Field Test


Spray Deck Weather and spray protection—beautiful words to paddlers in the off-season. A spray deck greatly reduces the amount of water your boat will take on in big waves and rapids, while also minimizing the punishing effects of wind. In addition to keeping out water that could otherwise swamp a boat, a spray deck also provides a cozy cockpit for the paddler. One of the most trusted names in spray deck manufacturing, North Water’s spray deck designs


pair high-grade materials with a custom fit—each deck is manufactured to the specs and seat placement of the customer’s canoe. Most of the spray deck is made of vinyl-coated polyester, which sheds water easily. The skirt of each paddling station is made of a waterproofed fabric and features two-inch-wide Velcro closure strips. The closures are super secure, yet allowed us to easily exit the cockpit quickly at any time. We like pulling the skirt all the way up to armpit height for ultimate weather protection. A large zippered cargo pocket is available for most spray deck designs, so paddlers can access gear without removing the deck. A series of tiny holes must be drilled below the gunwale of the canoe to create attachment points for the deck. This can be intimidating for first-timers, but North Water has easy online instructions to follow along with. The holes are threaded with nylon cordage then secured with vinyl patches to keep water out. Webbing loops on the spray deck provide contact points for lacing the deck to the canoe. This system allows the deck to be drawn tight to shed water and takes just a couple minutes to secure.


$755.95+ | WWW.NORTHWATER.COM


Waterproof Footwear The tallest offering in SealSkinz’s lineup of insulated and waterproof footwear, the Mid Weight Knee-Length Sock provides coverage for stepping into shallow water to load and unload your boat scratch-free. We found that these socks keep toes toasty thanks to a water-repellent nylon outer


fabric, a


middle layer of a supple windproof breathable membrane, and a poly merino wool mix inner liner. Pair with water shoes.


$58 | WWW.SEALSKINZ.COM


Immersion Wear No canoeist plans to end up in the water, yet every spring and fall we read countless stories from across North America about unprepared paddlers who capsize and drown. Your ability to survive in cold water depends entirely on how well you prepare. An approved PFD is only one part of your safety system for cold weather paddling. According to the ACA, if paddling on water that is less than 60ºF (15ºC),


paddlers should don immersion protection. A tried and tested editor favorite is Kokatat’s Meridian Drysuit. Paired with a cozy base layer, the Meridian offers protection for icy spring river runs and December paddles on big lakes. It makes us feel a bit like Power Rangers—impervious to the elements and ready for adventure. With an over-the-shoulder zip, the Meridian is easy to get into, requiring only a minimal amount of contortion. The Meridian is comfortable for all-day wear; we’ve never had so much as a drop of water get inside. Of course, if wearing it on warmer days or while working hard, it does get a bit damp with sweat inside. However, its breathability is better than many other drysuits we’ve tested. The Meridian is pricey, but worth the investment for safety and comfort. Made with Gore-Tex Pro Shell fabric and a Gore-Tex Cordura seat and knee


reinforcement panels for durability, the Meridian also features an adjustable overskirt, zippered chest pocket, latex gaskets and socks. A front relief zipper for men and drop seat for the ladies is standard. In the three years we’ve had the suit there’s been little maintenance required—


just the way we like it. Cleaning after a muddy take-out is simple—just hand wash with liquid detergent and hang to dry.


$1,135 | WWW.KOKATAT.COM 52 | Canoeroots


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