[2] Seattle Sports H2ZERO DIAMOND DRY BAG
www.seattlesportsco.com | $19.95
Reliable dry bags are your first line of defense in wet weather. We like the Diamond series’ see- through viewing window and flat seam design for quickly identifying contents and easy cramming in kayak hatches. Keep day essentials in the small five-liter size ($16.95), or pack overnight gear in the large 31-liter bag.
[3] Outdoor Research OLYMPIA RAIN HAT
www.outdoorresearch.com | $67
If you want the deluge-deflecting protection of a sou’wester, but the style sense of Sinatra, look no further than this eye-catching rain hat. Headwear enthusiasts will appreciate how the Olympia combines the classic styling of a fedora with the Western flair of a gambler. The rest of us simply love how the wide, structured brim stays put in wind-driven rain, and the Pertex Shield fabric never wets out while remaining breathable in high humidity. Keep the removable chin cord handy for hurricane gusts.
[4] Fjällräven HIGH COAST WIND ANORAK
www.fjallraven.com | $180
Pronunciation remains a problem, but Fjällräven is becoming increasingly well known in North America for functional and durable outdoor clothing and equipment. Founded in Sweden in 1960, the brand’s jackets and trousers have an unmistakable Scandinavian sophistication, along with an ingredient that’s rare amongst technical outdoor apparel: cotton. The solution to waterproofing cotton is a simple one that becomes apparent the moment I pull on this lightweight anorak and breathe in the unmistakable aroma of cracking open a green-and-gold box of Crayola crayons. The High Coast anorak’s wax-infused cotton/polyamide blend is comfortable, breathable, fast-drying and sheltered us from summer showers. Who says cotton kills?
[5] Fjällräven KEB TROUSERS
www.fjallraven.com | $200
Treated with Fjällräven’s Greenland wax—an ecologically friendly mix of beeswax and paraffin— these durable, organic cotton/polyamide trousers are naturally water and wind resistant. The company also sells wax bars for touch up treatments at home or on trip—more wax increases water repellency and durability, less wax boosts breathability. Stretchy panels in strategic locations and pre-shaped knees and seat make the Keb comfortable for lounging or working at camp. We also loved the cargo pockets, ventilation zippers and reinforced, adjustable cuffs.
[6] Astral HIYAK SHOES
www.astraldesigns.com | $114.95
When it comes to footwear, I avoid neoprene like the plague. Feet are guaranteed to get wet, and soggy neoprene stays that way for days (or weeks). Which is why the Hiyak is my favorite new bootie—instead of neoprene, it uses 3mm quilted Airmesh insulation to trap warm air between your foot and the waterproof, super tough nylon shell. Removable foam insoles and drain holes at toe and heel make these shoes even more rapid drying. Just as important in wet environments is traction on slick surfaces, and protection for those inevitable slips. The Hiyak’s rubber outsole sticks to even the slimiest rocks, and the padded high-tops shield ankles from scrapes.
[7] Level Six NEO WAVE SUP JACKET
www.levelsix.com | $109.99
Perfect for cool, early autumn paddles or relaxing on shore, this unconventional hoody offers wind-stopping thermal insulation as well as water-repellency and UPF 50+ sun protection. This is neoprene, but not like you’ve seen it before. The light, 0.5mm fabric has a soft, channeled face to wick moisture away from your skin. Similar to soft shell ski jackets, the Neo Wave allows great freedom of movement and warmed us up instantly in a biting wind. — Virginia Marshall
This article first appeared in the 2015 Summer/Fall issue of Adventure Kayak.
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