Every avid kayaker should have a kayak cover to protect their kayak.
A kayak cover will ensure your kayak has a long life and you can continue using it for many trips.
And even if you store your kayak inside the house, you need a kayak cover.
Read the post till the very end, because today, I’m going to uncover some of the best kayak covers you can invest in.
Who This Guide Is For?
- For kayak owners who want to protect their boat from sun, rain, dust, and pests during storage.
- For paddlers comparing half, full, and cockpit covers before making a purchase.
How We Chose These Recommendations?
We considered the following:
- Size and fit: A cover that does not match your kayak’s length and width will leave sections exposed to damage.
- Material thickness: Fabric between 200D and 600D resists tearing and lasts longer than thinner alternatives.
- Waterproofing: A waterproof coating keeps rain and snowmelt from pooling inside your kayak.
- UV protection: UV-resistant fabric prevents sun damage that fades and weakens kayak hulls over time.
- Cover type: Half, full, and cockpit covers suit different storage setups and equipment loads.
- Warranty coverage: A warranty of at least a year signals the manufacturer stands behind the cover’s quality.
Do Note
- Thicker 600D covers cost more and can be bulkier to fold and store.
- Half covers leave the hull bottom exposed to dust and moisture.
- Full zippered covers can let water in if the zipper is not fully closed.
- Elastic hems and straps can loosen over time and need readjustment.
- Size charts are not always accurate, so checking reviews is essential.
Why Do You Need a Kayak Cover?
A kayak cover will protect your kayak from the elements. If you store your kayak outside, a kayak cover is particularly important.
If you don’t have a cover, your kayak will be exposed to rain, snow, sleet, hail, and wind. In addition, if it’s sunny, it can get damaged by UV radiation.
Furthermore, your kayak will likely get a lot dirtier from dirt, mud, debris, and falling leaves if you don’t have a kayak cover. A dirty kayak isn’t pleasant to ride in, so it’s best to get a kayak cover to help your kayak stay clean.
Even if you keep your kayak indoors, your kayak can still get dirty and damaged from dirt and dust. Many people don’t immediately think of it, but bugs can also get into your kayak, and a kayak cover will help prevent that.
Things to Look for When Searching for a Good Kayak Cover
When shopping for a kayak cover, there are several things you should look for. Read on for the complete guide on how to select the right kayak cover for you.
Size
Size is the most critical factor because if the cover is too small, it won’t protect or even fit on your kayak. Most kayak covers on Amazon or elsewhere come with size charts – use them to make sure you’re getting a cover that will actually fit.
You should also browse the reviews to make sure that the size chart is accurate. If it’s not, someone will likely mention it in the reviews.
Thickness
The thicker a kayak cover is, the longer it will last. Thinner kayak covers do an excellent job of protecting your kayak, but they tear more easily.
Look for something in the range of 200-600D. 200D should be the minimum, but there are many kayak covers that are made of 600D material.
Outdoor vs Indoor Storage
Where will you be storing your kayak? Many kayak covers are designed for both indoor and outdoor storage.
However, if you plan on storing your kayak outdoors, certain features become more important. For example, not all kayak covers have UV ray protection, which is indispensable if you want your kayak to last longer.
Another feature that is important for outdoor storage is waterproof protection. Rain and snow can cause water to pool up in your kayak.
Vents
Breathable material will help ensure that your kayak doesn’t get moldy. Some kayak covers have vents that allow your kayak to breathe, preventing moisture from building up.
A moldy kayak will smell bad, and it also is terrible for your health.
Half vs Full vs Cockpit Cover
There are three main types of kayak covers. The first is a half cover, which goes around the top of your kayak and wraps around the bottom but doesn’t fully cover the bottom.
These kayak covers usually use an elastic band to achieve a tighter fit. Some also have adjustable bandages that allow you to wrap the cover tightly to the kayak.
These bandages also allow you to hold a paddle in place. However, half-sized kayak covers can’t fit a lot of other equipment, like your life jacket or fishing equipment.
The second type of kayak is a full cover. Full covers are designed so that you can fit your entire kayak in them, like fitting a knife in a sheath.
They typically have a zipper that allows you to fully enclose the kayak.
Full-sized kayak covers are superior if you want to store other equipment, like your paddle or lifejacket, together with your kayak in the cover.
Finally, there are cockpit covers. Cockpit covers are smaller and easier to carry around; they may also be cheaper.
However, cockpit covers only cover the cockpit. They protect dust and dirt from getting inside, but they don’t protect the rest of your kayak from rain, sun, and other elements.
