Durable Water Repellent for your Kayaking Clothes

When the warm months are over you can keep paddling if you are well protected from the elements. One of the key factors in staying happy and warm is to keep dry. This can be difficult especially if you live in a wet and cold fall/winter climate like I do.

It is important to have the right cold weather paddling clothes and once you have them you can use a Durable Water Repellent such as ReviveX in order to keep any water from leaking through.

Durable Water Repellent (DWR) is used by technical clothing manufacturers in order to waterproof breathable outerwear such as:

• drysuits
• drytops
• splash wear
• rain gear
• ski and snowboarding jackets
• and all other wet and winter sports wear

What is Durable Water Repellent

• Durable Water Repellent is made up of chemical substances that bond with the individual fibers in the threads of the fabric.
• The chemical properties prevent water from soaking into the threads. The water will instead ‘bead up’ and roll off the fabric.
• In turn this keeps the spaces between the threads open and allows moisture from your body to escape more easily through the waterproof coating.

Although this type of water repellent works really well it does not last forever. Over time dirt, oil and abrasion will wear it down and possibly mask it.

When that happens the water will no longer bead up. Instead it will soak into the fibers and interfere with the breathability.

How to Use DWR

For paddling gear and clothing made from neoprene it is recommended to use a Durable Water Repellent spray that does not need heat in order to activate it. For an air dry water repellent spray follow the instructions below.

1. Machine wash garment: Close all zippers and Wash garment in warm water without detergent. If garment is heavily soiled, wash with detergent and rinse twice.
2. Spray: Place the garment on a hanger. Shake bottle well. Hold 6”-12” from garment and spray exterior of garment.
3. Allow to air dry.

What to do when your DWR wears off

If you suspect that your DWR treatment has worn off there are a few things you can do to get it back on and working again.

1. Clean the clothing garment with warm water thoroughly. Avoid detergents as these will interfere with DWR performance. If it is dirt that is masking the DWR, this will likely solve the problem and reactivate the water repellency.
2. Once your garment is dry again spray a little bit of water on it and watch to see if the water beads up. If not go to step 3.
3. Reapply the DWR treatment to the garment. Spray until evenly wet and follow the instructions on the bottle.

What Type of DWR to Use

Many DWR products require heat in order to activate it. For example they will require you to heat the garment in a clothes dryer after you have sprayed it on in order to set it.

However with most paddling gear that is made of neoprene or latex, heat is a very bad idea. Therefore for kayaking gear you should look for a Durable Water Repellent such as ReviveX Air Dry Water Repellent Spray that does not require heat in order to active it.

For more paddling tips see our Kayaking Tips & Advice Section.

Winter Kayaking Gear Guide

As long as the water is not frozen and you have the proper gear to keep you insulated and dry then you are good to go for some exhilarating winter kayaking.

It is easy to get house bound in the colder months but if you can force yourself to get out there you will find that kayaking in the winter can be a lot of fun.  There is no hot sun shining on you so you may find that you can paddle much further distances than in the summer months.

The main requirement for cold weather kayaking is to be sure you have the right winter kayaking gear. It will be essential to your comfort, warmth and safety.

Winter Kayaking Gear Checklist

Winter kayaking clothes tend to be more expensive than summer kayaking gear. However I find that it is really a one time purchase as most of it will last a really long time. Each person’s level of cold tolerance is a little different but there are a few basics everyone will need to have. There are four main areas to be concerned about…

1. Comfortable and Cozy Feet
   
   If your feet are cold and/or wet you will not be happy. It is very important to make sure your feet are warm and cozy. For this you will need a good pair of wetshoes or waterproof boots as well as a pair of wetsocks. The socks combined with the neoprene booties will draw moisture away from your skin and keep your feet warm.
   
   I personally use the NRS Paddle Wetshoe along with the NRS Hydroskin Wetsocks. I tend to use the wetshoes in the fall weather and then add the socks for the winter months. These wetshoes are one of the most comfortable pair of booties I have ever worn. They are equally as comfortable with bear feet as they are with socks. I find these wetshoes along with the watersocks to keep my feet ample warm for year round paddling.
2. Warm Hands
   
   If your fingers get cold they tend to tighten up which can be dangerous when out on the water. Get yourself a good paddling glove. There are different levels of protection from light protection to toasty mitts. Be sure to get a pair that will suit your cold weather.
3. Protect Your Head
   
   You will lose the most heat from your head so it is important to keep it covered. What type of head protection you use will depend on the type of kayaking you are doing. For easy lake paddling I tend to simply use a fleece toque. However for ocean or whitewater kayaking you will likely want a neoprene type hood. You can get a warm neoprene skull cap that fits snugly under your helmet or under your waterproof jacket hood.
   
