Who doesn’t like to travel? Since we often travel to paddle, our list includes gift suggestions that work on the way to your destination and when you hit the water. From stylish and practical apparel to a bargain road-tripping tent, accessories to keep you (and your coffee) warm and the perfect rec kayak for snowbirds, there’s something here for everyone.
Teva
Universal Originals
$54.95 USD | tevaonline.com
Love a vintage look? What’s old is new again with Teva’s Original sandal, complete with 90s color options and classic hook-and-loop closures to round out the vintage style. Underneath it all, an updated sole increases grip on wet rock. It’s no wonder Teva remains a favorite among raft guides around the world; these sandals are a great choice for paddling and casual hot weather wear.
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AL’S AMAZON BACKCOUNTRY BASS PRO SHOP CABELA’S CAMPSAVER FAMOUS FOOTWEAR MEC REI SAIL SCHEELS SPORT CHEK WALMART
Branwyn
Essential Undergarments
$36–48 USD | branwyn.com
Branwyn specializes in merino wool bras and underwear, offering extended comfort, warmth, moisture-wicking and durability for adventurous applications. The Essential Bralette is best for smaller cup sizes and the Essential Bikini bottoms offer modest coverage. Bonus for paddlers: the quick-drying fabric is great for watery environments. Our tester agreed with Branwyn’s suggestion to size up for the best fit.
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Ignik
Multi-Use Foot Warmers
$21 USD | ignik.com
About the only thing worse than cold feet while paddling in frigid environments is the frustration of tossing a set of toe warmers after a single use. Ignik’s foot, toe and hand warmers can be reused multiple times within 72 hours of opening, making them a more sustainable choice. Ignik foot warmers line the entire sole of your footwear (or drysuit sock) for ultimate comfort.
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AMAZON BACKCOUNTRY CAMPSAVERS EASTERN MOUNTAIN SPORTS REI SAIL
Pirani
Insulated Stackable Tumbler
$25.95 USD | pirani.life
What would a road trip be without a great travel mug? The Pirani tumbler looks like a classic SOLO cup made from durable stainless steel, complete with an easy sipping lid and enough insulation to keep your coffee hot for up to six hours. It’s free of nasty chemicals, dishwasher safe and stackable for easy storage, as its name suggests.
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Opinel
No.08 Stainless Steel Folding Knife
$40 | opinel-usa.com
The understated, beechwood handled Opinel folding knife is an icon, but its wood components tend to swell, making it a poor choice for use around water. The Opinel No.08 outdoor knife features the same timeless craftsmanship but with a Sandvik stainless steel blade and plastic handle. The slender, partially serrated blade is just as perfect for slicing your lunch salami, cheese, cucumber and tomatoes as the Opinel original.
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ALTITUDE SPORTS AMAZON HOUSE OF KNIVES MEC SAIL
Oru Kayak
Lake+
$499 USD | orukayak.com
Oru Kayak’s nine-foot Lake+ is not only one of the best performing rec boats on the market, it’s also a perfect travel companion for snowbird paddlers heading south for the winter. Inspired by origami, Oru’s boats are literally folding sit-inside kayaks. The paddling performance of the compact Lake+ benefits from a distinct keel line for improved tracking and hard chines that enhance maneuverability and edge control just like a longer touring kayak. The Lake+ features an open cockpit for comfort in hot weather and an adjustable footrest for paddling efficiency. The optional, wedge-shaped Gel Seat ($69 USD)is a great upgrade for ergonomics, as is the Kayak Pack ($199 USD)for hauling this 18-pound kayak to the beach. Setup and takedown require less than five minutes.
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AMAZON BASS PRO SHOP CABELA’S CAMPSAVER OUTDOORPLAY WALMART
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Weatherman
Travel Umbrella
$69 USD | weathermanumbrella.com
An umbrella is the type of thing you chuckle about bringing on a trip the first time and then never forget to pack again. It’s especially perfect for sea kayak touring in wet destinations, affording rain protection when you venture from the tarp or tent to your boat to retrieve gear. Weatherman umbrellas are designed by a meteorologist and built strong enough to withstand 55-mph winds. The Travel model weighs less than a pound and telescopes down to only a foot in length.
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Maps By Jeff
Algonquin Series
$25 CAD | mapsbyjeff.com
Mapmaker Jeff McMurtrie is a legend among Ontario paddlers seeking the most detailed information to plan their next trip. McMurtrie’s long-awaited latest venture returns to Algonquin Provincial Park, the place where his mapmaking career began. The Maps by Jeff Algonquin series is made up of five double-sided maps, providing lavish detail and convenient, paddler-friendly features to improve your adventures. Each waterproof paper map comes with digital versions for a variety of platforms, including Avenza and Garmin, with a 20-percent discount if you order the full set.
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Front Runner
Flip Pop Tent
$119 USD | frontrunneroutfitters.com
It’s easy to deride the Front Runner Flip Pop Tent as a throwback to a camping fad of the 1980s and 90s—until you’re running hours late and forced to make camp in the dark. For barely the price of a budget motel room, you get a two-person shelter that sets up the second you unzip its slim, sofa-cushion-sized storage envelope. Don’t expect luxurious space or backcountry performance, but the Flip Pop is dry, remarkably breathable and serviceable for two average-sized adults. Practice is key to make it fold up in seconds when you’re ready to hit the road again.
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Outdoor Research
Ferrosi Pants
$99 USD | outdoorresearch.com
A longtime staple in the Outdoor Research lineup, the Ferrosi is a lightweight travel pant made from a slimmed down softshell material that stands up to the rigors of canoe tripping and trekking in hot and buggy locations. There’s a slight stretch in the quick-drying fabric for improved mobility and just the right number of pockets. Men’s and women’s styles are available.
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Feature photo: iStock
