7 of the Best Paddling Gear Items of 2024
4-minute read + 10-minute video
These gear items have been personally tested and approved by Aqua Bound Ambassador Ken Whiting and given his two thumbs up for Paddle TV’s annual Best Paddling Gear awards.
We’re thrilled that two of Aqua Bound’s paddles made it into the final seven, along with other items you’ll definitely want to take a look at.
Watch Ken’s video review below:
Or if you prefer, scan through the seven items here to see which ones you’ll want to add to your gear list:
#1: Deck Pod Pro from Gearlab Outdoors
Gearlab’s Deck Pod Pro is super convenient to strap onto any kayak that has deck lines. It handles two jobs simultaneously:
- Stash items you want easy access to like sunscreen, lip balm, bug spray and small snacks. It includes a 3-liter interior zipped space plus outer straps for items like your bilge pump or a towel.
- The Pro version has a universal camera mount that’s perfect for anyone who loves to film their kayaking adventures. The mount kit can be adapted to an action camera or smartphone.
#2 and #3: Swig Hydration Pack + Odyssey PFD from NRS
NRS designs the streamlined 2-liter Swig Hydration Pack to integrate with several of their PFD models, including the Odyssey. The hose includes a magnetic clip for convenient stowing when not in use.
Ken found this hydration pack served him much better than a water bottle when on a recent big water kayak trip under rough conditions. He never had to remove his spray skirt or take a hand off his paddle to rehydrate during intense crossings.
The Odyssey PFD is designed for touring, but Ken also loves it for whitewater. Multiple pockets keep small items accessible. The 2024 version features NRS’s “orbit fit system” that allows for a more custom fit for paddlers of every size.
#4: Prima Sport 125 from Hurricane
Of all the boats Ken tested in 2024, the Prima Sport 125 stood out to him the most for several reasons. It’s fast yet stable for every level of kayaker. It’s a thermoform kayak which makes it about 20% lighter than a rotomolded kayak of the same size. It features two bulkheads, a stern hatch, a gear track, foot braces, thigh pads and a removable frame seat.
This kayak performs well, is comfortable for a full day on the water and is light enough for one person to handle when loading, storing or carrying.
#5: The Works Harness Package from Recreational Barrel Works
Portaging a barrel for any distance while on a kayak or canoe trip is awkward. But Ken loves The Works Harness system for a completely customizable portaging and packing system that’s also comfortable to carry.
The Works package includes nylon barrel buckets and side packs to help keep your barrel organized. It also comes with a 30 or 60-liter barrel and the harness system. If you already have a barrel, you can buy the harness alone.
#6: Aerial Whitewater Kayak Paddle from Aqua Bound
“This is a confidence-inspiring paddle that I trusted the whole time,” says Ken. Whitewater kayak paddle blades have always been susceptible to delaminating and edge wear. The Aerial’s blades are constructed with our Lam-LokTM technology—33 feet of aramid thread sewn along the blade edges for ultra-durability.
This paddle also features a grippy coating on the shaft that’s neither too sticky nor too smooth. Your hands won’t slip when they’re wet.
The Aerial is available in two different blade shapes (carbon or fiberglass) and several different shaft and feathering options.
#7: Tetra UL Kayak Paddle from Aqua Bound
While the Tetra UltraLight touring paddle won’t be available until Spring 2025, Ken has been using a test model—and loves it. He wanted to include it on his Best Of gear list.
Full carbon construction with the same grippy coating on the shaft as the Aerial, the blades also feature the same Lam-LokTM edging. The Versa-LokTM ferrule offers 15 cm of length adjustability and infinite feathering angles.
It weighs a mere 22 ounces—featherlight for long touring days.
“I couldn’t have tested the gear much more,” says Ken. “I put them through some serious tests on some real big multi-day backcountry adventures. So they are deserving of Paddle TV awards.”
What’s on your wish list for paddling gear? We hope this list has helped you narrow down some options!
What paddling questions can our friendly Customer Service team help you with? Contact us at 715-755-3405 or [email protected]
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