Accessories - Killer Kayaks!

How To Pick The Right Aquatic Shoes

There’s no better time to invest in water shoes than during the summer season, but you should know that a good pair of shoes should be usable year round. There are many different kinds of water shoes you can buy out there, and each kind has its own beneficial features that differ from the next.

Depending on which water activity you’re participating in, you can also expect to get different water shoes for the best protection and experience altogether.

Kayaking

If you’re looking for water shoes for kayaking, you want ones that are slightly more flexible than usual. Kayaking water shoes are typically made out of neoprene, a synthetic rubber that will keep its flexibility through a wide range of temperature levels.

This is important, mostly for comfort’s sake, considering that you could be paddling for hours at a time. Even if you were just a beginner, and would only go out for short periods of time, the perfect pair of shoes are the ones that will allow you to go on paddling for as long as possible. Make sure you have the perfect fit to go out in your Sun Dolphin Bali 10 sit on kayak.

Water Sports

You might not automatically think about water shoes when you’re doing water sports, but having the proper shoes could actually elevate your level of skill. These shoes would be perfect for water activities such as rafting, paddleboarding, surfing, and jet skiing, among others.

The main feature you’d want to look for with water shoes, in this category, would be lightness. Water sport shoes are generally made with thin, synthetic materials that allow for quick movements. You’ll also want to look for shoes that provide just enough cushioning to absorb the shocks that you normally would experience when participating in active water sports.

In addition, it’s important to get shoes that have enough grip to provide you with ample control, when it comes to slippery surfaces.

Swimming

Most people get water shoes for the sake of swimming. There are different types of shoes you could get, depending on the type of water terrain you’re swimming in.

Either way, the most important feature to look for, in this aspect, is protection. When you’re swimming near a rocky beach, you’ll want to get shoes that can protect you from possible cuts and scrapes that you might get from stepping on sharp rocks.

Protection can also come in the form of proper cushioning. In addition, you’ll want shoes that can give you traction in unstable, sandy bottom surfaces in lakes, rivers, and oceans. Your water shoes should give you traction, while being lightweight at the same time. You’re not going to want to feel your shoes on while you’re swimming.

Another important feature to look for in water shoes, for swimming, is how quickly they dry up. Most mesh fabrics are popular options for water shoes, because of their quick drying capabilities.

Boating

With boating shoes, you’ll want to pay attention to the exterior properties more. Breathability is an important factor, especially since you’ll be out of the water a majority of the time. You’ll want shoes that will dry quickly as well. You never know when you’ll get wet on a boat. Style is crucial for many, and boating shoes definitely have a wide range of styles you could choose from, and many brands.

Other features that are important, when it comes to boating shoes, include grip, platform stability (for standing in motion), and of course, comfort.

Conclusion

Whatever water shoes you may end up getting, the most important thing to look for is quality in materials. Water tends to break down materials faster, so you’ll want to get high quality water shoes that can last you a while, and protect your feet at the same time.

Top 5 Water Filter Bottles For Extreme Hiking

Water is life, unless it contains something harmful, and then you’re in trouble. Unless you have boiled your water or treated it, then you can never be too sure of its safety, especially if you are on the go and have to depend on fountains, rivers, and other sources to refill your water bottle.

The good news is that if you are an adventurous person who loves hiking, camping, and any other leisure activity, you can still drink safe water if you invest in a water bottle with a filter.

Here is a list of some of the best water bottles for hiking, which will filter out parasites and other harmful substances.

#1. LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle

This bottle has a two-stage filtration process that gets rid of 99.99% of waterborne parasites and bacteria. When you are preparing for a hike, you can use it to filter tap water at home, and carry it with you.

However, if it runs out before you get back home, this bottle will filter water from puddles, ponds, and streams. Although it filters parasites and bacteria, it will not remove viruses, heavy metals, salt water, or chemicals. LifeStraw does sell other bottles that will remove viruses.

The filter is very easy to clean, and it is long-lasting, since it can filter up to 264 gallons of water. The bottle weighs 5 ounces, making it light enough to carry, and it is also leak-proof, so you will not worry about wasting any drops of precious water.

One of the downsides of this bottle is that it is expensive, selling for over $30, and it cannot filter out any bad tastes and odors. Also, some people find it difficult to suck water through the straw.

#2. Gray Inc. Ultralight Water Purifier Filter Bottle

This purifier bottle is efficient, since it filters and purifies the water very fast, within 15 seconds. It not only filters out soil particles, but also eliminates up to 99.99% of harmful bacteria, parasites, as well as dangerous metals.

