One of the most challenging things about kayaking is how you get the things to and from the water in the first place.
They can be heavy, cumbersome, and difficult to carry – particularly those with pedals – which is a large proportion of fishing kayaks.
Inadequate handling can seriously damage your kayak, and it can also be potentially dangerous to you and others around you.
That’s where the best kayak carts come in – helping you by safely taking the strain, preventing dents, dings, scrapes, and broken toes.
Let’s take a look at the best kayak carts on the market, so you can get to the water’s edge and back with ease.
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TOP 7 Best Kayak Carts for 2025
Railblaza Ctug Kayak Trolley Cart
This Railblaza kayak or canoe trolley cart is one of the most popular and highly-rated offerings around. The tool-free assembly dismantles in under 20 seconds, and can then fold up and fit inside a kayak hatch for maximum portability.
The rubber wheels have a thick grip and are puncture free, designed for use on any kind of terrain to get you to and from the water with ease.
They have a generous weight capacity of 300 lbs, made with a reinforced, composite material, with stainless steel axles and thermos-bonded elastomeric hull pads to help cradle and support the hull of your kayak.
And the pads adjust to fit just about any hull shape, so you can be sure the C-Tug can provide the extra pair of hands you need.
Pros
- Solid, durable construction.
- Anti-corrosion – will not rust.
- Easy to use and assemble.
- Strap kit and kickstand included.
- Able to stow on board.
- Very highly rated.
Cons
- Not as universal as some might like.
Takeaway
Easily one of the best kayak trolleys on the market, you’re getting a rugged, durable product here that is perfectly designed for packing up and taking with you.
And you should check out this article for more awesome kayak fishing accessories to help your day be even more successful.
Wilderness Systems Heavy Duty Kayak Cart
Wilderness Systems are one of the best kayak fishing brands around – and one of the best kayak brands in the business, period.
As well as making some truly outstanding kayaks, they have an excellent selection of aftermarket accessories, and this heavy-duty kayak cart is a perfect example.
With a 450 lbs weight rating, it can handle the heavier craft, with a cleverly-designed frame that can adjust easily to the width of your kayak.
With no kickstand or scupper poles required, it’s rock-solid, with two height options for unusually-shaped kayaks, and a low center-of-gravity that can help prevent tip-overs.
Strong, durable, and yet easy to dismantle, transport, and store, this is a top-quality piece of kit from the kayak specialists.
Pros
- Name to trust.
- Award-winning design.
- Built to last.
- High weight capacity.
- Large, no-flat wheels for any terrain.
- Made from marine-grade aluminum-alloy.
Cons
- On the expensive side.
Takeaway
Surprise-surprise, a world-class kayak company makes a world-class kayak cart. Wilderness Systems have knocked it out of the park with this one, designed to support heavier fishing kayaks and made with premium-quality materials.
And for more from these guys and other top-drawer kayak builders, check out this article on the best ocean-going kayaks on the market.
ABN Universal Kayak Carrier
Designed to work with kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, small boats, and more, this universal kayak carrier is as versatile as they come.
Made from high-strength anodized steel, it’s built to last while keeping its own weight down at just eight pounds.
The pneumatic 9.5-inch tires have a thick, grippy lug, are easy to inflate, and suitable for use on all kinds of terrain, including wooded areas, gravel, and sand.
Large, foam bumper pads keep your craft protected and supported, and the whole kit can be folded up for easy transportation when required.
Stash it in your backpack or stow it on board, the weight capacity is 200 lbs, and it’s also one of the more budget-friendly kayak carts around.
Pros
- Outstanding price point.
- Easily removed tires.
- Durable steel frame.
- 12-foot strap included.
- Versatile use.
- Highly portable.
Cons
- Weight capacity is a little on the low side.
- Reports that the strap isn’t the best.
Takeaway
For the price, you’re getting a quality kayak cart here when some other options can set you back considerably more. And while we’re at it, check out this article on the best budget-friendly fishing kayaks for even more savings.
The Kayak Cart Stern Wheels Cart
Here we have an altogether different design with this flexible plastic cradle, aptly named “the kayak cart.”
It’s super compact and portable, and easy to dismantle and stow on board or take it with you in a backpack.
You simply place the cradle under either end of the kayak, wrap and attach the dual nylon webbing straps, and you’re good to go.
There’s a rubber-coated hook on one strap to attach into the cockpit for an even more secure setup.
The quick-release pins on the axles allow a fast breakdown, while the no-flat tires can tackle any terrain with their thick, grippy tread, ensuring this is one of the best kayak carts for sand on the market.
Pros
- Simple to use.
- Lightweight and easy to transport.
- Anti-corrosion materials.
- Automotive-grade plastic.
- Provides excellent support.
Cons
- Weight capacity unknown (seriously?!)
- Not that good for wide hulls.
Takeaway
This is a well-designed, compact, and lightweight kayak cart that will keep you moving.
It’s probably most suitable for narrower craft, so check out this review of the best sit-inside fishing kayaks for something that would work really well with this. I just wish I could tell you the weight capacity, but I couldn’t find it anywhere…
GanFindX Quick-Detachable Kayak Cart
Our next cart is the first scupper plug option, that’s designed to slot into your kayak’s scupper holes.
