Another year, another round of kit we’ve put to the test. Here’s what we tested and what we liked in 2014:
North Water Dynamic Sea Tow Pro
North Water’s newest tow system, developed in consultation with Leon Somme and Shawna Franklin of Body Boat Blade International, features a bag that opens completely (rather than into a pouch) for swift deployment and packing. We love the interchangeable parts and the adjustable shock absorption system. The bag is also more flexible and less bulky than the Sea Tec Tow Line, enabling it to wrap against the body. $100
Kokatat Icon Women’s Rear-Entry Dry Suit
The flat, flexible waterproof zipper makes the drop seat on this dry suit unnoticeable — until, that is, you’re happy to be able to relieve yourself without taking off all your gear. The Icon zips across the back of the shoulders instead of diagonally across the chest. This dry suit also has the features that make the Meridian great: reinforcement on high-use areas, neoprene cuffs over the latex gaskets on wrists and neck, and excellent customer service for the lifetime of the garment. $1,150
These fantastic 2 mm. mitts are perfect when it’s too cold for bare hands but not quite cold enough for pogies. Unlike gloves, they allow contact between your hands and the paddle shaft. Stitching between forefinger and middle finger make them stay on when you want, but allow you to easily slip them off your fingers when you need to do things requiring more dexterity. $32
Snap Dragon Designs Hot Hands Pogies
When the weather is one notch colder, these 3 mm. pogies are ideal. The neoprene is stiff enough to make entry and exit easy, and the 1.5-inch velcro strip keeps them secure on the paddle shaft. A canoe version has a hole in one pogie for a paddle grip. On a recent canoe trip, they prevented some serious misery. $35
West Marine Stainless Steel Serrated Rigging Knife
We’ve experimented with all kinds of rescue knives and hooks. This one holds up well to fresh and saltwater, is easy to open and close with one hand, and is cheap enough that it’s not a tragedy when you lose it. $22
We wear Kokatat’s WoolCore top and bottom alone under a dry suit on cool days, and under another layer on truly cold days. It wicks well, dries quickly, doesn’t get stinky after multiple days of use, and doesn’t chafe. $80
MSR Twing Two-Person Tarp Shelter
Super light, super compact, the Twing provides protection when you or your gear need a dry spot, even in wind. You can pitch it quickly and easily with a paddle and wait out a storm in comfort. $300
This navigation must-have was designed by Axel Schoevers, a Dutch paddler, coach and expedition kayaker who was frustrated by leaky chart cases. It’s super simple–just a thick plastic sleeve with tubes on two side–and has proved bombproof on all our journeys. Body Boat Blade provides an online tutorial for using it, and is also the only place we know of where you can purchase it. $50
Rest in Peace Department
We will mourn the day these three gems wear out because they’re no longer being manufactured. You can sometimes find them on eBay, Craigslist, Paddling.net and close-out sales.
Keen Gorge Boot
Why we love them: Solid contruction, grippy soles, wide toe box and overall comfort.
Nikon Coolpix AW100
Why we love it: Sturdy and seriously waterproof, with plenty of features and minimal shutter lag. We’ve taken loads of great shots with these cameras.
Kokatat Surfskin Tops
Why we love them: Like the existing Surfskin pants and shorts, they are stretchy like neoprene but warm, thanks to their fuzzy lining.
