Living in Montana and other northern states means facing harsh winter conditions while on the water. If you’re looking to dress for cold weather paddling, this guide provides expert tips on layering, essential gear, and smart choices to keep you warm and safe during your winter kayaking adventures.
Essential Gear for Winter Kayaking
1. Dry Suit
A high-quality drysuit is one of the most important safety items for any kayaker. Not only does it extend your paddling season—and in some regions, allow you to paddle year-round—but it can also save your life during an unexpected plunge into 40-degree water.
- Tip: If a drysuit is outside your budget, consider using dry bibs combined with a dry top.
- Recommended Brands: Kokatat offers reliable drysuits and drytops known for being extremely dry, breathable, and comfortable.
2. Union Suit / Fleece Onesie
A one-piece union suit provides comfort and warmth under your drysuit without the hassle of tucking in separate layers. It minimizes shifting and prevents the discomfort of bunching or wedgies.
- Brands to Consider: NRS, Immersion Research, and Kokatat all offer excellent union suits.
- Pro Tip for Women: Choose a union suit with a butt flap if your drysuit has a drop seat.
3. Additional Layers
For paddlers who feel the chill, layering is key. When temperatures drop below 35°F, consider adding multiple layers:
- Base Layer: A silkweight layer to wick away sweat.
- Mid Layer: Warm long underwear (e.g., Patagonia Capilene 4).
- Fleece Layer: A thin fleece like Patagonia’s R1, worn under your union suit.
4. Bottom Layer Protection
- Long Underwear Bottom: A single, lightweight long underwear bottom beneath your union suit protects your legs while the kayak offers additional coverage.
5. Warm Footwear
- Thick Fleece/Wool Socks: Acorn fleece socks are proven to keep your toes warm inside your drysuit.
- Over-the-Drysuit Neoprene Socks: These protect your drysuit socks from dirt, rocks, and sand, thereby extending the life of your drysuit.
- Booties: Choose booties with a good tread, like Astral Brewers, to prevent slips on icy surfaces.
6. Hand and Head Protection
- Neoprene Mittens: For temperatures below 35°F or during playboating in cold water, mittens (such as the NRS Toaster Mitts with a built-in snot-wiper) are essential to keep your hands warm.
- Neoprene Skull Cap: Protect your head from the cold to avoid “ice cream headaches.”
7. Additional Accessories
- Yak Traxs: Useful for hiking over icy portages.
- Ear Plugs: Protect against swimmer’s ear. Mack’s waterproof silicone earplugs come with a compact case that fits easily in your PFD pocket.
Related Posts:
Motivation to Paddle in the Winter: Embrace the Chill and Hit the River
Spring Paddling Gear: 17 Essential Pieces for Your Trip
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