What to wear when water & air temp is cold?

[nick4wheelin]

I think I willbe getting the NRS Grizzly Series farmer johns and jacket. I am 6' tall and weight about 265 lb does anyone with the NRS Grizzly series think I might fit into the GL size, I am at the top of that size in weight and height, I may just need the extenders. I would just hate to send the suit back cause it didnt fit and I dont need a suit that goes up to 305lb which is what the G2XL goes too, more growth is not part of the plan .

I may just look at the local Acadamy or d*ck's stores for a base layer and a wind breaker type of layer on top. I have fleece so thats good. Anyone have suggestions on Gloves and Boots? Thanks for all the help so far!

[tomOzarkVideo]

http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product.asp? ... eptid=1142

They have an XL..

[Canoe_Codger]

Anyone use the Immersion Research one piece union suit base layer?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BylIv-xq ... r_embedded" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[nick4wheelin]

Thanks tomozarkvideo, I am not sure if the XL would have fit so I decided not to try it, it also cost as much as my budget would allow for, for all the items I purchased to tell you the truth.

I did get the NRS Grizzly setup, its ordered anyway and should be here soon. I found some gloves, booties, and a hood too, hope it all will last a while. I picked up a merano wool top/bottom base layer at acadamy for $40 on closeout along with some wool socks. I just hope the wetsuit will fit good when it arrives. I seen some cheaper splash jackets and it seems like there isnt much to them. I wonder if Frog Toggs top and bottom would be an ok for a top layer for a while? I found them cheap $40 and camo, its a lot cheaper than a cheap splash top by its self. I can always upgrade in a year or so anyway when I have more money for kayaking cloths. Thanks for the ideas and for helping me find things while staying on budget.

I suppose I should keep a drybag with a towel and possibly some dry cloth and/or small fleece blanket in the kayak. Can anyone help me by telling about any good bags that would fit these items inside it and be kind of cheap too. I have a Perception Sport Pescador 12 (formerly Tarpon 120) and the bag would stay inside the kayak hatch so it should stay dry anyway. I have had the yak out on mainly flat water, but have never had a drop of water inside hull of the yak yet, so I dont think the bag has to be top of the line. I seen a few at acadamy, do you think they might be ok. Can someone also tell what size of bag I might need. Thanks again!

[tomOzarkVideo]

You made a good decision.. In a few weeks, you'll be hitting anything you want in that stuff.

Happy boatin'

[turboturtle]

I am most obviously biased, and for good reason. If and when you do move into the drysuit category, I have been trusting my life to my OS Systems surface water dry suit for near 20 years. These are the original under water dry suit manufacturers, and have 30 years of experience in the business. Mine has 1000 denier Cordura in the but and legs for extreme wear, full latex booties, and a relief zipper for those over hydrated days. Busting briars while portaging and scouting will rip some lesser suits. Save your doughnut money for a year and take the plunge. (no pun on weight intended)
I found mine at clearance prices from an outdoor store in Washington or Oregon state. I cannot remember its been so long. I believe I did get the stores name from OS Systems. See their site here; http://www.ossystems.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
I will add that my first couple of years I wore pile and splash pants and top. It worked well until I swam. Then the pile sheds its water quickly and warming commences soon after exiting the water.
Oh, and welcome to the forums!

aka Bob

[nick4wheelin]

I got most of my stuff in already it came from NRS in Washington State and I am happy to say that so far it all fits and boy was it hot in the house while trying that stuff on I am waiting on wetsocks and shoes from outdoor play coming from Oregon, man Fed Ex is slow , stuff was in memphis on friday morning, now its in mississippi on monday night. Memphis to Little Rock would have been a better next step on way to Fort Smith area, oh well UPS came through . Sorry for the complaining, it just has that christmas feel to it you know, like I cant wait to get it all here and get out there and start using it.

Thanks for the welcome turboturtle, I did look at OS Systems after you posted, looks like good stuff too. Only real negative I seen was the 2 year warranty on all items I could pull up. I have read on here where Kokatat makes good on there I believe lifetime warranties. When the time comes for me to get a suit I will have a hard time looking to much farther, standing behind a warranty carries alot of weight for most. I believe I read that even the more reasonably priced Kokatat suits carry that warranty. I know that a 2 year warranty doesnt mean that the product is only good for two years but a longer warranty never hurts when trying to attract buyers. This is really another topic for later time for myself though, as I cannot afford a drysuit this year. Thanks for all the help.

[nick4wheelin]

I got the rest of my stuff, it all fits too, and it all seems to be good quality. My only complaint is its all made in China and Thailand. I should have looked to see where it was made, but i thought something would have been made here. Does anyone know if it is a thing where the chemicals to make the neoprene and stuff are banned here, or do you think its strictly a profit thing. I know some things move away because chemicals that used to be used here are now banned, most go for money though. I dont have to buy everything made in USA, its really not possible. I just like to think if i can get a few made in USA items i can help keep a few more jobs here. Sorry to get off topic, just was kind of sad when i seen all of those tags.

[kayakdoc]

Here is a link from EJ that covers a lot of what has been said as well.
I find the "fit page" on the NRS website that gives your chest, hip, leg, inseam and so on measurements to be pretty accurate in the past. some of the ranges overlap so I would go with the bigger because you can look like a monkey tryin to get on a wet or dry suit that is too small and may not be able to get out.
One option will be at the upcoming Whitewater school on the Mulberry checking out different options people are decking out in but also folks often have slightly used but loved gear for sale as well. I understand size may be tuff to find.
I have tried the dry top and dry pants combo and it is dry for splashing but not swimming.
see ya on the river,
Hillis

[kayakdoc]

sorry the link was :
http://jacksonkayak.com/blog/2011/01/13 ... he-winter/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[nick4wheelin]

I got the rest of my stuff, it all fits too, and it all seems to be good quality. My only complaint is its all made in China and Thailand. I should have looked to see where it was made, but i thought something would have been made here. Does anyone know if it is a thing where the chemicals to make the neoprene and stuff are banned here, or do you think its strictly a profit thing. I know some things move away because chemicals that used to be used here are now banned, most go for money though. I dont have to buy everything made in USA, its really not possible. I just like to think if i can get a few made in USA items i can help keep a few more jobs here. Sorry to get off topic, just was kind of sad when i seen all of those tags.