Clothing choices? - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

GregAndrew · 10-20-2010, 08:53 PM

What they all said plus, don't buy a cheap paddle jacket either. You want one that is very breathable like GoreTex or similar with cuffs neck and waist that form a good seal. It is aggravating as hell to reach into your bait tank and have the water run up your sleeve and soak your clothing layers. And in warmer weather, a jacket that does not breathe well will keep you as wet as nothing at all.

Argentcroix · 10-21-2010, 01:18 AM

Greg, I guess I am still fighting somantics. When you say paddle jacket, I think in terms of http://www.outdoorplay.com/Kokatat-T...7&category=177

But you are talking sealed neck and wrists which I thn is more like a dry top. http://www.outdoorplay.com/Stohlquis...7&category=176
Is the drytop the better choice? Thanks all for the welcome and the input!

greenscales · 10-23-2010, 01:15 PM

Where I concur - I also welcome you to the kayak fishing community. I would emphasize the previous comment about the zippered waders - very handy on long days. I have paddle pants, and they aren't that great for fishing on a SOT, except for sun protection in warm water/hotter days. Water gets in the legs at launch or when you hang your legs over the side--no matter how good of a seal you seem to have between the booties and the pants. Definitely buying something that goes over the booties is key as well. I also agree w/layering for warmth and the ability to shed shirts underneath the top as weather/paddling conditions change, so make certain your outer shells aren't too tight to have inner clothing.

The Top. First go to OEX and check out the gear - support those that support the site. Remember most paddle gear has been designed for Whitewater or long distance touring, where the activities are more consistent. On the tops, things to consider - breath-ability in the neck. Dry tops for whitewater have taller & tighter gaskets that feel constrictive for what we do and doesn't allow any heat to escape while paddling. Unless you are planning on rolling your kayak a lot or taking multiple waves over your head, make sure the neck is somewhat loose and has a Velcro closure to tighten. However, I recommend the opposite for the wrists if you plan on pulling lobster nets or fishing long hours in cooler waters. If you do not have the tighter gaskets at the wrists, then water will often run down your sleeves from the paddle and definitely when you need to grab things below the water level. Wet sleeves on your inner clothing sucks after just a few hours when bugging on cold nights. Cool feature on two of my tops - waterproof zippers on the chest. They allow me to open them for airflow during the paddles, but are water tight. I also have one that is actually a jacket w/hood that I love when their is a heavy marine layer, even though it doesn't have the tight wrist closure. http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/3...f-For-Men.html The inner waist gaskets aren't really a benefit w/waders - used for paddling pants or sit-inside kayaks w/white water gaskets. But you do want to use the waist belt on the waders, or flip the suspenders down to wrap around the waist instead.

Feel free to PM me if you have any questions. Again, welcome to the sport.

10-23-2010, 01:15 PM	#3
greenscales greenscales Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Monrovia Posts: 116	If you know you are hooked, then invest. Where I concur - I also welcome you to the kayak fishing community. I would emphasize the previous comment about the zippered waders - very handy on long days. I have paddle pants, and they aren't that great for fishing on a SOT, except for sun protection in warm water/hotter days. Water gets in the legs at launch or when you hang your legs over the side--no matter how good of a seal you seem to have between the booties and the pants. Definitely buying something that goes over the booties is key as well. I also agree w/layering for warmth and the ability to shed shirts underneath the top as weather/paddling conditions change, so make certain your outer shells aren't too tight to have inner clothing. The Top. First go to OEX and check out the gear - support those that support the site. Remember most paddle gear has been designed for Whitewater or long distance touring, where the activities are more consistent. On the tops, things to consider - breath-ability in the neck. Dry tops for whitewater have taller & tighter gaskets that feel constrictive for what we do and doesn't allow any heat to escape while paddling. Unless you are planning on rolling your kayak a lot or taking multiple waves over your head, make sure the neck is somewhat loose and has a Velcro closure to tighten. However, I recommend the opposite for the wrists if you plan on pulling lobster nets or fishing long hours in cooler waters. If you do not have the tighter gaskets at the wrists, then water will often run down your sleeves from the paddle and definitely when you need to grab things below the water level. Wet sleeves on your inner clothing sucks after just a few hours when bugging on cold nights. Cool feature on two of my tops - waterproof zippers on the chest. They allow me to open them for airflow during the paddles, but are water tight. I also have one that is actually a jacket w/hood that I love when their is a heavy marine layer, even though it doesn't have the tight wrist closure. http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/3...f-For-Men.html The inner waist gaskets aren't really a benefit w/waders - used for paddling pants or sit-inside kayaks w/white water gaskets. But you do want to use the waist belt on the waders, or flip the suspenders down to wrap around the waist instead. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions. Again, welcome to the sport.

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10-20-2010, 08:53 PM	#1
GregAndrew Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 2,384	What they all said plus, don't buy a cheap paddle jacket either. You want one that is very breathable like GoreTex or similar with cuffs neck and waist that form a good seal. It is aggravating as hell to reach into your bait tank and have the water run up your sleeve and soak your clothing layers. And in warmer weather, a jacket that does not breathe well will keep you as wet as nothing at all.

10-21-2010, 01:18 AM	#2
Argentcroix Junior Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 18	Greg, I guess I am still fighting somantics. When you say paddle jacket, I think in terms of http://www.outdoorplay.com/Kokatat-T...7&category=177 But you are talking sealed neck and wrists which I thn is more like a dry top. http://www.outdoorplay.com/Stohlquis...7&category=176 Is the drytop the better choice? Thanks all for the welcome and the input!