A neoprene canopy has a stretchier material that is shaped over the kayak and therefore sits tighter around the cockpit. The neoprene canopy is waterproof and is made to withstand slightly tougher conditions such as rougher sea environments/waves or rapids. Many people find that neoprene caps sit comfortably around the body and therefore use them even in calmer weather. If you are going to roll/make Eskimo turns, a neoprene hood is preferable as it does not come off the cockpit so easily. If you are a top paddler who capsizes with the kayak, you need to pull off the neoprene canopy using the small loop at the front.

A transport canopy is a full-covering canopy that is attached over the cockpit to protect against the elements during storage and transport. By covering the kayak with a transport canopy, air resistance and thus fuel consumption is reduced, which is a great advantage if you have to drive long distances with a car or trailer. On longer paddle trips, many prefer to bring their canopy to cover the cockpit during the night to keep out rain or debris. For winter storage both outdoors and indoors, a transport canopy/storage canopy is preferred to avoid getting dirt and small animals into the kayak.