Recommendations for Good Waterproof Gloves

[hrhpj1]

Hello FOLBOT Family!

Bagboater has recommended that I try paddling in wet weather just for a new experience----which sounds absolutely MESMERIZING to me. Just the idea of quietly floating along listening to the forlorn sound of soft raindrops hitting the water, the swoosh of the paddles as they break through, the feel of the light, misty fog holding its own slightly above the water enveloping me like a transparent cloak, and the sheer thought of the somewhat spooky, but attractive lonesome feeling has me totally hooked, indeed . Oh Lordy, I was born a dreamer---Sorry, I just can't help it.....Anyway, Pete said to be sure and have some good waterproof gloves to make the experience more comfortable.

Does anyone out there have a personal preference for some good waterproof gloves? I currently use some 3/4 finger lightweight NRS gloves just to keep from getting blisters and they have worked wonderfully, but they are certainly not waterproof. So far, the recommendations that I have received from Folboters have worked really well for me, so I thought, "Why not ask, again?"

Any recommendations are very much appreciated.

Happy Paddlin' in the Rain!

[PeteS]

Sorry, I couldn't think of the name of the gloves we bought. They are "sealskinz" and they work really well. BTW, did you pick up a Folbot compass? You will need a compass to take a heading when going into a fog bank or big rain storm. All stuff to make you safe and comfortable.

[flatwater]

Hi Juanita,

I have 3 pair of gloves.
warm weather - clipped finger gloves to prevent blisters
cold weather - 50 degrees or so - NRS Hydroskin 0.5mm
colder weather (my limit) - 40 degrees, rain, wind - NRS Rapid 1.5mm

My first paddle in colder weather, I used the 0.5mm gloves AND pogies to handle 40 degrees. I discovered right away that I don't like pogies. They're cumbersome to put on - especially the second one. I have to use my teeth on the cuff to pull it the last bit and I really don't care for the taste.

My fingers freeze up very quickly if I don't have good enough gear. I have poor circulation in my extremities so I have the same issues with my toes. They're less likely to get wet so aren't as critical. But that's why I got the 1.5mm gloves. If you have good circulation (warm hands), you may do just fine with 0.5mm gloves down to 40 degrees.

I also have a neoprene skull cap that I wear under my paddling hat to keep my head and ears warm. And I wear two layers (no cotton) under my paddling jacket which works OK under my PFD.

Once I'm dressed properly, I enjoy paddling in the colder weather. You get a different perspective on the streams and lakes and their inhabitants.

There's more, neoprene pants, waterproof socks, etc. If you search past posts by davekru in this section of the forum, you'll find much good advice with many additions by others.

[Dickc]

I like pogies. The second one is a little difficult to get on but not a major problem. They velcro onto the paddle and you just stick your hands inside. They're warm and you could wear a fleece glove underneath. The neoprene gloves I've tried are too tight and cut off circulation and are uncomfortable. If the water is not cold enough to require a wetsuit then I just use a pair of loose fitting water proof pants and a rain jacket with a hood. I like Chota knee high neoprene boots with wool socks for cold weather. Get the ones with the heel and quick laces and you can climb slippery river banks and carry the kayak on a portage.

I've used my old Big Glider as an ice breaker in thin ice and I've paddled in snow squals and heavy rain with no problem. It's fun being out in bad weather when you're dressed to keep warm and dry.

Dickc

[davekru]

I'm with DickC on preparing my feet and hands for cold weather paddling, albeit I am a polar bear sort, and do not use gloves or pogies until it drops into the low 40's. Chotas are the cat's meow for feet, although they might be too warm where you are, Juanita!

Even the pre-curved neoprene gloves affect the circulation in my fingers too much ... unless I am really hammering away and working hard, they are a problem. In contrast, my fleece-lined pogies are good with bare hands inside them down to about 25 F ... I can't tell anyone what to use for handwear at colder temps -- never paddled colder than that!

Donning the second pogie is a toothy experience, for everyone, at least if you have the ones with the thin waterproof gauntlet. The neoprene gauntlet ones like these might be a better choice, overall, and are easier to get on because the gauntlet is shorter, stiffer, and pops open more readily:

http://tinyurl.com/klzsj5

[hrhpj1]

Oh goody!

Lots of options to check out....thanks for the quick response, guys. I just knew I could depend on ya'll.

Pete, I do have a compass, got one when I first purchased the boat. I've read some horror stories of kayakers getting lost in the fog and I have no intention of doing that...best to be prepared, huh?

Happy Paddlin!

[bagboater]

Juanita, a good compromise between gloves and pogies is a pair of mittens. NRS has them and they are warmer and more comfortable than anything else for me.
Just like when you were a little tyke be sure to run a cord through your jacket from arm to arm to keep from losing you mittens. I think there even some with a patch of fur or fleece on the back to wipe your runny nose. You got lots of very good recommendations now all you need is a bag full of outdoor catalogs to dream over.
While drooling over all the goodies in the catalog isn't as good as getting out there and splashing some water at least you can do it in a nice warm bed.
73 Gary

[hrhpj1]

Hey Bagboater,

You have a very good point there! And a dreamer I shall be! My husband always says that I LIVE to go to the post office to get my catalogs . Gosh doggit, am I that transparent??????

Thanks for the hint on the mitts, too....I will check them out....we have snow in the forecast tonight, Friday and Monday...it's crazy...no snow for 25 years and now 6 times in one winter....what happened to my 70 degrees and sunshine from last Saturday? Oh well, I won't complain and I'll take whatever I can get. Chalk it all up to new experiences....Life is Good!

Happy Paddlin'!