5 Things to Know Before Buying a Kayak Cooler

Measure your hatch first Pull out a tape measure and get the exact width and depth of your hatch before looking at any models. The best cooler is the one that fits.

Choose a soft cooler over a hard one Hard coolers are rarely narrow enough to squeeze into kayak hatches. Soft coolers are flexible, lighter, and easier to jam into tight spots.

Check dimensions against standard hatches The Yeti Hopper Flip 12 is about 11.5 inches wide, which fits most standard hatches. Pelican’s Elite series has similar dimensions.

Consider a slimmer option for small kayaks If you have a smaller touring kayak, you may need something even narrower. The Engel 12-can soft cooler is a good choice for tight spaces.

Prioritize fit over features A cooler that doesn’t fit is useless on the water. Focus on dimensions first, then compare insulation and durability.