IN THE HATCH BY VIRGINIA MARSHALL Keep it Dry FOUR PADDLING TOPS FOR FOUL WEATHER
Not a big fan of the rain,” Mike griped as fat drops pelted the hastily erected tarp we were sheltering beneath. Thinking for a moment, he added, “I don’t know what it is— there’s just something about it.” The rain thop-thopped on the nylon above our heads. Appraising the soggy figure beside me, I answered deadpan, “It’s wet.”
K O K ATAT STORM CAG
www.kokatat.com • $330 / $209 (Gore-Tex / Tropos Light)
What this one-piece hooded jacket and spray skirt cover lacks in style, it more than makes up for with incredible versatility. Touring? When ugly weather hits, throw this nifty number over whatever you’re wearing—PFD and skirt included—and keep your kit dry for days. Day tripping? Made from Gore-Tex Paclite, the Storm Cag packs small but its generous cut provides whole- body shelter and warmth (did we mention the jumbo fleece-lined hand warmer pocket?) on shore breaks, or even an emergency overnight. Paddling with friends? No worries, one size fits most.
STOHLQUIST FREERYDE
www.stohlquist.com • $329
Gaskets at the wrists and neck make Stohlquist’s best- selling FreeRYDE the only true dry top in our line-up. Updated for 2012, the top is made from a new four-layer waterproof/breathable fabric with a revised cut that improves fit and eliminates weak points in the stitching. The sticky grip double waist tunnel stays put while you’re paddling. Even better, the soft-feel neoprene neck gasket does the same job as traditional latex, minus the skin rash and strangulation.
REED CHILLCHEATER
AQUATHERM TOURING CAG
www.chillcheater.com /
www.reednorthamerica.com •
$225
With a unique, ventilating zippered neck and a removable hood that’s one of the best-fitting we’ve ever tested, we’d love the Touring Cag even if it wasn’t made from Reed’s remarkable Super Stretch Aquatherm fabric. Worn by the likes of Freya Hoffmeister and Batman (check out the Dark Knight’s tights in Batman Begins— Reed also works extensively with the film industry), this material uses a soft, polyester stretch knit bonded to an ultrathin polyurethane outer. The result is a light, shirt-like feel and fit that’s waterproof, thermally insulating and longwearing with unmatched freedom of movement.
LEVEL SIX MANITOU
www.levelsix.com • $140
Tailored fit and fun colors make the women’s Manitou splash top an attractive choice for recreational tours on rainy or breezy days. With a removable, zip-away hood and taped seams, this lightweight pullover has just enough features for paddlers but is comfortable and stylish enough to wear around camp or even out on the town.
DIGITAL EXTRA: Watch a video review of the gear at
Adventurekayakmag.com/0074 or download the Adventure Kayak app.
www.adventurekayakmag.com 49
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