On the water you need clothing that will really protect you from the elements. And jackets for kayaking need to keep you warm without overheating, and as dry as possible. When buying a kayak jacket you should consider how it will protect you when you get wet – as it’s going to happen!
Basics of Jackets for Kayaking
If you’re on a kayaking trip in cold weather, you’ll also need a wetsuit. Even so, anyone planning to be out on the water for any length of time still also needs a quality kayak jacket.
Kayaking experts recommend dressing for fifteen minutes of immersion in the water – the length of time it would be likely to take to get rescued in an emergency. If the water temperature is below about 21°C, then a jacket is essential.
In warmer water, a swimsuit and a rash vest might be enough. But it is still a good idea to take a jacket kayaking, you can leave it rolled up in the kayak in case the weather turns. Don’t forget jackets protect against wind and cold air, plus the sun as well. So here’s what you should be looking for.
Types of Kayak Jacket:
There are two main types of kayaking jacket. The first is the waterproof dry top. These have tightly fitting seals (usually latex) at the neck and wrists to keep the wearer dry.
The second is the semi-dry top, or paddling jacket. These will still have seals, but usually made of neoprene. They are splashproof, rather than fully waterproof.
Which jacket you need depends on the conditions you plan to kayak in. If you kayak in cold water then a dry top that will keep water out during a roll is essential.
Warm-water kayakers will sometimes wear cagoules or generic water or windproof jackets, rather than specialist kayaking jackets. These can be fine in warm, flat water, especially for beginners who do not want to buy too much kit early on.
Kayaking Jacket Features
Kayaking jackets should be made of synthetic fibres that will wick sweat away from the body and keep their wearers dry without being too hot. Natural fabrics take longer to dry than synthetics and will quickly cool the body down when wet, so they are not suitable for kayaking.
The best jackets for most kayakers are those made of breathable fabrics such as Gore-Tex. These jackets will stand up to chilly conditions, but will not cause overheating in warmer weather.
For colder weather, non-breathable jackets are fine, and often last longer, especially if they are being used in abrasive salt water. All kayaking jackets should have taped seams to keep them waterproof.
Kayaking jackets are short, so that they do not sit on top of the spraydeck uncomfortably. They normally have a pull-cord waist to keep water out. Some have a double waist: one to go under the spraydeck, one to go on top of it.
Kayak Jackets: Conclusions
Just remember: Kayaking jackets are designed to keep water out, but not necessarily to keep bodies warm. So cold-weather kayakers need to wear a fleece or other base layer underneath.
Getting the right jacket means the difference between enjoying your trip and being wet and miserable. It could even save your life. Choose carefully.
I hope you found this guide to buying a kayak jacket useful. If you want to test yours out then take a look at the best kayaking holidays in Europe.
