Rugged, reliable, and 360° visible from a mile away. Boasts 100 hours of battery life on 3 AA batteries. A good deal to buy.
Multi-functional powerhouse with adjustable brightness, 100-hour battery life, and doubles as a fishing rod holder.
Do you love kayaking but hate cutting your adventures short when the sun goes down?
Don’t let darkness dictate your fun! Kayak lights transform nighttime paddles into magical experiences, illuminating the water with vibrant colors and ensuring you’re visible to others.
Choosing the right lights can be tricky, so I’ve tested countless options to bring you this definitive guide.
Let’s find the perfect lights to brighten your next kayaking escapade!
What are the Best Kayak Lights in 2024?
Ready to find the perfect kayak lights to keep you safe and enhance your nighttime paddles? Look no further! I’ve meticulously researched and tested numerous options to compile this list of the seven best kayak lights available in 2024. Let’s illuminate your options!
1. Kayalu Kayalite
Remember those old-school antennas your grandparents used? The Kayalu Kayalite looks like that, but way cooler and way more functional. This light is like the Swiss Army knife of kayak lights – it’s super versatile and can be mounted pretty much anywhere on your kayak.
Our Take
The Kayalu Kayalite is an excellent all-around kayak light. It's rugged, reliable, and offers incredible visibility. The price is a bit steep, but it's worth the investment for its durability and versatility.
Key Benefits
- Brightness: Dual LED with 360° visibility, easily seen from a mile away.
- Battery Life: Up to 100 hours on 3 AA batteries (included).
- Durability: Virtually indestructible, waterproof to 1000 feet! It's like this thing could survive a zombie apocalypse.
- Mounting Options: Suction cup, deck rigging, or even your PFD lash tab – the options are endless.
Pricing
- Price: Starting at $59.95
Pros
Cons
2. Guardian Angel
This little guy is like the firefly of kayak lights. It's tiny but mighty, packing a surprisingly bright strobe that's perfect for signaling or just adding a bit of fun to your paddle.
Our Take
The Nite Ize See 'Em Mini LED Strobe Light is a great budget-friendly option for basic visibility. It's bright, easy to use, and won't break the bank.
Key Benefits
- Brightness: Super bright LED strobe visible up to a mile away.
- Battery Life: Up to 100 hours on two lithium batteries (included).
- Durability: Waterproof and impact resistant – it's built to last.
- Mounting Options: Clip or loop attachment, perfect for attaching to your PFD or kayak deck.
Pricing
- Price: Starting at $189.99
Pros
Cons
3. YakAttack VISIPole II
This is the lightsaber of kayak lights. It's not just a light; it's a multi-purpose tool that can be used for visibility, signaling, and even as a fishing rod holder.
Our Take
The YakAttack VISIPole II is a fantastic option for serious anglers and kayakers who want a multi-purpose tool. It's a bit pricey, but the added functionality and durability make it worth the investment.
Key Benefits
- Brightness: Powerful LED light with 360° visibility and adjustable brightness levels.
- Battery Life: Up to 100 hours on 3 AA batteries (not included).
- Durability: Made from durable materials, waterproof and shock-resistant.
- Mounting Options: GearTrac compatible or can be mounted to any flat surface.
- Additional Features: Includes a built-in fishing rod holder and a red/green navigation light option.
Pricing
- Price: Starting at $74.95
Pros
Cons
4. Attwood
This is the "by the book" kayak light kit. It's designed to meet US Coast Guard regulations for nighttime navigation, so you can be confident you're visible to other boaters.
Our Take
The Attwood Navigation Light Kit is a solid choice for kayakers who prioritize safety and want to ensure they're visible to other boaters. It's not the most exciting option, but it gets the job done.
Key Benefits
- Brightness: Meets USCG regulations for visibility
- Battery Life: Up to 50 hours on 3 AA batteries (not included).
- Durability: Waterproof and corrosion-resistant.
- Mounting Options: Mounts to the bow and stern of your kayak.
- Color Options: Includes red and green navigation lights, as well as a white stern light.
Pricing
- Price: Starting at $46.99
Pros
Cons
5. RAILBLAZA
This light is like bringing a mini-campfire on your kayak. It's a powerful area light that's perfect for illuminating your campsite or just providing some extra light for your nighttime paddle.
Our Take
The Pelican 9430 RALS Area Light is a great option for kayakers who want a powerful and versatile light source. It's not the most affordable option, but it's incredibly bright and can be used for a variety of purposes.
Key Benefits
- Brightness: Extremely bright LED light with adjustable brightness levels.
- Battery Life: Up to 15 hours on rechargeable lithium-ion battery.
- Durability: Waterproof and impact-resistant.
- Mounting Options: Multiple mounting options, including a tripod and magnetic base.
Pricing
- Price: Starting at $175.07
Pros
Cons
6. GOODSMANN
This little cube is like a disco ball for your kayak. It's a powerful strobe light that's perfect for signaling or adding some flair to your nighttime paddle.