Made from durable, high-strength stainless steel and rubber, this is a solid, heavy-duty cart that is anti-corrosion and impervious to rust.
The simple design is easy to use, and the steel plugs are fully adjustable along the axle, capable of being positioned from 2.6-inches to 18-inches apart.
Tough rubber gaskets prevent slipping and keep the kayak in place at the scupper holes, while the wide tires are airless, with super-strong spokes that ensure it’s capable of handling all kinds of terrain.
Tool-less assembly is achievable within 30 seconds, and it has a maximum weight capacity of 250 lbs.
Pros
- Tough, durable design.
- Measuring ruler on the axle.
- Easy to use.
- Highly portable.
- Affordable price point.
- Capable of carrying more than one kayak at a time.
Cons
- A kickstand would have been nice.
- You can’t adjust the height.
Takeaway
Altogether, this is a quality scupper-plug kayak cart that is well-designed with premium materials and built to last. A couple more additions, and this might just have a claim to being the best kayak cart out there, and the ability to carry two kayaks is a real winner.
Suspenz Smart Airless DLX Cart
The Suspenz Smart Airless kayak cart is aptly named, as it features spring hardware on the frame for better support while traversing uneven terrain.
A unique V-shape design ensures it is compatible with flat and curved hulls, with rubberized pads that protect both the frame and the kayak.
10-inch no-flat tires are rugged and durable, and the high-strength aluminum frame has been powder-coated for added protection against corrosion and rust.
Capable of handling kayaks up to 125 lbs in weight, the DLX folds down easily for transport, and it even comes with its own mesh carrying bag to boot.
Pros
- Dual kickstand for easy loading.
- Highly rated.
- Folds flat for storage.
- Durable construction.
- Easy to use.
Cons
- Not suitable for particularly large or heavy kayaks.
Takeaway
A terrific kayak cart option that’s a lot of fun to use, this will get you from A to B in no time. And that mesh bag is a handy inclusion for storing and transporting when not in use.
Hobie Trax 2 Plug-In Kayak Cart
Hobie needs little introduction as one of the finest fishing kayak companies in the world, particularly for their innovative, ground-breaking pedal drive systems.
This product is a two-plug kayak cart designed to be used with compatible scupper holes, with a super-durable stainless steel frame that is capable of handling a maximum weight of 176 lbs.
High capacity pneumatic tires can be adjusted depending on the terrain, so you can have a smoother ride over soft sand and soil.
They’re also easy to remove for transport and storage, and the rigid, welded frame provides unbeatable strength and longevity.
Pros
- Name to trust.
- Premium-quality materials.
- Easy to use.
- Robust design.
- Durable, adjustable wheels.
Cons
- Only compatible with certain kayaks – scupper holes need to be 13-inches apart.
Takeaway
With arguably the best kayak cart wheels out there, this is a rugged, tough, and well-built option from Hobie that can take a beating – no matter the terrain.
And for more excellent Hobie products – along with many others – take a look at this article on the best fishing kayaks for standing casts and reels.
How to Choose the Best Kayak Trolley
Below, you’ll find a buyer’s guide on all the things you should be looking out for when it comes to choosing the right kayak cart for you.
Why You Need a Kayak Cart
We store our kayaks hanging from the roof of our garage, and standing beneath them, you can clearly see that the hull has taken a beating over the years.
It might be time to re-read my own advice in this article about kayak maintenance and repair!
But the truth is, had I been using a kayak cart from the get-go, I probably wouldn’t have suffered nearly as many scrapes, scratches, and those wiggly strips of poly coming away.
Not that I’m saying I drag the kayak along the ground – but a trolley would certainly have limited the amount of times the hull came into contact with it.
Aside from that, a kayak cart is pretty much essential if you go out kayaking alone, and you don’t have anyone to help you transport a heavy craft to the water and back.
If that’s the case, you would also do well to read this article on kayak safety tips – especially if you’re thinking about going solo.
Finally, even if you are with a partner on the water, having a kayak cart on board is seriously going to help you should you need to portage.
Being able to do that yourself, as opposed to waiting for assistance, is going to save you a lot of time, while staying focussed on your own kayak and situation.
Type of Cart/Compatibility
Perhaps the first thing you need to consider when shopping for a suitable kayak cart is the type, and whether it’s going to be compatible with your craft.
Trolley kayak carts are the most common option, identified by a frame and strap system with wheels.
They’re easy to use, adjustable, and most are compatible with just about any kayak. Weight capacities can fluctuate, however – and we’ll have more on that in a moment.
Cradle kayak carts are similar, but they have a bucket-style cradle on wheels that the kayak sits into.
Arguably the easiest to set up, they can be limited when it comes to the size of the hull, and are probably more suitable for narrower craft.
Plug-in kayak carts are so-called because they support the kayak with fixed braces that slide through the kayak scupper holes in the hull.
An initial fit might be a bit fiddly, and they’re not as universal as other designs. However, once set up correctly, they can be an efficient, time-saving trolley without the need to mess around with straps.