   Another thing to consider if you are going to be getting some serious water on your head is a pair of ear plugs. Freezing cold water dribbling in your ear can be extremely dangerous. It can not only be annoying but it can disorient you for a short time. These would only be necessary for heavy whitewater kayaking or sea kayaking in rough water.
4. Keep Your Core Warm with Layers
   
   Next of course you need to focus on keeping your body warm. The best way to do this is with layers. Your fist layer will be a moisture wicking top such as a Hydroskin shirt and bottoms. This will draw water away from you while trapping in your body heat. Then you will need your insulation layer which in my case is normally a comfortable fleece top and fleece leggings.
   
   From there you will need your top layer which will be a waterproof jacket and pants. All of these layers will keep you extremely warm and cozy, however you may not need them all if the weather is not totally freezing. The most popular cold weather paddling gear for keeping your body warm and dry are the wetsuit and the drysuit.
   
   Important Tip: The most important thing to remember with layering is not to wear cotton! Cotton will soak up the water and hold it against your skin. Wearing cotton is the quickest way to freeze while paddling.

Wetsuit or Drysuit?

Two popular cold weather outfits for paddling are the wetsuit and the drysuit.

The Wetsuit is a one piece jumper suit that draws moisture away from your body and traps in your body heat. This suit makes an excellent base layer and works best in moderate weather with temperatures 50 degrees or higher. It is also ideal for colder weather with added insulation worn on top. Most kayakers love the wetsuit and if you plan on doing much winter kayaking it is an excellent investment to make.

The Drysuit is normally made with Gore-Tex and will keep you very warm and very dry. The Drysuit is very popular with avid cold weather kayakers as it will ensure a warm and dry trip. However it also tends to be quite expensive so I wouldn’t recommend investing in one unless you really plan to use it a lot. It you can get one on a good sale you will love owning this piece of kayaking gear and will probably find you will look forward to the winter paddling months even more.

Where to Buy Winter Kayaking Gear?

Any kayaking shop will offer winter kayaking gear but there is one place that is my favorite. NRSweb.com in my opinion has the best selection and often the best prices. Browse their large selection to see if they have what you need:

• NRSweb.com – Winter Kayaking Apparel

Also check out their clearance rack for special deals:

• NRSweb.com – Winter Kayaking Apparel Clearance Rack

Paddling Gear – Where to Go & What to Get

If you have a kayak or a canoe you may want to suit up with proper paddling gear.

Over the course of several years of buying different kayaking equipment and apparel I have narrowed down my shopping to a few favorite online stores as well as a few favorite apparel items and accessories that I don’t like to be without.

Where to Shop

Except for the odd time that I might find a really good sale in a kayak shop in my hometown, I almost exclusively shop for paddling gear online.

There are a couple of specific websites that I tend to gravitate to for my kayaking gear. They are:

• NRSWeb.com – I really like NRS because they have it all. They are one of the original inflatable kayak manufacturers and offer everything from kayaks to every paddling apparel item and accessory you can think of.
  
  I have a fair amount of NRS gear and I know that if there is something I need to enhance my kayaking experience… they will usually have it. I have never once had any type of problem with anything I have purchased from their online store. They are a great place to shop for paddling gear and accessories.

• Amazon.com – Who doesn’t shop at Amazon? After I have decided on something that I want to buy I will normally do a search for it at Amazon to see if they have it as well. Amazon is known for having some great deals and for carrying just about every item imaginable.
  
  If I can’t get a better deal at Amazon I will usually take my service to NRS but if I can I am always happy to save a buck or two. Just remember if you are shopping at Amazon to check out the shipping rates before you buy. I sometimes think the item is cheaper on Amazon until I factor in the shipping costs and realize it is going to end up costing me more. Still, they are always worth checking out.

There are lots of other paddling stores of course and you may have one or two that you favor. For myself I may stray every now and again but for the most part I have found these two websites to meet just about all of my kayaking gear and apparel needs.

To view a more complete list of where to buy paddling gear please see our Kayak Retailers page.

What to Buy

As far as what type of paddling gear you need is really up to you. Some items are not completely necessary but will certainly enhance your paddling experience and keep you comfortable and happy.

Below are some paddling gear and accessories that I personally use on a regular basis:

• PFD
• Water Shoes
• Water Socks (for colder weather)
• Paddling Gloves
• HydroSkin Shirts
• Hat
• Bilge Pump
• Boat Sponge
• Paddle Bag
• Waterproof Camera
• Paddle Grips
• Dry Bag
• Helmet – only necessary for whitewater paddling

If you would like to view some of our own kayak gear reviews and information please see our Kayak Gear page.

