Here at The Adventure Junkies, we believe in hard work. We also believe in the adage, “work smart, not hard.” Kayaks are typically heavy, long and unwieldy vessels. Your energy is best spent on the water, not the trek through the woods (or parking garage), which is why we want to help find the best kayak cart for you.
Kayak carts are two-wheeled devices that support one end of a kayak to allow for easy transport. If you plan to make kayaking a regular hobby of yours, a kayak cart should be viewed as a necessity rather than a superfluous purchase. We’ve listed the best 10 kayak carts for all different kayaks and terrains.
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO FIND THE BEST KAYAK CART
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KAYAK CARTS 101
6 THINGS TO CONSIDER TO FIND THE BEST KAYAK CARTS
1. FRAME MATERIAL
Kayak carts are usually made of either steel or aluminum. Occasionally, they are made of plastic or composite. While steel is suitable for freshwater excursions, it will corrode if exposed to saltwater or ocean air.
Aluminum is lightweight and will not corrode. Look for a powder-coated or aluminum frame to ensure your investment lasts.
2. WEIGHT
Decide where you will be using your kayak the most before settling on a cart. Strength and durability can come at the expense of portability unless the cart is designed to accommodate both. You will need to consider the weight of your kayak in addition to the weight of the cart.
3. WHEELS
WIDTH
Do you live on the beach? Maybe your favorite stream is only accessible via a rocky trail through the forest. As with cycling, you wouldn’t ride a mountain bike in a race judged on speed, or a road bike in a downhill mountain race. The wider the tire, the more stable a wheel will be.
MATERIAL
Not all tires are created equally. Some are all-terrain inflatable, some are molded plastic and some are foam-filled. An all-terrain tire, ideally puncture-proof, is the way to go if you intend to cover rougher surfaces.
4. VERSATILITY
The fact that you are browsing The Adventure Junkies gives us reason to believe you may be an adventure junkie. If you prefer to splash your way through as many different water sports as possible, a kayak cart that can carry a variety of vessels would be your perfect match.
Some carts offer an adjustable width or flexible saddle to accommodate thin, wide, or multiple kayaks and maybe even stand up paddle boards.
5. WEIGHT CAPACITY
Look for a cart with a weight capacity over 150 lbs for maximal versatility. This may not be necessary if you own a single, lightweight or inflatable kayak. Those with heavy, tandem kayaks or interested in accommodating stand up paddle boards will find a higher weight capacity useful.
6. STORAGE
In recent years, kayak carts that fold flat or easily dismantle to enable easy on-board storage have become very popular. It’s not ideal to have to leave a possession purchased with hard-earned money on the shore in hopes it will still be waiting upon your return.
Photo by istockphoto.com/portfolio/
KAYAK CART REVIEWS
1. BEST OVERALL KAYAK CARTS
SEATTLE SPORTS ATC
BEST FOR: All-around kayak carting
FRAME MATERIAL: Powder-coated steel
WEIGHT: 15.5 lbs (7.0 kg)
WHEELS: Bike tires, 16.0″ (40.6 cm)
VERSATILITY: High, can cross many terrains
WEIGHT CAPACITY: 300 lbs (136 kg)
PROS: Designed to haul kayaks, canoes, John boats, and larger craft, foldable, spring-loaded kickstand
CONS: Some users report wheels are low quality, not durable
MALONE CLIPPER DELUXE
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon
BEST FOR: Wide kayaks
FRAME MATERIAL: Aluminum
WEIGHT: 10.0 lbs (4.5 kg)
WHEELS: “Never go flat” 10.0″ (25.4 cm) tires
VERSATILITY: High, can support other vessels over many terrains
WEIGHT CAPACITY: 200 lb (90.7 kg)
PROS: Folding, oversized padding on the frame protects the boat, locking kick stand, tie-down straps included
CONS: Some users reported tires going flat
SEA TO SUMMIT SIT-ON-TOP
