Getting your kayak from your vehicle to the water should be the easiest part of your adventure. The right kayak cart makes transporting your gear across sand, gravel, and forest paths a breeze, saving your back and your time. This roundup features nine of the best all-terrain kayak carts, each designed to handle different loads and landscapes. Whether you need massive sand wheels or a compact, puncture-proof design, there’s an option here to make your launch smooth and simple.
Our Top Picks for All-Terrain Kayak Carts
- Suspenz Kayak Canoe Transport Trailer with Airless Wheels
- ABN Universal Kayak Carrier Trolley with Knobby Tires
- Bonnlo Kayak Cart with 12″ Big Beach Wheels
- Seattle Sports Paddleboy ATC All-Terrain Center Dolly
- Bonnlo Universal Kayak Carrier with Solid Tires
- Sea to Summit Solution Kayak and Canoe Cart, Medium
- Malone Foldaway-J Kayak Carrier
- RAILBLAZA Genuine C-Tug Kayak Cart Dolly
- Wheeleez Kayak and Canoe Beach Cart with Balloon Tires
Suspenz Kayak Canoe Transport Trailer with Airless Wheels
The Suspenz DLX cart is built around a unique mid-V platform design that provides exceptional stability. This 3-inch deep cradle prevents your kayak or canoe from rocking and shifting during transport, a common issue with flatter carts. This secure hold means you can navigate uneven ground with more confidence and less need for constant adjustment.
Assembly and use are straightforward with a no-tool, unfold-and-go design featuring quick-release wheels. A dual-leg kickstand provides crucial assistance during the loading process, holding the cart steady while you position your boat. With airless tires and a 150-pound capacity, it’s a reliable, low-maintenance choice for a variety of hard surfaces.
ABN Universal Kayak Carrier Trolley
Built for versatility, the ABN Universal Carrier can handle kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and even small jon boats. Its high-strength anodized steel frame offers a robust 200-pound weight limit while keeping the cart’s own weight manageable at around 8 pounds. This balance of strength and portability makes it a practical companion for many types of watercraft.
The 9.5-inch knobby, inflatable tires are key to its all-terrain performance. They provide the cushion and traction needed to roll smoothly over challenging surfaces like soft sand, loose gravel, and wooded trails. The tires are easy to inflate, and the simple design ensures you spend less time setting up and more time on the water.
Bonnlo Kayak Cart with 12″ Big Beach Wheels
If your primary challenge is soft beach sand, this Bonnlo cart is engineered for the task. Its standout feature is the pair of 12-inch low-pressure balloon wheels, which distribute weight over a larger surface area to prevent sinking. This design significantly reduces the effort required to pull your kayak across the beach.
Supporting those large wheels is a sturdy aluminum alloy frame rated for up to 300 pounds, making it suitable for heavier kayaks and canoes. The cart is built to tackle not just sand, but also gravel and rough paths quietly and efficiently. It comes with a pump and ratchet straps, providing a complete package ready for your next coastal adventure.
Seattle Sports Paddleboy ATC All-Terrain Center Dolly
The Paddleboy ATC is a heavy-duty, versatile carrier designed for a wide range of crafts, from kayaks and canoes to paddle boards and small sailboats like Lasers. Its powder-coated steel frame provides durability, while the solid urethane tires are flat-free and designed to reduce vibration, offering a smooth roll over many surfaces.
This cart features a helpful spring-loaded kickstand for stable loading. When your trip is over, the frame breaks down into a low-profile configuration, making it easy to store in a vehicle or garage without taking up excessive space. It’s a solid, no-nonsense option for paddlers who need a reliable and sturdy transporter.
Bonnlo Universal Kayak Carrier with Solid Tires
For those who prefer to avoid inflatable tires, this Bonnlo carrier features large, 10-inch diameter solid polyurethane wheels. These airless wheels will never go flat, are odor-free, and require zero maintenance, providing consistent performance across lawns, sand, and rough terrain.
The cart uses a sturdy anodized stainless steel and aluminum construction with a 200-pound capacity. It is designed for easy assembly and can be folded down compactly for transport in your car. The wheels can also be removed, allowing you to potentially store the entire unit in your kayak’s hatch for ultimate convenience.
Sea to Summit Solution Kayak and Canoe Cart
The Sea to Summit Solution Cart emphasizes lightweight and compact portability without sacrificing strength. Its frame is constructed from strong anodized aluminum alloy tubing and stainless steel hardware, supporting loads up to 154 pounds while remaining easy to carry.
It uses solid wheels with thermoplastic rubber treads that are puncture-proof and roll easily. The true advantage is its storage design: the wheels quickly remove and the frame folds down into a very small package. This makes it an excellent choice for paddlers with limited storage space or those who want to keep the cart stored on board during their trip.
Malone Foldaway-J Kayak Carrier
The Malone Foldaway-J focuses on simple, effective design and corrosion resistance. Its frames are built to fold down and are treated to withstand exposure to water and salt, promoting long-term durability. The universal fit mounting hardware allows it to accommodate a wide variety of kayak hull shapes.