It weighs 10.9 ounces, therefore, it is easily portable for your hiking trips, and can filter up to 40 gallons of water before requiring replacement.

Aside from purifying and filtering water, it will also remove any odors from it. You can use it with any freshwater source, and it has a capacity of 16 ounces; though it is also costly, going for $60 or more.

#3. Life Defender Filter Water Bottle

This Life Defender bottle has a 2-stage filtration process that is both coconut activated, and chemical free. It carries 700 ml of water, and can filter 1,500 liters before needing filter replacement.

It can purify 99.99% of heavy metals, bacteria, chemicals, and parasites in water and the company offers a 100% quality guarantee. It costs about $37, and each dollar you spend on a bottle is a donation to Water.org.

#4. Aquaovo Alter Ego Frio Personal Water Filter Outdoor

This stainless steel, and thermal-insulated bottle goes for about $60, and can filter not only tap water contaminants, but also river parasites. This makes it the ideal bottle to carry with you during your hikes, or other outdoor trips.

#5. Survimate Water Filter Bottle

For the price of about $30, you can invest in this filter bottle that uses precise, coconut shell carbon to eliminate bacteria, parasites, and metals.

It also gets rid of other contaminants that you are likely to find in outdoor sources of water, including rivers, lakes, and ground water.

Its only downside is that it can take some time for the water to filter through, and when it does, the flow can be slow, initially.

Conclusion

With these great options to choose from, you might as well start packing your Oru Bay for that hiking trip you have been postponing, because you could not get a reliable water filter bottle. Now you have no excuse!

Top 5 Kayak Paddles – Best Bang For Your Buck Edition!

As almost everyone knows, some kayaks come with paddles and some do not, so you have to purchase them separately. That’s when you have to do your research into a paddle that will be suitable for the type of kayaking you will be doing.

There are many paddles to look at, with different price variations, depending on ease of use, material, weight, and more, but which one is the best kayak paddle? We will keep expanding on this guide, but for now, take a look at these best kayak paddle options to see if they would be a nice fit for your particular activity.

Best Kayak Paddles On The Market:

1. Carlisle Magic Plus – Polypro Blades/Fiberglass Shaft

If you are looking for a paddle that is light and durable at the same time, you cannot go wrong here. Made from glass-filled polypropylene, you can expect a high impact paddle that will have an impressively long lifespan. The Carlisle Magic Plus has a weight of 35.6 oz, is 220 centimeters (a little more than 7 feet) long, and comes in 3 colors, Cloud, Sunrise, and Dark Cherry.

It is also available in lengths of 230 centimeters and 240 centimeters. The paddle is designed to perform powerful and smooth strokes, all thanks to its symmetrical shape and the slightly spooned shape of its blade.

The shaft is made from flexible fiberglass, which provides the holder with a sturdy paddle stroke, along with a slight flex that is necessary to significantly reduce stress along the joints. The blades are filled with fiberglass too, which means that it is not only durable, but it is significantly lightweight too. If you are looking for a paddle that is designed to take a beating, this one certainly takes the cake.

Some people might find it a little bit of an inconvenience that there are only very small movements that are allowed between the two pieces, due to its stiffness. However, adjusting the configurations of the paddle is quite easy to do. It is convenient that it can be broken down during transport too.

At the price that it is offered, it is certainly one reliable paddle. No wonder this one made it as our #1 best kayak paddle selection.

Check out the Carlisle Magic Plus on Amazon!

2. SeaSense X-1 Kayak Paddle

Probably one of the best-priced paddles on the market today, the SeaSense X-1’s lightweight blades will be a huge plus for users that don’t want to end up straining their arms too much when using this paddle. The paddle is made up of two pieces of blades that are made from black molded plastics. The shaft is a two-piece construction fashioned from aluminum.

For buyers that are looking for both comfort and value, this is one good purchase that will certainly deliver. While there are users that may find the overall length of the paddle, at 84 inches, to be a tad bit short, this makes for a really excellent spare.

The SeaSense X-1 is designed to float in the water, and it is equipped with paddles that have adaptable angles. The blades can be turned to three different positions, depending on your preference. While the paddle does feel lightweight, it does not feel flimsy at all, which ensures that it can carry out some really vigorous strokes when in use. The cushioned grips attached on the shaft makes for some comfortable paddling.

Check out the SeaSense X-1 kayak paddle on Amazon!

