Shoulder Season ESSENTIALS 4 2 3 1 7 9
We love summer as much as the next kayaker, but paddling season doesn’t have to end with the equinox
[1] PATAGONIA SPECIAL EDITION NANO PUFF PULLOVER | $259 Wear this windproof, water-resistant top on chilly late-season paddles or take the warmth of your sleeping bag with you on frosty mornings. We loved this unconventional sweater’s ultralight fit and worry-free PrimaLoft Gold synthetic insulation.
www.patagonia.com
[2] NRS NAVIGATOR PADDLING SUIT | $999
You wouldn’t hit the water without a PFD, and you shouldn’t paddle when water temps are below 60°F/15°C (or combined air and water temp is less than 120°F/49°C) without immersion protection. The Navigator’s storm hood, relief zip and breathable fabric make it ideal for touring, and the neoprene neck keeps you dry while avoiding angry gasket rash.
www.nrs.com
[3] IMMERSION RESEARCH UNION SUIT | $95 There’s nothing worse than layers that bunch or ride. This fleece one-piece stayed put under our drysuit and kept us cozy in the most bracing waters. Zero zips or closures means zero chafing. We also appreciated the women’s drop seat for discrete relief without disrobing.
www.immersionresearch.com
[4] LEVEL SIX COMP LOW PROFILE POGIES | $22
If your hands are cold but you hate paddling with gloves or mitts, try these neoprene pogies. The wide mouth and pull strap make it easy to slip hands inside when the wind is howling, and back out when you’re reaching for the trail mix.
www.levelsix.com
[5] CHOTA QUICKLACE MUKLUK | $125
Chota has one foot planted in Northeast lake country and the other wading Tennessee trout streams. This neoprene knee-high’s robust rubber sole, toe and heel wraps kept us warm, dry and on our feet as we launched in slippery shallows.
www.chotaoutdoorgear.com
[6] SMARTWOOL NTS LIGHT 195 CREW AND BOTTOM | $90 AND $85 We loved the unrestrictive form fit and eye-catching print of these all-merino baselayers. This combo kept us feeling fresh after days of next-to-skin wear, and the stink-free fabric means you can leave it on for a nightcap or après paddle yoga session.
www.smartwool.com
8 6 10
[7] PRINCETON TEC VIZZ HEADLAMP | $50 You may not need this compact waterproof headlamp—featuring a powerful 165 lumen search beam, twin dimmable LEDs and two night vision-preserving red LEDs—but at least you won’t have to rely on lucky stars if the sun hits shore before you do.
www.princetontec.com
[8] OUTDOOR RESEARCH DRY PEAK BAGGER | $70
This ultralight pack is really a go-anywhere dry bag. We tossed camera, layers and lunch into the Bagger’s 25-liter waterproof compartment, then tossed its padded straps over our shoulders to keep our hands free for a headland scramble.
www.outdoorresearch.com
5
[9] SMARTWOOL PHD OUTDOOR LIGHT MID CREW SOCKS | $20 Frigid piggies are the bane of shoulder season paddling. These lightly cushioned merino socks provide warm, above-the-ankle coverage and strategic mesh vent zones to prevent dreaded drysuit sweats.
www.smartwool.com
[10] SEATTLE SPORTS DRILITE JETTY SACK 10L | $24
The sleek, flat seam profile of this lightweight nylon dry bag makes it ideal for coaxing into a crowded hatch. Slip the four-liter size under your deck bungees to keep dry essentials close at hand.
www.seattlesportsco.com
60 | ADVENTURE KAYAK
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84