TOP NOTCH REVOLUTION
gearbag
TOUGH-SKINNED EXPEDITION DRY WEAR
NRS
As soon as we got our hands on this dry top, we knew it was expedition-grade. The hefty 400-denier body and Cordura elbow patches provide protection from creek beds, canyon walls and over- growth on portages. Redesigned for 2012, the Revolution is equipped with a standard neoprene collar and a Velcro, neoprene and nylon tunnel. Not so standard are the liquid-sealed seams. Rather than just using seam
tape to seal the jacket, NRS has applied liquid rubber sealant to the seams and gaskets for extra leak-proof insurance. High Sign: So heavy duty you may never wear it out. Low
Sign: Heavyweight protection means, well, heavy weight.
www.nrsweb.com • $330
BOMBER GEAR BOMB LONG SLEEVE
Bomber Gear splashes back onto the whitewater scene with a new line of dry gear including this flagship dry top. We found the Bomb’s highly water resistant, Sub-screen treated neoprene cuffs protected the wrist gaskets and improved fit, helping the sleeves stay put on our wrists. The sticky neoprene outer tunnel did a great job saving us from the crop top effect of bracing and rolling. The inner liner is a light and silky Tricot waterproof- breathable nylon that doesn’t bunch or chafe against bare skin. High Sign: Bomber Gear’s gaskets aren’t glued; they’re chemically fused for longer-lasting protection. Low Sign:
No elbow or forearm reinforcement may lead to premature wear.
www.bombergear • $390 K O K ATAT
ROGUE
The lightest of the tops we tested, Kokatat’s high-performance expedition top offers an ideal mix of protection where you need it with breathability where you want it. High wear areas like the shoulders, elbows and fore- arms are Cordura-reinforced, while the side panels are made of ultra- breathable Gore-Tex XCR. Attention to details like a key lanyard in the self-draining chest pocket and a taste- ful reflective logo make this one classy jacket. High Sign: Unsur- passed fit that feels tough without any unwanted bulk. Low Sign:
No imported beer for an entire season to afford this one.
www.kokatat.com • $425
DIGITAL EXTRA: Click here to see these dry tops in action.
www.rapidmag.com 25 —Michael Mechan
PHOTO: DAN CALDWELL
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