Best Kayak Covers For Winter: 10 Picks To Protect Your ‘Yak For Indoor & Outdoor Storage

Unless you’re one of the crazy kayakers that enjoy paddling in the winter, the chances are you’ll have to put your paddle down and tuck away your ‘yak until summer rolls around again.

That brings me to the point of this whole kayak storage covers convo we’re about to have today:

Leave it unattended long enough, and your kayak will become susceptible to weather and UV damage, dirt, and theft. 

Plus, there’s also a possibility of critters moving in and treating your ‘yak as their winter vacation home. 

Keeping your boat safe and secure – and storing it adequately – is a common concern during the off-season. And that’s where kayak covers can be pretty helpful.

I’ve done the homework for you and hand-picked this year’s best kayak covers – but you’ll have to keep scrolling to learn more. 

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Reasons To Use A Kayak Cover: 7 Layers Of Protection

Some of you might not be sure what all the fuss is about or why you’d even need a kayak cover. That’s fine, I guess. I mean, to me, it seems obvious – you’re using protective covering to ward off any unwanted surprises and to safeguard your investment  – but I get your skepticism.

So, let’s talk about reasons to use a kayak cover before going any further.

#1 Weather Damage

First and foremost, a kayak cover will act as a layer of protection against various environmental factors and weather damage on a kayak stored outside. 

It encloses your ‘yak, shielding it from rain, snow, and wind – the elements that most watercraft stored outside would otherwise be exposed to – during periods of non-use. 

#2 Water Damage

Okay, I admit; this one sounds silly. 

Kayaks obviously don’t mind getting wet. 

But there’s a pretty significant difference between using it for on-the-water sports and leaving it exposed to moisture and standing water long-term. 

The latter will turn your kayak into a moldy, mildewy, mosquito-breeding mess with water spots and deteriorated components to boot. 

#3 UV Damage

A few hours in the sun won’t cause any real structural damage. I mean, most of us use kayaks during the summer, right? 

But again, look out for that fine line between sunny afternoon outings and extended exposure to UV rays – during storage, for example – because the sun is not playing around.

Leave it uncovered in direct sunlight, and you’ll get to see the UV rays in action, causing hull discoloration, warping, and rapid deterioration of any fabrics and integrated accessories.

So, if you plan to store your kayak outside then a boat cover is an essential accessory. 

#4 Dirt & Grime

When your kayak is just sitting there unused, whether it’s stored indoors or outdoors, you can expect some build-up of dirt, dust, pollen, and whatnot. And don’t even get me started on bugs and bird poop. 

It’s called “collecting dust” for a reason. 

These contaminants are usually harmless – as in, they won’t do any real damage – but they’re ugly to look at and a real pain to clean and remove. 

If you prepare your ‘yak for storage and use a kayak cover, that’s one less thing to deal with when it’s time to go for a spin.

#5 Animals

Yes, some critters might want to pay a visit to your kayak when you’re not looking. And yes, they might even try to set up camp in the hull or one of the hatches. 

Does a family of rats, raccoons, or skunks sound like the perfect neighbor to you? What about spiders? 

Yeah, I didn’t think it would. 

I won’t go into the details of the damage and sanitary concerns these creatures are capable of causing, but I’ll sum it up: 

Animal droppings everywhere and chewed-up everything.

#6 Theft

The idea of someone stealing your kayak seems ridiculous. It’s massive; it would be damn near impossible for a thief to get away with it without being noticed. 

And yet, these things happen.

If you’ll store the kayak outside, go with the out-of-sight-out-of-mind policy and keep your kayak covered. Oh, and add a locking cable while you’re at it to keep your kayak protected. 

#7 Transportation

Hauling a kayak necessitates careful planning. 

So, after you choose the method of transportation – whether you opt for a roof rack system, your truck bed, or a trailer  – consider this: 

How long will it take to reach your destination?

If you’re going to a far-off area – especially spending a few days on the road – a kayak cover is the most viable method of protecting your ‘yak from, well, everything. 

And as a bonus, you won’t have to scrape off bugs that splatter on your ‘yak during the drive.

Choosing A Kayak Cover: Things To Consider

And now we get to the core of the problem – how does one choose the right kayak cover? What 

Well, you’ll have to consider a couple of factors to ensure that whatever you end up going with is, indeed, well-suited for your needs. 

Let’s go over it together, shall we?

Types Of Kayak Cover 

All kayak covers have some things in common – like UV resistance and waterproof fabrics, for example. However, they come in several distinct designs, differentiated based on the coverage method – with the three main candidates for your ‘yak outlined below. 

Bag-Style Kayak Covers

Bag-style kayak covers offer the most protection coverage-wise. They resemble sleeping bags – hence the name – storage bags cover your kayak completely, head to toe, and are commonly sealed with a elastic pull string and zippers for added water protection..

