Paddling Gear Reviews
We test the top paddling brands from Bluefin, Isle, NRS, Yeti, Sea to Summit, and Outdoor Research, among others, so you don't have to
Though it's not versatile enough for every kind of paddler, its combination of performance and low storage space is just right for certain paddlers ready to tackle big waves.
Credit: Jason Peters
If you need it on a river—or a lake—chances are we've reviewed it. Every year we buy hundreds of new items—from kayaks to SUP boards to inflatable SUP boards to dry bags—and run em' through the ringer. It takes months. Our expert testers love their job, and it's easy to understand why. Our side-by-side, 100% unbiased reviews cover the gamut. As always, be safe out there…and as for that old tattered life jacket in the garage? See what's new out there in flotation.
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Best Pick Reviews in Paddling Gear Reviews
Best Water Shoes of 2023
After combing through 60 of the best water shoes on the market, we purchased and rigorously tested the top 13 to find...
Best Water Shoes for Women
Our lady testers took these models on rafting trips down the Grand Canyon, Arkansas River, and muddy rivers of...
Best Inflatable SUP Board of 2023
We bought some of the best inflatable SUPs and paddled them in a variety of conditions to find out which offer the...
Best SUP Boards of 2023
Looking for the best stand up paddle board of them all? We extensively tested all the best SUPs side-by-side to help...
Best SUP Paddles
After comparing over 125 different SUP paddles, we purchased the 15 most compelling paddles currently available and...
Best Kayaks
In the market for a new kayak this season? We're here to help you make the most educated choice to suit your needs and...
Best Inflatable Kayak of 2023
Sick of being the only one without a kayak, but you have no room to store one? Check out one of these inflatable and...
Best Kayak Paddle of 2023
Want to get your kayak out on the water? Not sure which paddle to buy? Let us share our extensive hands-on research...
Best PFD of 2023
Searching for the right safety equipment for your aquatic adventures? After researching over 90 top contenders, we...
Best Dry Bags of 2023
Unless you are willing to risk it for the biscuit, transporting water-phobic gear safely across a body of water...
Best Life Jackets of 2023
Be safe and stay legal by wearing the right life jacket on the water. We researched 50+ of the best models, then...Recent Gear Reviews in Paddling Gear Reviews
Best Buy
Werner Vibe Review
The Vibe is solid product with a unique shape that may take some time to adjust to. It's constructed with a wrapped...
Best Buy
Barrel Point Surf Alloy Review
The Best Buy award-winning Barrel Point Surf Alloy is sturdy and has a long adjustment range. A nylon blade and...
Editors' Choice
Oru Beach LT Review
This non-inflatable, highly portable, origami-style kayak is a crowd-pleaser. Its performance on the water is...
Best Buy
Old Town Vapor 10 Review
A simple design that delivers practicality and comfort, this kayak is a great option for those looking to get into...
Editors' Choice
Wilderness Systems Tarpon 105 Review
It's rare to find a SOT kayak that performs this well and has all the extra added features that the Tarpon 105 offers...
Editors' Choice
Bluefin Cruise Carbon Review
A high-performing board regardless of the conditions, thanks to its heavy-duty construction and high-end features and...Paddling Gear Reviews Learning Center
How to Choose an Inflatable Kayak
As the number of paddlers continues to grow, kayaking remains the most popular paddle sport, making up over half of...
How to Choose Water Shoes
Water sports are tough on feet and footwear. We provide the key information you need to understand water shoes and...
How To Choose an Inflatable Paddle Board
The paddle board marketplace has lots of different shapes, styles, and terminology that can be very confusing! We...
How to Choose a Dry Bag
Finding the right balance of features, functionality, versatility, waterproofness, price, and durability is an easy...
How to Choose a Recreational Kayak
Flatwater kayaks offer a peaceful way to explore your local shorelines. If you're on the hunt for the best option for...
How to Choose a Recreational Kayak Paddle
We have all heard that proverb warning us about being without a paddle. A paddle is an essential tool for any kayaker...Ad-free. Influence-free. Powered by Testing.
GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. No sponsored content. No ads. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison.
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