Are you looking for the most clever and inspiring gifts for kayakers and canoeists on your list this year?
If you’ve been bitten by the paddling bug yourself or know people who have, you know how difficult it can be to find a gift that will be both fun and useful.
Fortunately, finding the perfect gifts for avid kayakers and canoeists has never been easier, and there are lots of little things that will make a day on the water a lot more fun. Whether you’re looking for an affordable gadget, an ingenious piece of gear, or a clever new boat that will get people talking, we’ve got plenty of suggestions.
Best of the Best: Our Favorite Gifts for Your Favorite Paddlers
If you’ve had enough of the research and indecisiveness and just want to buy something your favorite kayaker will love, try one of these:
$ Solar-Powered Inflatable Lantern and Cell Phone Charger: This handy lantern is 100% waterproof, charged by the sun, and doubles as a power bank to charge your phone.
$$: Big River Dry Bags: Dry bags are always appreciated, and you can never have too many!
$$$: Oru Kayaks: Oru makes kayaks that fit in your car, are easy to set up, and glide effortlessly through the water. This is perfect for paddlers with limited storage or vehicle space.
Our Favorite Gifts for Day Paddlers
A day paddler is someone who spends a few hours to a full day out on the water, whether in a kayak or a canoe. For the most part, Eric and I fall into this category, and we are always fine-tuning our gear so that it’s easier and more fun to get out on the water.
The following gifts for kayakers and canoeists are either things that we have and love or items that we’ve put on our wish list for the upcoming paddling season.
The One-and-Only Oru Kayak: A Fun Boat in a Small Package
Oru Kayaks aren’t for everyone, but their lightweight, foldable design makes them perfect for paddlers with limited space.
I’ve been testing out the Oru Beach LT Sport all summer and fall, and I’ve spent more time on the water than I have in many years.
That’s because the Oru Kayak folds into a portable box that fits in the trunk of my car. It takes me about ten minutes to unfold it into a kayak so I can be on the water quickly.
The best part? I don’t need help loading, unloading, or carrying my boat. The Beach LT Sport weighs just 28 pounds and has room for your favorite canine companion.
Sure, this is a big-ticket gift item for paddlers, but it’s such a game changer for small car owners, apartment dwellers, and older adults who don’t want to hoist and carry heavy boats down to the water. I’m already eyeing a lighter model for when I’m not paddling with a dog.
If you’re looking for a special gift that will inspire lots of outdoor adventures, I can’t recommend the Oru Kayak enough!
Granite Gear Wedge Thwart Bag: A Sweet Gift for the Canoe Paddler in Your Life
Keep all those little necessities exactly where you want them while paddling. This small under-seat bag by Granite Gear is the perfect stash pack for maps, sunglasses, phones, wallets, etc. It not only keeps the gear you need most at hand but also keeps it out of the bilge water (a major plus).
The bag is water-resistant and easy to attach/detach with two buckles. It’s great for portages because you can leave it strapped to the seat while carrying your canoe.
Every canoe paddler on your list will appreciate this small but useful bag for day paddles.
Portable, Waterproof Speaker for Paddlers
This highly-rated waterproof speaker from JBL offers big sound in a tiny package. It pairs easily with your phone via Bluetooth, has a surprisingly long-lasting battery, and is durable enough for all outdoor activities.
While this is one of our favorite gifts for kayakers, it would also work well for campers and travelers who want a rugged, quality speaker that won’t take up much room. It’s also a great option for outdoor-loving teens.
Big River Dry Bags: You Can Never Have Too Many
As most paddlers will tell you, you can never have too many waterproof bags. Don’t spend time wondering if this is something that you’re favorite kayaker will appreciate. They are always appreciated!
We have 100% confidence in Sea to Summit’s dry bags. The Big River Dry Bags come in six different sizes and four colors.
Big River Dry Bags are a durable and abrasion-resistant option made of strong 420D nylon fabric. They will keep gear dry. The roll-top closure keeps water out, and the Field Repair Buckles can be replaced in seconds with a Philips screwdriver.
We use all sizes but find the 20L bag great for long days on the water. It’s one of the best gifts for paddlers that already have all the gear.
Wide-Brimmed Sun Hat: Stay Safe and Cool in the Sun
Anyone who spends much time on the water knows that the harsh sun can be relentless and dangerous.
Look no further than Pistil Designs for beautiful and stylish wide-brimmed hats that any recipient will love.
Pistil makes hats for men and women, and it’s hands down my favorite company for finding the coolest hats at the best prices.
The Donovan Sun Hat (pictured), is lightweight, quick-drying, and moisture-wicking with a UPF rating of 50+, but there are dozens more to choose from!
