Hi all. I am in the process of researching/ purchasing my gear for winter paddling. I just started kayaking in May, so I have not had the need for winter gear yet, but I am so hooked now that I know I will be paddling all winter. Besides, there are some rivers on the plateau here in Tennessee that only really run in the winter, and I do not want to miss out

So my question is:
What do you all recommend?

I am not worried about cost, and I do not want a drysuit because I want the option of wearing either the top, pants, or both. During the winter here, it will usually stay in the 30's and 40's but does fluctuate quite a bit. It will only snow a handful of times with no accumulation that lasts more than a few days typically. I am sure that the waters will be around the same temperature as well.

If anyone here winter paddles in TN, feel free to correct me. As I said, this will be my first winter paddling.

-I know that I am getting a Kokatat Rogue drytop, but what else should I look at? I am trying to layer for warmth without getting too bulky as you are all aware of I am sure.

-Do you prefer the bib type drypants or the low cut ones? What do you use for layering? Is Hydroskin under a drytop and pants enough? Is a fleece liner enough? etc. I am sure you all know what I am getting at.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated as I do not think my short sleeve drytop will be enough for much longer.

Thanks!

TN has its cold days for sure. Not many, but some.

Paddling pants are up to you. I prefer the normal ones without the bib part. Less bulk.

Immersion Research makes a farmer john fleece like one piece that works well.

One of the main things that I try and keep toastie are my hands. Invest in a good pair of poagies. They cover the hands and allow you to still feel your paddle. I would not recommend gloves due to the fact that they tend to hold water. IMO.

Maybe a skull cap, just make sure it does not interfere with your ability to hear.

The other thing are your feet. Invest in something that is warm and has some good tread. Don't skimp. It may come down to the shoes you are wearing that can make a day good or bad...

I'm typically a pretty warm once I get moving. I use the Kokatat Whirlpool Bibs, they \"mate\" with my drytop to help keep the water out if you swim. My legs are usually pretty warm even in the winter, so I just wear a light capilene under the dry pants. On the top, I just wear my hydroskin and drytop.

I have the NRS Mamba Pogies and they are very warm. For under the helmet, I have the NRS mystery hood, I've been happy with it, takes a little getting used to if you have a lot of hair, but I can usually hear pretty well. I wish it had a ponytail hole, but what can you do? I also usually wear socks in addition to my booties.

Thanks for the advice... I really appreciate it. With so many products out there, it is kind of hard to sort through it all. I do not mind buying what I need, but I do not want to start getting a load of stuff that I will not use.

I know pogies are warmer and you get to feel the paddle, but do you guys have any problems when you are scouting, swimming, or rescuing in the winter without gloves on?

I am looking at the NRS Blackrock Drypants right now. Does anyone use these, and have any feedback?

I paddle in Tennessee/GA/NC/Bama area all winter.

I just bought a pair of Snap Dragon pogies. I have tried a couple of different varieties and the Snap Dragons are easier to get your hands in and out of quickly and they are plenty warm. Yes I have tried these on the river in winter, I borrowed from a friend.

The last three winters I paddled with NRS gloves and they are not as warm. Also, gloves rob you of some tactile feedback from the paddle although you don't have to worry about feeding your hands in and out of the openings on pogies.

I used \"fuzzy rubber\" pants previously and found it minimally adequate but I just bought Blackrock pants for this winter . . . haven't used them yet but the plan is to layer Capilene or Polartech under. If you swim much, you might want to just get splash pants because the gaskets on true dry pants will cause them to fill up with (very cold) water if you swim. I rarely swim so I went ahead and got the gaskets. Rolling is a big deal to me . . . especially in winter.

AP

This is what I rock out in Ohio and other SouthEast states

IR Lx Competition Dry top
IR Microwave Pogies
UnderAmour Shirt
a Skully that is Fleece
and a Kokatat Wetsuit.

It is a grand setup



oh yea and PRYANHA MUH HAHAHAHAHAHA

This is great information. I just started kayaking this year, and although I will not be able to get out all year long, I plan on getting out after the snow starts to fly around here. I just want to thank everyone on this site for sharing their experiences, and making the sport better for everyone.

I just ordered stuff for my first winter too. I got the Stampede semi-dry top from NRS...they have a ton of stuff on sale right now. Then I ordered the NRS 3mm farmer john and NRS 2mm navigator gloves from Outdoorplay (I have a lifetime membership, so it was cheaper going through them). I'm using 5mm dive booties right now. If I find I need more protection, I'll probably order the NRS hydroskin sock and mystery hood. The mountain surf oven mitts look pretty toasty too.

p.s. I called NRS to get their opinion about the hydroskin gloves vs the navigator gloves. The guy on the phone said he uses the navigators and loves them. I also called them with a question about the wetsuit fit. The guy actually went and measured the leg length for me while I waited. They have fantastic customer service.

I think if you \"hooked\" and \"the money is not a factor\", buy the dry suit with socks and pee hole. Not only for your comfort, but for your paddling parters. Standing in the water at 30 degrees, for 20+ min's when you friend needs to count on you for a rescue I'm sure he would like it if you could feel you feet.

Have stood in cold ass water with a 2 piece set up and no socks at a pin. Feeling in the feet doesn't last very long.

Creeking here in North Idaho in Jan and Feb I like to know my buds are prepaired.

Please don't take this as criticism, Just something to think about. Us old guys like to stay warm.

t

For winter paddling, I have tried everything from Pogies to gloves to mits.

For me, I found that the best thing on the market was the Pryde Neoprene Palmless Mitts.

Here is the link

You can find them in windsurfing shops.

I like them better than pogies as you can still keep your hands warm in the water and standing on shore.

They stay on all day.

The best part about them is that they are WAY warmer then gloves because they are mitts. With the open palm, you get fantastic dexterity and it is easy to grip all day.

I paddle them all winter here in Toronto in temperatures of -10C.

Cheers,

David H. Johnston