Best Kayak Carts of 2022

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.

For more of our top kayaking gear recommendations, check out the Best Kayak Roof Racks.

Reviews - The Best Carts for Kayaks

Seattle Sports ATC

Specs

• Capacity: 300 lbs
• Frame Material: Powder-coated Steel
• Weight: 15.0 lbs

BEST FOR: ALL-AROUND KAYAK CARTING

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

WHEELS: Bike tires, 16.0″ (40.6 cm)

VERSATILITY: High, can cross many terrains

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TMS KY001 Cart

Specs

• Capacity: 150 lbs
• Frame Material: Aluminum
• Weight: 8.3 lbs

BEST FOR: LONG HAULS ON A BUDGET

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

TIRES: Inflatable all-terrain, 9.5 x 3.5″ (24.1 x 8.9 cm) tires

VERSATILITY: Moderate, not suited for large, heavy kayaks

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Malone Clipper Deluxe

Specs

• Capacity: 200 lbs
• Frame Material: Aluminum
• Weight: 10.00 lbs

BEST FOR: WIDE KAYAKS

PROS: Folding, oversized padding on the frame protects the boat, locking kick stand, tie-down straps included

CONS: Some users reported poor performance on sand

WHEELS: No-Flat Tires

VERSATILITY: High, can support other vessels over many terrains

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RAILBLAZA C-Tug Trolley

Specs

• Capacity: 300 lbs
• Frame Material: Reinforced Composite
• Weight: 9.8 lbs

BEST FOR: PACK-IN CAMPING

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

WHEELS: Puncture-proof wheels, high-grip tread, 10.0 x 3.5″ (25.4 x 8.9 cm)

VERSATILITY: High, supports many activities, weights

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Bonnlo Boat Beach Trolley

Specs

• Capacity: 165 lbs
• Frame Material: Aluminum
• Weight: 13.9 lbs

BEST FOR: SANDY AND MUDDY CONDITIONS

PROS: Easy to assemble

CONS: Wheels and tires lack long-term durability

TIRES: Inflatable 12 x 7″

VERSATILITY: High, includes ratchet straps

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HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST KAYAK CARTS

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.