23 Gift Ideas for River Lovers

The Best Outdoor Gifts for Rafters, Kayakers & Paddleboarders

Got a serious river lover in your life, or just someone who loves soaking up time on the water? These outdoor gift ideas for rafters, kayakers, and paddleboarders are sure to make a splash! We’ve rounded up our top picks for paddlers (and a few things we secretly want) to fit any budget. Dive in and check them out…

The Splurge…

1) NRS X-Lite SUP

Among the more affordable standup paddle boards and definitely beginner-friendly, the NRS X-Lite doesn’t compromise on quality. Using lightweight materials and strong woven, rather than stitched, seams, the board is also significantly lighter than a lot of comparable products. Fit for flat water spots like lakes or bays, the X-Lite would also be right at home on rad mellow rivers. Three sizes are available for larger or smaller paddlers. ($775)

2) Insta360 X4 

Capture everything! The dual lenses of 360-degree cameras are becoming more and more ubiquitous in action sports, including whitewater rafting. Paddlers of all stripes will appreciate the quality imagery and the ability to get every angle in the spherical video of the X4. The Insta360 camera even automatically blends out the selfie stick that it’s mounted on. ($480)

3) Garmin Instinct 2X Solar Watch

Whether your goal is to track fitness or location, Garmin’s latest rugged smartwatch belongs in the outdoors. Literally. The solar charging panel will keep the battery charged on an unlimited basis, a huge benefit for multi-day trips or for those who just don’t like to take their watch off. There’s also a thermometer, altimeter, and a whole bunch of other Swiss Army-like features. ($450)

Gifts Under $300

4) NRS Expedition DriDuffel Dry Bag 

When paddling with gear that can’t get damp, dunked or drenched, NRS’ Expedition dry bags are clutch. A heavy-duty, tooth-free waterproof zipper makes it easy to quickly access and re-secure. Plenty of tie-down points and a removable shoulder strap make Expedition duffels easy to rig into a raft, kayak or paddle board. Sizes from 12 liters to 105 liters and a variety of colors are available. ($160-$360) 

5) NRS Vector PFD 

Whitewater paddlers will appreciate the latest PFD from NRS. With all the required features for a rescue vest, the Vector also brings a variety of handy attributes to the water, including a large clamshell pocket, side hand warmer pockets and a renewed fit that wraps foam around the whole body to better protect the ribs from impacts. ($300)

6) Patagonia Nano Puff Insulated Hoodie 

Every seasoned paddler is aware that packing layers is a necessity. You’ll find a solid synthetic puffy in most guide’s gear bags. And down fill and water sports don’t go together too well. Enter the Nano Puff, a lightweight yet warm hooded insulated jacket. One feature we liked is that the puffy’s PrimaLoft insulation is made from 100% post-consumer recycled content. ($290)  

7) Goal Zero Venture 75 + Nomad 10 Kit

This is the ultimate portable power option to keep devices like smartphones, cameras and GoPro’s charged on longer multi-day river trips and backcountry adventures. The rugged Goal Zero Venture 75 is good for multiple charges and can hold up to the outdoor elements. Not to mention, it can save the day if the power unexpectedly goes out at home, especially when paired with a portable solar panel like the Nomad 10. ($220) 

8) Chaco Z/1 Rapid Pro

Good footwear is critical for all paddling sports. Chaco took on the challenge to design the ultimate river sandal. Based on their timeless Z platform, the Rapid Pro adds a super sticky Vibram rubber sole, quick-drying straps and a reinforced heel riser to add strength for those muddy and rugged situations. ($130)

Gifts Under $100

9) Free Fly Shade Hoodie 

On both one-day and multi-day rafting trips, you’ll commonly see OARS river guides wearing Free Fly Shade Hoodies, so we can say with certainty that this is an ideal gift for rafters. The comfortable, lightweight bamboo fabric breathes incredibly well and stays damp long enough to maintain a nice cool feeling on hot days. The natural fiber also seems to hold odors less than their polyester counterpart, a nice feature on longer trips. ($74)

10) Roll-A-Table

A Roll-A-Table is one of those gifts for rafters that they don’t know they need…yet. These are standard gear on OARS trips and we couldn’t live without them. Flat surface on a sandy beach? Yes, please. Plus, it’s just a really great portable table for all occasions, including car camping next to your favorite lake. ($99)

11) Cold Case Thermal Phone Case 

Cold Case Gear’s insulated case protects against both water and big temperature swings that can disable or damage your phone when you’re outside, plus it floats if you happen to drop it in the drink. The Thermal Phone Case did the trick for our staff tester and protected her phone on a Lower Salmon river trip. The phone stayed dry through stretches of whitewater and didn’t overheat (normally an issue on summer rafting trips), even when it was sitting exposed on a beach in the hot sun for long periods of time. ($60)

