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River Lovers Gift Guide

Michael Hughes / Thursday, December 2, 2021

The holiday season is upon us and you may be thinking about getting a gift for a fellow river lover. Hopefully you haven't waited to long to track some of these items down.

River Knife

There are loads and loads of river knives options out there. Everyone seems to have their personal preference on what they carry but I am pretty sure they won't be disappointed by having another knife. My personal favorite is the E-Z Out Rescue by Gerber. It is light weight, sharp, and feels good in your hand. Check out the playlist of knife reviews at Gear Garage.

River Knife

There are many different river knives to choose from

Rig Bag

Rig bags come in many sizes and go by a few different names. They are all pretty similar. Durable mesh made to carry wet gear. However they are NOT all created equal. Rig bags aren't your typical light weight mesh laundry bag. These bags are made of durable mesh and designed to take a beating. They come in small sizes nice for holding some straps and a water bottle to huge duffle bags for carrying all of your gear to and from the river. The receiver of a rig bag will likely already have a plan in their head for what they will use it for.

Rig Bag

One can never have to many rig bags

Cam Straps

Every boater uses straps. Every boater has lost at least one strap. No boater will be bummed out if they get more straps. Straps might just be the perfect gift. Get some custom straps through Strapworks or go with the classic blue NRS straps.

Cam Straps

Extra cam straps are always helpful

Solar Lights

Lights in the outdoors tend to be really helpful. Most people carry a headlamp but a solar powered lantern is awesome. If you spend time on multi-day trips in the spring or fall having lights in camp can be awesome and nice for playing games and navigating uneven surfaces. These lights are also awesome as a make shift "fire" for those summer trips when there is a fire ban or its just too warm to sit around a fire.

Solar Lights

These Luci Lights are a great choice

Insulated Mug

Weather you want to keep your beverage hot or warm, an insulated cup, mug, or bottle is a great addition to your kit. There are a handful of sizes, colors, and shapes. Find one that you like. My favorite mug of all time is is the Miir Camp Mug.

Insulated Beverage Mug

Insulated mugs are perfect for hot or cold drinks on the river

Other Ideas

If you are looking for more ideas, or the ones above aren't enough, here is a list of more great ideas.

  • External battery bank
  • Camp chair
  • Camp blanket
  • Light-up bocce ball
  • Rocket boxes and ammo cans

Let me know in the comments what gear you have on your gift list.

Author

Michael Hughes

Michael grew up in the small Minnesota town of Stewartville. He spent his days outside in the woods and riding a bike. The only thing that has changed is his location. Oregon is now home and he is still outside, riding a bike, and paddling where ever the water is.

 
 

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Disclaimer: River conditions, obstacles, and rapids can vary for a variety of reasons. Please combine this general information with good judgment and your own river reading skills.


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