GUL gear

August-September 2005

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

by Andrew Nolan and Trish Markvoort

Trish paddling through an unusually calm Nahwitti Bar in a Fugitive Jacket and Shockwave Spraydeck.

When GUL offered us the opportunity to test and review their lineup of paddling clothing for 2005, we knew little about this company. As it turns out, GUL has been in the watersports business since 1967 when they started designing wetsuits for surfers braving the cold waters of southwest England. Since then they have expanded to offer a full range of clothing for yachties, surfers and dingy sailors. The addition of a kayaking line was a natural fit, and Andrew Nolan and Trish Markvoort what better conditions to test the product in than an early spring trip from Port Hardy to Tofino, through the waters of Cape Scott, the Brooks Peninsula and down the exposed, rainforest coastline of Vancouver Island.

The Fugitive 3⁄4 Zip Jacket ($359.98)

The jacket proved to be amazingly good for the job. Made from GUL’s GCX2 breathable fabric and reinforced in the high wear areas of the sleeves with GCX3 fabric, this jacket kept us both dry in all conditions. The breathability was excellent, and freedom of movement was about as good as you can get. The neck closure was comfortable and sealed well enough to stop any water from getting in even during a quick roll. Latex gaskets on the sleeves and the double-tunneled body made for a very well sealed top. The hood rolled conveniently away when not in use, and reflective piping added great visibility for expedition paddling.

Rafted up, sails set, ready for a blow!

Shockwave Sprayskirt ($89.99)

In an ever-changing environment where water has a way of getting into everything that isn’t sealed like a drum, GUL’s Shockwave Sprayskirt met the challenge of providing a dry ride, at a remarkably low price. An elasticized, fitted tunnel, although non-adjustable, proved to be comfortable throughout the day, and easy to get in and out of. When properly sized for your kayak’s cockpit dimensions, the PU coated deck lays taut and snug around the coaming so that even in the edgiest of conditions, you stay dry. Simple, effective and affordable.

Women’s Dropseat Chesapeake Pant ($209.98)

Although designed with the bluewater sailor in mind, this piece was an impressive performer in Trish’s never-ending quest to have a pant that can be worn both while paddling and in camp. Made with GUL’s GCX2 breathable, waterproof fabric, reinforced in high use areas, these ‘lady cut’, bib style pants offer the convenience of a zip-out drop seat panel that can be utilized both on and off the water for quick relief as well as climate control. GUL could easily adopt some changes to make this a more paddling-specific piece. If they do away with the comfort lining, which tends to hold hard-to-dry saltwater moisture, use their GCX3 breathable waterproof material in the seat area for ensured dryness in a high pressure area, and incorporate water resistant zippers in the drop seat panel, then I believe this could be the most versatile ladies’ paddling pant on the market. That being said, the Chesapeake Pant performed well as a crossover piece for someone who likes to be ready for any kind of weather, without compromising comfort.

Andrew in a Gul Baselayer Long Sleeve Top and Epic Paddling Pants.

Gul’s Base Layer Long Sleeve Top and Bottoms ($49.98 each)

These made for great layering pieces under our paddling tops or as sweaters around camp. Their athletic cut meant no extra bulk, and flatlocked seams prevented chafing. About as warm as other manufacturers’ lightweight layers, they dried quickly and wicked moisture well.

© Trish is currently a NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School) instructor who divides her time between Alaska, Vancouver and Baja. Andrew is the Manager of Ecomarine Ocean Kayak Centre in Vancouver and co-author of the just released Paddling through History: Vancouver and Victoria (Rocky Mountain Books, 2005).

Editor’s Note: For more info on Gul products contact North National Outdoor Group, , 888-234-0771. info@northnational.com