Keen H2 Sandals Review

Normally for the summer I wear my sport sandals while kayaking. In colder weather I have a pair of NRS water booties.  For this season I decided that I really wanted a pair of the Keen H2 sandals… mostly because they offer more protection for my foot and are great for scrambling over rocks… and not slipping.

I tried a few pairs on around town to decide on which style and model I liked best. Then as usual I went to my favorite stores online and made my purchase (I find I can almost always get better prices online).

The Keen H2 sandals are made for water. They are perfect for walking the beach, walking in the water, kayaking, paddling as well as hiking. They are known to be very comfortable and a great all around wet shoe.

My Choice

After trying on a few pairs I decided on the Keen Venice H2 sandal. I liked this one because it had the toe protection I was looking for… I have scraped my toes several times in the past getting in and out of my kayak on rocks. Also I liked the airy look of this sandal as opposed to the Keen Newport H2 style which is more closed in.

I had heard great things about the Keen H2 sandals as I am sure most others have as well. Keen has made a real name for themselves and I have to say that all of the good things I heard were 100% true.

Benefits of the Keen H2 sandal

My Keen Venice H2 sandal is:

• Unbelievably comfortable – my toes can spread out and sole and support are excellent
• Waterproof – meaning that the material will not get ruined when submerged in water
• Very well made – for the price, which really isn’t all that much – you are getting a very well made sandal
• Extremely versatile – this water sandal not only works great for kayaking but also makes for a great walking sandal, is stylish enough to wear around town, is sturdy enough to wear hiking, and are light enough to bring traveling

NOTE: I found that several websites state that the Keen H2 sandals run a half size small so to size up. I have to disagree with this…I found the fit to be true to size. I am a women’s regular size 8 and I found that the size 8 fit me perfectly. They do come in half sizes as well if you are a half size but my mom (who also bought a pair) and I both found them to fit true to size.

Other Keen Venice H2 Features:

• Durable and fast-drying polyester webbing straps
• Protective toe up front
• Anti-odor AEGIS Microbe Shield treated SBR lining
• Supportive V-Strap Forefoot Capture Design for improved fit
• Metatomical low durometer EVA Footbed
• Impact-absorbing compression molded EVA midsole
• Mar-free siped TH3 rubber outsole

More Facts about the Keen H2 Sandals:

One of the greatest things about the Keen H2 sandals is that there is such an array of color choice. In fact there are so many colors to choose from that it took me several days to actually decide which color to get… I loved so many of them.

In the end I decided to go with the Orion Blue / Air Blue pair and my mom purchased the Lilac Sachet / Striking Purple pair. I have attached my own pictures to this post so you can see the actual colors.   The picture of the lilac pair I think shows the color exactly, but my picture of the blue pair is a little washed out.  The blue is actually just very slightly darker than what is shown.  Please excuse the fact that they look slightly dirty… we have worn them in the water a lot over the last couple of weeks. We loved them both!!

Also if you have any doubts about the greatness of these water sandals all you have to do is look at all of the reviews online. Altrec.com for example which is where we purchased ours from has over 200 reviews from people like you and I and the average rating is 5 stars! To me that speaks worlds as to the great quality, comfort and style of this sandal.

NOTE: Keen makes H2 sandals for Men, Women and Children so there is a pair for everyone!

The Keen H2 sandals can be purchased at:

• Altrec.com – Keen H2 Sandals – This is where we purchased ours from… great selection, good prices, excellent service.

• Amazon.com – Keen H2 Sandals

• NRSweb.com – Keen H2 Sandals

• Backcountry.com – Keen H2 Sandals

Water Shoes – Which Type do you Wear?

The type of water shoes you wear while you kayak will depend on the weather, the temperature of the water, the type of kayaking you plan to do, and whether or not you will be exiting your kayak during your excursion and do some walking or hiking.

The Sport Sandal

More often then not, in warm weather I will simply wear my sports sandals while I am using my inflatable kayak. They have decent grips on the bottom so they are good for keeping balance while entering or exiting my kayak if I am on rocks.

They are light enough that they do not feel clunky if my feet are in the water and they fit well enough that I know they will not come off my feet or weigh me down if I happen to capsize in the water. A good sport sandal is great for kayaking.

The Water Bootie

In colder weather I wear a water bootie. I have the NRS Paddle Wetshoe which is a fairly basic wetshoe but really does the trick for what I need it for. They fit snug and secure and keep my feet fairly warm. They have good grips on the bottom so I can wear them scrambling over rocks and walking on shore.

