When you go kayaking, most of the literature tells you to pack light. Even if you do want to pack as light as possible, you could end up lugging a lot of stuff around. Notwithstanding how much your stuff is, the amount of space on your kayak is going to be limited. So, you want to ensure that you can pack and take everything you want with you on your kayak. The best solution to this is a deck bag, so you can have all that extra space. A good deck bag for kayak, such as a waterproof one from Attwood makes your experience onboard your kayak an extremely hassle-free one. You don’t have to go around digging for essentials such as a first-aid kit, sunscreen, or other tools.
Another lesser-known use of a deck bag is kayak balancing. If you’re packing a ton of gear into your craft, then the kayak might become predominantly front-heavy or back-heavy. It could also make it harder for you to paddle. That happens because a kayak’s design places a bulk of the storage at one end of the boat. Placing the deck bag at the other end thus helps even out the weight, enhancing the craft’s tracking and speed. So, without further ado, here are the 13 best deck bags for kayaks, including waterproof ones and those from Attwood.
How To Choose The Best Kayak Deck Bags?
Kayak deck bags, just like the Best Kayaking Dry Bags have a lot of aspects you need to check before you go buying them. Since there are so many choices in the market, it could be daunting for you to go about choosing them. So, we’re prepared a handy guide about what to look for in deck bags.
Are you on the lookout for kayaking accessories? Maybe you’d like to check out the Best Kayak Cockpit Covers and the Best Kayaking Anchors while you’re at it.
Material
When it comes to kayaking deck bags, you want to make sure that they’re made of stuff that can withstand harsh environments. To that end, materials such as thick PVC or ripstop nylon are the perfectly highly durable materials that good deck bags are made of. What’s more, you also want to make sure that they’re resistant to abrasions and tears.
Water-resistant or waterproof
Another factor that’s an extension of the bag’s material is its water-resistance or waterproofing abilities. Now, it’s important to know the difference between both, as it’s the line between your gear staying dry or being soaked through and through. Not all kayak deck bags are waterproof, which means that they cannot be submerged, especially if they have zips. They’ll be water-resistant though, which means that they’ll be able to handle splashes, at the most. On the other hand, waterproof kayak deck bags have roll-top closures or very tight zips that’ll prevent almost any water from getting into the bag.
Storage
Since a deck bag will store all your important gear, it’s important that all compartments, pockets, and storage spaces are in the right place. This will especially help with ease of access as you want essentials such as water, food, medicines, and other tools to be right at hand. So, this is more of a personal preference, as some would want lesser pockets and others would want more. Just remember this that a completely waterproof bag could be slightly harder to access due to its waterproofing build. The solution to that is mesh and side pockets, so look for these.
Buckles, straps and zippers
Kayak deck bags should be easy to attach to your kayak. At the same time, kayaks differ in everything from size and weight to build and features and accessories. So, it’s important to check that the bag’s buckles and straps are compatible with your kayak. Another factor you need to check is the bag’s zippers since those are what are going to secure your bag. Go for bags with heavy-duty zippers that zip all the way up and have a tight seal to ensure that your gear is going to be as safe and dry as possible.
Size
Finally, we come to the size of these deck bags for kayaking. Basically, they should hold all essentials that you’ll need for a day out on the water. However, if you’re going on a multi-day kayaking camping trip, then you’re going to need a bag with a higher capacity. Hence, it’s best to go for bags that offer you more storage options, as they prove to be versatile for multiple kayaking trips.
What is the best kayak deck bag on the market today?
Overall, our recommendation is the NRS Taj M’Haul deck bag, which is one integrated storage bag that’s chock-full of features. The roomy bag can be filled with all your gear such as gadgets, maps, raingear, snacks, and more. If that wasn’t enough, it can be secure to your kayak nicely and can even attach additional gear to it using bungee cords and D-rings.
Advanced Elements Quickdraw Deck Bag
13
One of the best deck bags for kayak is the Advanced Elements Quickdraw, which is actually constructed in two parts. To begin with, the outer exterior is made from water-resistant and hard-wearing 420D PVC-covered tarpaulin. It’s what keeps your gear from being splashed with water all over. On the inside, you’ll find a removable roll-top drybag that goes a long way in helping you organize your gear. So, you can keep the truly valuable things such as electronics, wallets, etc. completely dry. What’s more, you even have the option of removing the inner drybag if need be.
