The original poster posed an "either / or" situation and got good answers for that rubric. If you only own a farmer john (and feel put off by the $700 - $800 for a dry suit), then consider adding a serious breathable drytop (about $200 for a good one). This allows you to ramp up the insulation under the drytop as conditions get colder, and you can achieve a broader range by increasing the insulating value of your head covering (neoprene helmet). I paddled for years on the Lower Columbia with an arrangement like this, mainly winters, but now and then in the "summer" and always felt I had enough time to re-enter my boat. Survival time in the water would not have been equivalent to two layers of fleece under a dry suit, however. A year ago I sprung for a full-on Goretex dry suit, and wondered why I had not done that early on ... until I remembered that my other rig worked, but was not as comfy. Dry and warm is much nicer than wet and warm, especially if you are on a multiday tour. Benchmark: Steve Scherrer's 44 F is a pretty "standard" temp for water on the Columbia in the winter. -- Dave Kruger Astoria, OR *************************************************************************** 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 Mon Feb 04 2002 - 12:54:51 PST
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