Paddle and Pedal
  • Home
  • Kayaking
    • Kids Kayak Camps
    • Tours
    • Courses >
      • River Safety & Rescue
      • Skills Coaching
      • Surfski Training
  • Contact
  • About
    • Wild Atlantic Way >
      • Friends
    • Blog
  • Rockpool Kayaks

Stay warm this winter with CRAFT sportswear

13/11/2013

2 Comments

 
Winter is well and truly here and I'm sure you can feel it every time you step outside.  Well its just as bad when you have to get on the water for a flat water training session or a day on a white water river.  Having good thermal base layers is the key to staying warm in these conditions.  There is a huge range of base layer products on the market now that offer varying degrees of protection and comfort.  For me I have been using CRAFT sportswear products for about 3 years now for all types of kayaking and training.  CRAFT are a Swedish company that specialise in making performance sportswear for cycling, running and skiing and have done so for the last four decades.  Why CRAFT? Three reasons
Picture
1. FIT-  CRAFT base layers have a brilliant fit and its one of their strongest selling points for me.  The cut in particular is the deal clincher.  All their thermals have an extended back section or tail that keeps your lower back protected from the cold when you are sitting.  Most other brands don't have this and they ride up leaving your lower back exposed, not a good place to get cold!  They also have flat locked seems that do not chaff or rub after hours of paddling or running.  The material is also very soft and extremely comfortable next to the skin.
Picture
2. FUNCTION- The CRAFT layering system is very simple, it goes from layer 1-3.  You start with 1 and the colder it gets the more layers you add.  I usually only ever wear layer 1 with a light cag on flat water sessions, as its enough to keep me warm for paddles up to 1.5 hours on mild days.  If it's cold I use two Layer 1 tops and if it really gets cold I put on Layer 1 & 2.  This is the system I used earlier this year for the Devizes to Westminster kayak race when the temperature dropped to minus 7c and I was snug for the whole 21 hours. This stuff really works!
Picture
3. COST- What first brought me to CRAFT was not only the fit and function but also the value for money they offer  compared to other leading brands.  CRAFT sit about mid price range and make great quality products that
last for years.  I have a few tops that have had heavy use for the last three years and they are still working perfectly. 

TOP TIP- Do not to put your thermals in the dryer as this destroys the micro fibres that help quick moisture away from your body. 

Thanks to CRAFT for kindly sponsoring me this year. I know I will be staying warm this winter on and off the water.

For more details on CRAFT products check out:

craftsportswear.co.uk  or www.craft.se
Picture
October training in CRAFT Base layer and wind stopper beanie.
2 Comments
lisa link
30/11/2019 04:53:05 am

Basically a sportswear is a dress that basically design for the sportsman. So In order to make sports session easy the best sportswear is very important. So I always choose more flexible and more comfortable sportswear.

Reply
Elle link
21/5/2022 11:42:27 pm

Thiss was lovely to read

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Author

    David Horkan from Paddle & Pedal. Posting info on various outdoor adventures in Mayo and around Ireland.

    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Sports Wear

    Archives

    February 2017
    December 2016
    February 2015
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    November 2013
    October 2013

    Categories

    All
    Achill
    Base Layer
    Boater Cross
    Cliffs Of Moher
    Craft
    Crana
    Dagger Kayaks
    Dagger Stratos
    David Horkan
    Dun Briste
    Gene17
    Gopro Mount
    Greatglenpaddle
    Ireland
    Irish
    Julbo
    Julbo Wave
    Kayaking
    Kayak Race
    Kokatat
    Marlin
    Mayo
    Octopus Lens
    Paddleandpedal
    Review
    Sea Kayaking
    Sipre
    Soca Valley
    Sunglasses
    Tahe Marine
    The Race
    Training
    Waka Kayaks
    Whitewater
    Wildatlanticway

    RSS Feed

CALL +353 (0) 876808955
Paddle and Pedal Ballina Co.Mayo logo
Leave No Trace Ireland Logo Paddle and Pedal
Paddle and Pedal Failte Ireland Logo
Picture
© 2021 Paddle & Pedal. 
All rights Reserved.
  • Home
  • Kayaking
    • Kids Kayak Camps
    • Tours
    • Courses >
      • River Safety & Rescue
      • Skills Coaching
      • Surfski Training
  • Contact
  • About
    • Wild Atlantic Way >
      • Friends
    • Blog
  • Rockpool Kayaks