Since the Advanced Elements Quickdraw waterproof kayak deck bag is more compact and longer than even some of the bigger bags on this list, it’s perfect for taking onboard slimmer or smaller kayaks. Plus, the water-resistant zipper helps keep the water out even further. The bungee cording on the outside is indispensable for attaching additional gear such as the Best Kayaking Shoes. Finally, attaching the bag to your kayak is easy, thanks to the four durable steel D-rings.
Pros:
- Perfect if you have a smaller or slimmer kayak.
- Waterproof inner lining.
- Made from durable 420D PVC-covered tarpaulin.
Cons:
- No outer compartments.
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Chinook Aquatidal 25 Deck Bag (CU)
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The Chinook Aquatidal 25 Deck Bag is capable of handling the worst and harshest of situations on your kayaking trips. Made from damage-resistant TPU-coated ripstop nylon, the bag even comes with corrosion-resistant zippers as standard. It’s what makes it so rugged, robust, and durable, and ideal for a whole lot of environments. The spacious main pocket, albeit not completely waterproof, provides lots of storage space. Moreover, it has three discrete compartments that’ll help you organize your gear well. Plus, you even have to mesh storage pockets on the side for stashing snacks or a water bottle or two.
In addition to the above, the bungee cord and steel D-ring attachments help secure the bag to your boat as well as attach more gear, if needed. The bag even helps you access your stuff easily, thanks to the internal stiffener board that helps keep it in shape. Rounding up the features is the padded shoulder strap that helps you carry your gear once you hit land again.
Pros:
- Padded shoulder straps for carrying ease.
- Two mesh outer pockets.
- Three discrete storage pockets.
- TPU-coated ripstop nylon.
Cons:
- Not completely waterproof.
Taj M’Haul Deck Bag
11
With a name as interesting as Taj M’Haul, you’d think that’s all there is to this bag. But, you couldn’t be farther from the truth. This excellent waterproof deck bag for kayak is very popular with kayakers for more than one reason. To begin with, it boasts a hefty and rather robust 400D nylon shell that sits on a completely waterproof Infinity polyurethane bag inner liner. If that wasn’t enough, the entire contraption is topped off by a Hydro Lock zip-seal, making the Taj M’Haul one of the best waterproof kayak deck bags on this list. Besides the spacious inner picket, the bag even has mesh sleeves and an extra-large outer pocket for accessing waterproof items quickly. Everything is kept together by the buckles, that cinch up to keep the bag streamlined and balanced.
But, that’s not all. The bag is safely secure to the kayak using the hard-wearing nylon loop and hook attachments. Even if it were to go into the water, the bag is completely buoyant. Furthermore, it features reflective tape that makes it as visible as it gets, even in low-light conditions. Finally, the convenient padded carry strap makes it easy for you to haul the bag between your vehicle and the boat.
Pros:
- Buoyant if it goes overboard.
- Hard-wearing 400D nylon shell.
- Hydro-lock zip seal.
- Fully waterproof.
Cons:
- The easy-open insert could be more rigid.
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Sea to Summit Solution Gear Access Deck Bag (404)
10
Another excellent deck bag contender is the Sea to Summit Solution Gear Access. Constructed from super-strong and abrasion-resistant 420D polyurethane-coated ripstop nylon, the bag is extremely durable. What’s more, it’s water-resistant too, thanks to the inner roll-top lining that ensures that everything is dry and nice. Going ahead, the stiff plastic insert makes it easy for you to access your gear since that helps the bag keep its shape. The curved watertight zip further helps cinch everything in, keeping it safe, secure, and dry.
The steel D-rings and nylon straps help you attach the bag to the deck of the kayak, keeping it all nice and secure. Despite the main inner compartment not being very large, the deck bag’s compact and slim size makes it fit even in the narrowest of touring kayaks. Weighing just 1.2 lbs, the bag is as portable and lightweight as it gets.
Pros:
- Suitable for even narrow kayaks.
- Waterproof inner lining.
- Made from robust, rugged, and durable 420D PU-coated ripstop nylon.
Cons:
- No outer compartments.
