Hit Backcountry Lakes and Rivers With This Perfect 6-Piece Paddling Kit
Gear up for trips on all types of water.
Water Sports
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.
Start Packrafting Now With This Best-in-Class Gear
Not satisfied with stopping at the river’s edge? Unlock new wilderness with this lightweight waterfaring setup.
Latest in Water Sports
Pass/Fail: Become a Local
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?
Kokopelli Rogue-Lite
This is one tough packraft.
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.
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 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.
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: 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.
The Manual: Learn How To Paddle Whitewater
Learn how to ride rapids, and you'll open up a new way to explore the outdoors.
Great Easy-to-Difficult Boundary Waters Paddling Trips
Want to test the waters before attempting a Primitive Management Area? Get some experience on these traditional Boundary Waters trips first.
Gear Review: Granite Gear Uberlight CTF3 Drysacks (Ultralight)
Quite possibly the world's lightest waterproof stuffsacks
Setting the Speed Hiking Record on the Northern Forest Canoe Trail
Wilderness paddler Mike Stavola sets a record on the Northern Forest Canoe Trail.
Canoeing and Paddling Gear Checklist
Getting ready for whitewater or maybe just a relaxing paddle down a remote river? We've got you covered.
How to Ferry A Canoe
An essential paddling tip for turning in fast water
Apparel Review: Kokotat Swift-Entry Dry Suit
Get wet, get cold. Or stay warm with this leakproof suit.
Sea Kayaking: Putting Paddle To Water
Sea kayaking might not be difficult, but follow these tips to make the most of your ocean voyages.