Be advised, however, as some kayak manufacturers warn against the use of scupper hole carts as it can potentially damage and weaken these points in your kayak hull.
You also need to choose between an end or center cart, which is where the cart is going to be located on your kayak’s hull.
Center carts will take just about all the weight, and are more preferable if your kayak has a wider hull.
Weight Capacity
How heavy is your kayak?
If you’re rocking one of these awesome pedal fishing kayaks – or something similar, I’m guessing they’re going to have quite a bit of weight to them.
The last thing you need is your kayak cart collapsing under the stress of such a load.
That’s why it’s essential to choose a trolley that is capable of handling the weight of your kayak – not forgetting anything that might be in it at the time.
Similar to not overloading a kayak’s own weight capacity in the water, I would highly recommend you don’t push the limits of a kayak cart – just to be on the safe side.
And nobody should be riding in your kayak as you make your way to the water, either.
Wheels and Terrain
At the business-end of a kayak cart, you’ll find the wheels that are going to be supporting everything.
Consider your options here, as some will be better than others when it comes to handling all sorts of terrain.
Some tires are no-flat, puncture-proof options, while others are pneumatic and air-filled.
While pneumatic tires will need pumping up from time to time – and are more susceptible to flats, they are extremely useful for absorbing the bumps and shocks from multiple surfaces.
This is likely to result in a smoother ride, with less vibration and shaking, and are often the best kayak carts for rough terrain. Some carts even come with shock-absorbers or basic suspension.
However, no-flat tires have a huge, obvious advantage, and those with a thick tread can be comparable to pneumatic tires for all-surface use, often preferable for rocky terrain as a result.
Pads, Support, and Straps
Depending on the style of kayak cart, it may or may not come with pads and/or straps.
Examine how your kayak is actually coming into contact with the cart itself. You certainly don’t want it to be an abrasive connection, or leave any marks where it should be providing support.
Foam or rubber pads/gaskets are common, allowing you to rest the kayak safely and securely without causing damage.
Straps – if included – help secure the kayak to the trolley, so it doesn’t slip, go off balance, or tip over.
How they are configured can vary, so make sure you know how your chosen kayak cart sets up before adding to the shopping cart.
Materials
When shopping for the best carts for kayaks, you should pay attention to what they’re made of.
Obviously, you want something that’s built to last, and that’s going to be efficient at keeping the elements, corrosion, and rust at bay – especially if you’re fishing or kayaking in saltwater.
Check out these quality saltwater fishing pliers if you need a super-durable tool when you’re out there.
Frames will most commonly be made from stainless steel or aluminum, and as such should offer excellent defense against corrosion.
Tires are regularly made from a high-strength composite poly, or other such material.
Check the hardware, too, as you don’t want that failing after it’s been exposed to the slightest tickle from the elements.
Storage and Assembly
One of the things that kayak cart manufacturers like to champion is how quickly and efficiently their products can assemble and break down.
As well as how easy they are to store and transport.
For the most part, all good kayak carts need to be able to disassemble in order for you to stow them comfortably on board and/or take them with you.
Otherwise, you’ll be leaving them behind at your put-in point.
Depending on the size, some carts are more portable than others, but remember that larger carts will be able to handle heavier loads.
Cost
Kayak carts, like the kayaks themselves, can vary wildly in cost.
You can pick up a suitable one for about $60, or you can splash over $200 on a more high-end option.
When it comes to budget, I would take all the above factors into consideration, and go with the most compatible kayak cart for your craft – regardless of cost.
FAQs
What is the best kayak cart on the market?
It just depends on your kayak. There’s a great selection out there, so the best kayak cart for my craft might not be the best for yours.
All the carts in this review are top-quality, so I suggest choosing one from them.
Do I need a kayak cart?
Yes and no. I’ve not used one for years, but there are certainly times I wished I had, and I’m in the market for one at the time of writing.
And if you like to go out alone, I’d say they were essential.
The same can be said if you happen to own a particularly heavy kayak that’s difficult to get around – even if you do have someone to help you.
All-in-all, I would say owning a good kayak cart is a useful and practical addition to your kayaking accessories.
Should I buy a kayak cart?
I would highly recommend it.
Don’t forget, as well as helping you transport your kayak, it can also prevent damage to the hull, and is invaluable if you’re trying to portage around a tricky section on the water.
What brand of kayak is the best?
There isn’t one kayak brand I would say was head and shoulders above the others. There are so many to choose from, and they’re getting better all the time.
For angling, take a look at this article on the best kayak fishing brands – you’ll find a good selection of the very best names currently available.
But you’ll also find many of those brands are at the top of their game when it comes to general recreational kayaks as well, so it’s a decent place to start – even if you’re not fishing.
Summary
The best kayak carts out there will help you get to and from the water, without the effort of heaving heavy craft around.
They’ll help prevent damage to the hull, make you more efficient, and maybe even help to protect your toes.
Let me know in the comments below which option you’ve gone for and why, or if you’d like to share any general kayak transport tips with the community.
Happy kayaking!