The most comfortable garment I've used for paddling was a hybrid I made by marrying a neoprene spraydeck with the tunnel cut away to a dry top. This was an attempt to mimic the functionality of the Aleut Kamleika in more modern materials as was similar in concept and function to the Brooks "Tuliaq" or the Palm Equipment (UK) "Kamleika". I found a design problem was the formation of a "moat" of water around my torso. This was overcome by putting a suspension harness of suspender elastic (from a man's trouser suspenders) inside the kamleika to bridge from the front to the rear of the cockpit across my shoulders. This kept the kamleika elevated so water ran off and also opened the garment to the interior of the kayak. What I discovered was a wonderful freedom of motion and surprising increase in warmth. Perspiration no longer accumulated on me, but rather condensed on the cold hull of my kayak. As a result my insulating garments were much more effective. It is a delightful thing to wear and paddle in. The PFD is worn beneath it. There is a clear lack of protection from free swimming immersion that I acknowledge. Alternative strategies and techniques must be balanced against our individual and group skills. I will use my kamleika on most days and most conditions. If faced with a particularly exposed coast or crossing and uncertain weather I will put on a dry suit beneath it for immersion protection before leaving the beach on that segment of the journey. There is an element of stress in discomfort. Increases in physical comfort can result in better decision making and judgment. Jim Vermillion -- ......................................................... "Do or do not, there is no try" Yoda *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.4.0 : Thu Aug 21 2025 - 16:33:19 PDT