GearFlogger

Thule Slipstream XT kayak roof rack

You can lead a boat to water, but not easily. Thule does a great job of making the pain go away as much as possible with the Slipstream XT roof rack.

Like most rack systems assembly takes a little time, but just follow the manual and you'll be fine. The only decision you have to make is which side to mount it on, and the adjustment for that just takes a minute. The Slipstream is typical Thule, built extra tough so you can throw up to 75 pounds of kayak on top. It has the proven Thule roller in back, slick felt saddles in the rear and grippy rubber saddles in the front. Just sit the bow on the rollers, push forward and drop her in. Bonus: Thule does it right and includes four sets of straps, including ratcheting bow/stern tie-downs.

The Slipstream excels in adjustability. The saddles adjust side to side with finger-adjustable screws. Quick release toggles to slide the whole load forward and back for easy loading, unloading and centering, as well as allowing your rear hatch or trunk ample room to lift. The extended design is a boon for short roof lines. It sucks having to secure a kayak with only a couple feet between crossbars, but the Slipstream extends that distance to provide a stable platform on any vehicle, as well as ensuring ample stand-off distance betwixt keel and roof. The Slipstream sets the standard for roof-top kayak racks in every way.

$299.95 at REI

Dakine Project Blue Recon pack

Dakine takes it to a higher level with their Project Blue Recon pack. Project Blue is a surf industry effort to keep our waves rolling, our water blue and our coastlines pristine. Two bucks from each pack go to the Surfrider Foundation.

Dakine doesn't go halfway; the Recon is seriously eco-friendly, 100% PVC-free and made with a lot of material from recycled PET materials from plastic bottles. Maybe they compromised on features? Not! The Recon is very well laid out to go from campus to beach, with a top-mounted fleece-lined sunglass pocket, insulated cooler cubby and seam-sealed wetsuit pocket for your skanky second skin.

The organizer pocket has sleeves for phones and music players so they don't slosh around scratching each other. I've always given extra points for pockets that can be accessed while the pack is being worn, and the recon has two: a small mesh bottle pocket on the wearer's right and a zippered pocket on the left, perfect for a cell phone that you want to secure out of sight but handy. The pack is deceptively tall, providing a more-than-you'd-think 1,900ci inside. There's even a sternum strap. About the only thing missing is a hip belt, but the Recon is made to go short distances so most users won't have a problem with that. Beach rats will love it.

$74.00 at Zappos

Body Glove Illuminary Snorkeling Set

For all you BeachFloggers in winter-escape mode, don't forget the snorkel. If you're not a full-on diver you don't need to spend beaucoup bucks on a surface support system. Check out the Illuminary snorkeling set from Body Glove, purveyors of all things cool for the surf set.

All the basics are here. The fins are barefoot compatible, no booties required. They stay on well, are comfortable and provided just the right amount of stiffness for casual trolling. The 2-window mask has a surprisingly soft and effective silicone seal. There's no purge valve, but for snorkeling you can get by without it.

The snorkel purges easily, has a whistle built-in and a keeper that attaches to the mask strap. All in all it's an affordable and effective system that will allow you to see what's going on down under.

$59.99 at The Sports Authority