The Best Canoeing Gear
Long canoeing trips are like any kind of trek: The degree of fun is directly proportional to the quality of preparation. Bring the right gear and you’ll have a great time, regardless of conditions.
Long canoeing trips are like any kind of trek: The degree of fun is directly proportional to the quality of preparation. Bring the right gear and you’ll have a great time, regardless of conditions.
Life jacket
Safety first. Wear a life jacket on any body of water, but especially on the rough waters of the Hudson. A standard vest will work, but consider one specifically for paddling that has less padding around the shoulders.
Our pick: Astral YTV, $120
Boat
Traditional canoes work great, but new paddlers are often more comfortable in more stable kayaks, some even use spray skirts to stay dry in waves. Our pick:
• First boat: Old Town Discovery 169, $1,100
• Experienced boater: Wenonah 17, starts at $2,599
Dry box
A small handy dry box to keep things like phone and wallet easily accessible will make communication and buying lunch a whole lot easier.
Our pick: Otterbox 3250, $40
Safety gear
Check the rules in your local body of water. Depending on boat length and location, some municipalities require paddlers to bring whistles, radios, or even signal flags.
Our pick: West Marine VHF75 Floating Handheld radio, $120
Clothing
Wear gear that will dry quickly when it does inevitably get wet. Wear sandals or neoprene booties, depending on weather. Keep rain gear close, including rain pants, in case the water splashes or rain falls.
Our pick: Columbia PFG Bahama II long-sleeve shirt, $48
Sun protection
Beware of the sun in all seasons. Not only does it come from above but it can burn you when it bounces off the water.
Our pick: Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen Sport, $18
Dry bag
There is nothing worse than wearing wet clothes after a day on the water. Keep your gear in a dry bag to stay comfortable. Get it big enough to fit everything.
Our pick: Cabela’s Boundary Waters duffel bag, $90 to $120
James Lynch is Popular Mechanic’s Field Editor looking for stories across the U.S. about those building a better America. He’s passionate about the Erie Canal and the Apollo Space Program.
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