Holiday Gift Guide: Paddling Accessories

November 28, 2016

by Peter Reese
Holiday Gift Guide: Paddling Accessories

One stroke after another makes the miles flow by. And the right paddling accessories add to safety and comfort on day trips as well as tours. Here are some of our paddle-proven favorites.

CamelBak Tahoe LR Lumber Pack: Intelligent SUP touring

CamelBak Tahoe LR Lumber Pack Starting at: $41.16

Day outing or extended touring, SUP missions take on a greater sense of adventure when Active Junky testers get behind the paddle. CamelBak continues to show their dedication to outdoor athletes with a rigorous on-water collection including this lumbar hydration pack. The 1.5L hydration capacity suits on-body carry requirements with a negligible effect on paddling motion, body temperature regulation and on-board balance. Testers appreciate the just-right level of padding that pairs Tahoe well with shorty PFDs. With 5L payload capacity (beyond hydration), essentials stay close to keep the paddler energized with calories, protected from the sun and prepared for emergencies. For the money, few alternatives bring the brand’s design acumen, quality materials and thoughtful construction to fresh and saltwater paddlers.

Best For: Day and extended touring, competitive endurance events

Hanz Tap-Knit Waterproof Touchscreen Gloves: A guide’s secret

Hanz Tap-Knit Waterproof Touchscreen Gloves

This is one of those product categories that doesn’t exist. Until you dig deeper into how backcountry enthusiasts – starting with professional guides – get the job done. Hanz is, without question, a leader in waterproof technology that’s ideally suited to fly and spin fishing in remote waters. Whole glove, three-layer membrane somehow accommodates a functional level of touch-screen ability while still wicking moisture with the liner. Active Junky rates these waterproof touchscreen gloves as superior for SUP and kayak touring where cold water and wind combine. And when maintaining warm hands equals progress and safety. Testers favored the longer cuffs that prevent water incursion while never feeling constricting. Sizing is accurate in a sure-grip glove that makes the grade. In the real world.

Best For: Coldwater fishing and paddling

MSR Dromedary 4L: Plenty of SUP sipping

MSR Dromedary 4L $22.02 - $25.04

MSR offered us their new, lighter version of a polyurethane dromedary to try. After trials where we filled, strapped and accessed the water containers, testers resold themselves on the reliable classic grey bag that’s seen its way down rivers, across vast lakes and on saltwater journeys to parts virtually unknown. Attachment straps help the cause, both during filling as well as securing the hydration packs (Active Junky recommends at least one per person) on the deck or inside the hull of a kayak or canoe. The durability is outstanding, the cap easy to handle with wet or gloved hands and the shape is ideal. While larger and smaller bags are part of the line, testers favor this one for easier filling, carrying and load balancing.

Best For: Day touring as well as extended paddling expeditions, including international voyages

Aquapac Upano Waterproof Duffel: Soak in the storage

Aquapac Upano Waterproof Duffel Starting at: $95.01

But stave off water intrusion, whether from waves breaking over the bow or spray off the rocks of a Pacific reef. A recent extended trip to Vancouver Island, British Columbia gave Aquapac a chance to succeed or fail on its own merits. The 40L waterproof duffel bag proved ideal for camera gear, spare jackets, caps and hydration while exploring both the Pacific coastline as well as the Campbell River region, while the 70L size gets props as full-on luggage capable of overnight paddling trips. Testers valued the strap system, easy-locking roll top and reinforced attachment points as the duffel got a good dose of fast-moving adventure under its shoulder straps.

Best For: Wet, moist and muddy environments where total immersion is not the plan

Aqua-Bound Freedom 85 4-Piece SUP Paddle: Made to cruise

Aqua-Bound Freedom 85 4-Piece SUP Paddle Starting at: $161.66

While the company puts this one in the intermediate category, Active Junky testers rated it as a great, immediate upgrade to many of the SUP package paddles. Behind Aqua-Bound paddles are Wisconsin-based water fanatics with the passion to explore and the design savvy to improve the efficiency of casual to professional paddlers. Freedom 85 takes hold of a smooth-fibered carbon shaft and attaches a fiberglass-reinforced polymer blade with a profile testers rated highly for all stroke types as they powered, spun and landed their boards with ease. With four-parts that assemble securely, the agile grip made directional changes quick, secure and efficient as well. For the money, an outstanding value as well.

Best For: All paddlers excepting racers, flat to moving water in varied conditions

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