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First  Thoughts  on  The  New  Kokatat  Idol  2-In-1  Drysuit and Dry Cag

31/3/2015

8 Comments

 
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Is it really possible to kill two birds with one stone? Well Kokatat have finally achieved it! Thanks to their innovative waist entry system, the new Kokatat Idol drysuit can be split in half and used as a dry cag for the summer months!

Having faced some fairly intense scepticism, with even my closest friends believing that I would drown, I have gathered a few FAQs which I will now attempt to answer:

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What’s  this  waist  entry  system  all  about?

In stark contrast to the traditional front or rear entry drysuits, the Idol has a flexible plastic zip which runs around the waist, separating the trousers from the top. 

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At first I thought that the zip and the screw which seals it closed would be uncomfortable and would get in the way, but the opposite was true. The system is perfectly designed to sit between the top of the back-band in your boat and the bottom of your spraydeck and I don’t feel it at all when I'm on the water.

Starting the zip off does require a bit of a knack but it doesn't take long to get used to it and then you realise the possibilities that it opens up:


Boating abroad and regretting last night’s dinner, or feeling particularly nervous before that big drop? Just drop your kegs and deal with it! No need to strip your kit when you’ve got this kind of easy access!
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Bored of your friends leaving your zip slightly open? In the Idol you can get dressed all by yourself like a real grown-up!
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Irritated by the dangly arms left behind when you strip down your top half for lunch? No dangling to be seen in the Idol!


Feeling restricted by your front or rear entry zip? The Idol's flexible and well-placed zip means that it feels just like wearing a cag!


Most importantly, I have conducted some thorough and incredibly scientific tests and can confirm that it is actually completely dry!

What’s  it  like  as  a  drysuit?

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What’s  it  like  as  a  dry  cag?


Exactly the same as it is as a drysuit but with wetter legs. The Velcro flap, which protects the zip whilst in drysuit mode, folds all the way under when in cag mode and helps to prevent damage to the zip. The screw fitting is also part of the trousers, rather than the top, so the cag stays super streamlined.
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What  makes  it  worth  the  cost?

At £959.99 from Canoe and Kayak Store, the Kokatat Idol is not a cheap option, but after my initial reservations, I have definitely come to the conclusion that you get superb value for money:

  • The Idol is backed by Kokatat’s legendary lifetime warranty and reputation for outstanding customer service
  • You get a dry cag and a drysuit
  • The design and fit leaves you feeling so unrestricted that you’ll feel like you’re naked boating in the Alps

Overall, I’m absolutely smitten with my new Kokatat Idol drysuit. The only real downside is that it makes me want to swim!
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8 Comments

Yak  Maveric  Dry  Cag  Review

15/2/2015

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When many paddlers think of Yak, they think of numpty club kit, rather than high-end whitewater kit. It is therefore the quality, rather than the astonishingly reasonable price of the Yak Maveric cag which makes it a particularly pleasing purchase.

The cheapest price that I can find is £94.95 from Canoe and Kayak Store. Here is what you can expect for your money:

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So it seems that you don’t always get what you pay for. For £94.95 the Yak Maveric offers a similar specification to other cags which are more than double the price.
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Sandiline  Freeride  Extreme  Dry  Trousers...

7/2/2015

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...because  there's  nothing  sexier  than  suspenders


I had never before seen the point in dry trousers until my famously leaky brand of dry suit decided to become very very leaky. I bought the Sandiline Freeride Extreme Dry Trousers as a temporary solution before I plucked up the courage to invest in a new drysuit. I am now contemplating sticking with this cag, trouser combo for good! Here are ten reasons why:

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1.

The four-layered fabric keeps your legs dry but remains breathable so that you don’t get a sweaty bum.

2.

    

3.

The knees and bum are reinforced with cordura so that you can sit and kneel on spiky things. 

They have enough room around the knees and bum for ease of movement, without being too baggy.
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4.

The waist band feels super secure, with its strong elastic and sticky Velcro. This does a great job of keeping the water out and I’d imagine it would also help to prevent hernias, although I haven’t done sufficient research in this area to make a guarantee. 

5.

Suspenders are sexy as hell.


6.

If you have a  willy, I hear that pee zips are helpful. If not, they are quite useful for letting the air out of your legs. Yes, that’s right, these trousers seal so well that you have to let the air out before paddling!

7.

The zip seems to be more flexible than metal zips and most other plastic zips so feels really comfortable and shouldn’t interfere with your privates.


8.

Built-in socks mean that you avoid latex seals and therefore maintain circulation in your feet.

9.

The cag and trouser combo is a versatile solution if done properly. For the same price as buying a relatively poor quality dry suit, you can have a high quality cag and trousers to suit all seasons.
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10.

If you want your legs to look as sexy as this, then the Sandiline Freeride Extreme Dry Trousers are clearly to way to go! ;-)
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