A sweatshirt for the kayak trip on the fjord

Short answer: A sweatshirt can be a good layer for a kayak trip, but remember that water and wind quickly make any jumper cold. Use it as a dry layer for the breaks and the way home, and pack it in a tight bag so you have something warm to change into.

Why a sweatshirt on the fjord

Even on a warm day it is cooler on the water, and you can feel the wind when you sit still and paddle. A soft sweatshirt gives warmth and calm in the body, and is comfortable under a windproof jacket. It is about having the right layer at the right time.

Wet clothes are cold clothes

The most important thing to remember is that a wet jumper loses much of its warmth and feels heavy and clammy. Drips from the paddle and spray from the waves can soon wet the sleeves. So choose a sweatshirt you can take on and off, and keep it dry for the quiet moments.

Use it as a dry layer for the break

Many people keep a sweatshirt as the dry clothing they put on when they come ashore. Pack it in a tight bag or a waterproof sack, so it does not get wet along the way. When you stop on the beach, you can pull it on and get the warmth back quickly while you eat your lunch.

A fit for paddling

You move your arms a lot, so a sweatshirt with a fit that leaves room across the shoulders is nice. The sleeves should not be so long that they cover the hands and trail in the water, and the neck and hem should not pull tight. Make paddling motions in front of the mirror before you bring it along.

Layers underneath and on top

Think in layers so you can adjust when the weather changes. A thin T-shirt next to the skin, a sweatshirt as a warm layer and a windproof jacket on top is a good combination. You can take layers on and off so you neither sweat nor freeze while you paddle and when you rest.

Safety comes first

A sweatshirt is not safety equipment. Always wear a life jacket, check the forecast and tell someone where you are going. If the water is cold, you need gear that suits the conditions and is made for water. The clothing in this text is for everyday use and for the breaks, not for saving you if you fall in.

Washing and care after the trip

Hang the clothes to dry as soon as you get home, and rinse out any salt water before washing them according to the care label. Use a low temperature, and avoid fabric softener, which can leave a film on the fibres. Let the sweatshirt dry fully before putting it away, so it does not start to smell musty.

Find your sweatshirt

If you want to see what is available, look at bamboo sweat for men and women or go straight to bamboo sweat for men. Also see the whole range for men if you want to combine with other things. Choose by fit and comfort, and try it on before the trip.

Frequently asked questions

Should I wear the sweatshirt while paddling?

It depends on temperature and wind. Many keep it as a dry layer for the breaks and paddle in something thinner, because otherwise they get warm and start to sweat.

What do I do if the sweatshirt gets wet?

Take it off and change into something dry if you have it with you. Wet layers pull heat out of the body, so a dry change in a tight bag is important.

Can a sweatshirt replace a life jacket?

No, a sweatshirt is everyday clothing and not safety equipment. Always wear a life jacket on the water, and follow the advice that applies in your area.

See our range of men's bamboo sweater.