from sunshine in mild weather, this well-priced option could be just the product for you.

Key Features

• Made from lightweight 300 denier ripstop polyester
• Double-stitched seams
• Available in eight colors and seven sizes
• Elastic drawstring hem for easy fitting and removal
• Water and UV resistant cover
• Silver-lined for increased heat and UV resistance
• Three lateral straps to hold the cover in place
• Supplied with a drawstring storage bag

This budget-friendly cover will protect your kayak from sun, dirt, and rain, but it’s not really tough enough for severe weather. It’s easy to slip on and off your kayak, and its simple design means it should fit most sit-in and sit-on options. But you get what you pay for, and this lightweight cover will probably only last a couple of seasons.

Pros

• Very easy to use
• Budget-friendly
• Available for kayaks from 8 feet to 18-feet long
• Good range of colors/designs
• Packs down small

Cons

• Not as strong as other 600D covers
• Users report that this cover fades and becomes brittle after prolonged sun exposure

This cover is half the thickness of the more heavy-duty products on review, but it’s much less than half the price too! If you want an option for mild outdoor conditions, this budget-friendly model is well worth considering.

3. iCover

This zip-up cover provides all-round protection for your kayak. More of a bag than a cover, it will prolong the life of your kayak by protecting it from dust, water, and UV light. It’s not the most heavy-duty option on review, but it should be substantial enough for all but the harshest weather conditions.

Key Features

• Made from 300-denier marine-grade polyester
• Reinforced seams
• Heavy-duty zipper
• Double-stitched seams
• Available in three sizes and five colors
• Bow and stern carry handles
• Supplied with a storage bag

Unlike a lot of zipped covers, the zip on this bag only does not go all the way around. While this makes putting your kayak into the bag a little harder, it actually increases waterproofness as zips are prone to leaking. Also, a shorter zip means there is less to go wrong with this well-priced kayak cover.

Pros

• Well-made
• Good price
• Easy to use
• Good protection from the elements
• Should fit sit-in and sit-on kayaks

Cons

• Seams are not taped, which means they could leak

More expensive covers have taped seams, which will keep out even very heavy rain. The seams on this cover are reinforced, but not taped. That means it could leak and let in water. However, for UV and dust protection, this well-priced option is more than up to the task.

4. Kohree

Do you need a cover for your kayak that’s both easy to use and very budget-friendly? This could be the product for you. Available in two sizes, this lightweight cover won’t stand up to really harsh weather, but for protection from mild to moderate weather, and for the price, this cover is tough to beat.

Key Features

• Made from silver-coated oxford polyester for UV and water protection
• Elastic drawstring for easy deployment and a snug fit
• Twin straps for extra security
• Available in two sizes
• Universal fit for sit-in and sit-on kayaks

This cover is ideal for small to medium-sized kayaks. The small cover will fit kayaks from 10 to 11 ½ feet while the large cover fits kayaks up to 13 feet in length. Easy to put on and take off, this cover is ideal for storing your kayak outside or protecting your kayak during transport.

Pros

• Very well-priced
• Good quality
• Easy to use
• Suitable for most kayaks

Cons

• No protection for the bottom of your kayak

Costing a tenth of some more expensive covers, this product is perfect for anyone who wants to protect their kayak without spending a fortune. Easy to use, this is a well-made cover that will help prolong the life of your kayak during storage or transport.

5. Hobie Pro Angler 14 Cover

If you’ve got a 14-foot Hobie Pro Angler fishing kayak, this is the cover you need to protect your purchase, whether it’s in storage or for transport. It should fit most other 14-foot angling kayaks, but it’s specifically made to fit this particular Hobie model.

Key Features

• Straps and drawstrings for a secure fit
• Red storage bag for cover that can also be used as a warning flag during transport
• Made from 100% double-layered polyester for UV and water protection
• Double-stitched seams

The Hobie Pro Angler 14 is not a cheap kayak. Protect your investment with this bespoke cover. It will shield it from the damaging ultraviolet light that can degrade your kayak and make it brittle. This cover is ideal for long-term outdoor storage as well as transporting your kayak to and from the water.

