The Inuit know how to dress for immersion. Not only do they know how to stay warm, they also know how to dress for rolling. I thoroughly recommend trying out the traditional Inuit way of dressing for kayaking, it is liberating.
You will notice I generally have included where the items are made. I think it is important that we consider where our gear is made so that we can understand the impact our purchase may have on the environment, as well as the conditions under which the gear is made. I would hope that you can buy local and in doing so make a positive impact to your local paddle economy and environment.
Tuilik
If you have never tried rolling in a tuilik then you need to soon. The tuilik is a traditional garment worn by the Inuit during cold weather. It was sealed around the face and wrists and around the qajaq cockpit rim. The loose fitting tunic allows the paddler a great deal of flexibility while paddling and rolling. It traps air providing buoyancy. And it provides protection from the elements, keeping the paddler warm.
Brooks – Made in British Columbia, Canada. Five sizes available in 3mm neoprene. Reviewed here.
Comfort paddling – Custom made in British Columbia, Canada using breathable fabric. Reviewed here.
Reed Chillcheater – Custom made in Devon, UK available with either a flat deck or a tunnel skirt, made using aquatherm flexible fabric. Reviewed here.
Superior Kayaks – Custom made to order in Wisconsin, USA and available in either goretex or neoprene.
Gauntlets
Staying warm was and still is a necessity in the polar regions, heck even in Minnesota it routinely gets to double digit minus temperatures. There gauntlet gloves are a great way to stay toasting while paddling and rolling well into the winter.
Available from Reed in the UK, and Brooks in Canada.
If there are any errors or omissions on these pages please contact us to rectify.