BEST FOR: Sit-on-top kayaks
FRAME MATERIAL: 6061-T6 Aircraft grade alloy
WEIGHT: 5.0 lbs (2.3 kg)
WHEELS: Wide molded plastic wheels, 10.0 x 3.5″ (25.4 x 8.8 cm)
VERSATILITY: Low, only meant for sit-on-tops
WEIGHT CAPACITY: 154 lbs (69.8 kg)
PROS: Tapered rubber cones fit a wide range of scupper holes, reduced side-to-side rocking, adjustable, locking axle, quick-release clamp, oversize alloy tubing, welded construction, wide, molded wheels, cart can be used with or without tie down strap (sold separately)
CONS: Low versatility, plastic wheels lack all-terrain ability
2. BEST KAYAK CARTS FOR VERSATILITY
QUANTUM ENGINEERING STERN
Check out the latest price on:
REI
BEST FOR: Compact, lightweight versatility
FRAME MATERIAL: Plastic
WEIGHT: 2.8 lbs (1.3 kg)
WHEELS: 7.0 x 1.7″ (17.7 x 4.1 cm)
VERSATILITY: Moderate, holds a variety of stern shapes
WEIGHT CAPACITY: Not available, but users report at least 75 lbs (34.0 cm)
PROS: Flexible cradle, quick release pin on axles for quick breakdown, fits in most kayak hulls and hatches, dual nylon webbing straps, rubber-coated hook
CONS: Small wheels limit terrain options, wheels can be noisy
C-TUG TROLLEY CART
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon
BEST FOR: Pack-in camping
FRAME MATERIAL: Reinforced composite, thermo-bonded elastomeric seat pads
WEIGHT: 9.4 lbs (4.3 kg)
WHEELS: Puncture-proof wheels, high-grip tread, 10.0 x 3.5″ (25.4 x 8.9 cm)
VERSATILITY: High, supports many activities, weights
WEIGHT CAPACITY: 300 lbs (136 kg)
PROS: Folding, UV-resistant, corrosion-free, tool-free assembly, fits most kayak and canoe hulls, SUP boards, fits in most kayak hatches, 7.9 ft strap, removable kickstand
CONS: Some users reported wheels coming off on long treks
APEX KC DOLLY
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon
BEST FOR: Car camping
FRAME MATERIAL: Aluminum
WEIGHT: 9.0 lbs (4.1 kg)
WHEELS: Inflatable all-terrain
VERSATILITY: High, doubles as a chair
WEIGHT CAPACITY: 240 lbs (109 kg)
PROS: Can be used as a small chair, tie-down strap included, built-in kickstand, four rubberized grip pads, supports wide and hybrid hulls, high weight for camping gear
CONS: Some users reported tires have an odor
3. BEST KAYAK CARTS FOR THE BEACH
WHEELEEZ BEACH
BEST FOR: Soft sand
FRAME MATERIAL: Aluminum
WEIGHT: 10 lbs (4.5 kg)
WHEELS: Smooth inflatable wheels, 11.8 x 7″ (30 x 17.7 cm)
VERSATILITY: Low, meant only for beach or soft dirt
WEIGHT CAPACITY: 176 lbs (79.8 kg)
PROS: Collapsible for storage, perfect for the beach, dual kickstand, rubber padding, two 13.0 ft. tie-down straps included
CONS: Bulky tires take up valuable storage room on-board
WHEELEEZ TUFF TIRE
BEST FOR: Long, heavy kayaks
FRAME MATERIAL: Aluminum
WEIGHT: 8.8 lbs (4.0 kg)
WHEELS: Foam filled tires, 10.0 x 3.0″ (25.4 x 7.6 cm)
VERSATILITY: High, can support any kayak weight or length
WEIGHT CAPACITY: 176 lbs (79.8 kg)
PROS: Folding, cam buckle tie down straps, 6 month warranty
CONS: Kickstand too short, not secure
4. BEST BUDGET KAYAK CARTS
BEST CHOICE SKY1251
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon
BEST FOR: Paved trails
FRAME MATERIAL: Aluminum
WEIGHT: 9.0 lbs (4.1 kg)
WHEELS: PU Foam, 10.0″ (25.3 cm)
VERSATILITY: High, can travel on many terrains
WEIGHT CAPACITY: 150 lbs (68.0 kg)
PROS: Foam bumpers, spring-loaded stand, foldable, 12.0′ straps, stainless steel fasteners
CONS: Some users report cart has a strong odor, not suited for soft sand
TMS KY001 CART
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon
BEST FOR: Long hauls on a budget
FRAME MATERIAL: Aluminum
WEIGHT: 8.3 lbs (3.8 kg)
TIRES: Inflatable all-terrain, 9.5 x 3.5″ (24.1 x 8.9 cm) tires
VERSATILITY: Moderate, not suited for large, heavy kayaks
WEIGHT CAPACITY: 150 lbs (68.0 kg)
PROS: Foldable, 12.0 ft long tie-down strap, solid metal frame, foam bumpers, stainless steel fasteners, spring-loaded stand for quick loading
CONS: Kayak tends to bounce around during transport, some users needed extra bungee cords
