Every year, innovative and new paddling products hit the market. We push for gear that weighs less, holds up longer and dries fastest but one of the best-kept secrets in the outdoors is that some of the best gear is the gear that just works, year after year with limited upgrades and bells and whistles.
Here at Paddling Magazine, we caught up with brand representatives and business owners at Canoecopia 2026 to get their thoughts on the best tried and true gear on the market.
NRS Tuff Sack
If you’ve ever been on a guided trip or worked for an outfitter, you’re likely familiar with the study little number that is the NRS Tuff Sack.
If there was an award for most likely to be dragged over rocks, run over by a car and still keep your gear dry, these would win it. These beefy drybags are in it for the long haul.
Cooke Custom Sewing Portage Packs
For classic packs from a small and local business, Cooke Custom Sewing has been making the same packs for years on years with few modifications.
They’re simple, functional and durable. While the design itself has lasted decades, the packs themselves last just as long.
Mustang Survival Khimera PFD
Mustang Survival’s Khimera Dual Flotation PFD is one of the most unique, low-profile and popular PFDs on the market.
With thin foam floatation and a no-nonsense design, additional floatation via inflation allows for maintaining a sleek profile on the water with plenty of buoyancy should you find yourself in the drink.
Eddyline Sky 100
Eddyline’s Sky recreational kayak remains one of the most popular sit-inside kayaks for calm water paddlers. This little number in the Sky 100 model weighs just 34 pounds, making it manageable even for the average solo paddler and a popular pick year after year.
Wilderness Systems Pungo
The Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 is a workhorse of a recreational kayak, with comfortable outfitting, stability and ample storage.
The Pungo has been a popular choice for decades, with few modifications or major redesigns.
Kokatat Meridian Drysuit
The Kokatat Meridian is a popular drysuit with a dropseat that’s been in use for generations.
It features GORE-TEX PRO fabric, Latex gasket with neoprene punch through collar and cuffs and thoughtful dropseat design.
Wenonah Minnesota II
Nearly synonymous with the Boundary Waters, the Wenonah Minnesota II is designed for both efficiency and durability on the water and on the portage trail. The canoe of choice for many of the BWCAW outfitters, the Minnesota II is fast and long trip ready.
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