Hit Backcountry Lakes and Rivers With This Perfect 6-Piece Paddling Kit
Gear up for trips on all types of water.
Author
Eugene Buchanan
My Stories
The 11 Best Wild and Scenic River Trips in America
Some of the best wilderness in the country has no trail at all. Grab a paddle and get ready for the ultimate summer on the water with these 11 trips down National Wild and Scenic Rivers.
How to Canoe Camp
Trading your boots for a boat? Heed these hints to makes sure you’re never up a creek without a paddle.
Kokatat Poseidon
Customizable PFD
Seal Line Bulkhead Compression Drybag
Best storage
Bending Branches Expedition Plus
Canoe paddle
AIRE BAKraft Hybrid
Self-bailing packraft
Old Town Predator PDL
Leg-powered paddlecraft
Red Paddle Co Explorer
Packable SUP
Dagger Stratos 14.5L
Touring kayak
Sea Eagle TC16 Travel Canoe
Inflatable Canoe
Harmony Stowaway Beach Cart
Load-bearing Cart
SUP the Backcountry
Join the standup paddleboard craze and enjoy an above-water vantage for everything from rising trout to streamside wildlife.
Hit the Water: Paddling Essentials for 2015
In a kayak, you’ll see new terrain and score remote beach camps while your boat does all the heavy lifting. Here’s everything you need to build a high-performance package for less than $1,500.
Kayak Safety Gear
When it comes to kayak safety, here are 4 items that could save your butt on the water.
The Best Beginner Canoeing Gear of 2015
This starter setup costs less than $1,300 and will last for years.
Harmony Genesis PFD
This PFD offers flotation and fit without spendy extras.
Bending Branches Loon 54 Paddle
It’s exactly what an entry-level paddle should be: simple, light, and affordable.
SealLine HP Waterproof Map Case
Keep your maps and permits dry and organized in these clear urethane cases.
SealLine Boundary Portage Pack
Portages are easier with this giant, tough, leakproof dry bag.
Mad River Journey 167 Canoe
A new three-layer material makes the Journey 167 canoe family-tough and budget-friendly.
Gear Gude 2013: Paddling
Float away with the best boats and watersport accessories.
Gear Review: Wenonah Royalex Spirit II Canoe
Paddle through any conditions with this durable canoe from Wenonah.
Gear Review: Immersion Research Long Sleeve Zephyr Paddling Jacket
Stay dry and comfortable with this breathable paddling jacket from Immersion Research.
Gear Review: Outdoor Research Airpurge Dry Compression Sacks
Combine all the benefits of a dry bag and compression sack and you get the Airpurge Dry Compressions Sacks from Outdoor Research.
Gear Review: Bending Branches Sunrise Glass Kayak Paddle
Go lightweight with this adjustable kayak paddle from Bending Branches.
Gear Review: Perception Expression 11.5 Sea Kayak
Get flexibility for a bargain with this sea kayak from Perception.
Gear Review: Kokatat Maximus PFD
Re-think your preconceptions with this comfortable PFD from Kokatat.
Gear Review: Innova Swing II Inflatable Kayak
This inflatable kayak from Innova combines storage benefits and a hard-shell-like deck.
Gear Review: Sperry Top-Sider SON-R Sounder Shandal
Grip and draining combine in this hybrid shoe from Sperry Top-Sider.
Gear Review: Wilderness Systems Zephyr 160 Sea Kayak
This sea kayak from Wilderness Systems gives you the comfort and storage space necessary for a multi-day journey.
Life List: The Source of the Amazon
Trek to the Peruvian high spot where the planet's most powerful river is born.
Gear Guide 2012: Waterproof iPhone Case
Protect your valuables on your next paddling trip with this iPhone case.
Gear Guide 2012: Paddling Equipment
Top picks and values for backcountry lake and rivers
Gear Guide 2012: Old Town Saranac 160 XT Canoe
This budget-friendly boat made from durable thermoformed polyethylene offers a plush ride for everyday paddling.
Gear Guide 2012: Kokatat Aries Life Vest
The low-profile, adjustable PFD features soft, PVC-free foam, which molds around your body for custom-fit-like comfort.
Gear Guide 2012: Wenonah Super Seat Canoe Chair
Keep your butt happy on long canoeing trips with this add-on seat.
Gear Guide 2012: NRS HydroLock Dry Bag
A giant roll-top and zip-top dry bag in one
Gear Guide 2012: Necky Looksha 17 Polymer Sea Kayak
A versatile 17x4 cruiser with plenty of storage space.
Gear Guide 2012: Waterproof iPad & iPhone Cases
Protect your valuables on your next paddling trip with these iPhone and iPad cases.
Gear Guide 2012: AIRE Outfitter II Inflatable Kayak
An inflatable kayak with multiday gear-carrying capacity and legit whitewater stability
Gear Guide 2012: Alpacka Denali Llama
A one-person pack raft
Gear Guide 2012: Nova Craft Prospector 17 Expedition Canoe
A 17-foot boat for paddlers who rank long-haul performance over short-course speed.