Re: [Paddlewise] Swellies vs Chotas

From: Dave Kruger <kdruger_at_pacifier.com>
Date: Tue, 18 Feb 2003 16:59:18 -0800
Evan Dallas" <Evan_Dallas_at_notes.ntrs.com> wrote:

>> Also, I noticed that there are three versions of the Chotas:  the
"regular"
ones with a 3mm sole (seems thin if you're going to be walking on rocky,
barnacle-covered stuff) for US$75; the "nunavut", which apparently has a
regular sole and heel (perhaps making it better for canoeing?) for US$93;
or the quicklace model with a 7mm sole for US$93.  Which one is more
appropriate for kayak touring? >>

Steve Holtzman has already hit most of the points in comparison of the Chota
variations.  Like Steve, I own and use the lightweight model, and have
walked on barnacled rocks to a limited extent.  Because most of my touring
is on sandy beaches, the lightweight sole works well for me.

The other variable here is whether the stiffer-soled ones will allow your
foot to fit inside the yak.

Mine have fleece inside, and sure, it gets wet after several days of
touring, but the fleece still provides some insulation, where you need it.
If I use them on a day trip and return home, a couple hours on a cheap boot
dryer brings them back to dry and toasty.

Something no one else has mentioned is that in a full-immersion situation,
with Chotas sealed to the __outside__ of a farmer john wet suit, seam leak
__in the FJ__ will flood the Chotas and make them water balloons after you
get back inside the yak.  Does not take much swimming to achieve this, and
the only cure is to find land and empty them.

For that reason, it's better to wear them __inside__ the farmer john legs,
if you can get a fit that way.

--
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR

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Received on Tue Feb 18 2003 - 16:59:27 PST

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