The New Power Kits: Paddle It When it comes to upgrading your spring gear, a few changes can go a long way. Here, we've collected 18 pieces of tech and apparel that will get you to the top of your game—whether it's hiking, paddling, or mountain biking. Text by Steve Casimiro Photograph by Todd Williams
1. Playmate The latest Jackson Kayak Fun($995; www.jacksonkayak.com) is even easier to use than earlier models: Volume has jumped from 51 to 54 gallons (193 to 204 liters), initial stability has improved due to a quarter inch of extra width, and the hull is looser and faster.
2. Bodyguard The Patagonia Rio Frio personal flotation device($120; www.patagonia.com) makes feeling safe feel good. It has a wide waistband, chafeproof underarm panels, and, best of all, no PVC.
3. Featherweight Prop The 2.3-pound (1-kilogram) Ty Warp Beam 10 paddle($200; www.tywarp.com) combines an ergo-friendly bent carbon shaft with wallet-friendly fiberglass-and-carbon blades. Translation: a lightweight paddle at half the cost of its all-carbon cousins.
4. Head Gear Ditch your low-profile lid for the Shred Ready Tdub LE($140; www.shredready.com), a fiberglass-composite helmet that covers the whole noggin with one of the best-fitting retention systems available.
5. Hydro Soles The sticky rubber outsole on the Teva P.1 water shoe($50; www.teva.com) can grip rock like an iguana, and its neoprene body yields all-day comfort.
6. Vapor Block The stitchless Immersion Research X Jacket($360; www.immersionresearch.com) is built with ultrasonic welding. Simply put, you will not get wet.
