Kayaking is fun, being casual on your kayak is even more fun, but it can turn ugly in a matter of hours if you are too exposed to the sun. You don’t want your day ending with dehydration, sunstrokes, and burns, do you? Experienced kayakers always prefer a kayak canopy, that not only protects them from the harmful effects of the sun but also keeps them safe from water and wind.
However, choosing the best kayak canopy is not an easy task as you have to consider different alternatives, size, materials, design, color, and whatnot. To save you time and effort in doing so, we have created a list of the best kayak canopies In 2020 with a comprehensive buying guide, that will help you in picking the best kayak bimini top for your needs.
OUT TOP PICK
Adventure Kayak Canopy
Perfectly crafted to withstand against sun rays and offering impressive stability during rough waters, Adventure Kayak Canopy is the best kayak canopy on our list for its exceptional adjustability to fit any kayak. With its wide coverage and patented frame, this kayak sun shade is a perfect pick for those who are looking for a versatile kayak canopy with maximum coverage for a single person kayak.
Design
Adventure canopies are made up of 600 Denier mildew-resistant polyester fabric that measures 54 inches long and offers 10 square feet of shade over a single seating kayak. For supporting the fabric, it uses a frame that is based on flexible and durable fiberglass poles and includes shock cords for aligning the poles quickly. On top of that, this patented frame is designed with 4 points of quick release connectors that allow you to detach the kayak bimini in no time and eliminates damage to the canopy in the event of a capsize.
Performance
Both construction and performance of this kayak shade are equally spectacular. Tested in the USA, this single person kayak bimini comes with UPF 50+ that blocks 99% of UV A/B rays and has a lightweight and durable hardware that resists to mildew and corrosion. With that, it features an adjusting mechanism that allows you to customize the height of the canopy on your kayak. Thanks to its enhanced design, the kayak bimini can be conveniently stored into a drawstring carrying bag for easy portability and storage. With sturdy construction and a list of features, adding this canopy on your kayak will certainly enhance your next trip on the water.
What Makes This Kayak Canopy Stand Out
1. Impressive protection against UV rays and winds
2. Patented detaching mechanism
3. Light and sturdy fiberglass pole frame
4. Easy to carry and store
Model Specs
Best For: Rigid Kayaks (will not work with inflatables)
Coverage: 10 ft
Size: 38 x 7 x 5 inches
Weight: 4 Pounds
Material: Fiberglass and 600 Denier mildew resistant polyester fabric
Color: Orange, Blue, Black, Yellow
EDITORS CHOICE
Lixada Kayak Canopy
With extended support rods that offer more space under the shade and easy to attach and detach mechanism, Lixada Kayak Canopy is perfect for people who like to spend long hours in their kayaks for fishing or relaxing. Our Editor’s Choice features a sturdy ripstop mesh cloth construction that gives great sun protection and water resistance up to 8 square feet of coverage.
Design
Designed with ripstop water-resistant Oxford cloth and strong aviation aluminum poles that are connected with shock cord, this top-rated kayak bimini top offers a long-lasting companionship for your kayaking adventure. Moreover, the rods used for creating the frame are much longer than many others in the market and ensure that you receive an extra space under the 8 feet of shade Lixada provides. Whether it is harmful sunlight or wind on the water, there is no weather condition this sun shade cannot withstand with its simple yet durable design.
Performance
Installing Lixada on any kayak is super easy as it comes with a universal fit and a beginner-friendly design. Being lightweight, it is not a burden on your kayak and creates a big enough shade to accommodate a single person. Once firmly connected to your kayak, it not only protects you from sunburns but also from sudden splashes of water. Carrying and storing Lixada is never a challenge as it folds to a compact size and can be carried anywhere with the included storage bag. On top of all, it comes in 12 different colors to choose from, so you always have an option to add some style to your kayak.
What Makes This Kayak Canopy Stand Out
· Extra-long poles for extra space
· Universal fit
· Easy installation
· Included stylish bag
Model Specs
Best For: Fishing or Relaxing
Coverage: 10 ft
Size: 23.6 X 4.1 X 2.0 inches
Weight: 1.1 pound
Material: Oxford Cloth and Aviation Aluminum Rod
Color: Grey / Light Blue / Dark Blue / Orange / Camouflage 1 / Camouflage 2 / Camouflage 3 / Camouflage 4 / Black / Black 2 / Red / Camouflage 5
BEST VALUE
MOOCY Kayak Canopy
Easy to set up on existing kayak hardware or on a user-installed attachment component, MOOCY Kayak Canopy is the most budget-friendly kayak canopy on our list with its durable construction and universal-fit design that suits the pocket of many kayaking enthusiasts. If you are looking for a sun shade that stands against light wind conditions but keeps you cool even during summer, this is the perfect pick for you.
Design
Featuring coated sunscreen cloth that offers excellent protection against the harmful rays and heat of the sun, the frame of this kayak sunshade is made of collapsible aluminum rods. Further to offer an impressive 8 square feet of protective shade, its design uses 3 install cords and a support stand rod. Additionally, MOOCY can be connected to kayaks using included mounting cleats if your kayak is missing connecting hardware, thus justifying its tag of universal fitting kayak canopy.
Performance
While this sun shade from MOOCY is designed to withstand mild winds and water, its sun protecting abilities can blow your mind as it keeps you safe from sunburns and the heat even if you are out in the water for long hours in mid of days. Moreover, deploying it is super easy and can be fitted to almost any kayak. With an included storage bag, which allows you to take it anywhere, MOOCY should certainly be your choice if you go for kayaking frequently.