If the weather is really cold I can add a pair of hydroskin socks which give my feet extra protection and warmth. A wetshoe water bootie can be a great way to go.

The H20 Sport Sandal with Toe Protection

However I have begun to look at a different kind of water shoe… the sport sandal that has protection around the toes. You have likely seen them as they have become very popular. Keen is probably the most common brand name for this type of water shoe but others include Teva, Columbia, North Face, Merrell, etc.

What I like about this water shoe is that it offers the comfort and the style of a sport sandal but gives added protection to the toes and sometimes the heels. This can be great when scrambling on rocks and climbing in and out of your kayak. This type of sport sandal is extremely functional for all types of outdoor activities and makes for a very versatile water shoe.

No matter which type of water shoe you choose to use there are a few important factors to keep in mind:

• Make sure they will not slip off your feet… you don’t want to lose them in the water or slip and fall.
• Make sure there are some grips on the bottom so you don’t slip when getting in and out of your kayak
• Make sure they will not weigh you down should you capsize in the water.
• Make sure they allow your feet to breathe.
• Make sure they are not too clunky for the inside of your kayak.

Best Online Stores to buy Water Shoes

There are a few places I would recommend…

NRSweb.com – Great selection of water booties, water socks and all types of sports sandals.
Amazon.com – Always has a decent selection of all types of water shoes.
Altrec.com – Good selection of the Keen water sport sandals for some good prices.
Endless.com – An associate of Amazon.  Good selection of sport sandals + free shipping and free returns (which is always great when buying shoes online!)

Getting In and Out of your Inflatable Kayak

If you have begun to enjoy the sport of kayaking, or if you are thinking about starting then it is important to know how to get in and out of your inflatable kayak.

It may seem like a simple thing that does not need much consideration. However, besides getting in and out of your kayak from the shore you may also need to consider getting in from a pier without tipping your kayak, losing your balance and falling in the water. Trust me it is easy to do and quite embarrassing.

Knowing a few tricks on this subject can greatly increase your confidence while kayaking and also allow you to help others who may not be as well informed. Read more

How to Dress for Cold Weather Paddling

If you have fallen in love with kayaking you will not want to stop once the weather turns chilly. Kayaking in the cold weather can be invigorating, great exercise and a lot of fun. The most important thing for an enjoyable ride is to be dressed properly for the cold water, the wind and the icy air. Below are some tips that I have learned over the years from not dressing properly for the cold weather.

Tips for Keeping Warm while Cold Weather Paddling

Tips # 1 – Do not wear cotton!
This is the most important tip to know while kayaking in the cold. I have made this mistake before and trust me it is a bad mistake. Cotton will soak up the water and hold it against your skin. If the water is cold and the wind is even colder you are going to freeze. I wore a cotton top underneath a waterproof jacket thinking that I would be okay. Nope – I froze. It was a bad idea and one I won’t ever do again. My inexperience made for a very unenjoyable and quick kayak trip.

Tip # 2 – Wear layers
Your first layer should be a top that wicks that moisture away from you. I would highly recommend a HydroSkin shirt that is lightweight and comfortable. It will reflect your body heat back to you while minimizing water absorption. Your second layer needs to be your insulation, so either an insulating sweater or my preference is a comfy fleece. Your top layer of course is your waterproof jacket and pants. These will protect you from the elements and keep you ultra warm and comfy.

Tip # 3 – Protect your extremities
It is of utmost importance to keep your feet, hands and head dry and warm. If any or all of these are wet and cold your trip will be cut very short – believe me.

• Waterproof booties are essential. If the weather is really cold you may also want to add some water socks for extra warmth and protection.
• A good pair of warm kayaking gloves should always be warm. It is simply not worth allowing your fingers to freeze. My personal favorite that I have used for the past three years are the NRS Utility Paddlers Glove.
• Next is your head. I cannot stress enough how important it is to keep your head warm. If you do not wear a hat, your whole body will be losing heat. I am never out kayaking in the winter or fall without my fleece toque. If you are whitewater kayaking chose a thin layer hat that will fit under your helmet.

What is the Difference between a Wetsuit and a Drysuit?

Wetsuit – A wetsuit is a one piece jumper style suit that basically traps in our body heat and keeps us warm. They are very popular with kayakers and are usually worn as a base layer with extra insulation on top. These are best used in moderate weather where the temperature is 50 degrees or higher. A wetsuit is an extremely handy piece of kayaking gear that many paddlers swear by.

