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With the right gear, staying active and enjoying warm, sunny days on the water is easy. Our gear list features only the best water gear that can help you prepare for any water adventure that comes your way. It's safe to say that no one else in the review industry extensively tests outdoor gear as we do. We constantly update this list, so it is always fresh as new and exciting products come on the market and undergo our detailed review and testing.
Are you having a multi-sport day? Some energized outdoor enthusiasts can bike, hit the ski slopes, and paddle all in one day. Of course, this entirely depends on the season and weather. Our expert testers can help you gear up for these activities.
Editor's Note: We updated this article on April 24, 2024, to incorporate our latest picks for Sun Protection Shirts.
All the Water Gear
Investing in the right paddling gear can positively impact your adventure and level of fun. That's where our expertise comes in handy. We've tested a wide selection of water gear over the years and have the inside knowledge and details to help you select the best.
The progressive nose rocker, carbon stringer, and 3 fin design make this board a smooth and quick ride across glassy water.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Stand Up Paddle Gear
In the world of watersports, stand up paddle boarding (also known as SUP) is relatively new, and it's rapidly growing in popularity. Let's face it; the SUP vibe is undeniably cool. Several perks keep people paddling with the best SUP gear. Compared to sitting in a kayak or canoe, paddling a SUP provides an excellent vantage point and a full-body workout.
We tested and logged dozens of hours on different stand up paddle boards to rank their performance and find the best.
Credit: David Wise
SUP Boards
From exploring lakes or rivers or leisurely cruising with friends, paddling the best stand up paddle boards is thrilling. Our recommendations can help you select the right option for you and your budget. Some even have enough room to fit an extra guest or a water-loving dog.
Our paddling experts have extensively tested several inflatable stand-up paddle boards while exploring lakes, rivers, and oceans.
Credit: Nick Bruckbauer
Inflatable SUP
Our favorite inflatable SUPs are ready to roam, providing more portability and taking up less space than a rigid SUP board. Many options include a carrying case to help store and transport the rolled-up SUP board and accessories.
Achieve some powerful strokes with the best SUP paddles. Whether you're a beginner or an expert paddler looking for a top-tier high-performance paddle, we have the insider details and our favorites. See all our picks for the best paddles for kayaking and SUPing.
Our paddlers of all sizes and experience levels tested each of these kayaks side-by-side in a variety of conditions and bodies of water.
Credit: Cheyenne Summer
Kayak Gear
One of the best ways to explore beautiful and scenic lakes and rivers is by kayaking; the right kayaking gear can make a big difference. Some paddlers enjoy combining kayaking with camping, allowing you to select a more remote campsite in some beautiful locations.
The overall performance of the Dagger Stratos was impressive in all kinds of environments.
Credit: Scott Blankenfeld
Kayak
The best kayaks can provide stability, speed, and quick maneuverability. Some even offer more comfort and storage for long-distance paddling.
Though it's a tight fit, we paddled this kayak-loving 80+ pound dog around in the Oru Lake, much to her delight.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Inflatable Kayak
Select a top-ranked inflatable kayak for easier transport and more portability than a traditional kayak. Inflatable kayaks can deflate and fold into a convenient carrying bag, making it easier to pack in your car trunk.
The nylon plastic blades on the Carlisle Magic Plus kayak paddle stand out for their ability to perform and also withstand a beating - this is a paddle that you can lend your clumsy friends.
Credit: Sara James
Kayak Paddle
Different styles of kayaking will favor different styles of kayak paddles. Our best kayak paddles review focuses on touring kayak paddles, and many options differ in material and construction. Once you know what type of kayak you will use, we can help guide you to the right choice. You can also check out our round-up of the top paddles for all water disciplines.
Don't forget to wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) while on the water. A top-ranked life jacket should be snug and comfortable. Since some options differ in design, we provide insight into which is best for different water activities. Is your child joining in on the fun? A kid-friendly life jacket can offer peace of mind when enjoying any activity near the water. We've tested several options and can help you select the best one for your family.
Wearing protective clothing and accessories can help protect your skin and eyes from the sun's powerful rays.
Credit: Sara James
Sun Protection Apparel
Having fun outdoors requires sun-protective clothing and accessories, regardless of sunny skies or cloud cover. We've reviewed various apparel for men and women.
Lining up the sun shirts for testing.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Sun Shirt
We think wearing a sun shirt is a wise choice. This type of clothing is well-suited for water activities because it's quick drying and uses UPF-rated fabric to protect skin against the sun's powerful UV rays. We've tested the best sun shirts for men and top-ranked women's sun protection shirts.
