A cooler is a must-have item for kayak angling. On those days when it’s scorching, it’s a great plan to refrigerate your groceries, drinks, and fish to make sure they stay cool.
No matter why you’re in the market for a cooler for your kayak, it’s not always a simple task to pick one, as there are a multitude of types available.
Assessing the various coolers available to suit your individual requirements requires a fairly comprehensive investigation.
These are the three top kayak coolers for 2023...
1. YETI Hopper Flip 12
This is a soft-sided bag with a zipper closing mechanism that measures 12.6 inches in length, 11.5 inches in width and 10 inches in height.
YETI has gained an exemplary position within the cooler industry by providing items that suit its customers’ desires while still maintaining the highest standards of excellence. The YETI Hopper Flip 12 can arguably be viewed as the superior kayak cooler due to its diminutive size, despite being able to store a wide range of items, including both refreshments and fish.
Despite its costly cost, this item could be viewed as a worthwhile investment for anglers who want the optimal product and are willing to spend some extra coins.
The YETI Hopper Flip 12 is made with specialized ColdCell insulation so you can stay sure that what’s inside will remain cool regardless of the temperature outside. The dense, closed-cell foam stops outside heat and moisture from penetrating into the insides of the cooler unlike less expensive models.
This cooler will not only repel any elements that might ruin what is inside, but it will also keep the contents enclosed securely within so you don’t face the prospect of any odors from the fish leaking out when you want them to stay contained. The HydroLok zipper tech stops liquids or anything else from escaping, providing a secure seal.
The Hopper Flip 12, like all other YETI products, is made from strongly resilient material. Anglers looking for serious performance must have a waterproof cooler, and the YETI Hopper Flip provides this with its DryHide shell. This will protect the cooler from puncture or tearing, as well as any possible mildew or other unsuitable additives.
This cooler has the capability to preserve fish for multiple days if enough ice or other cooling agents are used. For people fishing who desire the superior kayak cooler, the option is unequivocal and the YETI Hopper Flip 12 is difficult to surpass.
2. Hobie Insulated Large Fish Bag/Soft Cooler
Material: soft-sided Fastening: zipper Dimensions: 48” x 10” x 12” – 30”
Hobie is a prominent name in the kayak business, and they don’t just limit themselves to the creation of top-quality kayaks. We firmly believe that the Hobie Insulated Bag is one of the finest fishing coolers 
available due to many factors.
This cooler is ideal for fishermen who are keen to utilize every little bit of space in their kayak. The Hobie Insulated Bag is an ideal size for the large space in the back of the majority of models that typically goes unused. This cooler is made for Hobie brand kayaks but can be used in other kayak models too.
This cooler, built with half-inch thick closed-cell foam, can uphold the coolness of anything for a prolonged period. This bag is ideal for holding bigger catches, like mackerel, mahi-mahi, or other saltwater species that don’t fit easily into regular coolers.
The outside of the cooler is constructed with vinyl-coated polyester to guard against any possible tears or holes that could damage it and make it unusable out on the water. This Hobie Insulated Bag has a roomy capacity for storing up to 120 quarts and its exterior material has been designed with UV protection so the contents won’t become too warm.
3. Wilderness Systems Insulated Catch Cooler
This is a soft-sided bag that closes with a zipper and measures 29″ X 16″ X 7″ (tapered).
Wilderness Systems is recognized for constructing items designed specifically for kayak fishing. It is well-known that some kayak coolers do not provide the most ideal place to store food and drinks, fish,
and other things which are necessary for a day of fishing. The Wilderness Systems Insulated Catch Cooler is specifically designed for use in kayaks.
This cooler was constructed to fit in the external storage space located on the back of most kayaks. This item is equipped with specific compartments that permit people to store items inside without being concerned of everything becoming entangled. Nobody wants food or beverages that have been sitting in fish mucus all day, do they?
The large main part of the cooler is lined with a 420-denier nylon to make sure that sharp fish fins cannot puncture it. A designated pocket is perfect for keeping sandwiches, beverages, candy bars, and any other item. The cooler has a pocket on the outside made of mesh, which is ideal for keeping items that don’t need to stay cold.
It is not difficult to consider the Wilderness Systems Insulated Catch Cooler to be among the finest kayak coolers available since it has an excellent degree of adaptability and components of high quality.
Why Use a Cooler When Kayaking?
Whether you are taking a multi-day kayak fishing trip or simply having a picnic, having a reliable cooler can mean the distinction between a less than ideal experience and something more luxurious. If you’re going fishing, a cooler can keep your freshly caught fish in good shape while out on the lake and can help keep them fresh on the drive back home.
This will also guarantee that you and everyone else nearby will not be bothered by the bad scent of decaying fish.
If you are not angling, coolers are also ideal for preserving your beverages and meals until you decide to take a rest.