Pros

• Perfect fit for the Hobie Pro Angler 14
• Fits very snugly and securely
• Well-made
• Should last a very long time

Cons

• Expensive
• Light color – harder to keep clean

When you’ve spent a lot of money on a kayak, it makes sense to spend a little more on a cover that will prolong its lifespan. This cover may not be cheap, but it’s a small price to pay for a cover that will protect your expensive kayak from the elements and ensure it provides you with many years of faithful service.

6. iiSport

The iiSport cover will protect your beloved kayak from the sun, rain, snow, dirt, and dust. Easy to fit and remove, this budget-friendly cover is available in three sizes and will fit sit-on and sit-in kayaks.

Key Features

• Made from 210 denier polyester
• Elastic drawstring hem for a secure fit
• Available in three sizes and three colors
• Waterproof and UV resistant
• Small pack size

Made from lightweight polyester, this cover is available in three sizes – 8.5-10 feet, 12-13 feet, and 13.5-15 feet. It’s not contoured, so it won’t fit as snugly as some of the other covers on review, but if you’re looking for a cheap cover for your yak, this product is worth considering.

Pros

• Well-priced
• Easy to fit and remove
• Generously sized
• Lightweight and rolls away easily

Cons

• Won’t protect the bottom of your kayak
• Water could pool in the top
• Some users report that the material fades quite quickly

This lightweight cover will probably only last a couple of seasons, but that’s okay considering the very modest price. It’s not the most robust cover on review, but it will definitely protect your kayak from the elements during storage.

7. Maymii

Whatever size kayak you’ve got, there is a Maymii cover that will fit. Available in seven sizes and nine fun and funky colors/designs, this is a good cover for winter protection and should fit sit-in and sit-on boats. This is a budget-friendly cover and is made from lightweight polyester.

Key Features

• Made from 210 denier polyester
• Available in seven sizes and nine colors
• Elasticated drawstring hem for easy deployment/removal
• Waterproof and UV resistant
• Universal fit

This cover provides UV protection for your kayak but is not itself UV resistant. Users report that prolonged exposure to the sun makes these covers brittle and fade. That means one of these covers probably won’t last more than a season or two. Protect your new cover with a UV screen, or keep your cover out of the sun.

Pros

• Well-priced
• Light and easy to use
• Secure fit

Cons

• May fade and become brittle with repeated exposure to the sun unless treated with a UV guard
• Will probably only a season or two

While you will need to replace this cover in a year or so, at this price, you can afford to do just that! It’s not the most robust cover, but it will do the job, and without breaking the bank either.

8. Storm Pro Heavy-Duty

Lack of space means that a lot of paddlers have to store their kayaks outdoors. Open to the elements, this can take years off the life of even the best-made kayak. This heavy-duty cover is designed to stand up to the worse possible weather, which is good news for those who can’t store their boats indoors.

Key Features

• Made from 600 denier polyester with a secondary water-repellent coating
• Two sizes available
• ¾ length top zip for easy loading and unloading
• Built-in carry handles
• Supplied with a stuff sack for storage
• Backed by a five-year warranty
• UV resistant fabric

This high-quality cover is suitable for sit-in and sit-on models. Available in two sizes – up to 12-feet and 12-16 feet, they’re big enough to accommodate paddles, life vests, and other accessories too. Well made, these heavy-duty products should provide many years of protection.

Pros

• Hardwearing
• Very well made
• Waterproof, and UV and mildew resistant fabric
• Heavy-duty zip
• Reasonably priced

Cons

• Not designed for rooftop travel
• No cinch straps for a snugger fit

If this cover has a downside, it is that you can’t tighten it up to make it fit more snugly. That’s why it’s not really suitable for rooftop transport; too much flapping material. But, for storing your kayak outdoors, this tough-as-nails kayak cover is tough to beat.

9. Universal Kayak Cockpit Drape

With sit-in kayaks, it’s not always necessary to cover the whole boat. In fact, you may only need to cover the cockpit to keep your kayak serviceable. Smaller covers are also much cheaper than full-sized models. If you paddle a sit-in kayak, this could be the ideal cover for you.

