I’ve been fortunate to have quite a few opportunities to paddle this fall, mostly in my kayak, but also in a canoe. Paddling in the summer means shorts and a t-shirt most of the time, without worries about weather or water temperatures. Fall, in Maine is another story. Getting splashed can make for very uncomfortable paddling. Even if the sun is out, the water and air can be very cold.
Kokatat GORE-TEX Paddling Jacket
I have been trying out the Kokatat GORE-TEX Paddling Jacket this fall, looking at how well it keeps out water, and helps me stay comfortable. With its sealed seams, adjustable splash cuffs and collar and neoprene waistband the Kokatat jacket has proven its usefulness to me – very quickly. ‘ The zippered sleeve pocket with reflective piping is self-draining and accessible while wearing a life vest. Adjustable coated Lycra® collar and Smoothskin neoprene waistband keeps splash out.’ The claims from Kokatat have proven to be very true. The jacket, fits very well – and I found the sizing information to be very accurate. I’ve worn the jacket 4-5 times, and love watching the water roll off the jacket when I get splashed. I know, I am easily entertained. I haven’t gone overboard yet, so am unable to report on how well the water stays out when submerged, but I am sure that will be in future updates. Wearing the jacket does not restrict movement in any way. I can paddle both the canoe or kayak without losing any range of motion. The sleeves pull up slightly when my arms are fully extended, but still rest just above my wrist. I tend to not close the neck up very tight. If I were paddling in water that was rough, or where I thought I had a good chance of going in, I’d tighten it up close to my skin so it would help restrict the water. Since I am somewhat new to paddling, and mostly stick to calm water, I find it more comfortable to wear it a bit loose.
I really love the comfort when wearing this jacket. It is light enough to wear under my life jacket, without feeling like it is ‘bunching’ up under the life jacket. I like that although the jacket keeps me warm when the weather is cool, yet doesn’t let me get overheated when it is warm out. I’ve worn it for 8 hours at a time, while paddling and then hiking, and felt totally comfortable.
One thing I hadn’t expected, was the ability of the jacket to also block the wind. Many times, while paddling on a local lake, the wind will pick up in the late afternoon. That really makes it more difficult to maintain a comfortable body temperature. The Kokatat jacket is great at blocking the wind, along with water.
Over the next month or so, I will be wearing the jacket as the weather cools. I’ll be reporting back. I have a paddle on the Grand River planned over Thanksgiving weekend, and am sure to get wet on that trip.
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