Cockpit covers are better if you plan on storing your kayak indoors, like in your garage or storage shed.
Warranty
It’s best to buy a kayak cover that comes with a warranty of at least a year. That way, you can be sure you’re buying something of quality and can get a replacement if the kayak cover is faulty.
Note that the warranty probably won’t cover regular wear and tear.
Some kayaks also come with a money-back guarantee for a shorter period, such as a month or two. Money-back guarantees are generally more liberal than warranties, as they allow you to send the cover back in for a broader range of reasons.
Table could not be displayed.Best Kayak Covers
1. Best Marine 600D Kayak Cover
This kayak cover from Best Marine & Outdoors is designed for both indoor and outdoor storage. The cover is extra thick and fully waterproof, so it will protect your kayak from rain, snow, and garage floods.
The kayak cover is designed to be on par with the thick boat covers people use to protect bigger boats. To that end, Best Marine has improved on their previous polyester cover and tripled the thickness. After all, your kayak deserves the very best.
Because the kayak cover is so thick, it will last you for a long time. Thin kayak covers can quickly get holes in them, leaving your kayak exposed to the elements.
The kayak cover comes in several sizes, making it the ideal cover regardless of how big your kayak is. It can fit kayaks from 8-15 feet, so check the size chart and confirm that your ideal size is in stock.
Despite its thickness, the cover weighs only around one pound, making it perfect for carrying.
2. Rosefray Kayak Cover
This thick kayak cover is perfect if you want to protect your kayak from heavy winds, rain, and dust. It is waterproof, so it will prevent rain from getting into your kayak.
It will also protect your kayak from the sun, as it’s UV resistant. Designed for both indoor and outdoor storage, it can fit kayaks from 9.3-12 feet.
It has three straps that are adjustable from 60-100 cm, providing a tight fit for your kayak and preventing any dust or dirt from getting in. It also provides a place to store your paddle.
When you buy the Rosefray kayak cover, you will also get a free kayak cover bag. You can use that to store the cover when kayaking or camping, keeping it safe and dry.
Dust-proof and frost-resistant, this kayak cover comes in several colors and thickness levels.
3. GYMTOP
![7.8-18ft Waterproof Kayak Canoe Cover-Storage Dust Cover UV Protection Sunblock Shield for Fishing Boat /Kayak / Canoe 7 Sizes [Choose Color] (Gray(Upgraded), Suitable for 9.3-10.5ft Kayak)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41IzVhHT4UL._SL500_.jpg "7.8-18ft Waterproof Kayak Canoe Cover-Storage Dust Cover UV Protection Sunblock Shield for Fishing Boat /Kayak / Canoe 7 Sizes [Choose Color] (Gray(Upgraded), Suitable for 9.3-10.5ft Kayak)")
It can be hard to find a good kayak cover if you have a particularly long kayak. Most kayak covers aren’t designed to protect kayaks that are 18 feet long, for example.
This kayak cover is an Amazon’s Choice for a kayak cover. Not only that, but it comes in seven different sizes, allowing you to cover kayaks as much as 18 feet.
It comes with UV protection (SPF50) to protect against 99% of sun rays and a waterproof coating. The material is super high-quality and fade-resistant, so it will last for a long time.
In addition, it has a glossy surface and a silky feel. The cover comes with an adjustable bandage that you can extend up to four feet, allowing you to protect your kayak with a tight fit.
It also comes with a drawstring bag that allows you to carry the cover or store it safely when you are not using it.
4. MirMengs Waterproof 420D Kayak Cover
This cover is extra thick and comes with UV protection, and is silver coated.
It comes in three sizes, making it suitable for kayaks of different sizes, and it is ideal for both indoor and outdoor storage.
The cover has three adjustable buckle straps to help you get a tight fit. In addition, it has a long annular elastic drawstring so that it fits your kayak perfectly, providing 20% more protection and keeping dust and pollen out of your kayak.
It is also perfect for winter storage, as it is frost-proof and provides anti-snow protection. Some features include:
- Fabric coating technology
- Anti-cracking capabilities
- Hand stitched interface
- Elastic stretch cord to keep everything in place
- Heat-resistant
5. Lucky Monet Waterproof 210D Kayak & Canoe Cover
Do you have a small kayak? This kayak cover comes in different sizes, allowing you to cover kayaks from 6.8 to 16.4 feet. It’s waterproof and comes with PU and UV coating, providing protection from the sun and water.