Attwood Deck Storage Bag
9
One bag that features across many lists of best deck bag for kayaks is the Attwood Deck Storage Bag. This medium-sized bag boasts a single, large 8-liter compartment. This Attwood kayak deck storage bag boasts a high-quality nylon inner that is water-resistant and keeps your gear safe from splashes. It combines that with a durable PVC outer to offer even more water resistance. Despite it not holding up to submerges, the bag sure can handle splashes well.
Furthermore, the Attwood deck kayak storage bag features both snap-cord and steel D-ring attachments. Together, they allow you to easily secure the bag to your kayak, making sure that it’s stable for accessing your gear and doesn’t move around. Finally, what you’ll really like about this Attwood deck kayak storage bag is that it’s available in bright colors and comes with reflective striping. So, whether it’s low-light conditions, nighttime, or even foggy, the Attwood kayak deck bag helps keep you visible.
Pros:
- Snap-cord and D-ring attachments make it easy to secure to your kayak.
- Reflective striping and vivid colors.
- Made of hard-wearing PVC.
Cons:
- Water-resistant, not waterproof.
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Seattle Sports Mesh Deck Bag
8
Not all deck bags need you to pay through your nose. If you’re on a budget and want a durable and lightweight deck bag, then look no further than the Seattle Sports Mesh Deck Bag. Since it’s no waterproof, it’s a great, long-term choice if all you want is a place to stash your gear and aren’t concerned about the contents getting wet. The bag is made from mesh. complete with a single, heavy-duty, and easy-to-open zipper for better access. Furthermore, it’s extremely compact too.
One of the biggest advantages of having a mesh deck bag is that it doubles as a drink cooler. So, you can stash your water bottles in the bag and simply lower it over the side so as to keep them cool in the water. Rounding up the features is the set of 10 corrosion-resistant zippers that keep your gear secured, safe, and all together.
Pros:
- Versatile.
- Single pocket access.
- Durable vinyl-coated nylon.
Cons:
- No outer pockets.
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Seals Skirts Contoured Deck Bag
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The Seals Skirts Contoured Deck Bag might be just water-resistant and not waterproof, but it sure is an excellent deck bag for kayak. Built just like the Attwood one, this kayak deck bag is designed from water-resistant nylon packcloth that goes a long way in helping keep your gear dry. Since it’s not waterproof, you can easily stash it with a small dry bag to carry your electronics and other valuables. Thanks to the contoured design, it maintains a low profile for enhanced aerodynamics and minimizes paddle interference too.
Furthermore, you’ll even find a storm flap and a robust zipper closure that work together to help keep water out. What’s more, the bag even features four adjustable straps along with clips that secure the bag to the deck’s attachment points securely. Moreover, you’ll also bungee rigging and D-rings for attaching additional items to the deck. Finally, the reflective strips are ideal for better visibility in low-light and nighttime conditions.
Pros:
- Low-profile design.
- Reflective trim for better visibility.
Cons:
- Not waterproof.
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North Water Sea Kayak Under-Deck Bag
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Another excellent deck bag that’s slightly different from the others is this North Water Sea Kayak Under-Deck Bag. Designed to function like your kayak’s glove compartment, this one can be attached inside your cockpit beneath your deck. So, instead of occupying space atop your deck, it can be stowed away beneath the seat without occupying any useable space on the craft. The bag even comes with vinyl pads that can be attached to the craft using a suitable adhesive. In addition, you can even attach it using an optional bolt kit that can be purchased separately.
Furthermore, the bag can be reattached and attached to the mounts using the buckle system. You’ll even find a zipper closure and mesh drainage panel along with a pelican scoop opening. The last one helps prevent your gear from falling out of the bag when you open it.
Pros:
- Easy to attach and detach from the mounts.
- Presence of drainage panel.
- Cockpit storage solution.
Cons:
- None.
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TCYC Deluxe Yakcatch Cooler (CU)
5
The TCYC Deluxe Yakcatch Cooler is a wonderful deck bag for kayak that’s ideal for anglers. So, if you want to increase the storage capacity of your fishing kayak, then this is the way to do it. The bag is crafted from 600D water-resistant and durable polyester on the outside. On the inside, a mesh tarpaulin lining and a padded, closed-cell foam add to the insulation features of the bag, thus keeping your gear safe and dry. It’s also what keeps your ice from melting, in case you pack it with ice to keep your catch or haul fresh.
