10 Best Gifts For Rafters

Paddling Buyer’s Guide

There’s more to rafting than just a raft. In fact, the size and volume of a whitewater raft means there’s plenty of options to accessorize, which makes rafters easy to shop for in the Christmas rush. We’ve curated a list of gift options for traditional whitewater rafters along with specialized, lighter weight selections for packraft explorers.

Astral Rassler 2.0 water shoes

Astral

Rassler 2.0

$150 USD | astraldesigns.com

The Astral Rassler has enjoyed years of success as a burly, portage-ready aquatic hiker for whitewater paddlers. The 2.0 model features a mid-rise cuff along with an incredibly grippy GSS rubber sole that clings to wet and slimy rock. The Rassler tends to fit a bit small so consider going up a half-size. The no-rise sole design is ergonomic and allows for natural toe splay.

Buy from:

AMAZON BACKCOUNTRY REI VALHALLA PURE OUTFITTERS


NRS Ether HydroLock dry sack

NRS

Ether HydroLock Dry Sack

$27.75–54.75 USD | nrs.com

Just in time for the holidays, enjoy closeout pricing on NRS’ flagship drybag, which is available in a range of sizes from two to 35 liters. The Ether HydroLock features a combo zip seal and roll top for added waterproofness. Welded seams and laminated fabric increase durability.

Buy from:

AMAZON AQ OUTDOORS WALMART
LEARN MORE VIEW NRS PRODUCTS


Tear-Aid Original Patch

Tear-Aid

Original Patch

$13.95 CDN | tear-aid.com

Looking for the best stocking stuffer for rafters or packrafters? Give peace of mind with a simple peel-and-stick patch kit that will get your favorite boater back on the water in no time in the event of a minor puncture or tear. Tear-Aid stretches 600 percent before tearing and features a long-lasting adhesive that can be applied in difficult environments. Options are available to patch vinyl and PVC or all other materials; the kit includes a three- by 12-inch strip as well as two circular patches.

Buy from:

AMAZON MEC WALMART


Paddling Film Festival gift card

Paddling Film Festival Gift Card

$18.50 | paddlingfilmfestival.com

Perfect for loved ones both near and far, adventure awaits at the click of a button. The Paddling Film Festival collects the best rafting, whitewater, SUP, canoeing and ocean paddling films from 2023 and years past. Seamlessly forward the gift card email or print it out to tuck into their Christmas card, bringing the joy of aquatic exploration directly to them.

Purchase a gift card today at an exclusive holiday price and get 20% off with the code: PFF2023KAPM2

GIVE A GIFT

Sea To Summit Ikos TR3

Sea To Summit

Ikos TR3

$529 USD | seatosummit.com

The Sea to Summit Ikos TR3 tent is truly a game changer, offering incredible space for three adults and durable fabrics in a ridiculously light packed size. This three-season, sub-seven-pound shelter provides 49 square feet of floor space and a peak height of 48 inches. Sea to Summit’s unique Tension Ridge architecture creates a modified dome with head room spanning the entire width of the tent, further enhancing the spacious feel. This is a great choice for rafters and anyone who prioritizes having a big family-friendly tent with a modest weight.

Buy from:

AMAZON REI
BUY DIRECT VIEW SEA TO SUMMIT PRODUCTS


Watershed Chattooga

Watershed

Chattooga

$154 USD | drybags.com

You can’t go wrong giving guaranteed dry protection to the rafter or packrafter on your Christmas list. Watershed defined its own niche of bombproof, 100 percent dry duffel bags to protect the most moisture sensitive gear and equipment. The 22-liter Chattooga is a versatile size with a host of applications for day trips and multiday adventures alike.

Buy from:

AQ OUTDOORS

Level Six Gritstone Neoprene Mitt

Level Six

Gritstone Neoprene Mitt

$55 USD | levelsix.com

Neoprene mitts are the only option for cold-water boating for paddlers with poor circulation. The Level Six Gritstone Mitts are made of three-millimeter neoprene, pre-curved for an ergonomic grip on the paddle. The seams are liquid-sealed to keep out water and a terry cloth thumb covering makes a handy nose wipe.

Buy from:

AMAZON AQ OUTDOORS


Costa Del Mar Fantail PRO

Costa Del Mar

Fantail PRO

$284 USD | costadelmar.com

The Costa Del Mar Fantail PRO will prove that you truly get what you pay for in optics in terms of performance, comfort and style. Purpose-made for watersports, the Fantail PRO features drain holes in the eyewires and arms, along with unique frame materials that become grippier when wet. Durable, premium polarized glass lenses are available in 12 colors for variable light conditions.

Buy from:

AMAZON BASS PRO SHOP CABELA’S SAIL SCHEELS SPORT CHEK WALMART
BUY DIRECT

Big Agnes Big Six Armchair

Big Agnes

Big Six Armchair

$249.95 USD | bigagnes.com

Up your camping comfort with Big Agnes’ extra cushy Big Six Armchair. It offers a stately riverside perch, 20 inches off the ground for easy ins and outs. Additional features include a high back, neck support and armrests (with cup holders—essential for rafters), with a takedown aluminum frame capable of supporting 300 pounds. All this weighs in at less than four pounds and packs down in a compact cylinder.

Buy from:

AMAZON BACKCOUNTRY MEC REI


Kokatat Woolcore Long Sleeve Shirt

Kokatat

WoolCore Long Sleeve Shirt

$95 USD | kokatat.com

Legendary manufacturer Kokatat has applied its mastery of watersports apparel to create the perfect base layers for wearing under a drysuit. The WoolCore top is cut to mirror the body movements of paddlers, and feature a 50-50 wool-synthetic blend for durability, wicking and odor-proofness. Long underwear bottoms are also available.

Buy from:

AMAZON BACKCOUNTRY
LEARN MORE VIEW KOKATAT PRODUCTS

Solo Stove Ranger 2.0

Solo Stove

Ranger 2.0

$229.99 USD | solostove.com

The Solo Stove Ranger 2.0 is a portable firepit that lowers your environmental footprint by eliminating scars on the landscape and containing the flames of a campfire. The 15-inch-diameter, 12.5-inch-tall stainless steel, double-wall chamber weighs 15 pounds and comes with a removable ash pan and travel bag. Best of all is its super-efficient performance, which eliminates smoke, casts bright flames and burns wood to a fine ash.

Buy from:

AMAZON HOME DEPOT SCHEELS WALMART
BUY DIRECT


paddling magazine with snow on itPaddling Magazine Subscription

$30 | paddlingmag.com

Give a gift that is sure to inspire your loved one to get out and paddle. For a limited time, you can get (or give) a print subscription to Paddling Magazine and save 50% off the cover price! Order now to receive 6 print issues of Paddling Magazine for only $30!

  • Award-winning editorial features
  • Print issues delivered to your doorstep
  • Every page of every issue in our digital archive
  • First access to digital issues
  • Download our app to read stories anywhere, online or offline

SUBSCRIBE GIVE A GIFT

Feature photo: Midjourney

 

This content was made possible with the support of Ontario Creates.

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