In a more reasonable light, coolers are also necessary for holding water. If you are spending a prolonged period of time in hot weather, make sure to drink plenty of fluids. It is essential to make sure to bring a lot of water, and a cooler can make sure the water is cold and at a refreshing temperature to both satisfy your need for hydration and decrease body heat.
Types of Coolers For Kayaks
A variety of different coolers can be purchased at stores. All of the items have different specifications meant to fulfill different purposes and needs, though they can all generally be classified into two groups – bags and boxes.
Bags
A kayak cooler bag might be just what you need to accompany you during an outing on the water, and these bags are often quite adaptable. Depending on how much you need to bring with you, some bags can be adjusted to different sizes.
If you only intend to be in the water for a few hours and need to store liquids and a snack or two, you can minimize the size of most bags. If you anticipate spending the entire day away and need to carry a lot of things, like multiple water bottles, some lunch items, and a couple beers, you can make your bag bigger to fit it all in comfortably.
Dry bags of these kinds are effortless to tuck away and are generally small enough to fit in the dry compartments of a kayak.
Some kayak coolers that have a softer exterior can be adorned like backpacks which is ideal for if you are kayaking to a beach and then will hike afterwards.
Depending on what your requirements are, bags might be the more cost-effective option as they can be used for a variety of activities, not just kayaking. Nevertheless, soft-sided coolers can sometimes result in smashed items if anything weighty is placed on top.
Bag Advantages
- Easy to store
- Can be easily adapted to suit smaller or larger contents
- Lightweight
- Ideal for a variety of uses
Bag Disadvantages
- Not as strong as hard shell coolers
Boxes
Hard-sided coolers, by definition, are more robust and rigid. These are perfect for preserving fish or keeping drinks cold, and they are great for more robust storage needs. But they may only be suitable for sit-on-top kayaks.
If you plan to fish over a few days and camp, a cooler can be an excellent choice. Just be sure to get one with comfortable handles to make it easier to carry.
Indeed, both purse types have different specs that could suit the requirements of an individual, and some may even have rod holders already installed.
Many sit-on-top kayaks come with a place at the back that is great for stowing a box cooler, making it simpler to equip the kayak.
If you plan to bring a lot of items and need to store camping supplies, a large box may not be as practical as a smaller cooler. It could be a more suitable choice for keeping the fish you’ve caught throughout the day.
Box Advantages
- Durable and strong
- Ideal for fishing trips
- Can hold a range of contents, such as fish or drinks on ice
Box Disadvantages
- Can be bulky
Floats
You could find floats to be a beneficial addition to your kayaking trips. This type of cooler is designed to be buoyant, enabling it to be hooked up to your kayak and towed behind you – this leaves you with more space on the vessel.
This can be advantageous if you do not want an ice chest occupying precious room on your kayak or canoe. Floats can vary in shape and magnitude, sometimes resembling miniature kayaks, and sometimes they can even be blown up.
Coolers of this kind are great for extended paddle expeditions where camping supplies must be conserved space on the boat. They can also be useful for fishing.
Float Advantages
- They don’t take up space on deck
- Provides additional storage space
- Ideal for paddling trips and fishing
Float Disadvantages
- Need to be attached to a person or vessel in the water
Features to Look Out For
The choice of a kayak cooler is completely dependent on what its purpose is. It is important to evaluate certain key characteristics and elements.
Ice Retention
Initially, you should consider the duration of time you would like your cooler to work. Certain coolers, especially those of the box variety, can keep items at a low temperature for a longer time than others – some could even keep things cold for as long as five days.
Take into consideration the duration of the trips you are planning on taking with your cooler – will they be long excursions, or just for a day? If you plan on using the cooler for an extended period, then you should search for one with the highest possible ability to hold ice.
Size & Practicality
One more factor to take into account is the quantity and type of items you will likely have to store. A number of cooler boxes come equipped with a separate holding area that is designed for fishing.
This means that any fish you catch don’t have to come into contact with the already prepared food such as that salami sandwich you made earlier – and you don’t want it to have the taste or smell of raw fish.
Transportation
You should also consider transportation. Will you be changing places on your journey, or can you place your cooler on the kayak and it will stay there for the majority of the excursion?
Multi-Usage
Do you need a container that will preserve the dryness of your possessions, or just something to store ice, fish, beer (please remember that the two don’t always go together!) and water?
Many bags are crafted with waterproof fabrics in order to serve as both an ice chest and a protected place for keeping your items safe from getting wet.
Conclusion
If you’re packing for a trip and intending to bring a cooler with you, it’s important to know what to look for so you can find the right one. Whether you simply want something to store a few snacks in or a larger ice chest capable of holding supplies for multiple days, having an idea of what your needs are is a great place to start.
You can expect to receive returns that are proportional to the amount of money you spend on a kayak fishing apparatus. Essentially, if you invest in an inexpensive cooler, you shouldn’t anticipate it to act like some of the top-grade brands and models that we have mentioned in our compilation.
