What To Wear While Kayaking (updated 2023)

Layering

Before discussing the details concerning clothing for kayaking, let’s talk about the idea of wearing items in layers. Using multiple articles of clothing to control one’s body temperature by putting them on or taking them off is known as layering. Typical layers include a base layer, insulation and shell.

The garments that you put on directly against your skin are known as base layers and they help to keep you dry and comfortable by controlling moisture. Insulation is worn over base layers for warmth. Insulation is covered with shells to provide protection from wind and moisture.

When kayaking, layering clothes is distinct from what you’d do for other outdoor activities. However, by using a layering strategy, it is much easier to comprehend what to wear to ensure a pleasant and secure experience while kayaking.

Base Layers

Base layers are worn directly against the skin in order to keep sweat away by drawing it away. Base layers move sweat away from the body by dispersing it around the clothes and transferring the liquid from the inside outward.

The most commonly employed material for wicking base layers is polyester. It doesn’t absorb water and dries quickly. Merino wool is also used as a base layer. Merino wool may take longer to dry than polyester, however, wearing it while it is wet can still be beneficial as it keeps one warm, helps moisture to be truly wicked away from the skin, while not causing any foul smells.

Very little nylon textile is employed for wicking foundation attire, as it has a tendency to take on water and take a long time to dry. Nylon is not a suitable material to be used within a system of insulation.

Nylon has a low rate of drying which can be beneficial when looking for garments offering sun and heat protection. As a result, it is a common material found in clothing that is meant to be worn in warm weather.

Insulating Layers

Kayaking requires two kinds of insulation: wet and dry. As described in the beginning, wet insulation is designed to keep a person paddling in the water warm even when wet. A drysuit should typically be worn with a dry insulation layer underneath it, but multiple layers of wetsuits are also an option.

Out of the two types, dry insulation has more adaptability and can be employed for multiple outdoor exercises. Only when paddling and in frigid temperatures do people typically wear layers of a wetsuit.

Wetsuit layers are made of neoprene or similar materials. The more substantial the neoprene, the more efficient the wetsuit will be when it comes to preserving heat. Neoprene that is less thick offers greater flexibility and does not limit motion when paddling.

Wetsuits with no sleeves are often the warmest, even though they are less confining than thicker ones. These Farmer John (or Farmer Jane) one-piece wetsuits, which lack sleeves, provide plenty of warmth for the lower body and upper body and greater freedom of movement for the arms and shoulders.

Wetsuits that are less thick usually come in sections that could be mixed together for an ideal fit and enhanced performance. It is possible to switch out different layers of wetsuits to adjust for different temperatures; for example, wear shorts instead of pants in hotter climates, or long sleeves instead of short sleeves when it gets colder.

Lighter neoprene materials don’t impede motion as much as the bulkier wetsuits do, so many of these pieces come with extended sleeves to increase the warmth.

It is often recommended that wetsuits be put on without anything underneath them and be worn directly against the skin. Neoprene clothing intended for use during kayaking is fashioned to maximize efficiency and comfort while out on the water.

The stitching is placed in such a way that it prevents skin irritation, and the garments are tailored to make sitting in the boat comfortable.

Wetsuits don’t protect you from evaporative cooling. If you’re outside in the wind and you don’t have protection, you’ll get cold quickly if your wetsuit isn’t wearing an additional layer of fabric or clothing. You will have to have both a pair of pants and a jacket if you are using a wetsuit as a way of staying warm in chilly conditions.

Insulation that is not wet is akin to the layers of polyester fleece that are worn for other activities outside. The greatest distinctions are related to the styling and material used.

Most fleece materials employed for kayaking absorb moisture similarly to base layers and are capable of extending to provide an easier motion. Using a drysuit, moisture-wicking fleece assists in keeping your body heat from sticking to your skin by moving it to the exterior parts of your attire.

This implies that it will be less wet and more comfortable when out on the water. Conventional fleece fabrics don’t actively wick moisture. They will put in effort to paddle, but fleece that wicks away moisture does an even better job of controlling dampness and keeping one warm.

Insulating fleece provides the most warmth when it stays dry, but is still warm when it gets wet and dries quickly when it is saturated with water. Polyester fleece soaks up liquid speedily after going in the water and offers a ton of heat once you’ve gotten out. In the water, fleece offers little insulation. Therefore, fleece insulation should be worn under a waterproof material or with layers made of neoprene, which provides protection against cold water.