Best Overall Hooded Sun Shirt for Women
Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Long Sleeve Hoody - Women's
The Katavi is comfortable for casual walks and rugged adventures alike.
Credit: Nick Bruckbauer
Footwear
Water-friendly footwear can make a big difference in your water adventures, providing good grip and support for walking around on rocks, slippery shores, and unknown objects lurking in the water.
A good sandal choice for town-to-trail. This is not a highly technical sandal but shines in comfort and style.
Credit: Miya Tsudome
Sandals
Convenience may be the driving factor behind choosing the best sandals. They're easier to slip on and off, and you can wear them for everyday activities to water adventures. We suggest selecting a contender with a back strap so they don't come off too easily.
The bags were tested on a variety of crafts and lashed in multiple creative ways in order for us to tease out which were most suitable for particular activities.
Credit: Sara James
Dry Bag
Protect your precious gear and essentials by using the best dry bag. Our favorite options provide versatility, durability, and the waterproofing you need to keep sensitive objects dry inside.
The side pockets are barely large enough for this 1L insulated water bottle -- and only works when the pack isn't over-stuffed.
Credit: Maggie Brandenburg
Hydration
Staying hydrated is incredibly important. While away from shore, pack one of our favorite water bottles to quench your thirst. Insulated options can help keep contents cool, delivering a much-needed energy boost while on the go.
Water Bottles for Kids
Help keep your child stay hydrated with a kid-friendly water bottle. Our review of kids' water bottles can help you pick the perfect option that meets your needs and lifestyle.
The Daiwa BG2500 helped us control our line, leading to fewer tangled messes.
Credit: Stephanie Chavez
Fishing
Warm weather usually means it's time for fishing. Whether you're out to a river, lake, or ocean or trekking backcountry, we've rounded up all the essentials you need to get you catching fish.
While it excelled in its intended environment (freshwater), the Berkley Vanish Fluorocarbon didn't score high in the versatility metric.
Credit: Kit Smith
Fishing Line
Despite being frequently overlooked, using a top-rated fishing line can make a big difference in your angling equipment and fishing performance. Opt for a strong fishing line that's also great for casting.
If quality construction is an important factor to you, look no further than the Abu Garcia Revo SX. Of course, a reel this well made doesn't come cheap.
Credit: Kit Smith
Fishing Reel
Delivering an incredible feel and fighting power, one of the best fishing reels can give you the upper hand while fishing.
Fishing Poles for Kids
Are you looking for child-friendly fishing gear? We've tested popular kids' fishing poles and can help guide you to the perfect option for your child.
Our testing team took to the depths of canyons to see how different water shoes performed in some of the most extreme of conditions.
Credit: Ellen Daugherty
Why You Should Trust Us
At Outdoor Gear Lab, we've been testing the best water gear on the market for over a decade. From stand-up paddle boards and kayaks, to fishing gear and sun shirts, our team of experts has spent hundreds of hours putting the latest and greatest gear to the test. After choosing the best new products on the market, we put each item through rigorous side-by-side testing, and rated them on a series of metrics. We want you to have all the information, including pros and cons, so you can make an informed purchase and get outside with your new gear.
Our review and testing process for the best water gear out there is led by Marissa Fox. Marissa is a Master Scuba Diver Trainer and freediver who spends much of her time on or below the water. She has traveled the world working for various non-profits and on marine conservation projects such as protecting turtle habitat in the Caribbean and monitoring Minke Whale behavior in Iceland. Sara James has over 20 years of experience in various paddle sports, including touring kayaking, Class V whitewater kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and squirt boating. She has kayaked thousands of miles on rivers across the globe and when she's not dropping waterfalls, she teaches others to paddle and is an educator for California Waterworks Collective. Last but not least is Maggie Nichols. Maggie is not only our Senior Review Editor, but also an avid paddler and adventure guide. She has kayaked thousands of miles from raging rivers in South Africa, to cruising on quiet waters in the Everglades. She has been testing gear for Outdoor Gear Lab since 2016. Together, this team of water sports enthusiasts researched and tested these top-rated products.
There's much we love about paddling the Oru Lake (pictured with the Oru Beach in the background).
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Conclusion
As the weather warms, it's easy for our minds to dream of different water adventures and activities. Some water gear can be an investment, so why settle for anything but the best? Let our lineup and recommendations help your decision-making process. We've streamlined the process so you can find the right option for your needs and budget and get back to what you enjoy doing most.
