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Buyers Guide 2004

 Outside Buyers Guide 2005

2004 Buyer's Guide: The Essential Paddler
Photograph by Chris McPherson


Take Me to the River
When the water gets pushy, here's the gear to see you through
Bridget Crocker

PADDLES, PFD's, AND SPRAY SKIRTS » (1) ADVENTURE TECHNOLOGY's new carbon-and-nylon AT4 PLAY ($230) is the least expensive bent-shaft paddle on the market, and perhaps the strongest. Its ergonomic grip and stiffness cry out for creeking. A no-creep, internal-foam-padded harness and streamlined shape lend pro-tour cred to the (2) LOTUS DESIGNS LOWRIDER PFD ($120)—it's the choice of U.S. Freestyle Kayak Team member Tanya Shuman. Don't fly without the (3) WHITE WATER EXP SPRAY SKIRT ($180) from SNAP DRAGON DESIGN. A reinforced rim and a deck made of Kevlar and expedition-weight neoprene prevent skirt blowouts during big aerials. BODYWEAR AND MORE » The titanium-based material lining the NRS HYDROSKIIN G2 SHORT SLEEVE TOP ($67) and (4) PANTS ($90) preserves heat while in the play hole. The company's soled (5) DESPERADO SOCKS ($40) keep your piggies toasty in glacial melt and feel like slippers. The LOTUS DESIGNS versatile SHORT STRETCH DRY TOP ($285) is the new warm-weather version of its classic Home Stretch top, with nonbinding, anatomically curved shoulders and stretchy yet strong panels. With a competition cut and super-techy features like an adjustable collar, latex wrist gaskets, and a double skirt, (6) Kokatat's new Gore-Tex XCR RE-ACTION JACKET ($270) wards off water, windchill, and rivals. Wear the dual-brimmed (7) SHERLOCK HELMET ($110) with über-adjustable H.O.G. (Hand of God) chin strap ($20), both from Shred Ready, and spend your time cartwheeling, not futzing with your lid. Stash keys and wallet in the compact (8) PELICAN 1120 CARRYING CASE ($33), while safeguarding larger valuables like camera gear inside (9) WATERSHED's welded OCOEE DRYBAG ($69). Its sealing system and optional padded liner ($27) make other drybags look like glorified Ziplocs.