Hit Backcountry Lakes and Rivers With This Perfect 6-Piece Paddling Kit
Gear up for trips on all types of water.
Don’t limit your backcountry excursions to trails. Let Backpacker give you the water sports skills, destination ideas, and gear reviews you need to turn your next trip into a multi-sport adventure.
Gear up for trips on all types of water.
Whether you’re visiting a mountain town or moving in, it’s only natural to want the natives to accept you. But how far out of your comfort zone are you willing to go to get there?
This is one tough packraft.
Trading your boots for a boat? Heed these hints to makes sure you’re never up a creek without a paddle.
Customizable PFD
Best storage
Canoe paddle
Self-bailing packraft
Leg-powered paddlecraft
Packable SUP
Touring kayak
Inflatable Canoe
Load-bearing Cart
Join the standup paddleboard craze and enjoy an above-water vantage for everything from rising trout to streamside wildlife.
This starter setup costs less than $1,300 and will last for years.
This PFD offers flotation and fit without spendy extras.
It’s exactly what an entry-level paddle should be: simple, light, and affordable.
Keep your maps and permits dry and organized in these clear urethane cases.
Portages are easier with this giant, tough, leakproof dry bag.
A new three-layer material makes the Journey 167 canoe family-tough and budget-friendly.
Paddle through any conditions with this durable canoe from Wenonah.
Stay dry and comfortable with this breathable paddling jacket from Immersion Research.
Combine all the benefits of a dry bag and compression sack and you get the Airpurge Dry Compressions Sacks from Outdoor Research.
Go lightweight with this adjustable kayak paddle from Bending Branches.
Get flexibility for a bargain with this sea kayak from Perception.
Re-think your preconceptions with this comfortable PFD from Kokatat.
This inflatable kayak from Innova combines storage benefits and a hard-shell-like deck.
Grip and draining combine in this hybrid shoe from Sperry Top-Sider.
This sea kayak from Wilderness Systems gives you the comfort and storage space necessary for a multi-day journey.
This budget-friendly boat made from durable thermoformed polyethylene offers a plush ride for everyday paddling.
The low-profile, adjustable PFD features soft, PVC-free foam, which molds around your body for custom-fit-like comfort.
Keep your butt happy on long canoeing trips with this add-on seat.
An inflatable kayak with multiday gear-carrying capacity and legit whitewater stability
A one-person pack raft
A 17-foot boat for paddlers who rank long-haul performance over short-course speed.
Learn how to ride rapids, and you'll open up a new way to explore the outdoors.
Want to test the waters before attempting a Primitive Management Area? Get some experience on these traditional Boundary Waters trips first.
Quite possibly the world's lightest waterproof stuffsacks
Wilderness paddler Mike Stavola sets a record on the Northern Forest Canoe Trail.
Getting ready for whitewater or maybe just a relaxing paddle down a remote river? We've got you covered.
An essential paddling tip for turning in fast water
Get wet, get cold. Or stay warm with this leakproof suit.
Sea kayaking might not be difficult, but follow these tips to make the most of your ocean voyages.