Gifts Under $50

12) YETI 36 oz. Rambler with Chug Top 

Designed to keep drinks cold even on the hottest days, the YETI 36 oz Rambler is one of the best gifts for rafters and other paddlers who are constantly out in the elements. Its durable, double-wall vacuum insulation ensures that water stays ice-cold, while the shatter-resistant exterior handles bumps and drops. The leakproof Chug Cap allows for quick, easy hydration without spilling, ideal when you’re on the move. ($50)

13) Rumpl Everywhere Towel 

Towels have come a long way since the days of those thick fuzzy things that took up most of your beach bag. Rumpl’s towel technology is light, ultra-absorbent and quick-drying. The Everywhere Towel is meant to be an unobtrusive, easy-to-pack cloth that you can throw down anywhere and use for a variety of common paddling needs, including a quick dry after an unexpected swim. They come in a variety of colors and pattern, too. ($50)

14) YETI Sidekick Dry Gear Case 

When you’re on the water, there’s always something that’s handy to have, but you don’t want to get wet. Maybe it’s your phone, keys, a map or your favorite snack. That’s where the Sidekick comes in. The rigid, but flexible Dryhide construction is a similar material to what whitewater rafts are made of. The magnetic snap closure makes it quick and easy to grab or store your essentials. Belt loops and velcro strap attachments on the back make securing the waterproof case to almost anything a breeze. ($40-$70)

15) BioLite Slim Fit 325 Head Lamp 

How light can a headlamp be? BioLite’s new offering clocks in at a staggering featherweight of 1.75 ounces. The comfy elastic strap stays securely on your forehead to the point you might forget it’s there. The 325 lumens is plenty for most uses and, it was more than enough for an overnight trip on the Tuolumne River where we tested it. An adjustable beam and a red light option are icing on the cake. ($50)

16) Bottle Bash

We can’t get enough of Bottle Bash. It’s like a hybrid of frisbee, disc golf, and cornhole all in one. Teams take turns trying to knock a non-breakable “bottle” off of a pole that’s located 20 to 40 feet away (depending on how hard you want to make the game). To win, you have to outthrow and outcatch your competitor, and trust us, it’s harder than it looks. ($40)

Gifts Under $25

17) Salamander Beak Helmet Visor 

For anyone paddling whitewater on any craft, a helmet is a necessity. While some have built-in visors, most don’t shield your eyes from the sun very well. In the Beak Helmet Visor, Idaho-based Salamander came up with an affordable and easy solution. Though built for water sports, it can fit on any helmet system. ($20) 

18) NRS 1” HD Tie-Down Straps 

You can never have too many straps! Handy for an infinite number of on- and off-water uses, NRS cam straps are widely considered the best on the market. An easy, go-to gift for rafters, they’re available in lengths from 1-foot to 20-feet. If you’re not a fan of the classic blue, there’s a color-coded option, too. ($12-$40)

19) Stream2Sea Watersport Sunscreen 

Short of covering every square inch of skin with highly UV-resistant fabric, there’s no excuse for not lathering on some quality sunscreen when you’re out paddling. Among our favorite sunscreens, Stream2Sea’s non-greasy formula stays on well in the water, providing long-lasting, broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection. Made with safe, natural ingredients, it’s gentle on skin while withstanding the intense exposure paddlers face. ($20) 

20) Women of Whitewater Coloring Book 

Who doesn’t love to color? Our friend Amanda Selsky created the first women-focused, whitewater-themed coloring book full of awesome outlines, just waiting for your creative colors. Each page was inspired by a real-life whitewater hero and offers a little bit of inspiration. ($20)

21) Whale Foundation Calendar

Anyone who’s ever done a Grand Canyon rafting trip, or hopes to someday, will appreciate the Whale Foundation’s annual calendar, which provides a glimpse at some of the Grand Canyon’s finest views and special places. You can feel good about this gift too because the proceeds from each calendar sold goes to support the health and wellness of the guiding community. ($18)

Stocking Stuffers for Rafters & Paddlers

22) Chums Ripcord Retainer 

Strewn on the bottom of almost every navigable body of water are the sunken sunglasses of those who didn’t sport a sunglasses retainer. Long-time OARS partner, Chums, is the best in the business. We like the Ripcord Retainer for its simple design and silicone tips that are easy to slide on to virtually any pair of glasses. ($14)

23) Rite in the Rain Outdoor Journal 

Is it just us, or does being in the great outdoors inspire the creative soul in all of us? Just in case inspiration hits, your river lover will always be prepared with the rugged Rite in the Rain outdoor journal, which features all-weather paper. Splurge for a weatherproof pen, which will work even if the paper is wet. ($9)

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