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 2022
After combing through 60 of the best water shoes on the market, we purchased and rigorously tested the top 7 to find...
Best Water Shoes for Women of 2022
Our lady testers took these models on rafting trips down the Grand Canyon, Arkansas River, and muddy rivers of...
Best Inflatable SUP Board of 2022
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 2022
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 of 2022
After comparing over 125 different SUP paddles, we purchased the 14 most compelling paddles currently available and...
Best Kayaks of 2022
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 Kayaks of 2022
Sick of being the only one without a kayak, but you have no room to keep it? Check out one of these inflatable kayaks...
Best Kayak Paddle of 2022
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 2022
Searching for the right safety equipment for your aquatic adventures? After researching over 90 top contenders, we...
Best Dry Bags of 2022
Unless you are willing to risk it for the biscuit, transporting water-phobic gear safely across a body of water...
Best Life Jackets of 2022
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
Stohlquist Spectrum Review
A decent life jacket with universal sizing. While it's not an amazing contender in any specific category, it does an...
Best Buy
NRS Kicker Remix Review
While they don't work great on land, this shoe is a solid low-profile bootie for paddling. Great traction and warmth...
Editors' Choice
Astral Layla Review
Across a variety of shapes and sizes, this is unanimously our favorite women's life jacket. Adaptable, comfortable...
Best Buy
Tahe Beach Performer Review
This all-around budget board is great for families, beginners, and intermediate paddlers who want solid performance...
Best Buy
Stohlquist Fit Review
This high value option offers a surprisingly comfortable fit for a really affordable price. If you need to save some...
Editors' Choice
Astral E-Ronny Review
Taking top honors thanks to its comfort and usability, this redesigned PFD continues a well-established tradition of...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 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 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 a Dry Bag
Finding the right balance of features, functionality, versatility, waterproofness, price, and durability is an easy...
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...
How to Choose a Stand Up Paddle Board
Stumped by SUP’s? We analyze the pros and cons of each board to help you find the perfect match, whether you are...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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