Intova
Hawaiian camera company, Intova, is the oldest producers of action cameras, but not well known. Their Connex (above, left) and Edge X (above, right) cameras are top quality, but have a price tag that is more user friendly: $199 (base), $249, and $349. With a diving background, Intova wanted to build cameras tough enough to go deeper and take more abuse. “The deepest we’ve tried these camera’s was 600ft underwater,” said Intova president Joe Danahl.
A built in LCD screen and full menu system allows users to dial in the settings they need to produce better HD video, including manual white balance and zoom. The Connex model has a non-wifi remote, meaning you don’t need to have your phone out while kayaking. The $249 model features an HDMI out cable that is still waterproof, so you can plug into another screen and send the camera down deep to take a view of the ocean beneath you.
The Edge X ($349 model) is capable of 60x zoom, 16 megapixel photographs and even has a slave strobe for flash photography. The rubber armor protects the camera’s case (which is already bomber), even further. A wifi remote gives users more control and can even be paired to up to 10 cameras. The two coolest functions of the Edge X though, is the wireless file transer, and live broadcast through app, to across the web. Now you can take video off your phone without even taking out a memory card, or broadcast your exploits live, across the globe.
Columbia Sportswear
Columbia’s new Loch Lomond jacket, $275, has all of the bells and whistels of their new Spring 2015 line. The Omni-Tech® waterproof breathable membrane in the jacket gets rid of unwanted moisture from the body, which is great for big crossings while paddling through snotty weather.
Watertight zippers in a super lightweight design let you carry extra gear without paying for it later. Adjustable cuff tabs and attached, adjustable storm hood and drawcord waist keep water out. Two-way underarm venting keep you from overheating even more.
Bending Branches
Bending Branches has updated their popular Sunrise Glass paddle, $99.95. Aside from the lightweight fiberglass shaft and super-durable blade, the paddle is now available in with bright green blades. Stand out on the water more or just to match your kayak!
DeLorme
Navigate, create waypoints, log your trip and find your way back with DeLorme’s latest, the inREACH Explorer. Send and receive messages. Trigger an interactive SOS. Plan, track and share your journey. You can also view route details such as distance and bearing to destination.
Equipped with a digital compass, barometric altimeter and accelerometer, you’ll always be able to stay connected while out on both weekend paddling trips and major expeditions.
ExOfficio
Need to stay cool while paddling in the hot sun? ExOfficio’s Sol Cool line of clothing is designed with Xylatol, a chemical from a birch tree, the same one used in mints and gum to cool your mouth. That means, when you start to sweat, you’ll feel a chilled sensation run through your body.
Available in hoody (below), long sleeve and short sleeve versions, the tops are ventilated, rated to 50+UPF. The hoodie has a mesh collar for when you really want to hide from the sun, but want to keep your sunglasses from fogging.
Outdoor Tech
Known for seriously rugged, waterproof speakers, Outdoor Tech has stepped into the portable power market with an offering that is waterproof, as in 100% fully submersible. The Kodiak, $49.95, is even water resistant while charging your devices, smartphones up to three charges or action cameras up to 7 charges. Available in various colors, including camo or glow in the dark green.
Adjust-A-Grill
The lightest on the market, Adjust-A-Grill’s Firepan/Campfire, $175, allows you to make a fire anywhere; in your backyard, on your tailgate, or even in leave not trace areas, where ground fires are not allowed. It takes only seconds to set up and is strong enough to hold multiple pots and cookware at once. The Firepan and Campfire weigh 19 pounds combined and come with a sturdy Cordura case.
ZEMgear
Super flexible water shoes from ZEMgear are all built on non-marking, slip-resistant soles. Their Techbands don’t add weight to the shoe but add lateral stability to keep your feet securely inside. Their H2O Team shoes have a split toe design to give a better barefoot-like grip. They also feature a full toe and heel cap to protect your feet. Available in multiple colors for $79.
Snow Leopard
Instead of carrying your phone in a protective case and carrying a seperate battery charger, check out the XLTreme iPad case from Snow Leopard. There is a built in battery pack inside the case that can double the battery life and also charge other devices at the same time through a USB out port. A new Navigator series coming out next year will have a built in GPS antennae to help you navigate your next paddle trip.
Patagonia
Patagonia’s Stormfront line of waterproof bags and duffels are made from DWR (durable water repellent) fabric finish which repels water and decreases dry times, but is paired with a waterproof/breathable barrier. The Stormfront Roll Top Boat Bag features fully-welded construction and a roll top closure; ideal for dry storage and transporting extra gear/electronics to and from the water.
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