However, that’s not all the bag is good for. You’ll also find six clips to attach the deck bag to your craft, while there are numerous other buckles and clips allowing you to secure the bag further or add extra gear to it. Rounding up the features is a closure that’s a combination of velcro and zip for ease of access.
Pros:
- One of the few bags that can hold ice.
- Insulated.
- Ideal for storing fish too.
Cons:
- Expensive.
Overboard Gear Waterproof Kayak Deck Bag (CU)
4
TIf there is one solid waterproof kayak deck bag on this list, then it’ll be the Overboard Waterproof Kayak Deck Bag. Designed from tough 600D PVC tarpaulin, the bag boasts enhanced durability and keeps your gear dry. Besides being easy to clean, the bright yellow-colored bag is extremely visible and ensures greater safety due to the same. If that wasn’t enough, it can float, which means that if it does topple into the water, you can even grab it easily. All-in-all, if there ever was the perfect waterproof kayak deck bag on this list, then this would be it.
Going further, the welded seams and roll-top closure further enhance the waterproof protection of the bag. Thanks to the six buckle connectors, you can attach the bag securely to your kayak. Finally, the bungee rigging and the waterproof zippered front pocket for additional storage.
Pros:
- Bright color for enhanced visibility.
- Extremely waterproof.
- Floats.
Cons:
- None!
Gearlab Deck Pod (CU)
3
Designed to maximize your deck storage while minimizing bulk is the Gearlab Deck Pod, an excellent deck bag for kayak. The bag boasts a streamlined design allowing you to carry all the essentials you need for kayaking and keep them within easy reach of where you’re sitting. What’s more, the streamlined design also means that it doesn’t get in the way of your paddling. The deck pod is made from 450D nylon, along with a durable, water-repellent coating. While it isn’t waterproof, it definitely is water and weather-resistant.
The deck bag is designed to hold up to a three-liter hydration bladder, which is perfect for paddling, angling, and sipping on water at the same time. If that wasn’t enough, this pod can even hold a bilge pump and a paddle float while keeping them easy to access.
Pros:
- Compatible with a hydration bladder, paddle float, and bilge pump.
- Ideal for essentials.
- Low profile.
Cons:
- Practically none.
Watershed Aleutian Waterproof UV-Resistant ZipDry Kayak Deck Bag (CU)
2
There’s nothing about the Watershed Aleutian Waterproof UV-Resistant ZipDry Kayak Deck Bag that you won’t like. To begin with, this low-profile waterproof deck bag features an inner plastic stiffener that allows to cinch the bag while keeping it stable. The deck bag straps nicely onto your kayak’s front deck, allowing fast access to your valuables, camera, and other accessories. You can even use it to keep a viewable and a map dry, while its handy strap will even hold a bilge pump. With even a convenient reusable water bottle holder available, it’s clear that this is one versatile bag.
Going further, you’ll find radio frequency welded seams that virtually guarantee the bag to be leak-free. Furthermore, the mil-spec stitching reinforcements and the expedition-grade hardware is capable of handling the harshest of adventures. Designed from polyurethane-coated fabric, the bag is finally also resistant to abrasions.
Pros:
- Utterly waterproof.
- Low profile.
- Versatile.
- Available in three colors.
Cons:
- None!
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
1
Topping the list of best deck bags for kayaks is the Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag. This one is different from the others on this list, starting with the fact that this waterproof deck kayak bag comes in five different sizes. Ranging from 10 to 55 liters, the bag literally meets nearly everyone’s needs. Since it’s bright orange in color, your floating kayak bag is easy to spot no matter where you are on the river, lake, or the sea. What’s more, it comes in seven other amazing colors such as bright red, bright blue, canary yellow, and even a pleasing light blue.
This compression sack-style bag features a roll-top, and even comes with a waterproof phone case for keeping your smaller electronic gadgets safe. You can even use it as a backpack, thanks to the padded backpack straps. Overall, this lightweight compression bag-cum-backpack is an excellent deck bag for kayaking.
Pros:
- Padded backpack straps make it an easy carry.
- Comes with an IP68 waterproof case.
- Comes in multiple sizes between 10 and 55 liters.
Cons:
- None!
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