Paddling tips, tricks, news and gear reviews from an Unsponsored point of view

Category: Base Layer (Page 1 of 3)

Cold Weather Paddling Gear

We’ve just about hit that time of the year in the UK when it gets darker earlier and earlier, the weather has begun to turn and the water is that little bit colder. It’s a great time to start to look at your cold weather paddling gear and assess whether it is going to be up to the job.

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Cold Weather Paddling Gear

Being cold is not just uncomfortable it can also be life threatening. Having the right gear for the right conditions is key at any time of the year but the margin for error during the colder seasons is much tighter.

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Winter Is Coming – 7 Paddling Tips

We’ve just about hit that time of the year in the UK when it gets darker earlier and earlier, the weather has begun to turn and the water is that little bit colder – Winter Is Coming. Last week on the water was very cold and today the rivers are up and snow has hit the UK.

Being cold is not just uncomfortable it can also be life threatening. Having the right gear for the right conditions is key at any time of the year but the margin for error during the colder seasons is much tighter.

Winter Is Coming

It’s defintely a good time to start to look at your cold weather paddling gear and assess whether it is going to be up to the job.

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Immersion Research K2 Union Suit – Review

Way back in 2013 Mark Mulrain kindly sent one of the new IR K2 Union Suits to try out along with the Royale spraydeck. As I get ready for some cold weather paddling tomorrow it is still the thermal I go to first if I am planning on wearing a drysuit.

Immersion Research K2 Union Suit - Review
Immersion Research K2 Union Suit – Review

The K2 Union suit is till part of the Immersion Research range. This is what I said about the K2 Union suit a few years back.

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Winter’s Coming: Paddling Through Shorter Days And Frosty Mornings

After a turbulent year, we suddenly find ourselves on the cusp of winter and the endless combinations of cold, wet and windy days presented by the good old British weather. As we say farewell to our shortie cags and board shorts until next year, let’s remember to pack the essential clothing and kit which can make a cold day on the water more comfortable and reduce the risk of hypothermia, cold-water shock, frozen fingers and hours shivering misery!

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Nookie Core Hybrid – Review

The Nookie Core Hybrid base layer has to be one of the pieces of gear that has has been used the most over 2019 and will be used heavily over 2020.

On the face of it the Nookie Core Hybrid looks like a rash vest and is certainly cut in a very similar way. Where it differs and where it really stands out from the rest is the material.

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Student Kayaker Gear Guide 2019

Although this buyers guide is directed at students in reality it will apply to anyone thinking about taking up the sport. Over the next few weeks many students will be starting Uni and will be looking at joining a club.

National Student Rodeo - Rodeo Rabbit 2016 Student Kayaker Buyers Guide 2018
Bunny ears are optional

In most cases the Kayak/Canoe club in a university will be the best club to join. That can pretty much be guaranteed.

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Merino Base Layers For Paddling

Since buying a couple of merino tops a few years back I am completely sold on the stuff. For years I had been using Helly Hanson Lifa or Sub Zero Factor 1 thermals. All of which developed that characteristic kayaking odor.

Up until very recently my thermal base layer of choice was the Howies merino surf thermal. The merino is thin, the arms are nice and long and also include thumb loops. These are superb when your putting on your drycag or dry suit as they help prevent the sleeves rolling up. The neck is a turle neck so you get a bit of protection from latex dry cag seals. Unfortunately they stop production of these quite a few years ago and I needed to make a change simply due to wear and tear.

Merino Base Layers For Paddling

Now not all Merino is made equal. There are different weights and depending on the quality of the wool and what it is mixed makes for some good and some bad merino gear.

As merino gear has become more wide spread and popular I think the overall quality has gone down. Some of the initial big players don’t seem to producing gear that lasts as long as I think it should.

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Palm Seti Top – Review

We’ve been using a Palm Equipment Seti top here at Unsponsored HQ for over 12 months. It has been put to use both on and off the water.

Palm Seti Top - Review

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Palm Equipment – Arun Thermal Baselayer Set

Palm Equipment have launched the new Arun thermal baselayer set.

Palm Equipment – Arun Thermal Baselayer Set

From Palm:

Palm’s high-performance Arun baselayers feature Channel Flow technology that draws and wicks water away, keeping you dry, warm and comfortable. Designed to move and stretch as you do, the soft and supple polyester works together with ActiveSeam stitching to provide you with a new level of layering comfort. Every detail matters, from a lifted collar and dropped rear hem in the Arun top, to a waistband key pocket in the Arun pants – Palm has got you covered. Available in men’s and women’s models.

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Palm Equipment Rash Guard – First Look

For me one of the best bits of kit to own for summer paddling has to be a rash guard. I have owned a few over the years and they form an important part of my gear line up. Rash guards can be worn on their own as an outer layer to ward off sun burn (UPF 50+ sun protection in this case) or worn as part of a layering system under a short sleeve dry top if it isn’t that warm.

Most of the rash guards available out there are from the world of surfing. There are a number of manufacturers from the paddling world who are producing rash guards with paddle sports in mind. The one shown here is from UK based company Palm Equipment.

Palm Equipment Rash Guard

If you are looking for your first rash guard or looking to replace and old one then the Palm Equipment Rash Guard is one that is worth considering and we have one in at Unsponsored HQ for review.

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New NeoFlex Gear From Palm

Spring is here, and so is Palm Equipment’s brand new NeoFlex range. Made from super stretchy 0.5mm neoprene, backed with a cosy thermospan fleece, NeoFlex gear is phenomenally comfy wet or dry, and gives an unrivalled connection to the water.

New NeoFlex Gear From Palm

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Palm Equipment Arun Baselayer – Review

Palm Equipment’s new Arun Baselayer arrived at Unsponsored HQ in May 2015 and has been used on a regular basis since.

The Arun is part of Palm’s new 3 layer system and is available for both men and women. Both retail at £29.95.

From Palm:

Core 1 baselayers use Channel Flow technology to rapidly draw water away from your skin‚ helping to keep you dry‚ warm‚ and comfortable. Made from soft‚ supple polyester‚ with ActiveSeam stitching‚ the Arun moves and stretches as you do‚ for a new level of layering comfort.

Arun-Baselayer

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