Gear Locker: Splash Tops

August-September 2004

This is an article from WaveLength Magazine, available in print in North America and globally on the web.
To download a pdf copy of the magazine click here: > DOWNLOAD

Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) 9 stores Canada wide, with the latest in Quebec City (Opening May 2004) 1-888-847-0770 (Canada & USA), or 604-709-6241 (Vancouver & International) www.mec.ca.

The paddling top that most sea kayakers reach for 99% of the time is not a full-immersion garment, but a simpler, more utilitarian ‘splash top’. These pieces aren’t designed to keep the paddler completely dry, but they fend off driving rain and wind effectively and are the workhorse jackets that we wear for everything from wildlife watching to remote coastal exploration. When touring, conditions can change quickly, so splash jackets should be easy to don or remove when afloat. I like to buy a size large enough that I can easily pull the jacket overtop of a PFD. Not having to remove and replace my PDF makes the process of donning a rainproof shell far quicker and safer. Most splash tops feature neoprene seals at the cuffs and neck that fend off spray, while also affording some ventilation. All the garments tested have factory sealed seams for waterproofness.

MEC FATHOM PADDLING JACKET UNISEX

The Fathom is constructed from non- breathable 200-denier polyurethane- coated nylon. The fit is very good, offering wide range of motion and ample room for layering. Reflective piping runs across the chest and down the arms, providing an attractive accent and visibility. The cuffs are coated lycra. They worked well enough, although on my skinny wrists the velcro on the tabs extended well beyond the velcro patch on the cuff, resulting in the tabs sticking up and providing a less secure closure. Extending the velcro on the cuff would solve this minor problem. The neoprene collar seals up in nasty conditions and offers some ventilation when open. The hem is neoprene and designed to offer a better seal with a spraydeck, but will be slower to dry once wet and makes getting the jacket on and off more difficult. The waist on the Fathom is sized big enough that the jacket slides on fairly easily. Overall, a very solid top at a great price.

Colors: Breccia, Navy Blue and Yellow Sizes: S, M, L, XL Price: $79 Canadian

NAVARRO ECHO SPLASH TOP

Sizing on the Echo seemed to run a little small, so be sure to try before you buy to make sure that you will have enough room for layering. I am a big fan of going a size bigger whenever in doubt. A larger shell will provide more room for layers and suck down under a PFD for a trimmer fit. The Echo is made from non- breathable 200D oxford nylon with 2 oz urethane coating. Wrist and neck seals are adjustable rubberized nylon/lycra and the jacket features a double tunnel at the waist. The inner tunnel can be tucked inside the spraydeck, while the outer fits overtop, providing a dryer seal. The snug neoprene hem on the outer tunnel makes pulling the top on or off somewhat harder, but it’s the overly small neck opening that makes donning or removing the Echo more of a chore than it should be. I couldn’t slide the top on or off without removing eyewear first. Overall, a good jacket that will suit paddlers who don’t tend to take their shells on and off once afloat.

Colors: Silver, Royal, Red Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL

Price: $125 Canadian

Navarro Weather Gear Unit 103 - 1089 E. Kent Ave. Vancouver, B.C. Canada V5X 4V9

Phone: 604-321-5489

E-mail: umg@shaw.ca or navarro@telus.net

Web: www.navarrogear.com

KOKATAT TROPOS FJORD

The Fjord represents a somewhat different approach than the other splash jackets on test. The cut is very full or baggy in the torso, with the adjustable bungee-equipped hem reaching mid-thigh. This is a classic cagoule style garment that is super quick to don or take off while afloat, readily sliding over top of a PFD and other bulky layers. An excellent hood adjusts via two sets of bungees, while a zip at the throat extends down to a large pocket on the chest (that the jacket packs into). With the neck open, ventilation is good, and the jacket seals effectively with a storm flap. A waterproof and breathable material is used, further increasing general comfort but also driving up cost. Wrist closures are a comfortable coated lycra with adjustable velcro tab.

The Fjord isn’t a svelte, form-fitted top that will win you fashion awards, but it does provide a great degree of coverage, function and protection both on the water and in camp. This may be the only jacket that you need bring on a trip.

Colors: Cobalt, Mango, Radish Unisex sizes: S XL

Price: $140 US

Kokatat Watersports Wear5350 Ericson Way, Arcata CA 95521

(800) 225-9749 or 707-822-7621 Fax: 707-822-8481

E-mail: kokatat@kokatat.com

Web: www.kokatat.com

NRS ENDURANCE JACKET

The NRS Endurance jacket is constructed from a waterproof/ breathable 70- denier taslan WaveTex fabric. The cut is a little boxy but provides plenty of room for layering and a good range of motion. Adjustable n eoprene neck and wrist closures seal with velcro and provide some ventilation when open. A large, self- draining accessory pocket with splash-proof zipper is located on the chest. A simple one-hand adjustable, bungee draw cord waist makes pulling the jacket on or off an absolute breeze, even over top of a PFD.This is a durable, well thought out jacket with no extraneous bells and whistles, just plenty of function. At $65 US it s also a great deal.

Colors: Blue/Grey and Red/Grey

Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, 3XL (3XL available in Blue/Grey only)

Price: $65 US

NRS PLUNGE DRYTOP

Included for contrast in the test is one full-on drytop. Because drytops cannot be opened up for venting, overheating can be a real problem. And while they are extremely waterproof, they aren’t as versatile for general touring as a splash top. Like the other jackets, all seams on a drytop are sealed for waterproofness and the neck and wrists feature adjustable Lycra cuffs. But under these outer cuffs are latex gaskets. These seal completely, keeping water out even when immersed. Drytops should also have a double tunnel at the waist for the driest possible seal with a sprayskirt. By nature, drytops are harder to get on and take off, so the decision to wear one happens on the beach before departure, and a change of mind usually requires a stop and exit from the boat.

The NRS Plunge has all the features required of a top-notch drytop and more. It’s made from waterproof/breathable Entrant material, has a great fit and features a stretch panel across the back and underarms to accommodate even the most gymnastic movements. At $210 US, it’s a whole lot of performance for the money.

Colors: Blue/Black and Grey/Black

Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL

Price: $210 US

Northwest River Supply (NRS) 2009 S. Main St., Moscow, ID 83843 1-800-635-5202 www.nrsweb.com

Note: Jackets are pictured without PFDs to better show the product. PFDs should be worn at all times when afloat.

matthewsalex@hotmail.com.