When it comes to outdoor storage and winter-time protection, it’s easy to see why this type of cover is virtually unmatched.

The only compromise you’ll have to make with storage bags is the ease of use. You might need to recruit a pair of helping hands when taking it on and off your ‘yak. 

Shower-Cap-Style Kayak Covers

Shower-cap-style covers fit over the kayak, leaving the bottom exposed. It spreads out over your ‘yak like a fitted sheet would on your bed – or, well, like a shower cap. 

Yes, they can keep your kayak clean and ready for paddling right out of the cover – but there’s a downside:

They won’t protect the bottom portion of the hull, meaning extreme temperature changes and moisture build-up are still a potential issue.  

So, you’ll want to use a shower-cap-style cover if you plan on storing your kayak in a garage or shed and have the means to keep it off the ground.

Cockpit Covers

Kayak cockpit covers are pretty self-explanatory: 

As the name suggests, these only cover the cockpit, meaning they are primarily designed with sit-in kayaks in mind.

Let’s get the evident downside out of the way: 

They leave the majority of your kayak exposed. So, for long-term, off-season storage, bag-style and shower-cap covers remain the preferred choice. 

But a well-fitted kayak cockpit cover is the next best thing, though – even if it’s better suited for temporary storage, where sealing out water, dirt, and animal intruders is your primary concern.

While we’re at it, here’s a video on how to install a kayak cockpit cover properly:

How to Install a Seals Cockpit Cover on a Standard Cockpit Rim

What Are Kayak Covers Made Of?

A kayak cover is only as good as the material. If the fabric fails you, the whole thing fails you, too. 

I could be stating the obvious, but: 

Pick a durable material that can withstand the elements, resist potential rips and tears, and offers just the right amount of stretch to ensure a snug fit – all without making the cover bulky. 

I’m not asking too much, am I? 

Anyway, here are your options: 

• Oxford – The fabric strikes the right balance between durability and softness, minimizing chances of accidental hull scratches. If you go with Oxford fabric, aim for a denier count of at least 200.

• Taffeta Oxford – Being a combination of silk, acetate, and polyester, Taffeta Oxford offers everything you’d want from a kayak cover. It’s smooth and soft, weather and UV resistant, with a shiny finish. But that comes with a higher price tag, too.

• Polyester – This fabric is generally reserved for mid-range kayak covers. It offers decent enough protection, doesn’t shrink or stretch, and it’s easily washable. It’s not as durable, but it can be reinforced with a UV stabilizer or polyurethane coating to extend its durability.

Are Kayak Storage Covers Waterproof? 

Can you trust your cover to resist water and keep your ‘yak dry in a sudden downpour?

Well, you’ll usually find clear indicators of what to expect from a kayak cover in terms of water resistance. For instance, the higher the thread count, the higher the chance it will successfully repel moisture.

If it’s a heavy-duty fabric, labeled “water-resistant” – such as Oxford Taffeta – it will resist water. But it won’t be waterproof. 

A kayak cover is only considered waterproof – as in, impervious to water – when it’s coated with materials such as polyurethane or urethane. 

While we’re on the subject of keeping water out of the kayak, make sure that it runs off the cover rather than pooling in certain areas. 

A good fit is half the battle – which brings me to my next point.

How Do You Size A Kayak Cover? 

The fit of your kayak’s cover can – and will – affect its ability to protect it against any outside factors.

Too large, and it might allow water to enter or cause it to rip due to strong winds. There’s no use in getting a cover that hangs loose. 

Too small, it won’t cover the kayak fully, which again defeats the point of getting one.

But how do you size a kayak cover, though?

Well, for one, you can take your kayak’s dimensions. Measure the width and length of your ‘yak at its widest and longest points – or go straight to the manufacturer’s website for the info. 

If you opt for a cockpit cover, though, measure the size of the opening – its length, width, and circumference. Again, go for the broadest and longest points, measuring from the outside of the cockpit’s rim.

Double-check to ensure your numbers are accurate and compare them to the kayak cover’s size. Most manufacturers will provide a sizing chart, usually ranging from S to XL.

One piece of advice I can offer here is: 

When in doubt, go one size up. 

You can always use fittings such as cables, bungee cords, or clips to tighten the cover and make it fit better – but you can’t do much with a cover that’s too small.

10 Best Kayak Covers – Reviewed & Rated

Wrapping It Up – Best Kayak Covers

Before you can put away your kayak for its well-deserved winter nap, you ought to make sure it’s well protected. I’m sure I made that very clear by now. 

While every cover on my list offers a more than decent level of protection, VULKIN 9-12ft Kayak Cover and Carrier deserves the top spot as the best kayak cover out there.

Its versatility and practicality – along with rugged construction that provides maximum protection for your kayak from the elements – only confirm Vulkin’s position as a top-of-the-line model. 

So, folks, which of the best kayak covers will it be?