Cruise Control

Wilderness Systems Tempest

Like a cross between a Humvee and a Ferrari, the new Wilderness Systems Tempest 170 PRO ($3,299) is touring-tough for all-conditions paddling, yet still manages to provide satisfying speed with impeccable manners (and we love the way this sleek baby looks). At 58 pounds, this fiberglass masterpiece is fitted with glass bulkheads in standard composites and has an expedition capacity of 350 pounds. The drop skeg keeps the Tempest on track, even in nasty weather, and the secondary stability is enough that even a rank beginner can hold and edge. Contact 800-311-7245; www.wildernesssystems.com.

Voyageur Bering Paddle

Power Play
After a long, energy-sapping day of kayak touring in big wind and swells, you'll surely come to this realization: Get the best paddle you can afford. On that note, the Voyageur Bering Carbon Paddle ($309) is our number-one choice for open-water touring. These slim, compact carbon-fiber blades (six inches by 18-and-a-quarter) feature protective edge/tip reinforcements and are designed to cut wind resistance without sacrificing power. Additionally, the asymmetrical blades are fine-edged and incorporate a compound dihedral that enables high-cadence power-paddling without flutter. Contact 800-311-7245; www.voyageur-gear.com.

Wave Sport Monolith Dry Top

Defense Strategy
Whitewater means attendant rocks. Lots of 'em. Which is why paddlers should invest in protective body armor like the Wave Sport Monolith LS Dry Top ($250). Besides the waterproof-breathable comfort afforded from the Ultra DWR-coated nylon and natural latex gaskets, the Monolith protects you in all the right places. Extra reinforced neoprene panels at the shoulders and forearms are made to deflect serious impact, and protection can be ratcheted up with additional foam pad inserts. Contact 800-311-7245; www.wavesport.com.

Minolta's Marine Case

Picture Perfect
The Minolta DiMAGE Xt ($399) digital camera and dedicated Marine Case ($275) deliver incredibly crisp images and quick, fumble-free performance—good things when Class IV whitewater is demanding your attention. The Xt, about the size of a card deck, is billed as the "world's smallest 3.2-megapixel camera" and features an internal 3X optical zoom that works like a periscope, so there's no protruding lens. This svelte feature is reflected in the marine case, also decidedly compact and blessedly easy to use—even at minus 100 feet (for scuba we hope, not paddling). Contact 201-825-4000; www.minoltausa.com.

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