The double-stitched seams make it durable and long-lasting, allowing you to protect your kayak year-round.
It allows you to cover kayaks that are up to 35.5 inches wide, and its elastic drawstring will enable you to achieve a good fit.
It also comes in three colors: ocean camouflage, desert camouflage, and silver gray. Its sleek design and affordable price make it an attractive choice.
6. Kohree Kayak Canoe Storage Dust Cover
This kayak storage cover is made of premium polyester and is silver coated, providing waterproof protection. It will keep your kayak or fishing boat safe from the sun’s rays and harmful weather.
The storage cover comes with two straps helping the cover stay in place and preventing it from blowing away due to the wind.
The elastic drawstring also ensures the kayak cover stays put and provides a tight fit.
Two sizes are available, allowing you to cover kayaks of up to approximately 13 feet.
7. i COVER 16ft Kayak Cover
This kayak cover by i Cover is another excellent choice for people with long kayaks. It comes in three different lengths: 10 feet, 13 feet, and 16 feet.
The maximum width that the cover can fit is 27 inches, 30 inches, and 36 inches, depending on the size. It’s extra big to provide room for other equipment you take with you when going kayaking, such as your paddle and lifejacket.
Its heavy-duty fabric and reinforced stitching ensure that the cover lasts for a long time.
Unlike many other kayaks, this full kayak is kind of like a sleeping bag. It’s a sleeve that you can fit your entire kayak inside. That way, no part of your kayak gets dirty or exposed to the elements.
It comes with a zipper that reaches up to half of the cover, so it’s important to store it on its side, so water doesn’t go in there. Also, close the zipper entirely.
Moreover, the double-stitched seam helps keep water out. It’s tear resistant and easy to clean.
There are carrier straps on both sides of the cover, making it easy to transport the kayak when inside the cover while camping.
Furthermore, there is a one-year warranty and a 60-day money-back guarantee, ensuring satisfaction.
8. YXGOOD Waterproof Kayak Cover for Outdoor Storage
This beautiful blue kayak cover is designed for outdoor storage. It’s fully waterproof, and it also provides UV ray protection.
The Oxford fabric is tear resistant, and it will protect your kayak from all kinds of weather conditions, including snow, rain, and winds. It is also anti-dust, helping to keep your kayak nice and clean.
While it doesn’t come with a bag, you can easily fold the kayak cover and put it inside your storage. The convenient circular elastic strap helps keep the kayak in place, and the drawstring fastener allows you to secure the cover or loosen it up, allowing you to take it off the kayak easier.
I like the blue color, and it’s fade-resistant, meaning it won’t lose its color for a while. If you want an affordable and easy-to-use kayak cover that you can quickly put on or off, this kayak cover is a good choice.
9. Zenicham 10ft 600D Fade and Crack Resistant Trailerable Kayak Cover
This durable full kayak cover is resistant to tearing and cracking. It comes in three sizes: 10 feet, 13 feet, and 16 feet. Available in two colors, gray and blue, it protects your kayak from the sun, wind, dirt, and rain.
It’s a full kayak cover, meaning that it’s like a sleeve that you can put the entire kayak into, unlike half kayak covers that go around the kayak and leave the bottom side exposed.
The advantage of a full kayak cover is that it will protect your entire kayak, making it good for transporting kayaks on trailers.
It also includes extra space for your paddle and other equipment. Furthermore, there is a drawstring bag for transporting the cover when not in use.
10. Classic Accessories StormPro 12 Ft Heavy-Duty Kayak/Canoe Cover
This full-cut heavy-duty kayak cover will fit most kayaks that are up to 12 feet or 16 feet long, depending on which size you select.
It has a waterproof fabric coating and structured vents to prevent wind lofting.
The PVC-free material will not fade or crack, making the kayak cover long-lasting and durable. However, the cover is not designed for transporting kayaks on vehicle rooftops.
11. VINPATIO 600D Kayak Cover
This heavy-duty, ultra-thick kayak cover is designed for long kayaks. It comes in several sizes, fitting kayaks from 10 to 18 feet long and 27 to 37 inches wide.
The Oxford fabric is durable, and it offers waterproof protection, but the zipper isn’t leak-proof. Therefore, when enclosing the kayak in the cover, keep the zipper face down, so water doesn’t get into the kayak when it rains.
As it’s a full-cut cover, it allows space for your paddles, life jackets, and fishing accessories, making it perfect for fishing kayaks.
The PU coating and anti-UV treatment help ensure your kayak stays clean, safe, and scratch-free in any storage or weather conditions.
