Kayak Clothing; What to Buy?

[Deuce]

Little Deuce is rapidly approaching a skill level at which she'll be able to join me on more runs and plans to attend SWWP. I think I need to get her some clothing for those times of year when dry suits or farmer johns aren't necessary but shorts and t shirts aren't quite enough for immersion. What does everyone wear then? Hydroskin? Shorties? Enlighten an old SOB (Scruffy Open Boater).

[magicmike]

HydroSkin rocks. Paddling jacket over it if it gets windy. -M-

[kru1]

Are you trying to jinx us and make it sleet and snow again this year at canoe school?

kru

[Deuce]

Are you trying to jinx us and make it sleet and snow again this year at canoe school?

kru

Ugh. Perish the thought, Kristian! Not to worry. She'll be at least somewhat prepared for that which means it likely won't happen.

[Deuce]

Mike, which Hydroskin layers specifically? e.g. pants? shorts? What weight?

[okieboater]

I bet you get a lot of feedback on this.

For many years I used fleece under garments for paddling. Worked well for me.

A few years back, I picked up a smart wool top on sale at the Denver REI on the way to a western river.

Since then, that is all I have purchased.

Smart wool is the gold standard I think. Merino is another trade name. Lots of competition now but Smartwool is still the best I think.

Why do I like Smartwool / Merino over the standard fleece. One thing is weight when wet. The wool seems to me to get rid of water faster. And, will dry faster. The smartwool is warmer per weight than fleece. Subjective feeling but I can get by with lighter weight wool than fleece. Merino wool does have a distinctive odor not bad but you know it is wool. The smell of Smart wood is a lot easier to take than most fleece I have. Another thing is I wear a thin smartwool top year around. It works and will dry instantly in the summer and feels good in the heat. I have a heavy weight smartwool top that I add over the thin weight for winter use also a dry top. There are little smartwool caps that are really easy to stick in your dry top pocket and put on under your helmet. Much lighter weight but just as warm as the heavier fleece caps which make the helmet really tight fitting with the cap.

Like Patagonia gear, I watch the sales for deals on Smartwool. There are other merino wool products that work well. Some tho do not hold their shape as well as smartwool.

[Deuce]

I think I need to re-clarify. I'm only talking about comfortable air temps concurrent with not quite warm enough for comfortable immersion water temps; conditions that don't require base layers, dry wear or a wet suit but do justify more than shorts and a t shirt.

[Tim Eubanks]

I have a Kokatat paddling "shirt" that I used in weather/water temps you are describing. Kind of a mid-weight poly with lycra. Can't think of what exactly they call it. Keeps me warm when wet and dries quickly. Can show it to you when you pick up that wetsuit for her.

Also like NRS hydrosilk short sleeve shirt. Also a big fan of fleece/neo lined shorts, IR guide shorts.

A short-sleeve dry top might cover all the bases as well.

[okieboater]

For what it is worth, that smartwool setup is what I wear all summer. Just add more layers along with dry top, dry pants for winter paddling.

Summer time for me is a thin weight smart wool top under a standard coated paddle jacket not a dry top.

This is where smart wool really does work well.

[Jetlab67]

I recommend you get her one of these.

paddling suit.jpg

[magicmike]

Luke - I only have a .5 long sleeve top, but will be adding more pieces. The top I have is available from next adventure.net for 55 bucks. They are normally 95. Even at regular price, well worth it.-M-

[Deuce]

I recommend you get her one of these.

paddling suit.jpg

She already has two.

[magicmike]

Big close out sale on HydroSkin and hydrosilk on nrs .com too.-M-

[AR-Nimrod]

NeoSport makes some lighter weight neoprene shorts that I like. They make pants, vests, jackets, wetsuits heck I think they even make neoprene capris for the ladies. Hydrosilk and Hydroskin are both good stuff. I have a long and short sleeve Stohlquist splash tops that are lightweight with zip necks to help regulate body temp. Not dry like a drytop or semi drytop but not as hot either.

[maggiepowell]

Definitely like the Hydroskin/Silk clothing. I wear the shorts in summer with a bathing suit top and fast dry shirt. When it is cooler, the pants/leggings are great along with the long sleeve shirts. If you are coming to the Central Chapter meeting Tuesday I can bring some of what I have for you to check out.

Maggie