Quecha | 2 Second Pop Up Tent
$79 | decathalon.com
Say goodbye to fussing with poles and guy lines with Quecha’s 2 Second Pop Up Tent. Unzip its saucer-shaped pouch, undo four buckles and this tent springs into shape—complete with rain fly attached. With a 6.4-pound weight, this polyester tent is most ideal for car campers and spur-of-the-moment roadside siestas. We recommend the alternate white and blue model, as the black interior of the model pictured here was a little too Batcave.
Yeti | Panga 28
$299 | yeti.com
The submersible Panga 28 from Yeti is a 100-percent waterproof fortress thanks to its Hydrolok zipper. Yeti’s proven durability combined with an ergonomic design make it as suited for wet and rough adventures as for travel carry-on. Removable waist belt and chest straps offer more security and stability. Sadly, this is not a cooler.
Thule T2 Pro XT
$599.95 | thule.com
The user-friendly T2 Pro XT is a platform-style hitch rack from Thule. It can accommodate almost any bicycle, from skinny road bike tires to chunky fat bike wheels. We love the easy-to-reach tilt release handle and tool-free vehicle mounting system, which attaches to either 1.5-inch or two-inch receiver hitches. Integrated cable lock secures the bikes in transit. Add-on easily turns the T2Pro XT into a four-bike carrier. The only drawback… its 52-pound weight.
Paddle Forever | License Plate Frame
$36.95+ | paddlingmag.com/subscribe
Subscribe for two ($36.95) or three ($51.95) years to get this license plate holder, plus Paddling Magazine mailed to your doorstep, instant access to 20 years of online archive issues, and a free Paddling Magazine app subscription. Already have a subscription? No problem—it’s a perfect gift for Valentines Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Christmas, bar mitzvahs, retirements, weddings, birthdays, baby showers, graduations… you get the idea.
Sea To Summit | Duffle
$129.95 | seatosummitusa.com
Made to go anywhere and survive everything, this new 45-liter duffle from Sea To Summit features the heavy-duty construction needed for tough adventures. Its semi-rigid carry straps can easily be changed from handgrip mode to backpack mode to single shoulder strap mode just by unclipping the gated hooks. The fabric on this duffle is waterproof, but its seams and zipper are not.
Sea To Summit | Pack Racks
$99.95 | seatosummitusa.com
Sea To Summit’s innovative and inflatable Pack Racks cradle paddleboards, boats and skis during transport, then pack down into a four-liter sack. The innovative design is perfect for traveling—say, renting a vehicle without having to pay a roof rack surcharge. Attached webbing straps with cam buckles secure the Pack Racks inside the vehicle. The supplied orange stuff sack with Airstream valve doubles as a pump sack, but it takes just a few breathes to fill each rack so we say it’s not necessary.
ARB | Weekender Recovery Kit
$131 | arbusa.com
Get peace of mind when venturing down rough and flooded shuttle roads. ARB’s Weekender Recovery Kit brings together all the essentials for basic recovery, including a snatch strap, two 4.75T bow shackles, and a pair of gloves. Not that you’ll need to be pulled out. But nice to the think of the other guys. Google: Truck Got Stuck by Corb Lund.
Norco | Sight Carbon
As shown US $5,574 / CDN $6,650 | norco.com
There are more Norco Sights ripping the singletrack bordering the rapids of the Ottawa River than any other. Why? First of all, Norco Bicycles and GearHeads, the local Valley bike shop, have been instrumental is supporting local events and trail initiatives. Second, since its introduction back in 2012, the Sight has hit the all-mountain sweet spot somewhere between trail and enduro. The third generation Sight pedals better than ever and crushes rocks, roots and drops like never before. Norco lets you custom build your carbon Sight in 10 color pallets, five frame sizes, either 27.5-inch or 29-inch wheel size, five suspension packages and four parts kits. We loaded up this copper and metallic brown beauty with Fox Factory boingers and saved some beer money by opting for a lesser expensive parts kit. Join the rides at the Whitewater Brewing Company’s Riverside Pub the last Wednesday of every month.
Jackery Explorer 240
$299 | jackery.com
Jackery’s Explorer 240 is a compact and portable power station, so you can stay charged while road tripping and living outdoors. Charge smartphones, tablets, laptops and even power small appliances, like blenders. Takes eight hours to fully charge from a wall outlet and provides slushy Margaritas for days.
Nemo Victory Blanket
$45.95 | nemoequipment.com
The go-anywhere Victory Blanket from Nemo is a perfect companion for a beach day or campsite picnic—just keep it rolled up and stashed in your trunk. The Victory’s waterproof bottom resists dirt, sand and water, however, the soft flannel top collects crumbs and dirt and isn’t machine washable. We really like it, but it’s not that functional. Corner loops can be staked down for blustery days.
Coleman | Roadtrip Grill
$159 | coleman.com
Take your grilling to the tailgate and the campsite. We love Coleman’s RoadTrip 225 Grill’s precise temperature control and adjustable burners, with a range of grilling power from simmering to searing. With this setup, you can wow friends and family with gourmet meals. Uses a one-pound propane cylinder or adapt to BBQ tank, sold separately.
Smartwool | Smartloft X
$250 | smartwool.com
The Smartloft X full-zip hoodie from Smartwool is a lightweight, windproof, breathable, packable and fashionable layer. Perfect for lounging or for high-intensity shoulder-season adventures. A DWR coating helps shed rain and snow, while merino lining provides sweat and odor management.
I am sorry but nearly 8,000 in stuff (with taxes) is not what I call “essential” road tripping equipment for paddling trips!