Fleece kayaking attire is made to decrease abrasion and increase pleasure while kayaking, much in the same way base layers and wetsuits are fashioned. The stitching is put far from the arm pits and the designs are changed so the upper garments and bottoms won’t separate while you are in your kayak.

No matter the climate, insulation is an essential component of any layering system. Using adequate layers of clothing and being aware of the weather conditions is essential for staying safe and comfortable in cold air and water.

Shell Layers

A layer of shells can be used to keep someone in a paddleboat dry and protect them from the wind. Both wet and dry clothing systems require shell layers. A wetsuit will not protect you from the wind and it is necessary to use an outer shell to prevent the body from cooling off due to evaporation.

The insulation provided by wicking fleece is the most effective when kept dry, which can be done by wearing a drysuit.

The shells of kayaks are normally made from material that is waterproof, and the joins between the layers have been bonded together in the factory so that water cannot penetrate them. Shell layers that are made using breathable materials are the most flexible.

These materials enable some sweat to leave the inside of the fabric. This assists in making you less wet and more relaxed while canoeing.

When one is engaging in strenuous exercise, sweat can be too much for breathable fabrics to handle, yet they still won’t make the wearer feel as damp as non-breathable coated fabrics do. The most comfortable ones to put on are definitely the best.

Kayakers who wear shell layers have designed closures at the neck, wrists, and ankles to stop water from entering. Neoprene or analogous wraps secure arm and leg openings more snugly than standard fastenings. The latex gaskets used in drysuits and drytops are even more dried out.

The rubber gaskets used allow for a snug fit around the wrists and neck to successfully keep nearly all the water from entering into the outfit. Some individuals consider this snug fit to be too restrictive, so they opt for closures that are not as watertight and can be adjusted for ease.

A drysuit is the ultimate shell layer for kayaking. This suit offers gaskets made of latex at the wrists and neck and often comes with socks that are designed to keep water out when worn with paddling shoes.

Drysuits constructed out of material which permits air circulation can be supplemented with components that are designed to move moisture away and supply warmth to create the widest variety of comfort and security in cold water.

Shell garments designed for hot temperatures mainly emphasize sun shielding and comfort rather than being resistant to water. Nylon paddling shirts and pants which are not considered as shell layers by definition are a good selection to remain cool under hot sunlight and in warm water.

What Shoes To Wear Kayaking

There are two main types of shoes designed for kayaking: neoprene shoes and water shoes. Sandals are also worth a mention.

Footwear made of neoprene goes from lightweight, pulling-on water socks to tall waterproof boots that reach up to the knee. The primary benefits of wearing neoprene shoes are the supple nature and the insulation they provide.

Neoprene retains its insulating properties even when wet and its sole, which is usually thin, can easily fit into the comparatively tight space of a more diminutive kayak. Waterproof neoprene boots are the driest and warmest option. Neoprene booties or socks that are thin and pliable are more comfortable to wear in hot weather.

Shoes made out of water-resistant material generally provide less insulation than neoprene shoes, but they usually offer more support. The most basic types of water shoes are just pull-on shoes with a thin sole to guard against any potential sharp objects.

Options that are more resilient have thicker soles that provide stability and cushioning when walking on land. The best choices come with lacing at the top that reaches higher than the ankle. The majority of water shoes are designed with tacky soles to provide traction on slippery surfaces.

Common elements found in many shoes include water drainage, uppers that provide additional support and heels that are low in height. Water shoes can be combined with neoprene socks to provide additional warmth when swimming in cold water.

Some kayakers prefer to be shod in water sandals in hot climates. Wearing sandals can be cozy on land, yet usually not enjoyable when in a kayak. The bottoms of water sandals are usually thicker than water shoes, so some boaters may find it challenging to get them into their kayaks.

Without padding on the back of them, sandals are not capable of providing any cushioning to keep a person’s feet safe from rubbing and pressure.

Extra Layers

Kayakers should bring additional clothing with them in their vessels when they depart for a day of being on the lake. It all depends on the location and weather in which you are canoeing as to which additional clothing you should wear. Even a hot day can turn windy.

Waves and spray can create an unexpected chill. For extended trips or when temperatures are lower, switching out insulating or base layers can help with both comfort and safety. In the nastiest weather, it could be sensible to bring an extra outer shell layer to cover your whole outfit.

No matter what the circumstance is, having the right extra clothing is a wise decision. Make certain to put them in a waterproof bag that will keep them protected from moisture if you ever requir