Canoe and Kayak Gear Roundup: 11 Awesome Items You Need to Paddle This Year
With spring upon us, sunny days becoming more frequent and the days getting longer, you may be itching to get outdoors. Personally, I can’t wait to go kayaking and canoeing in the Okanagan with my dad. If you’re also hoping to get out on the water soon, it may be time to get prepared by gearing up. Here are some incredible pieces of gear to help keep you comfortable, active and safe while kayaking and canoeing this season.
MIT 100 Inflatable PFD
Courtesy of Mustang Survival
With a comfortable design that rests on around the shoulders and upper back with large arm cutouts, this PFD won’t get in your way when you’re on the water. When inflated, the MIT 100 Inflatable PFD provides 28 lbs of buoyancy for adventurers participating in calm water coastal and inshore activities. The waist belt is adjustable and it’s easy to pull the manual inflation handle whenever you need it.
Minimalist Inflatable Belt Pac
Courtesy of Mustang Survival
This Minimalist Inflatable Belt Pack takes up little space on your body and gives you ample room to paddle on your stand up paddleboard. Wear it around your waist during inshore activities and pull the manual inflation cord to inflate it before looping the top strap behind your neck. With 18.9 lbs of buoyancy when inflated, this is a great way to give skilled and strong swimmers an extra layer of protection without wearing a bulky PFD in safe and shallow waters.
Sea Sprite Spray Skirt
https://www.sealsskirts.com/
The Sea Sprite Spray Skirt is a great piece of gear designed to help you stay dry and warm while kayaking. With a high performance 4mm neoprene deck, 3-ply waterproof yet breathable fabric tunnel and adjustable neoprene chestband, this hybrid Neo-nylon spray skirt is made for performance and comfort in choppy waters. The seams are double-stitched and sealed and there’s even a safety whistle attached to the grabloop.
XCEL Canada Wet Suits
Courtesy of XCEL Canada
The Men’s Axis 5/4MM Back Zip Fullsuit and Women’s Axis 4/3MM Back Zip Fullsuit are the perfect wetsuits for water sports. Designed with comfort and warmth in mind, these wetsuits by XCEL Canada have a specially engineered fit-system to fit like a second skin. The back zipper is watertight and seams are triple glued and blind stitched. With 100 per cent performance stretch capabilities, these wetsuits will keep you warm and comfortable on choppy cold water.
Women’s: Shop here
Men’s: Shop here
Silva Dry Bags
Courtesy of Rock Gear Distribution
The Silva 70D Dry Bag is perfect for keeping your belongings dry and safe, even when running rapids. You can’t go wrong with the durable yet lightweight material of 70D Nylon. These dry bags come in three different materials and five sizes including 3, 6, 12, 24 and 36 litres. With so many options, there’s a bag to suit every adventure!
Silva Map Case/Phone Case
Courtesy of Rock Gear Distribution
The Silva Map Case is the best accessory for bringing technology and other valuables out on the water. Not only will this case keep your phone, camera or tablet dry, but it’s also touch-screen compatible too. You can even use the transparent side for taking photos without taking your electronics out of the protective case.
Adventure Ultralight Medical Kit
Courtesy of MEC
It’s always a good idea to be prepared for anything when kayaking, canoeing or adventuring. This lightweight medical kit is housed in an outer bag made of 1.3oz silicone coated ripstop nylon plus an Aloksak® inner bag for extra water and weather protection. Filled with a variety of wipes, dressings, gauzes, medical tape and bandages, this medical kit carries what you need to stay safe on your adventures.
North Water 4-Bailer & Throw Bag
Courtesy of MEC
The North Water 4-Bailer is really a multi-use tool for your canoe and kayak adventures. It works as a water bailer to help scoop water out of your boat. It also includes 15 metres of 6mm high-quality floating line to function as a throw bag. If someone falls overboard and needs assistance, you can toss them the bag and pull them towards you using the line. It also includes a waterproof whistle to use as a signalling device in emergencies. Plus, there are high visibility reflective strips for added nighttime safety. The bailer, throw bag and whistle are all required by Transport Canada for a human-powered water vessel so it’s smart to have them all together in one convenient pouch.
Whisper Kayak Paddle
https://bendingbranches.com/
The Whisper Kayak Paddle by Bending Branches is a great entry-level paddle for kayakers. The shaft is made of durable aluminum complete with comfortable black grips. It’s also adjustable to different angles, comes in multiple sizes and has a one-year guarantee. The paddles are made to order, so when you place your order, Bending Branches will begin to build your paddle just for you, meaning it won’t be sitting around in a warehouse collecting dust before it gets to you.
Redtail Beavertail Poplar Canoe Paddle
https://www.mec.ca
This classic beavertail paddle is constructed of beautiful single-piece poplar. Perfect for beginners, it is strong, durable, lightweight and affordable. This paddle features a traditional blade, a straight shaft and a standard grip. It is ideal for recreational canoeing and overnight canoe trips. With five sizes to choose from, this is a paddle that’s great for a diversity of heights. Get one each for a family canoe trip or take it out solo on your next expedition.
Gear Aid Aquaseal FD Repair Adhesive
https://www.gearaid.com/
It’s important to be prepared when you go adventuring. If any of your gear rips or tears, you can use the Gear Aid Aquaseal FD Repair Adhesive to mend things up. It’s a waterproof, transparent adhesive made of urethane that, once cured, transforms into a malleable rubber glue perfect for fixing all kinds of adventure gear. Great for mending rips, tears, holes and even offering added abrasion resistance, this adhesive will help make the gear you invest in last.