3. Aqua-Bound Sting Ray Posi-Lok

For people who are looking for a well-constructed paddle that is lightweight and sturdy, this is one excellent buy. Considering the price, the high standards in which this product is created is certainly notable. The light weight of the blade means that it is able to easily slice through the water in a smooth fashion.

The strong build of this Aqua-Bound paddle allows it to be used to improve one’s overall performance. The quality carbon used to construct the shaft lends a larger circumference to the handle, but it is also responsible for giving it a sturdier feel. The paddle is designed to be detached and adjusted, and there is a two-button release on the shaft to perform this feature.

The excellent material with which the product is made ensures that it is able to resist corrosion. There is a slight flex on the shaft, along with a low weight on the swing, as a result of the carbon construction of the shaft. The strength and stiffness of this best kayak paddle option are further enhanced by its carbon fiber blades. Overall, this is one sturdy paddle.

Check out the Aqua Bound Stingray Kayak Paddles on Amazon!

4. Werner Camano 2 Pc Straight

This Werner Camano paddle boasts of the ideal balance between durability and weight, thanks to its careful handcrafting using pressure molding. It is sturdy and lightweight, thanks to its carbon and top-quality fiberglass blend design. For the kayak users that really value a well-balanced paddle, this one will certainly live up to expectations.

The paddle’s 2-piece design means that it can easily be broken down. This ensures easier transport, as well as storage when not in use. The paddle also features an adjustable Ferrule System, which ensures that the feather can be easily adjusted to different angles.

When on the water, it can be noticed how the kayak paddle creates minimal flutter, which makes it possible to create forward strokes that are exceptionally flawless and smooth. Drag is also reduced thanks to the asymmetrical shape of the blades. This selection for our best kayak paddle list is able to easily and smoothly pull through the water. It does not require a tight grip, so it greatly reduces stress on the wrist and arms.

These blades are beautifully crafted. Since they are designed to glow while in the water, it helps lend more visibility as you paddle. These mid-sized blades are also designed to keep the user’s lap dry, thanks to its drip rings. It’s meant to be used with a touring kayak.

Check out the Werner Camano 2 on Amazon!

5. Bending Branches Angler Classic Kayak Paddle

If you are looking for a kayak paddle with features that are angler-friendly, then this classic offering from Bending Branches would be ideal for you. This is certainly the paddle of choice for those that love fishing excursions. It is designed with a built-in retriever for hooks, which is quite useful if you need to rescue lures, free snags on the lines, as well as on those occasions where you need to land a rather massive fish.

Its Angler Classic’s fiberglass shaft lends a lot to its overall durability. It is also fashioned with a measurement system, which makes it easier for the avid fishing enthusiast to get a good recording of the measurements of his catch, both in centimeters and inches.

The length of the paddle allows the user to have it raised high up in the air, which lends to a more minimized splashing the moment that it touches back down in the water. This helps if you are using it to fish, so as not to scare a potential catch away. It is designed to have a lower angle for paddling, which results in less water that drips toward the boat.

The paddle is impressively sturdy, and for people that are looking for quality at a good price, this one is a clear winner. The fact that it offers some really interesting features, on top of being your usual kayak paddle, makes this a really fun piece to have around.

Check out the Bending Branches kayak paddles on Amazon!

This best kayak paddle option also comes with a snap button ferrule, which ensures easier storage and transport. If you love some extra features on your paddle, this would be quite an interesting purchase.

5 Best Kayak Life Vest Options For Your Next Kayaking Trip!

Everyone is going to need a life vest when they go kayaking, especially if they want to be safe. Not only are they great for keeping you afloat in emergency situations, but they can hold your most valuable items where you can easily reach them. You wouldn’t even have to store them in a hatch on the boat because they would be in a pocket right on your chest.

Let’s take a look at some of the best kayak life vest options that will serve your individual needs.

1. ONYX MoveVent Dynamic Kayak Life Vest

This life vest is Coast Guard approved and has a SOLAS grade material that is reflective so that rescuers or other boaters can see you more easily. There is a mesh material in the back to keep you cooler on hot days, as well as in the front to drain any water out of the zippered pockets. The shoulder straps can be adjusted and are made with neoprene pads. A strong fabric made of 200 denier nylon makes up most of the vest’s composition, along with a light foam for buoyancy.

The first best life vest on our list is the ONYX MoveVent! The design of the ONYX MoveVent Dynamic Life Vest allows for ease of arm movement, which is great for those who need to paddle. Side belts are easily adjustable to tighten or loosen the vest, and there is one pocket in the front that includes a whistle if you needed it during an emergency.