Binoculars by Nocs Provisions: For Watching Wildlife from the Water
Nocs Provisions Standard Issue 8×25 binoculars make a great gift for outdoor lovers. They are rugged, lightweight, and waterproof, plus they come in a nice array of bright colors. I keep a pair stashed in my drybag so that I remember to bring them out on the water with me.
Each pair comes with a lifetime warranty. Pair them with a bird field guide, and you’ll inspire a new outdoor hobby!
Rugged Lunch Cooler for Two: The Perfect Gift for Kayakers and Canoeists
Have you noticed how crazy technical and expensive coolers are these days?
For a day on the water, you won’t need something too fancy, but having a cooler with a tight lid latch and good insulation is a must.
The Stanley 7qt Adventure Cooler has enough room for lunch and drinks for two people, and it is rugged and tough enough for outdoor adventures.
This tough little cooler is easy to clean and has an external bungee system for tying it down in your boat.
Quick-Dry Pack Towels: For Those Impromptu Afternoon Swims
Regular towels are great for a day at the beach, but when you’re spending all day out and about on the water, you want something that dries quickly and packs down small.
The PackTowl fits in even the smallest pack and the microfiber blend absorbs four times its weight in water.
The PackTowl includes a special antimicrobial treatment to reduce odors and folds into its own travel pouch for storage.
The PackTowl is a great gift for kayakers, travelers, and backpackers.
Gel Kayak Seat Cushion: Make Long Paddles More Comfortable
Even the most die-hard paddlers will tell you that sitting in a kayak or canoe for hours on end is not easy on the tush.
Crazy Creek Chairs are low-profile stadium-style seats designed to provide padding and support for your back. We have tried many different styles of these ingenious chairs, but we still prefer the originals.
Waterproof Phone Case: Keep Your Phone Safe on the Water
Sure, you can keep your phone in your dry bag, but if you want to take photos, track miles, or use it for other purposes during your paddle, it’s nice to have a dedicated phone case.
The Seattle Sports E-Merse R/S Original X-Large waterproof case features a double-closure system for ultimate protection and is submersible to 10 feet.
A clear window lets you use your device’s touch screen and buttons through the case. It also comes with a breakaway lanyard, so you can wear it around your neck while paddling.
Gear Gifts for Overnighters
Paddlers who venture out on multi-day trips can benefit from all of the gear mentioned above, but the gear listed below is specifically for kayak and canoe campers on your gift list.
Gravity Bag Water Filter: From Lake or River to Your Bottle
The LifeStraw Peak Series Compact Gravity Water Filter System is a must-have piece of camping equipment for canoeing or kayaking.
The 2-stage filter removes 99.999999% of bacteria and 99.999% of parasites and microplastics to help you avoid waterborne illness
The filter has a lifetime of 2,000 liters of use, and the carbon capsule filters up to 100 liters. The slow-drip filter is best used at the end of the day when you can hang it from a tree and let gravity do the work.
Filters up to 3 liters of water at a time.
Pop-Up Sail: Harness the Wind from Your Kayak/Canoe
What a fun gift for paddlers of all experience levels! This nifty pop-up sail can be installed on a canoe, kayak, boat, or SUP for an extra boost of speed when traveling with the wind.
This little sail has a see-through window so you know where you’re going, and it easily folds away when not in use. It’s a great gift for paddlers who appreciate using the wind to make paddling just a little easier.
Solar Phone Charger
Most people take their phones with them everywhere, including into the backcountry. A solar charger and power bank make great gifts for paddlers, hikers, and campers.
This BLAVOR Solar Charger Power Bank includes a flashlight, wireless charging for compatible phones, a USB-C port, and a waterproof and shockproof design for canoe and kayak adventures. It will fully charge your iPhone in just 30 minutes when using the wired charging system.
The Luci Outdoor 2.0 is charged by the sun and lasts 24 hours on a single charge—it’s a clever and practical gift for paddlers.It’s also totally waterproof, packs down small, and can hang off your boat for daytime charging.
When the sun goes down, simply blow them up and use them for ambient lighting outside or inside a tent. There’s also a built-in USB-C charging port.
Luci Lanterns are one of our favorite outdoor gifts for canoe campers. They are affordable, and our recipients always love them. Plus, they come in different colors, so you can have a lantern for everyone in your family.
Paddling the lakes and rivers of America’s vast wilderness is one of life’s greatest pleasures, whether you choose to do it in a kayak or a canoe. Not only is kayaking and canoeing a great way to get outside, but it also allows you to explore wild places that are inaccessible by car or foot.
If you’ve got a friend or loved one who enjoys kayaking or canoeing, these fun gifts may be exactly what you’re looking for.
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Tara Schatz is a freelance writer and travel blogger with a passion for outdoor adventures. She is the co-author of AMC’s Best Day Hikes in Vermont and currently blogs at Back Road Ramblers and Vermont Explored, where she shares travel tips, adventure destinations, and vacation ideas for the wanderer in everyone.