The Gear You Need on the Water This Summer

No matter where you live—or where summer travel takes you—you’ll likely run into abundant opportunities to enjoy the water over the next few months. Whether you’re towing your rig to a riverside, launching your boat in a nearby lake, or driving back roads looking for the idyllic creek to cast a line, you’ll need the right gear to support those adventures and keep your valuables afloat. Here, we’ve rounded up five items that will take your summer activities to the next level. All you need to do is find the water. 

Yeti Panga Backpack 28

If you’re going to be around water consistently, investing in a waterproof pack large enough to stow all your accessories will be essential. There are countless drybags on the market, but very few can be worn as comfortably as the Yeti Panga Backpack. And at 28 liters, it has plenty of room for extra layers, a day’s worth of food, a fly box and whatever else you take along. Plus, it’s completely submersible, built to last, and even has an interior laptop sleeve for drier times.  $300

Tenkara Rod Co. Sierra - Collapsible Fly Rod 

You never know when a fish might rise, so it’s wise to have a flyrod at the ready. Unlike most rods, the Tenkara—modeled after the simple fishing method in Japan—deploys from a 20-inch sleeve and telescopes into a 10.5-inch fly rod. There’s no reel necessary, making it an ideal (and affordable) option for anglers on the go and travelers who can’t make room for a full fly setup or a rod rack on their vehicles. $169

TropicFeel ATHDry Waterproof Shoes

Sandals are just fine for many water activities, but they can’t do everything. If your adventures around water require sure footing or even a short hike, you should consider closed-toe shoes with arch and ankle support. TropicFeel’s ATHDry line is designed to keep water out on the trail, but can also expel water if they’re submerged. And despite being easy to slip on and off, they’re built with ankle support pads and grippy soles to ensure stability in slick conditions. $169

BOTE WULF Aero Inflatable Paddleboard

Spending time along the water’s edge is certainly peaceful. But, sometimes, don’t you just want to be out there? If you’re looking for a relatively low-stress and  portable way to leave the shore this summer, an inflatable paddleboard could make for an affordable addition. The 11-foot, 4-inch long Bote WULF Aero weighs just 22 pounds, and at 38-inches wide when inflated, it makes for a sturdy platform for beginners. Plus, it deflates and packs into a small carrying case, meaning it won’t take up too much room in your rig. 

Pelican Marine Waterproof Floating Pouch 

Nothing will take the wind out of your sails like watching your phone splash through the water’s surface and sink. And while common sense might say you should keep your phone packed away, sometimes you want it handy to make a call or snap photos. Enter the Pelican Marine waterproof pouch, which fits most smartphones and has a clear window that allows you to use the device inside. Plus, air pockets give it buoyancy if it's dropped in the water and a detachable lanyard will keep your phone hanging around your neck.