What Makes This Kayak Canopy Stand Out
· Fits with or without existing setup on a kayak
· Highly efficient against the sun
· Easy installation
· Included carrying bag
Model Specs
Best For: Easy Installation
Coverage: 8 ft
Size: 24.1 x 4.3 x 3.9 inches
Weight: 1.05 Pounds
Material: Coated sunscreen cloth and Aluminum Rod
Color: Black
Bris Kayak Canopy
Featuring one of the best 2 bow style setups that fold to a small and easy to carry shape, Bris Kayak Canopy comes with a high-grade construction that not only protects your kayak from direct sun exposure but also from harsh conditions such as hail and rain. Offering a much longer shade that is suitable for kayak canoe boat, this bimini top is perfect for anyone who is looking for a heavy-duty construction that is able to offer protection even in way harsh conditions.
Design
According to the kayak canopy reviews, this top-rated kayak bimini top from Bris offers impressive protection using marine grade polyester 600D sun shade that is specifically coated for sun protection. To support the fabric, it uses one lightweight aluminum pipe frame that has a diameter of 1 inch. For mounting the shade, Bris features 2 Bow aluminum pole and once installed, is able to provide 12.5 square feet of shade at a height of 45 inches.
Performance
Designed with a mindset to stand against harsh weather conditions, this kayak sun shade is certainly one of the most durable items in the market that provides protection against sun rays, water, rain, hail, mildew, and whatnot. Thanks to its two-bow style, Bris offers a lot of space and head clearance when compared to other alternatives. Considering the high-grade construction and the massive shade it offers, the canopy is not the heaviest of option and that is why a preferred choice among many kayakers.
What Makes This Kayak Canopy Stand Out
· Fits with or without existing setup on a kayak
· Highly efficient against the sun
· Easy installation
· Included carrying bag
Model Specs
Best For: Rough Weather Conditions
Coverage: 12.5 ft
Size: 56.3 x 9.06 x 3.94 inches
Weight: 8 Pounds
Material: Marine-grade 600D polyester and aluminum
Color: Grey
Hobie Kayak Canopy
Featuring an innovative design that needs no extra effort to fit almost any single seating kayak, Hobie Kayak Canopy gets the last spot on our list for its beginner-friendly setup that provides sun and rain protection for regular visits to water. Offering unprecedented comfort from the sun, Hobie is a perfect choice for anyone who is looking for an easy to mount bimini top for extending kayaking time on the water.
Design
Hobie is made from lightweight ripstop nylon that is durable and features UPF 50+ to provide protection from the sun’s powerful rays all day long. Adding on, the fabric offers an excellent water-resistant coating that guards against unexpected showers or ocean spray and keeps you safe and dry. Supported by aircraft-grade aluminum poles, this bimini top is designed to integrate with the Hobie accessory mount base for simple, no-drill installation to get you on the water in no time.
Performance
With a sun-protecting fabric, Hobie comes with a unique articulation feature and sliding line adjusters to improve adjustability according to the sun’s position. As this canopy is available in multiple colors, you have the option of customizing your setup to create a unique look. While mounting and adjusting this canopy is super easy, storing this bimini is easier as it comes with an included heavy-duty bag that protects the bimini top when not in use.
What Makes This Kayak Canopy Stand Out
· Fits with or without existing setup on a kayak
· Highly efficient against the sun
· Easy installation
· Included carrying bag
Model Specs
Best For: Adjustability
Coverage: 7.5 ft
Storage Size: 24 x 5.5 x 4.5 inches
Weight: 2 Pounds
Material: ripstop nylon and aircraft-grade aluminum
Color: Blue, Grey, Yellow
How To Choose A Kayak Canopy – Buying Guide
Size
One of the most important aspects of kayak bimini tops is the size as your choice should be able to cover the entire cockpit. It's sometimes difficult to find the exact size as kayak bimini tops generally come in a universal size. Therefore, try to opt for an adjustable canopy that can be tailored to your kayak.
Material
Kayak canopies are made of materials such as canvas, polyester, and nylon that are light, waterproof, and durable. Canvas provides the best shade to protect from UV rays while polyester and other synthetic fibers are used to provide durability to the sun shade in order to protect the kayak in harsh situations. For frames, aluminum and fiberglass are the most preferred choice of material. While choosing the best kayak bimini top, make sure that you select a canopy that is made of one of the above-mentioned materials and suits your usage.
Weather
Considering the general purpose of a bimini top that is to protect against the harmful effects of the sun, you must consider a canopy that offers protection against the UV rays. Along with that also consider the canopy’s stand against the water, rain, and hails if there are any chances of encountering them on your kayaking adventure.
Color
Color also plays its part in picking the best kayak canopy as light colors absorb less heat when compared to dark colors. That is why, you must choose a sun shade that comes in yellow, grey, white, or any other color that has a light appearance.
Installation
Considering your level of expertise, you can prefer the level of engagement required in installation however an easy way is to pick the one that comes with shock cords inside the poles to help you put everything together with ease.
FAQs
Q: Why Do I Need A Kayak Canopy?
A: Just like other outdoor activities, kayaking also requires you to be out in the sun and thus exposes you to harmful sun rays and heat. To protect you from such exposure, rain, and other weather elements, you need a bimini top.
Q: Will A Kayak Canopy Make the Kayak Heavier?
A: Generally, canopies are made of lightweight materials and that is why they do not add much weight to kayaks. However, few heavy-duty canopies are a little bulky but then they provide additional shade or protection.
Globo Surf Overview
If the sun often gives you headaches and limits your time on the water, a nice bimini top might be just the thing you’re looking for. Installing one will allow you to enjoy the zeal of kayaking even if the sun is high. No doubt, it is the next thing you must add to your kayaking accessories.