ION Explorer Bag

Downwind SUP foiling is addictive. The further you paddle offshore, the longer the runs become and the more freedom you experience. But that freedom comes with a responsibility: being prepared. Unlike wingfoiling, where you usually have a way back, SUP foil downwind sessions often leave little room for error. Wind can disappear, swell can fade, equipment can break, and you're sometimes several kilometers offshore. That's exactly where the ION Explorer Bag comes in.

The Explorer Bag immediately feels purpose-built. It's lightweight, compact and sits securely on your back thanks to a well-designed hip belt that prevents unwanted movement while paddling. The layout is simple but extremely practical: several front pockets keep essential items organized and accessible, while a larger rear compartment offers enough space for bigger equipment.

One of its biggest strengths is how customizable it is. If you go for a long run and need extra hydration, there's a dedicated sleeve for a hydration bladder. And if you’re going for a long offshore mission you can add your VHF radio, phone, flares or other safety equipment on the front pockets. Every rider can organize it differently depending on the conditions and the mission of the day.

One feature I particularly loved is the large stretch pocket on the back. It comfortably fits a small emergency parawing. At first it sounds excessive, but after a few long downwinders you quickly understand its value. If the swell suddenly fades, the current changes, or you simply can't get back onto foil, having a compact parawing available can completely change the outcome of your session. It's one of those things you hope you'll never need, but you'll be incredibly happy it's there when you do.

Another feature that makes perfect sense is the pair of external compression straps. These allow you to secure a deflated wing directly onto the backpack. For riders practicing deflaters – riding offshore with your wing before deflating the wing and completing the return journey by paddle – the system works brilliantly. The wing stays stable against your back without interfering with your paddling or balance, leaving your hands completely free.

If you're only doing short coastal downwinders close to shore, which I’m mostly doing, the Explorer Bag might seem too much, and to be honest, I was thinking the same too, but this vest made me rethink everything, even on small runs something can go wrong, and you’ll need someone to come get you or at least see you from the shore – and that’s when the flashy orange colour of the bag comes to the rescue.

What I love most about this vest is its modularity. You decide what today's mission requires. Water, VHF, phone, emergency gear, a compact parawing or even a full-size wing for a deflater, everything has its place. It's not designed to make you ride faster. It's designed to make sure you come home safely. And in a discipline where conditions can change incredibly quickly, that's probably one of the best investments you can make.