12. EliteShield Canoe Cover Kayak Cover
With up to 110 inches in girth, this large-sized kayak cover can fit kayaks, canoes, and paddle boats up to 18 feet long, depending on the size you select.
Made of 600 denier polyester, this extra-thick kayak cover provides protection in all types of severe weather conditions. The material is breathable to help prevent moisture from building up, which could lead to mold or mildew growth, and you can get it in navy or gray.
With double-stitched themes and rot-proof thread, this kayak cover is bound to last long. It offers UV protection, and it comes with a two-year warranty to ensure satisfaction.
There are handles on both sides of the kayak cover to make it easy to carry, and it comes with a mesh bag for storage purposes.
13. Perception TrueFit Kayak Cockpit Cover – for Sit Inside Kayaks
This cockpit cover for sit-inside kayaks is best if you don’t need a cover to protect your entire kayak but only your cockpit. Perhaps you just want to prevent the cockpit from getting dirty or having critters get inside there.
The cover is made of urethane-coated nylon oxford, and the sticky edging helps keep it in place.
It’s compatible with many kayak brands, but make sure you get the right size.
14. Explore Land Universal Kayak Cockpit Drape
This kayak cockpit drape will protect your cockpit from dirt, dust, and critters. It comes in two sizes, allowing you to safeguard cockpits that are 57 inches long and 25 inches wide.
The adjustable bungee cords have hooks that allow you to securely fasten the cover on your kayak.
There are also hooks that you can attach to the deck line to prevent the cover from sliding down the kayak.
It comes with a two-year warranty for any issue related to quality.
15. NTR 600D Kayak Cover, Waterproof Kayak Cover for Outdoor Storage
This heavy-duty, 600D kayak cover will protect your kayak from all sorts of weather conditions: snow, rain, dust, and sun.
It comes with PU and UV coating, and the kayak cover is designed to last you for three years, making it worth the investment.
One of the cool things about this kayak cover is that it comes with removable shoulder straps, making it easy to transport your kayak and paddle when hiking or walking.
There is also an included storage bag to make transport even more effortless.
Kayak Storage Tips
Let’s wrap things up with some essential kayak storage tips you need to keep your kayak safe.
- Store it indoors if possible. If you are storing it outdoors, get a cover designed for outdoor protection.
- Always cover your kayak, even if you are just storing it for the night. It might seem like a hassle, but it’s worth it.
- When you are storing your kayak for just a night or two, you can store it outside, especially if the weather is good. For off-season storage, indoors is always better.
- When storing your kayak indoors, keep it in a dry and cool spot, away from moisture.
- Clean your kayak before storing it. Otherwise, the dirt and grime will be harder to get off when you take it out of storage.
- Similarly, dry your kayak before covering it. Otherwise, mold can develop.
- If you are storing your kayak outdoors during the day, and it will be uncovered for a few hours, find a spot with sufficient shade.
- When keeping your kayak indoors, keep it away from heaters and radiators. Excessive heat can ruin your kayak.
- When covering your kayak, ensure you have achieved a tight fit to prevent dust and critters from getting in.
FAQs
Do I need a kayak cover if I store my kayak indoors?
Yes, indoor storage still exposes your kayak to dust, dirt, and insects. A cover keeps the cockpit and hull clean between trips. It also helps prevent accidental scratches in a crowded garage or shed.
What size kayak cover should I buy?
Measure your kayak’s length and width, then match those numbers to the manufacturer’s size chart. When in doubt, size up slightly rather than down. Reading reviews helps confirm whether the chart runs true to size.
What does the D rating mean on kayak cover fabric?
The D stands for denier, which measures fabric thickness and durability. A 200D cover is the minimum worth buying, while 600D covers are thicker and resist tearing better. Thicker fabric generally holds up longer outdoors.
Can I use a kayak cover while trailering my kayak?
Only covers specifically labeled trailerable are safe for highway transport. Standard storage covers can flap, tear, or blow off at speed. Check the product description carefully before using any cover on a trailer.
How do I keep mold from growing under my kayak cover?
Make sure your kayak is completely dry before covering it. Choose a cover with vents or breathable fabric so moisture can escape. Trapped humidity is the main cause of mold and mildew.
Wrapping It Up
A kayak cover doesn’t cost a lot of money. And even if it does, it’s worth investing in to increase the life of your boat.
If you liked this guide, you might also like our guide to the best kayak cockpit covers.
Finally, if you know a friend who needs a kayak cover, share this article with them!
