OK,"guys" I only stopped by Florida Bay Outfitters to have my racks checked....and walked out with a new PFD, paddling jacket, and Fla paddling book. Before I take the labels off, I'd like some input. Bearing in mind that I will not be paddling in the really cold stuff them hardy types do, is what I have OK or should I return it? The main advantage is that I was able to try it on....and it's a Large as in for a tall person, so it fits almost like a cagoule and the sleeves are very long but the velcro cuffs seal it quite well. It's made by Palm Equipment, North Somerset, England. It's a long sleeved Freestyle Tour model CA04212 and I paid $110 for it. It's XP 35 Extra Performance Specialised Whitewater Sports Breathable Fabric System. "...is effective against wind-chill and is suitable for up to grade 2 whitewater paddling, including simple rapids." It's a pullover style with stretchy neoprene and velcro closure at the cuffs and collar. When you open up the neck velcro it has a deep, well-ventilated mesh "V" fabric inset. I'm planning on joining a group trip from Flamingo (in Everglades National Park) to Cape Sable over the New Year and the water could get a bit chilly. I would wear fleece underneath. On the downside, it's almost the same as my Helly Hansen breathable fabric zippered jacket with hood - even the color is the same...so I'm wondering if there's a wee bit of duplication here. Despite the fact that the "parka" has open neck and cuffs. I guess my main concern is that it's a man's top and I'm wondering if I should have looked for women's sizing (this was a spur-of-the-moment purchase). Most importantly, I still had $50 left in a gift certificate, so only had to lay out another $50. Is it a keeper? sandy kramer who didn't pay much attention to the main threads on paddling jackets and doesn't see anything under Gear on the Pwise Website. *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************Received on Tue Nov 20 2001 - 10:54:11 PST
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