Our Take
The Lume Cube Strobe is a fun and functional option for kayakers who want to add some visibility and excitement to their nighttime paddles. It's not the most practical option, but it's sure to turn heads.
Key Benefits
- Brightness: Extremely bright LED strobe with 360° visibility.
- Battery Life: Up to 5 hours on rechargeable lithium-ion battery.
- Durability: Waterproof and impact-resistant.
- Mounting Options: Multiple mounting options, including a magnetic base and adhesive mount.
Pricing
- Price: Starting at $16.99
Pros
Cons
7. Onyx
These lights are like having a spotlight on your fishing adventure. They're designed specifically for kayak anglers, with features like adjustable beam angles and multiple color options to attract fish.
Our Take
The Onyx Kayak Fishing Lights are a great investment for serious kayak anglers who want to up their game. They're not the cheapest option, but they offer features that are specifically designed to help you catch more fish.
Key Benefits
- Brightness: Powerful LED lights with adjustable beam angles.
- Battery Life: Up to 10 hours on rechargeable lithium-ion battery.
- Durability: Waterproof and corrosion-resistant.
- Mounting Options: Mounts to the side of your kayak.
- Color Options: Includes green, white, and blue light options to attract different types of fish.
Pricing
- Price: Starting at $25
Pros
Cons
What to Look for When Buying Kayak Light?
- Brightness: Ensure the light is bright enough to be seen from a distance, especially in low-light conditions.
- Battery Life: Opt for lights with long-lasting batteries to avoid running out of power mid-adventure.
- Durability: Choose waterproof and shock-resistant lights that can withstand the elements.
- Mounting Options: Consider how you'll attach the light to your kayak. Some lights have flexible mounting options, while others are designed for specific locations.
- Color Options: Some lights offer different color modes for signaling or adding fun to your paddle.
- Visibility: 360° visibility is important. Consider lights that offer both front and rear visibility, or invest in multiple lights.
- Regulations: Be aware of any local regulations regarding kayak lights, especially if paddling in shared waterways.
How Can Lights Benefit You?
Gone are the days of bulky, inefficient lights. Kayak lights have completely revolutionized LED lighting, offering compact, lightweight options that are perfect for nighttime paddling.
With a kayak light, you can extend your adventures beyond sunset, navigate safely in low-light conditions, and even attract fish if you're into kayak fishing.
Plus, some lights, like those from Yak Power, offer multiple functions, like charging your electronics, making them an even more valuable addition to your gear.
But it's not just about practicality; some lights double as a party favor, illuminating the water with vibrant colors for a truly unique paddling experience!
Buyer's Guide
When doing our research to find the best kayak light, we determined using these factors:
Pricing: How much did each product cost, and did it offer value for the price?
Features: What were the best features of each product, including brightness, battery life, durability, mounting options, and additional features like color options, light strips, or night vision capabilities?
Negatives: What was missing from each product? Were there any significant drawbacks or limitations?
Support or Refund: Does the manufacturer offer a community, customer support, or a refund policy?
Wrapping Up
There you have it! With the right kayak lights, your nighttime paddling adventures can be just as exciting and safe as daytime excursions.
From the versatile Kayalu Kayalite to the angler-focused Onyx Kayak Fishing Lights, there's a perfect light for every kayaker.
Consider factors like brightness, battery life, durability, and mounting options, and remember to factor in features like color options and light strips for added fun and visibility.
And who better to guide you than someone who's spent countless hours researching and testing kayak lights? I've personally paddled through the darkness with these lights, and I'm confident that my recommendations will help you find the perfect illumination for your next adventure.
Remember, kayak lights have completely revolutionized with advancements like LED lighting, light weight, plug-and-play options, and even patent-pending technologies for enhanced functionality.
So, don't let the setting sun hold you back – gear up and light up the night!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the law require kayak lights?
While not always mandatory, kayak lights are strongly recommended for nighttime paddling. In some areas, they might be required by law, especially in shared waterways. Please check local regulations to make sure they comply.
What type of kayak light is best for me?
The best kayak light for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. Consider factors like brightness, battery life, mounting options, and additional features like color options or light strips.
Can I use a regular flashlight as a kayak light?
While a flashlight can provide some visibility, it's not the ideal solution. Kayak lights are designed for marine use and offer features like waterproofing durability, as well as specific mounting options.
How do I mount a kayak light?
Most kayak lights come with various mounting options, such as suction cups, adhesive mounts, or clips. Some lights are designed for specific kayak features like gear tracks or deck lines. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for proper installation.
Do I need multiple kayak lights?
For optimal visibility, it's recommended to have both a front and rear light. A white light on the front helps you see where you're going, while a red or amber light on the back makes you visible to others approaching from behind. Some lights offer 360-degree visibility, eliminating the need for multiple lights.
