Lately, I've been giving out some awards to my favorite kayaks of the year. Now it's time to turn our attention to the best kayak and canoe gear that make getting out on the water that much more easy, safe, and fun. Getting your adventure kit dialed in is always an exciting project. And once you have what you need, increased confidence and enthusiasm tend to follow suit. So let's get into the best kayak gear for me, in the hopes that you'll find a few things that also work for you! Starting with…
Astral PFD and Webber Sandals
In the past, I have railed on using flip flops as paddling shoes. But a specially designed sandal is a different story. Astral Designs has been making creative and high-quality water shoes for quite a while, and that experience shows with their new line of paddling-specific sandals. Both the PFD Sandal and the Webber have super-sticking soles that work great whether it's wet or dry, and they both are stylish enough to wear around town.
The Webber has an open, breathable, accommodating design, with thick straps that resemble those of an Astral life jacket. Just make sure to get the right size, as the heel isn't adjustable. Thankfully, they fit me true-to-size. I'm a 10 in most footwear, and the Webber 10 fit me perfectly. The PFD Sandal is slightly more supportive and technical. It has a cool inner compression layer that mimics the feel of a water shoe and makes it particularly well-suited for river guides, or anyone on more nuanced paddling trips.
NRS Guide Long Sleeve Shirt
If you've been following along with PaddleTV, then you've seen me getting a ton of miles out of my NRS Guide Long Sleeve Shirt. I love the way it looks, I love the way it feels, and I love how it works in so many settings. When I'm booting around town, the button-up design is appropriate almost anywhere. On kayaking adventures it has all the necessary features to keep me comfortable and protected. It is one of the top kayaking gear items I use the most. This shirt is quick-drying, is made of a stretchy nylon/polyester blend that moves with the body, and it offers UPF 50 protection.
RapidPure Purifier & Water Bottle
I raved about this gadget earlier in the year, but since then I've gotten even more use out of it, and have grown to appreciate it that much more. The irony for us padders is that we often face dehydration (due to exertion and exposure) while completely surrounded by fresh water. The RapidPure Purifier takes care of that problem, and it's way easier to pack than liters of bottled water.
How does the RapidPure purifier work?
This thing is a dream for paddlers, hikers, and travelers alike. Simply scoop up some fresh water (no saltwater) from a river, lake, or tap, screw the cap/purifier onto the bottle, and then suck the drinkable water out. Since this is a purifier, it will take care of protozoa, parasites, sediment, bacteria, and viruses. It's important to note that standard filters may separate the first four things, but they do not protect against viruses. So that's a nice bonus – especially when you're unsure of the source.
According to RapidPure, the replaceable canister can generate 75 gallons (341 liters) of drinking water. The insulated, stainless steel version retails for $100 (USD), but you can cut that in half by opting for the plastic bottle instead. You'll also be able to attach the lid/purifier system to other 2.5-inch lid bottles (such as a Nalgene).
Level Six Algonquin Waterproof Canoe Tripping Pack
If you've done any multi-day canoeing, especially trips that involve occasional slogs over land, then you'll know that a good canoe pack/portage bag is worth its weight in gold. These extra-large carry cases allow you to throw a ton of gear on your back, which frees up your hands for the canoe, and makes it possible to do each portage in a single trip.
The Algonquin Waterproof Canoe Tripping Pack from Level Six is one of the best canoe gear items. It has a capacity of 96L, and the combination of padded shoulder straps/hip belt and vented back support makes it easier to bear such a gargantuan load. The Algonquin's durable nylon exterior protects against abrasion from the rocks and trees, and it includes two removable dry bags, for keeping all your essentials from getting wet en route.
Suspenz Kayak Carts
Another subject I touched on recently was how to manage and mitigate pain associated with kayaking. Kayak carts aren't new products, but they are a new concept for most paddlers. So I wanted to highlight two options from Suspenz, to further encourage people to try out these back and shoulder-sparing devices.
Most hard-shell kayaks are between 10 – 17 feet in length. They typically weigh between 40 – 70 pounds (though sit-on-top fishing kayaks can be upwards of 150 pounds!).
Carrying a kayak can be a strenuous and painful task. Kayak carts are a great way to eliminate this chore, and are certainly worth the $150 – $210 (USD) investment. But since there's no one-size-fits-all model, you'll have to make an informed purchase based on the kayak(s) you own.
Two options I recommend are the Suspenz Deluxe Airless Kayak Cart, and the Suspenz All-Terrain SD Airless Kayak and Canoe Cart. Both are deemed “airless” because the wheels are hard — no flat tires to worry about here. They are also super simple to set up/secure, and they both have padding to keep your kayak protected from the metal frame.
The All-Terrain is a heavier duty option, with not only higher clearance, but a higher weight capacity (300 pounds) and the ability to adjust to a variety of shapes and sizes. The Deluxe has a carrying-capacity of 150 pounds, which is still plenty for most standard kayaks.
Those are the top paddling accessories that I've had the chance to put through the paces this year. I hope some of those struck a chord with you and can fill a gap in your current arsenal. For more gear reviews, paddling tips, and waterbound adventures, subscribe to in4Adventure!
