Thermal layering for on, off and in the water.

I love this time of year. The leaves are changing colour and the rain starts falling to fill up our beautiful rivers.

It also means it's time to start wrapping up warm to enjoy as much time on the water and out in the elements as possible. This gives me the opportunity to share my tips and thoughts on layering.

Layering your breathable, waterproof and thermal clothing can help to keep you warm, dry, comfortable and safe in and on the water. By choosing a variety of garments it allows you to add or remove layers to react to the conditions and your own body temperature. It's always a good idea to plan ahead what you want to wear, what to take with you and even what to have ready waiting for you as soon as you get back to the car!

BASE LAYERS:
Personally I would recommend a base layer all year round. In the summer it keeps you cool by wicking moisture away from your skin and in the winter it keeps you warm by trapping air close to your body.

How should it fit?
A base layer should be tight fitting so the fabric is close to the skin to work most effectively.

What should it be made of?
At Nookie we believe for watersports a synthetic base layer offers better performance because it dries much quicker than natural fabrics such as wool.

What do we recommend? 
Nookie Softcore Thermal Base Layer.

© @tommyhatwell

OK, first things first, everybody who has this top, loves it. One of our customers, Ben, emailed us when he opened his delivery from Nookie to find his brand new Softcore Top inside:

"What is this top made from?! It's so soft I want to cry. It's like it's made from clouds or angel wings!"

We know you'll want to feel it for yourself after that description!

Our Nookie Softcore is actually made from our incredible Softcore fabric, comprised of a Nylon and Spandex blend that is quick drying, stretches 4-ways and is super-soft and furry against your skin. The UPF30+ offers sun protection when you need it, which is great if you choose the short sleeve option in the summer.

What can you use it for?
The Softcore Thermal Base? Anything! Literally anything. We know from customers, Team Riders and our in-house factory team that it works brilliantly for nearly any activity.
Kayaking, Canoeing, Walking, Running, Skiing, Snowboarding, Mountain Biking, Road Cycling, Outdoor Circuit Training, Surfing Rash Vest, Motorcycling, Rafting... to name but a few!

Softcore Thermal Base Layer

MID LAYERS:
This layer is designed to trap the warmth your body creates, as well as further wicking away any perspiration from activity. In watersports you might choose a quick drying fleece or a neoprene/wetsuit layer.

How should it fit?
A mid layer should fit comfortably and does not have to be as tight as a base layer. It works by trapping air between your layers, so a fit like a snug jumper would work nicely.

What should it be made of?
In most situations it should be a breathable synthetic fabric, but occasionally a neoprene/wetsuit layer may be a better choice because of it's windproof properties.

What do we recommend?
We have three great mid layers that we would recommend. The Nookie Thermalcore100 Top and the Nookie Iceman All-In-One are both made from Polartec® Classic100 Recycled Fleece for warmth and wicking.

Thermalcore100

Iceman All-In-One

The Nookie Ti Vest 1mm Neoprene is a great choice if you don't need as much breathability (less active) but want more protection and warmth from the wind.

Ti Vest Short & Long Sleeve

What can you use it for?
The Nookie Iceman is a versatile one-piece. Primarily designed for cold kayaking expeditions, this stylish thermal has a following that includes RAF pilots, heating engineers, hard-core campers and any one on a river shuttle run.
 
Use the Thermalcore 100 everyday! It's a great technical mid layer, but it's really popular as a climate control jumper for want of a better description.  It's often seen around Nookie HQ at this time of year (not to mention the local Pub too).

The Ti Vest is a good choice if you're likely to get wet. It's popular with surf kayakers as a mid/outer layer, but it's also popular with recreational paddlers who feel the cold but aren't exerting a lot of energy.

OUTER LAYERS:
Depending on what activity you're doing on the water, means you need to choose the right outer layer for you. This layer should protect you from the wind and rain, and if you choose, keep you dry in the water. It should also be breathable to help release the active moisture your base and mid layers have wicked to the surface.

Why not read our Drywear Guide for helpful advice about how to choose between a full drysuit, or a layering system of jackets and trousers.

Have fun out there this autumn, and whatever you do, make sure you keep yourself safe and warm!

Hazel

Hazel, Designer @ Nookie
in her Thermalcore 100 mid layer

Creation of the Evolution Dry Trousers

We have been busy in our head office in Gunnislake, Cornwall focussing our expertise on bringing you a new dry-wear range for this Autumn (2014).

We have already launched the Rapid Semi-Dry Trousers , which are becoming a firm favourite with a number of Team Riders. This month you will also be able to get your mitts on the brand spanking new Evolution Dry Trousers. 

This is a new collection, so keep reading to find out how and why we've made this exquisite pair of trousers with new Pro Bib Pants and Charger Dry Suit hot on the heels!


evo|lu¦tion

Definition: The process by which things have developed and improved from earlier forms. 

Presenting;

The NEW
Nookie Evolution Dry Trousers
(available with
latex ankle seals or
fabric dry socks)

So, how did we develop our NEW Nookie Evolution Trousers?

We have been renowned for our popular dry trousers for many years, so we looked at the current range and their predecessors. We listed the best features most loved by our customers and listened to them about what more they wanted from their dry trousers.

We kept some classic features, such as the tall glued and blindstitched neoprene waist tube, with sharkskin mesh for anti-wicking (limiting the water drawn up in your cag), because it's easy to put on, stretchy and flexible, stays in place and offers extra insulation in colder environments.

We updated the anatomical, dynamic cut to improve fit, reduce extra fabric in the seat and allow freedom of movement when out of your boat scouting or portaging.

One of the most exciting new developments used in the Evolution Dry Trousers is the brand new EvoTX 4 4ply Fabric and EvoTX 500D Reinforced Fabric developed for us to offer the best balance between waterproofness, breathability and durability.

Both these 4ply fabrics have a durable grey membrane that prevents water penetrating them, yet allow vapours (perspiration) to escape, with the added wicking benefit of the tricot layer next to your skin. Both fabrics are coated with Durable Water Repellant (DWR). The Reinforced fabric has a denser weave Nylon face fabric to withstand more wear and tear. From experience, we know this has to cover the seat, knees, outer ankles and socks. 

The new socks are asymmetric (fit either your left or right foot) to be more comfortable. They are designed to have limited seams to last longer. Wear them with socks inside as a base layer and shoes over the top to extend their lifetime. Alternatively, you can choose the classic latex ankle seal that can be trimmed down to fit.

We wanted to reflect the rugged new tough fabric (EvoTX4) so the panel layout offers the best protection and comfortable fit, with retro-reflective trims for safety. The adjustable ankles are lined with neoprene for comfort and are finished with co-ordinating stylish red velcro and low snag adjustable tabs. 

All the taping is of dive-quality and is quality controlled through-out production runs.

EvoTX4 (upper - grey)
EvoTX 500D Reinforced (lower - black)

Low snag adjustable velcro tab
with neoprene lined ankle cuff

Dive quality taping on EvoTX4
with durable grey membrane

Designed by our in-house team (with over three decades of combined experience) and thoroughly tested by a multitude of team riders and outdoor professionals in the four corners of the World... these fantastic dry trousers are currently rolling off our busy production line in our factory in Cornwall, England.

BUY YOURS HERE


Designed and Made in Cornwall, England.