Products You May Like
Recently fact-checked by our unbiased team of paddlers, we can confirm that there is no such thing as “too much gear.” Luckily for you, not every gear purchase needs to start in the triple digits. Often times, the difference between a good day and great day out on the water can be as simple as bringing good snacks, warm gloves and a big ol’ flask of tea. So, whether you are shopping for the paddler in your life, or just stuffing your own stocking (no judgement), these gifts will get the job done.
[This article is part of our Holiday Gift Guide series. For more great gift ideas, see 11 Gift Ideas For Cold Weather Paddlers.]
Mack’s
Ear Seals Dual Purpose Earplugs
(3-Pack)
$12.90 | macksearplugs.com
Wearing earplugs can help prevent paddlers from developing swimmer’s ear and surfer’s ear, making them the perfect accessory piece for those chilly, late-season days on the water. These one-size-fits-all earplugs feature soft-seal rings for comfort and a stiff inner core for easy insertion.
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For more on the perils of surfer’s ear see Ear Bone Spurs: The Cold Water Kayaker’s Nightmare.
Everly Energy
Natural Energy Drink Mix Powder
$12.99 | drinkeverly.com
These energizing, powdered drink mix pouches are made with organic caffeine, six B vitamins and are sweetened naturally with stevia leaf. They are the perfect addition to any paddler’s day sack, and serve as a great pick-me-up snack for long trips.
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Prefer your energy to come from a coffee bean? Watch our video on How To Make Cowboy Coffee That Actually Tastes Good.
Oumers
Neoprene 3MM Wetsuit Sock
$13.99
Neoprene socks: a staple piece of gear for any kayaker. Their purpose extends beyond just keeping the appendages warm; adding a layer of neoprene under a drysuit or drypant is a great way to preserve the life of the technical garment too. In this rare instance, socks are a welcomed gift–and this pair fits the bill nicely.
Harmony
Smiley’s Nose Plugs
$11.99
Nose plugs are the perfect gift for beginner kayakers looking to spend more time upside down while they work on their eskimo roll. Looking a little dorky is a fair trade off for keeping the sinuses clear of water. Harmony’s Nose Plugs are easy to use and can be attached directly to kayak helmets.
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Stanley
Adventure Camp Cook Set
SALE $10.10 $25.99 | stanley1913.com
A late season day on the water would not be complete without a hot brew. Whether it’s coffee, tea, or soup, this camp cook set will keep fingers toasty, bellies fed and spirits high.
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VIEW ALL KITCHEN & COOKING ACCESSORIES
For a fine dining experience right at the your campsite, see our roundup of the 9 Camp Kitchen Essentials Every Paddler Needs.
Good To-Go
Bibimbap Dehydrated Camping Meal
$14.25 | goodto-go.com
Dehydrated meals are a great gift for any paddler planning a multi-day trip. These meals are lightweight, take up little space and, best of all, they can still be delicious (just pick your flavours wisely).
Uceder
Waterproof Oxford Cloth Kayak Cockpit Cover
$13.99
Designed specifically for ocean kayaks, this double-stitched cockpit cover has an adjustable design to fit any kayak perfectly. It will protect the cockpit from dirt, dust, rain, hail, bird droppings and more. A cockpit cover is a great piece of kit for any kayaker who is on the road often and travels with their kayak on the roof of their vehicle.
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VIEW ALL COCKPIT COVERS
Learn more about the best ways to store your boat with 7 Simple, Space-Saving Ways To Store Your Kayak.
Sea to Summit
Lightweight All-Purpose Dry Sack
$24.95 | seatosummitusa.com
Whether we’re talking day trips or overnight excursions, keeping certain items dry is paramount to a successful paddling trip. Nobody likes a soggy sandwich, or worse, a broken electrical device. These compression sacks are a great customizable gift for paddlers, as they come in a variety of colors and sizes.
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VIEW ALL DRY BAGS & DUFFELS
Get more great gift ideas with the 9 Non-Essentials You Must Bring On Your Next Canoe Trip.
Zyyini
Neoprene Kayak Paddle Mitts
$22.59
Haven’t heard of pogies? These odd looking mitts serve a very specific purpose: they keep the hands warm without sacrificing finger dexterity or grip. If you have a paddler in your life who notoriously suffers from cold hands, stuff these pogies in their stocking.
Syncwire
Waterproof Phone Case
$11.99 | syncwire.com
With waterproof protection up to 30 feet, these pouches are great for phones, keys and other valuables. Though many newer phones may already be deemed waterproof, these convenient pouches add an extra layer of protection. Plus, the pouch can be secured inside a PFD pocket, rather than floating loose.
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VIEW ALL WATERPROOF POUCHES & CASES
Find more options to keep your paddling gear safe and dry with the Best Waterproof Bags and Cases.
GSI Outdoors
Microlite 350 Flip Insulated Bottle
$24.95 | gsioutdoors.com
This super lightweight, vacuum-insulated bottle provides 8 hours of heat and 16 hours of cold retention and is 1/3rd lighter than traditional designs. It features a push-button, flip top cap that locks closed for transport and locks open for easy drinking. A necessary compact companion for any kayaker or canoeist.
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VIEW ALL WATER FILTERS & CONTAINERS
Go beyond the bottle on your backcountry trips and secure a safe drinking water supply with 4 Ways Of Treating Water In The Backcountry To Make It Safe To Drink.
Teva
Women’s Mush II
Flip-Flop
Starting at $24.99 | teva.com
It’s in the name. The “mush” comfort top sole is pretty darn comfortable and is a great lazy day shoe for on and off the water. Perfect for your water-loving friend who gravitates towards lakes, rivers and beaches whether they are boating or not!
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For more footwear choices on your next paddling trip, see our roundup of the Best Paddling Footwear and the Ultimate Guide To Choosing The Best Shoes For Canoeing.
Paddling Magazine Subscription
$19.00 | paddlingmag.com
Give the paddling enthusiasts in your life a gift that they can enjoy even in the off-season. Paddling Magazine is filled with inspiring adventure stories, insightful boat and gear reviews, and gorgeous photos that will make you want to grab your paddle and get on the water right now.
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