Affordable Gifts for Kayakers and Canoeists: 2023 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.

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 kinds of 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.

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 put 100% confidence in dry bags by Sea to Summit, and the Big River Dry Bags come in six different sizes and four colors.

Big River Dry Bags are a durable and abrasion-resistant option that uses a strong 420D nylon fabric that will keep gear dry. The roll-top closure keeps water out, and the Field Repair Buckles can be replaced in seconds with just a Philips screwdriver.

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.

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!

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 comes with an external bungee system that you can use to tie it down in your 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.

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.