A key user-friendly feature is the lever-actuated quick-release hubs. This mechanism allows you to attach and remove the wheels from the axle swiftly and without tools, simplifying both setup and the process of compacting the cart for storage or transport.
RAILBLAZA Genuine C-Tug Kayak Cart Dolly
The RAILBLAZA C-Tug is renowned for its unique, durable construction using reinforced composite materials that are both strong and rust-proof. It features thermo-bonded elastomeric hull pads that gently grip your kayak without slipping, and stainless steel reinforced axles for added strength.
Its puncture-free wheels with high-grip rubber tread eliminate the worry of flats, and the cart includes an adjustable kickstand. With an impressive 260-pound load capacity, the modular C-Tug is designed to handle all terrains and can be configured with different wheel types (like sand tires) for specific conditions.
Wheeleez Kayak and Canoe Beach Cart with Balloon Tires
Wheeleez is often considered the gold standard for beach carts, thanks to its patented, wide balloon tires. These large, low-pressure tires offer an unparalleled floatation effect on soft sand, making it feel like you’re gliding your kayak to the water’s edge with minimal effort.
Built for the toughest conditions, these carts are known for their exceptional durability and high weight capacity. While they represent a premium investment, their performance in sandy environments is unmatched. They are the top choice for kayakers and anglers who frequently launch from ocean beaches or other deep sand areas.
What to Look For in the Best Kayak Carts for All Terrain
Let’s be honest, hauling your kayak from the parking lot to the water’s edge is the least fun part of the whole trip. A good kayak cart changes everything, turning a sweaty, awkward slog into a simple walk. But not all carts are built for the rough stuff. If you’re tackling rocky beaches, root-filled trails, or soft sand, you need a cart designed for the job. I’ve learned that picking the right one comes down to a few key things.
First up, wheel type is the biggest factor for all-terrain performance. You’ll see two main styles: solid polyurethane and pneumatic (air-filled). Solid wheels are virtually puncture-proof and low-maintenance, great for paved surfaces, gravel, and hard-packed dirt. For truly soft ground like deep sand or mud, however, pneumatic wheels are the winner. They’re like mountain bike tires for your kayak; the larger volume and air cushion roll over obstacles much easier and won’t sink in as quickly. Look for wide, knobby treads. Some of the best kayak carts for all terrain even let you swap between wheel types.
Next, consider the frame and build quality. Aluminum frames are light and resist rust, which is a huge plus for saltwater users. Steel frames are often more heavy-duty and can handle more weight, but they’re heavier and can corrode if not cared for. Check the weight capacity – always choose a cart rated for more than your kayak’s total weight (including your gear). The cart’s design matters too. A two-piece “spreader bar” style that cradles the hull is common and works well. For more security, especially on uneven ground, a “sling” or strap-style system can conform better to your kayak’s shape and hold it more snugly.
Finally, think about portability and setup. How does it store on your kayak? Many break down and can be strapped to a deck or fit in a hatch. Quick-release mechanisms for the wheels are a fantastic feature, letting you assemble and disassemble the cart in seconds without tools. Adjustability is also key; a cart that can accommodate different hull widths and shapes will be more versatile if you own more than one boat or upgrade later. Getting these details right means you spend less time fiddling with gear and more time on the water.
FAQ
Can I use any kayak cart on sand?
Not all carts perform well on sand. Solid, narrow wheels will dig right in, making pulling a chore. For sandy conditions, you specifically want a cart with large, pneumatic (air-filled) tires. The bigger and wider the tire, the better it will float on top of the soft surface. It’s the single most important upgrade for beach launches.
How do I secure my kayak to the cart properly?
It’s all about balance and tight straps. Center the kayak on the cart so the weight is evenly distributed. Use the provided straps or cam straps to loop securely around the kayak and through the cart frame, tightening it down so the boat can’t shift or rotate. I always give the kayak a gentle rock test before I start pulling to make sure it’s locked in place.
Are two-wheel carts better than single-wheel carts?
For stability and ease of use, two-wheel carts are the standard for a reason. They balance the load and are much easier to pull, especially for longer distances. Single-wheel (or “beach wheel”) designs can be useful for very narrow, technical trails but require more effort to balance the kayak. For general all-terrain use, two wheels is the way to go.
What maintenance does a kayak cart need?
Maintenance is pretty minimal. For pneumatic tires, check the air pressure before big trips. Rinse the cart with fresh water after use in saltwater or mud, especially if it has steel components. Periodically check all bolts and connections for tightness, and lubricate any quick-release mechanisms if they start to feel stiff. A little care makes these tools last for years.
Can these carts handle a heavy fishing kayak?
Yes, but you must check the cart’s weight rating. Heavy-duty fishing kayaks often need a cart rated for at least 150 pounds or more. Look for models with a reinforced steel or thick aluminum frame, wider wheels for better weight distribution, and a strap system that can handle a wider, heavier hull. Don’t risk overloading a cart meant for a lighter recreational kayak.