IN THE HATCH
CLIMATE CONTROL. PHOTO: VIRGINIA MARSHALL
COLD PLAY Weatherproof threads for staying warm and dry
Sweaty, silent, suffocating struggles; desperate, hair-yanking, shoulder-tweaking, bladder-bulging escapes. Like every paddler, I’ve endured my share of wardrobe malfunctions. But Vince has had worse. Top of his list? Lending his pristine new Gore-Tex drysuit to a digestively challenged tripper. The unfortunate affair led to both the tripper’s secret nickname and a sobriquet for the soiled suit: Farty Pants. VIRGINIA MARSHALL
Kokatat
Idol Drysuit
www.kokatat.com
$1,100
By replacing the standard over-the- shoulder zip with a fully separating waist zipper, Kokatat has created the ultimate in drysuit versatility— the onesie that isn’t. The Idol can be worn as a drysuit when you need full immersion protection, or layered down to a drytop or paddling pants. A kiwi-sized plastic screw cap sandwiches the zipper ends and completes the waterproof seal. The system takes a bit of practice to master, but since it’s the physical equivalent of belting up your chinos, it’s easy to get on and off, and eliminates the need for a dumpy drop seat. Expect all the premium Kokatat features: Cordura-reinforced Gore-Tex fabric, integrated feet, and latex neck and wrist gaskets. Best for: Versatile immersion protection.
72 | ADVENTURE KAYAK Level Six
Superior 2.0
www.levelsix.com
$349.99
Level Six’s second-generation Superior touring jacket improves on nearly every feature of its popular predecessor. The 2.0 still has the comfortable cut and monsoon-proof performance we love, with even greater attention to detail: lighter, hybrid fabric construction breathes better in key areas; a fleece-backed kangaroo pocket warms cold hands; and the removable, zip-away hood is vented so heavy winds travel through it rather than blowing it off your head. The eye-catching Sidewinder zipper storm collar conceals a hook-and-loop closure neoprene neck that’s less bulky than the original double zipper. Best for: Touring, foul weather protection.
Immersion Research
Zephyr Pants
www.immersionresearch.com
$97
With its waterproof, breathable fabric and fully taped seams, the Zephyr is a lightweight splash pant designed to fend off rain showers and rogue waves. A low profile neoprene waistband, adjustable neoprene ankle cuffs and full antimicrobial mesh lining make this a comfortable next-to-skin pant on warm weather adventures. The packable size and easy on-and-off make the Zephyr our favorite new trousers for squally summer days. Best for: Recreational paddling, light touring, campsite rain gear.
Bomber Gear Palguin Drysuit
www.bombergear.com $999.99
When Polartec’s Neoshell waterproof laminate appeared in rain and ski wear a couple years ago, disciples raved about the fabric’s incredible breathability and almost weightless feel. Bomber Gear is the first paddlesports brand to embrace the material, and the Palguin drysuit delivers with sweat- free performance and a supple, stretchy fit that moves with you for all-day comfort. Lead designer Martin Davis-Skjöth didn’t stop there: the Palguin’s inseam entry zipper—up one leg and down the other—doubles as a unisex relief zip and further reduces bulk beneath your PFD. Best for: Touring, fitness and rough water paddling.
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