Best Life Jackets and Personal Flotation Devices (PFD) of 2026

A rafting guide tested the best life jackets and PFDs for kayaking, rafting, fishing, rescue use, women, and budget buyers.

Water SportsJosette DeschambeaultSeptember 10, 2026water sports, PFD, lifejacket, personal floatation device, life jacket, whitewater rafting, kayaking, packrafting, fishing, safety equipment, popular, life jackets, NRS, Stohlquist, Josette Deschambeault

Best Satellite Messengers and Personal Locator Beacons of 2026

Stay safe, stay connected, and stay found in the backcountry with a satellite messenger or personal locator beacon.

backpacking, Climbing, GPS & Electronics, Kids Outdoors, Thru-Hiking & Backpacking, Travel & Lifestyle, Snow Sports, Camping, BicycleDean KrakelAugust 3, 2026satellite messengers, personal locator beacon, garmin inreach, garmin inreach mini, inreach mini, garmin mini, spot, safety equipment, snow sports, hiking, backpacking, thru-hiking, gps technology, safety, water sports, camping, snow, PLB review, rescue me plb review, best backpacking emergency beacon, personal location device, garmin emergency beacon, garmin personal locator beacon, garmin locator beacon, best plbs, satellite beacon for hikers, personal locator beacon reviews, best plb for hiking, ocean signal rescueme plb1 review, main, bicycle-related, running, running-related, PLB, electronics, travel, emergency, emergency preparedness, thru-hiking gear, running gear, climbing-related, travel-related, dean krakel

Oru Kayak Review: Should You Buy a Folding Oru Kayak?

You want a high-quality boat that you can transport in the trunk of your car. Should you buy a folding Oru Kayak?

Water SportsEbony RobertsJuly 8, 2026oru kayak, oru, folding kayak, kayak, kayaks, water soirts, water sports, ebony roberts

Best Life Jackets for Kids of 2026

We researched and tested the most popular child life jackets, youth life jackets, & infant life jackets to find the best life jackets for kids. Criteria included US Coast Guard Approval, easy buckle releases, and grab straps.

Water SportsJosette DeschambeaultJune 18, 2026water sports, PFD, lifejacket, personal floatation device, life jacket, whitewater rafting, kayaking, packrafting, fishing, safety equipment, water, kids, life jackets, kid, toddler, Josette Deschambeault

Best Dry Bags of 2026

Discover the best dry bags with our comprehensive guide, covering top models, key features, and how to choose the perfect dry bag for your next adventure.

Water SportsMary MurphyJune 18, 2026traveling, duffel bags, dry bag/dry bags, waterproof bags, waterproof backpacks, water sports, rafting, whitewater rafting

Best Reef Safe Sunscreens of 2026

We review truly reef safe sunscreen and reef friendly sunscreen to find oxybenzone free mineral options for protecting coral and wildlife— free of banned chemical UV filters

Water SportsKatie HawkesMay 20, 2026sunscreen, katie hawkes, reef safe, reef friendly, water sports

Best Beginner Fly Fishing Combos for 2026

The best fly fishing combos — fly rod, fly line and reel — for beginner anglers, plus expert advice so you can gear up and get out on the water.

Water SportsBri DostieApril 8, 2026fishing, fly fishing, water sports, fishing gear, fly fishing combo, fly fishing combos, fly rod, reel and line, fishing reel, fishing reel and line, fishing line, fishing rod, fly fishing rod, bri dostie

Best (and Brightest) Headlamps of 2026

We spent 400+ nights testing the best headlamps for brightness, battery life, comfort, and ease of use for backpacking, hiking, running, climbing, and camping.

Best Inflatable Kayaks of 2026

We tested inflatable kayaks with professional water sports guides, with extensive experience in Alaska and Montana waters, to find the best inflatable kayaks for stability, durability, maneuverability, and performance in varying conditions.

Water SportsKate ButlerAugust 25, 2025water, water sports, kayaks, inflatable kayaks, inflatable boats, boat

Best Plus Size Swimwear of 2026: 6 Models That Actually Fit

We test the best plus size swimwear - one-piece, two-piece, rash guards, and board shorts. These swimsuits fit well, look good, and stay on while swimming in the pool or lake, kayaking, or SUPing.

Water SportsGabi Reyes-AcostaJune 12, 2025plus size, swimwear, water sports, womens apparel, apparel

Oru Lake Sport Foldable Kayak Review

Discover if the Oru Lake Sport is right for you in our beginner-friendly review. We tested this foldable kayak to help you make an informed decision.

Water SportsLiz ThomasOctober 2, 2024oru kayaks, kayaks, kayak, oru, single product review, single product, water sports, liz thomas

Best Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Boards (SUPs) of 2026

For SUP beginners, experienced paddlers, yoga, fishing, or cruising with your dog, the best inflatable stand up paddle boards under $500 to the top upgrade.

Water SportsJosette DeschambeaultAugust 25, 2024water sports, SUPs, SUP, inflatable boats

Best Packrafts of 2026

We tested lake, ultralight, fishing and whitewater packrafts to take a backpacking or bikepacking trip to the water with boats by Alpacka Raft, Kokopelli and more.

Water SportsChris MeehanJune 30, 2023packrafting, packrafts, whitewater rafting, water sports, chris meehan, bikepacking

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