The only drawback is that the pocket is too small, so storage is not the best on this particular vest, but you can at least hold your keys in there. There is also a hard clip on the front to attach a knife for fishing or anything else that can be attached.

Chest:

X-Small/Small – 28”-36”
Medium/Large – 36”-44”
X-Large/XX-Large – 44”-56”

Check out the ONYX MoveVent Kayak Life Vest on Amazon!

2. ONYX Kayak Fishing Life Jacket

Another life vest by ONYX, this is mainly used for kayak fishing, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still use it if you are someone who likes to carry extra items with you. This jacket is also Coast Guard approved, with a mesh material on the back to let the wind in and stay cool, as well as keeping it less bulky. This kayak life vest is made to accommodate larger people as well. It’s made with 400 denier nylon and has 3 pockets, one small and two big ones.

Normally, the bigger pockets would be used for a small tackle box, scissors, pliers, knives, and other things a fisherman would need. For someone who wants extra space, they could put their cell phones, sunscreen, and other things. There are clips on the front for your sunglasses, as well as a whistle and whatever else you need to attach. The vest has 6 adjustable straps for a comfortable, secure fit and there are neoprene shoulder pads.

Chest:

Universal – 30”-52”
Oversize – 40”-60”

Check out the ONYX Kayak Life Vest on Amazon!

3. Stohlquist Edge Life Jacket

This Stohlquist life vest has a very large arm opening so you can paddle unobstructed with no chafing. It is Coast Guard approved, and is also approved by Transport Canada, with highly visible reflective markings. The vest is made with 200 denier oxford liner with a Mini-ripstop outer shell made of nylon, which means it’s reinforced so it won’t rip.

The sides of this life jacket are made with mesh for more ventilation and the padded shoulder straps are adjustable. There is a decent sized front pocket and a side pocket as well, both zippered. You can just unzip it and drop things in for easy access later. The foam for buoyancy is very soft, making it perfect for both men AND women, with a WRAPTURE shaped torso.

Chest:

Small/Medium – 33”-39”
Large/X-Large – 40”-46”
XX-Large – 48”-54”

Check out the Stohlquist Edge Kayaking Life Jacket on Amazon!

4. Stohlquist Women’s Betsea Personal Flotation Device

The Betsea life vest is built with the female body in mind, with contoured inner cups built-in for upper body support. It is approved by the Coast Guard and Transport Canada with a 3M reflective trim in the front and back. The outer shell is made of 500 denier nylon, the liner is 200 denier oxford, and the arms are extra wide to paddle or swim freely. The cross-chest cinch harness prevents the jacket from riding up.

There are two zippered pockets on the front of the Betsea kayak life vest so you can store your phone, keys, and whatever else you need to, as well as two 4-way lash tabs to clip extra items onto your jacket. Lumbar pads are also included for back support, along with pockets to warm your hands in case the weather changes while you’re out on the water.

Chest/Bust:

Small/Medium – 28”-34”
Large/X-Large – 35”-40”
Plus – 40”-46”

5. Stohlquist Youth Escape PFD Kayak Life Jacket

We’ve included a youth life jacket so that everyone is included, especially when you’re taking your family out for some fun water activities. This jacket has extra soft foam inserts in both the front and back for added comfort and is Coast Guard approved. It’s best for kids that weigh 50-90 pounds and has straps to fully adjust the jacket to fit them very snugly.

The shoulders of this kayak life vest are padded and there are reflective accents all throughout. It is made with 200 denier nylon for the outer shell and the liner is 200 denier oxford. The arms are extra wide to make swimming easier and to move around unrestricted. The zippered pocket is a great place to store your kid’s snacks and a small tube of sunscreen or whatever else they may need.

Check out the Stohlquist Youth Escape PFD Kayak Life Vest on Amazon!

Best Kayak Life Vest Options Conclusion!

There are many kinds of kayak life vests, and some are made for special activities, like fishing. Some are very basic (cheap, but will still save you in an emergency), some are moderately priced, but won’t have the extras, and some are more expensive, but they will have everything you need in a kayak life vest.

It all depends on the activity and/or sport you’re participating in. If you’re fishing, it would be nice to have the basics right in your jacket, like a knife, some hooks, weights, scissors, gloves, etc. No matter what storage needs you have, kayak life vests are a necessity for safety purposes, first and foremost, so choose wisely.

These are some of the best kayak life vest options you will find around!