Key Features

• Made from 600 denier coated marine-grade polyester
• Supplied with three bungees to hold the cover in place
• Double-stitched seams for strength
• Available in singles or pairs – for tandem kayaks
• Available in two sizes – medium and large

Whether you are storing your kayak or transporting it to the water, this cover will stop rain and debris entering your cockpit. Well-made and well-priced, this is a space and pocket-friendly alternative to a full-sized kayak cover.

Pros

• Easy to fit and remove
• Fits all sit-in kayaks
• Well-priced
• Simple, strong design

Cons

• Won’t protect your hull from UV light

This cover is not meant for all-season use. It’ll stop rain and snow entering your kayak but won’t offer much UV protection in the summer. But, if all you want to do is stop your kayak from filling up between paddles, this product is a viable option.

10. Seals Kayak Cockpit Drape

You don’t always need a full-length cover to keep water and other debris out of your sit-in kayak. This cockpit drape from Seals just covers the opening on the top of your kayak, which is enough to keep out rain, snow, dirt, dust, and leaves when storing your kayak between paddles.

Key Features

• Made from medium-weight, coated nylon pack cloth
• Fitted with bungees and hooks to hold the cover in place
• Waterproof and UV resistant
• Available in two colors and three sizes to suit all cockpits
• Designed, cut, and sewn in the USA

Because it’s small and compact, this cover is a whole lot easier to put on and take off than a full-length cover. It doesn’t protect your hull from the ravages of UV light, but for keeping water and debris out of your cockpit, it’s more than up to the job.

Pros

• Quick and easy to fit and remove
• Well-priced
• Secure fit
• Well made
• Fits most cockpits, with or without raised edges

Cons

• Leaves your hull unprotected

Whether you want to keep water and dust out of your kayak or keep your life vest and other equipment in while transporting your boat, this cover could be just what you are looking for. Well-made and budget-friendly, this product is highly recommended.

11. Advanced Elements 

Kayak covers can be expensive. That’s okay if you’ve got a top-of-the-range kayak but may not be so appealing if your kayak is more of the budget variety. This well-priced cover is durable and will provide more than adequate protection for your kayak without breaking the bank.

Key Features

• Made from 600 denier polyester
• Roll-and-clip closure
• Slide-in design for complete protection
• Made for sit-in kayaks
• Available in two sizes – medium and large
• UV and waterproof

This cover is available in two sizes; medium for kayaks up to 11 feet and large for kayaks up to 15 feet. Just slide your kayak inside the cover, roll and clip the end closed, and it’ll be protected from all the elements.

Pros

• Well-priced
• High level of UV, dirt, and water protection
• Suitable for long-term storage as well as transportation
• Universal fit

Cons

• Won’t fit wide-beam kayaks
• Not as easy to use as over the top type covers

This kayak storage bag is sealed at one end. That means you’ll need to slide your kayak into it, like putting on a sock. This may be harder than it sounds, especially if you are on your own. However, once your kayak is inside the cover, it’ll be protected from all the elements, and without a hefty price tag.

Bottom Line

If you’ve got a kayak and store it outdoors, you should protect it with a cover. Kayaks are made to last, but their longevity can be affected by exposure to the elements, especially ultraviolet light. UV light can degrade your hull, leading to cracks, and fade the color of your kayak. A cover will ensure it remains in tip-top condition for many, MANY years!

There are several different types of cover you can buy, from top-only covers with elasticated hems to kayak bags with and without zips. For sit-on kayakers, there are also mini-covers designed just to seal the cockpit.

Each one is easy to use, and there are models to suit all budgets. Heavy-duty covers offer the most protection, and usually last longest, but are also more expensive. Budget models offer a decent level of protection but tend to fade and degrade within a couple of seasons’ use.

Which is right for you? Only you can decide! But, whatever you choose, you’ll find the best kayak cover reviewed within this article so you can buy with confidence.

Check out the OutdoorWorld Reviews homepage for more expert information and detailed kayak reviews including other accessories such as roof racks!