A paddling jacket is an essential piece of gear for kayakers, canoeists, stand-up paddleboarders, and other paddle sports enthusiasts.
Choosing the right layers to wear underneath your paddling jacket can make all the difference in warmth, breathability, and comfort out on the water.
This article will overview what to wear under a paddling jacket women’s for optimal performance.
Base Layers
Importance of Base Layers
The base layer sits directly against your skin and serves a crucial role in moisture management.
Since paddling is an aerobic activity, you’ll likely work up a sweat during your session.
Having a breathable, sweat-wicking base layer helps pull that moisture away from your body.
This first layer helps regulate body temperature and keeps you dry inside your jacket.
Material Considerations
When selecting a base layer shirt or leggings for paddling, look for moisture-wicking technical fabrics like polyester or Merino wool.
Avoid cotton, which stays wet against your skin. The best paddling base layers will dry quickly if they do get wet from waves or splashes.
Some top picks:
- Polyester athletic tops
- Merino wool undershirts
- Synthetic long underwear
Mid Layers
Insulating Power
Once you have your moisture-wicking base layer secured, adding a mid-layer delivers warmth. The mid-layer insulates your core under the paddling jacket shell. Mid-layers trap body heat without overheating. As conditions change, they are easy to add or remove.
Style and Fabric Options
For temperate paddling conditions, a long sleeve technical tee offers lightweight insulation. In colder weather, upgrade to a fleece jacket or sweatshirt under your paddling top. Wool sweaters also work well. Focus on breathability in your mid layer fabric.
Paddling Jacket Shell
Purpose of the Paddling Jacket
The outer paddling jacket shell shields you from wind and water. It should have waterproof and windproof elements while remaining breathable. Paddling jackets are designed with the range of motion needed for the sport.
Sizing and Features
Look for an adjustable hood, velcro closures, and openings for oxygen flow over heat zones. Make sure to try your paddling jacket on over your intended layers to ensure proper mobility and coverage while paddling.
Now that you know the recommended layers, let’s get into more specifics on what to wear under your paddling jacket.
What to Wear Under a Paddling Jacket
Top Half Considerations
For your top half under a paddling jacket women’s or men’s, start with a long-sleeve synthetic moisture-wicking shirt as your base layer.
For temps in the 60s Fahrenheit, a technical tee shirt over that base layer will suffice. When out paddling in cooler weather or water below 60 F, add a fleece zip-up mid layer for core warmth.
In winter paddling conditions and water under 50 F, upgrade your mid layer to a synthetic or Merino wool long-sleeve insulating top.
Pair this with long underwear leggings on the bottom and neoprene socks. The ultimate cold weather paddling jacket system combines moisture wicking, breathability, and ample insulation from the wind and cold.
Adjust your layers up or down as outdoor temperatures shift.
Bottom Half Recommendations
On the bottom under your paddling jacket, wear nylon athletic pants or leggings made with quick-dry synthetic fabric.
Avoid cotton sweatpants which stay wet and cold. In winter, add a layer of long underwear under your outer paddling pants for insulation.
Neoprene pants add ultimate wind and water protection for the most extreme paddling.
For your lower legs, knee-high synthetic paddling socks help seal out splash and spray.
Wet boots or shoes will compromise your comfort levels, so keep your feet dry with quality paddling footwear.
In cooler weather, add neoprene socks under your outer socks for an extra insulator.
Additional Considerations
Use common sense adding layers depending on weather and temperatures when paddling.
Bring extra layers with you on long outings in case conditions change. Remaining comfortable, flexible, and unrestricted should drive all of your paddling clothing decisions under your jacket.
Proper layering makes time spent in your paddling craft more enjoyable.
