Level Six | Chochee 2.0
The short sleeve version of Level Six’s legendary Mack dry top gets updated for 2016, with new eye-catching colors and lighter 2.5-ply breathable fabric on the chest and back to keep us looking and feeling cool on hot summer days. Rolling geeks and rough water paddlers will appreciate the addition of latex bicep gaskets for an even dryer fit. $309.99 CAD | LEVELSIX.COM
Accent Paddles | Moxie
The Moxie’s funky purple blades are ample incentive to treat ourselves to this budget- friendly paddle, but pragmatists will find plenty of other great reasons. Pairing a carbon shaft with fiberglass nylon blades, the Moxie is stiff and surprisingly light. The mid-angle blades are perfect for all-around touring, and we love Accent’s Kingpin ferrule adjustment system—one of the slickest designs we’ve tested, providing a snug one-piece paddle feel. $159 | ACCENTPADDLES.COM
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KaYoke
Would-be interior kayakers have a champion in inventor and entrepreneur Scott Gill, who devised this clever universal portage yoke as a solution to backcountry kayaking’s biggest problem: carrying the damn boat. The KaYoke attaches to the cockpit coaming so paddlers can shoulder their boats across trails and terrain too rugged for a wheeled cart (caveat: you’ll want to empty heavy gear out of your hatches first). Clunky DIY versions notwithstanding, Gill’s compact, folding design is an overdue first. $119 CAD | WWW.THEKAYOKE.COM
Rocky | Gore-Tex Waterproof Socks
Soggy dogs are a familiar paddling discomfort, but they don’t have to be. We love pairing these stretchy Gore-Tex socks with wool socks and our favorite river shoes for dry and toasty toes. Goodbye booties. $64.99 | WWW.ROCKYBOOTS.COM
Seattle Sports | Sea Rover Deck Compass
While we think reliable navigation is a necessity rather than a luxury, the Sea Rover is a no less elegant solution for kayaks without a built-in compass recess. Quick-release buckles attach securely to decklines and the compass dome’s bold markings are easy to read even when mounted near the bow. $38.95 | WWW.SEATTLESPORTSCO.COM
This article was originally published in Adventure Kayak, Volume 16 • Issue 2.
