Kokatat

Posted by Greg on March 18, 2008

For my Iceland and Newfoundland circumnavigations I was a Kokatat Ambassador and was sponsored.

For teaching in cold water and for expedition use I use the Gore-Tex Expedition Dry Suit. For my Iceland trip the breathability of the suit added comfort, although with all breathable fabrics you have to avoid overexertion. You can still sweat in the suit depending on your insulation, and your effort. In the chilly climates of Newfoundland, Iceland and Wales, I found the hood to be incredibly useful for keeping cold air off my neck and staying warm. The older hood style was secured by Velcro and could sometimes be “blown open” in very violent gusts. This appears to have been fixed on newer models of the suit.

The Gore-Tex Storm Cag is useful for putting over all of your gear to prevent from getting chilled. This garment was very useful on my Iceland trip — as soon as I got out of the kayak I would often get cold very quickly. I donned a storm cag as soon as possible to stay warm. I keep my cag available in the day hatch should I need it.

I also own and use the breathable Deluxe Boaters Pants.

My Kokatat gear list for my Newfoundland circumnavigation:

• GTX Expedition Drysuit (all black, Large, 2″ off sleeves and inseams)
• Tropos Whirlpool Bib, Medium
• GORE-TEX Anorak, Medium, Graphite
• MsFit Tour PFD, Large, Red
• Add-on back Pocket for PFD
• Inner Core Insulation Long Sleeve, Medium, Black
• Nor’wester, Large, Mango
• Men’s Paddling Short, Medium, Brown
• Gore-Tex Storm Cag