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Having worn
various brands and styles of wetsuit over the last twenty years, I was
more than a little apprehensive about swapping my old faithful wetsuit
for this thin loose fitting paddle top for a long cold days fishing for
Tope in West Wales. Slipping the bright orange and black paddle top over
my rash vest and completing the outfit with a pair of Dart Paddle Pants
(which also seemed incredibly thin), I was ready to launch. As I entered
the water I was pleasantly surprised that although I was up to my knees
in water my legs were dry, good start. Paddling up the river towards the
ocean I started to smile, for the first time since I had been kayaking
I felt comfortable, no tightening around the forearm, no tightness around
the belly or privates, it felt like I was in a T-shirt and shorts, yet
so much warmer, the paddle top was doing an excellent job of keeping me
warm and dry, but without sweating. We fished
for nearly 7 hours that day, after an initial paddle to the mark, most
of that time was spent sitting still waiting for the Tope to feed. Amazingly
still warm. Converted, you bet, no more wetsuits for me, why bother when
you can have the freedom, comfort and warmth of a Paddle Top and Pants. That evening
I left the gear outside to dry, it rained solidly for most of the night,
in the morning both paddle top and paddle pants were dry inside, admittedly
cold to put on but thankfully dry inside and they soon warmed up. Another great
reason for buying Paddle Tops and Pants, they fold flat for storage. Greenland
Touring L/S Paddle Top Made of Palm's
lightweight XP100 waterproof, highly breathable material, the Greenland
L/S has a bright orange (Gold) body and arms, a black hood with wired
peak which can be adjusted to fit, or rolled down and secured when not
required. Slipping the paddle top on is made easy by a large water resistant
zip. At the front there is a large pocket with water resistant zip. The
hem and wrists have adjustable neoprene seals providing effective protection
against water ingress. There is reflective piping on both sleeves.
Dart Paddle
Pants As with the
Greenland L/S Paddle Top, the Dart Paddle Pants are made of Palm's lightweight
XP100 waterproof, highly breathable material, they have fully taped
seams with a draw cord waist and high back giving more protection when
sitting, the neoprene ankle seals are fully adjustable. They are available
in black.
Both products
are very well made using high quality materials and include excellent
design features, such as the square of Velcro which allows the cuff adjusters
to sit flat when folded, the security D-ring inside the front pocket of
the Greenland L/S paddle top and reinforcement material around the draw
cords on both garments. Palm Equipment - Recreation Adventure PFD and General Purpose Boots Review |
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