Drysuit – A drysuit is usually made with Gore-Tex and will not only keep the heat in but will also keep the water out. If you wear insulating layers under your drysuit you will be completely dry and very toasty. A drysuit is an excellent piece of paddling wear to own but they are also highly expensive. Unless you are an extreme kayaker who likes to paddle in very cold weather you will likely not want to spend the money on one. For most of us recreational kayakers the standard wetsuit will work just fine.

Final Thoughts on Cold Weather Paddling

By wearing the right kayaking gear there is no reason to stop kayaking when the weather turns cold or in harsh environments. If the water still moves, we can still paddle. The simple trick is to stay warm and dry.

Check out our reviews on popular kayaking gear.

Finding the Right Inflatable Kayak Gear

Having the right gear for your inflatable kayak expedition can literally make all the difference for an enjoyable ride. If you have already chosen a kayak, now you are ready to suit up. This does not need to be an expensive process as there are really only a few basics you need to be concerned with.

Necessities:

Paddle
Many kayaks will come with a paddle, but some will not. Which type you choose will depend on the type of kayaking you want to do. There are basically two kinds of paddles, touring and whitewater. Read our article on choosing the right kayak paddle length before purchasing so that you know exactly what you will need. These are the choices you will have when purchasing a kayak paddle:

• Touring kayak paddle –  These are made for efficiency and comfort. They are usually two pieces with adjustable ferrule positions which allows for feathered or unfeathered paddling. You will be able to choose the length, the blade shape as well as the material of your paddle.
• Whitewater kayak paddle –  These paddles are all about control so they will have a rigid shaft and wider blades. Again you will be able to choose the length, blade shape and material of your paddle.

Double Action Pump
An inflatable kayak needs to be pumped up. It is wise to invest in a good hand or foot pump. If your kayak is hard to inflate you will most likely be less inclined to use it. Having a good pump will make inflating your kayak a quick and easy process and therefore provide for an overall happier experience.

Dry Bag
Having a waterproof kayak bag allows you to store things like extra clothes, sunscreen, a compass, food, a camera, or anything else you’d like to take with you on your excursion that needs to be safe from the elements.  They come in all shapes and sizes so there is one to fit everyone’s need.

PFD (Personal Flotation Device)
A lifejacket is needed for the obvious safety reasons. Though it can be tempting to not wear your lifejacket on hot days and while in flat water, I must caution you that there are huge safety risks to doing this. A kayak can capsize at anytime for a multitude of reasons. Even if you are a good swimmer it is essential that you wear a PFD.

Spray Skirt
Unless you are always going to be kayaking in calm waters a spray
skirt will be necessary. The spray skirt connects to the cockpit of the kayak and essentially creates a watertight seal. This will keep you as well as the inside of your kayak dry. When purchasing your inflatable kayak, many companies will suggest a spray skirt that is right for your boat.

Crash Helmet
Only necessary if you are doing whitewater kayaking.

Luxuries

Kayaking Gloves
It is really personal preference whether you will want a pair of kayaking gloves to wear. Some people love them and others hate them. I can tell you from first hand experience that a good pair of kayaking gloves will save your hands from unnecessary blisters, cuts and scrapes. They will help you to be able to kayak much further with absolutely no pain (to your hands anyway). Though on super hot days they may seem like a slight nuisance, your hands will be much happier having them on.

Compact Cart
This will make either rolling from car to water or strolling through an airport effortless. You just strap your inflatable kayak duffel/storage bag to the frame and away you go. Well worth the few extra dollars!

Drytop/Paddle Jacket
I have personally never used either of these, however there are others who will never go out without one. On hot summer days while doing easy recreational kayaking, I don’t find them necessary. I usually just have a light waterproof rain jacket with me in case it should get drizzly. I can see though that if you are way out in the ocean or in the whitewater rapids, a drytop would really help you to stay comfortable. Depending on the weather as well as how long of an excursion you plan on doing, a drytop may make a huge difference.

Water Shoes/Booties
A good pair of water shoes will be extremely helpful to have. Your feet will inevitably get wet while getting in and out of your kayak and possibly within your kayak. With water shoes, you simply don’t have to worry about it. Make sure they are not clunky and that you fit easily in your kayak while wearing them.

Rope Bag
Hopefully something you will never need to use, however it is a great safety device that could help save the life of a friend.

Knife
Admittedly I have never carried a knife with me kayaking. However I also tend to do fairly short excursions. Some die-hards though will always have one with them. You will probably never use the knife, however it is handy to have should the unlikely event happen where you get caught up in some rope or stuck under a raft.

For the best selection of inflatable kayak gear check out our list of top online retailers for kayaks and gear.