Paddling tips, tricks, news and gear reviews from an Unsponsored point of view
This is somewhat of a different product from Sweet. Sweet are well known for their great kayak and snow sports kit but the Jailbreak jacket offers something a little different. The Jailbreak is essentially a light weight mountain jacket suitable for a range of activities.
It’s not a jacket for on water use. I have so far used the Jailbreak while I have been mountain biking, climbing and hill walking. Think of the Jailbreak as an Arcteryx Beta LT and you would be along the right lines.
This week as been a huge one for deliveries at Unsponsored HQ. Immersion Research have kindly sent over a brand new Arch Rival short sleeve dry top for review. Bring on the water and the sun.
From Immersion Research: Continue reading
It would be fair to say I have a problem with Buffs. To put it simply I think they are great and I own loads!
Nick Pearce gives us his views on the Kokatat Meridian Drysuit (Goretex).
So, for the last 6 months I have been using the very well tried-and-tested Kokatat GoreTeX Meridian drysuit. Before this suit I used an array of dry suits from the likes of Palm and Level 6.
Arcteryx is a Canadian company based in Vancouver, British Columbia. Now I must admit I love Arcteryx as I find the fit to be perfect for my build. Read on to find out what I think about the Arcteryx Atom LT Jacket.
I own fair bit if Arcteryx kit and actually wish I owned more. However the bank balance won’t allow it. Out of all of the kit I own the Arcteryx Atom LT jacket and Arcteryx Atom LT hoodie get the most use. Construction, materials and fit are identical with the hood being the only difference between the two. Within the Atom LT range is also the sleeveless waistcoat version.
In total I have probably owned at least one of these for around two years. However the jacket is my main goto insulated jacket. I will often go for this over a fleece, including windstopper versions I own.
Here’s how to zip the Kokatat Icon Shoulder zip drysuit on and off by yourself!
You can always tell when a new product is on its way when the manufacturer starts to update their website. Sweet Protection have done just this over the last couple of days.
The Intergalactic drysuit which I tested last year is now up and will be available shortly. In addition they also have some details on the new Supernova dry top.
Whilst looking around the new Palm Equipment website I spotted the Horizon shorts. They look the business and it’s great to see a boating specific short coming to the market.
Chasing the endless summer? The cool surf inspired Horizon shorts hide some clever features. The windproof shell covers a warm, comfortable fleece liner, ideal for warm or cold weather. A neoprene waistband and lace-up closure keep the shorts in place while a roomy thigh pocket holds your keys close at hand.
Keeping warm is often difficult when you paddle whitewater during the winter. I find that the one area that is difficult to keep warm are my hands. I’ve tried neoprene gloves (which work once warmed up), the woollen/washing up glove combo and various other bits/bobs.
Many years ago I owned a pair of pogies (aka paddle mitts), I can’t remember the brand but they were blue/fluorescent yellow. They did a good job of keeping the wind off until they got wet, which meant my hands got wet and cold. Roll on ten years or so and I picked up a pair of Palm Rivertec Pogies. The ones pictured below are still used and must be well over 10 years old. Palm do a modern take on the Rivertec Pogies called River Tec Paddle Mitts
Pogies are designed to be fastened onto paddle shaft. Your hands go inside of the pogies and grip the paddle shaft as normal. Compared to wearing neoprene gloves or indeed any gloves at all improves the general feel and control. Some paddlers do find them restrictive as your hands need to be removed to access pockets, pull your spraydecks rip cord etc. In addition some designs can be difficult to get your “last” hand into.
Check out the new Palm kit for 2014.
Arcteryx is a Canadian company based in Vancouver, British Columbia. Now I must admit I love Arcteryx as I find the fit to be perfect for my build.
I own fair bit if Arcteryx kit and actually wish I owned more. However the bank balance won’t allow it. Out of all of the kit I own the Atom LT jacket and Atom LT hoodie get the most use. Construction, materials and fit are identical with the hood being the only difference between the two. Within the Atom LT range is also the sleeveless waistcoat version.
In total I have probably owned at least one of these for around two years. However the jacket is my main goto insulated jacket. I will often for for this over a fleece, including windstopper versions I own.
I’m very fortunate to be in the position of getting hold of new kit well before it is released. This now includes the Intergalactic dry suit from Norwegian company Sweet Protection.
Sweet have been in the whitewater game for years but the Intergalactic marks their first and long awaited move into the dry suit arena. The Intergalactic is built from Gore-Tex Pro material and is backed onto a fabric that is both supple and tough. The Gore-Tex used is the 3 – layer Performance variety that is designed for extreme and extended use. I have a number of bits of kit, including a Sweet Shadrach made out of the same material and although it feels quite soft I know that it will take a beating and come back for more.
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