Affordable Gifts for Kayakers and Canoeists: 2022 Edition

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. Not only does it keep the gear you need most at hand, but it 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.

Every paddler should have a good compass and know how to use it. This deck compass by Seattle Sports secures to the deck of any kayak with perimeter deck rigging with adjustable nylon straps.

A rubber base prevents the compass from shifting during rough seas. The compass is graduated in five-degree increments for accurate bearings and is useful for day-tripping and long trips. This is a useful, affordable gift for kayakers who have everything.

As most paddlers will tell you, you can never have too many dry bags. So don’t spend time wondering if this is something that you’re favorite kayaker will appreciate.

We put 100% confidence in dry bags by SealLine, and the Discovery View Dry Bags are awesome because they protect your gear and give you a good view of what’s inside.

These bags are durable, 100% waterproof, and include a PurgeAir™ waterproof valve to help compress the bag further once sealed.

We use all sizes, but find the 20L bag great for long days on the water.

Anyone who spends a significant amount of time out on the water knows that the harsh sun can be relentless and dangerous.

This stylish, wide-brimmed hat from Outdoor Research shades you from harmful rays and keeps the bugs away – perfect for all the Northeast paddlers out there!

The hat is treated with EPA-registered Insect Shield® to help repel mosquitoes, ticks, and other biting insects, and it’s effective through 70+ washes. Includes a foam-stiffened brim and mesh panels for better airflow.

Oh, and did I mention that it floats? This is one of the best gifts for kayakers and paddlers!

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 lots of outdoor adventures.

It’s easy to clean and comes with an external bungee cord so you can easily tie it down in the boat.

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.

Not only is the PackTowl a great gift for kayakers, but it’s also awesome for travelers and backpackers.

Sure you can keep your phone in your dry bag, but if you want to be able to take photos, track miles, or use it for other things 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 allows you to 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.

Spending multiple days on the water requires a little bit of extra comfort, and this plus seat makes a perfect gift for canoe paddlers.

The SitBacker canoe seat fastens to canoe benches with an easy-to-use dual buckle strap system. BackComfort Technology adjusts the backrest to unlimited reclining positions and a shoulder strap with Auto-Fold Technology makes it easy to open, close, and carry.

The SitBacker also features a lumbar cushion, a padded seat, and a storage pocket for small items that you want to keep close at hand.

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.

Most people take their phones with them everywhere, including into the backcountry. A solar charger and power bank makes a great gift for paddlers, but also for hikers and campers.

This POWOBEST Solar Phone Charger includes three solar panels. It will fully charge in seven hours, after which it can recharge your phone between four and six times, depending on the brand. It works via a USB port or wireless charging if your phone is compatible. And it’s water-resistant.