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The MsFit Tour from Kokatat
The MsFit was first introduced in 1998 and was originally intended for female paddlers, but it has found favor among both men and women. The seams that separate the front and side panels are curved, so when the PFD is put on, the front panels curve around the wearer’s chest. That makes for a comfortable fit for either gender.
The Tour model, released in 2000, has two zippered side-loading pockets with D-ring attachment points inside and a top-loading pocket for a VHF radio. The stretch mesh used in the pockets drains water instantly. There are two lash tabs, one up front and the other on the back. Behind the zipper is another pocket that can hold a folding knife. A buckle inside keeps the PFD secure when the zipper is undone. Wide bands of retroreflective tape on the front and back offer good nighttime visibility.
The MsFit Tour has lots of clearance at the armholes for a wide range of motion and to reduce the potential for chafe. It has seven adjustable straps—one at the waist, two on each side and two shoulder straps—so most paddlers should be able to get it cinched up to stay put if they wind up in the water. The MsFit Tour has been Kokatat’s top-selling PFD for several years running.
Kokatat
800-225-9749
kokatat@kokatat.com
www.kokatat.com
Skanorak by Patagonia
The Skanorak was developed by Patagonia in 1990 and borrowed features from paddling jackets and mountaineering anoraks to fit the needs of paddlers and rafters. It has rubbery stretch cuffs that can be cinched tight with Velcro tabs to keep water from running along your arm when your hand is raised during paddling. The main zipper is protected by overlapping baffles to keep water out. The hood has a bill that provides good protection from rain and three adjustable elastic cords to snug the hood opening around the face.
Since the Skanorak is worn under a PFD, it doesn’t need to have all of the pockets a backpacker’s jacket would have. The two large self-draining pockets on the chest can be fully accessed by unzipping the PFD; they are high enough that they don’t get pinched by the PFD waist belt. There are openings at the side of the pockets to give you a place to warm your hands. A pocket over the left biceps has a water-resistant zipper.
With a PFD over it, the Skanorak has a clean profile and offers nothing to get snagged when you are crawling over the deck for a reentry. Underarm panels keep the armpit area loose and free of seams that might chafe. The jacket’s fabric is both waterproof and breathable, and its seams are taped. Retroreflective piping on the hood, sleeves and back provides nighttime visibility.
The Skanorak is not a dry top, so your protection from cold-water immersion will have to come from other garments. It does, however, provide a well-designed comfortable barrier from wind and spray ashore or afloat.
Lotus Designs/Patagonia
800-638-6464
www.patagonia.com |
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