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Base Layers
Select a variety of technical garments that will be useful in a wide range of weather conditions. At a minimum, paddlers will need short-sleeved ($5-30) and long-sleeved ($10-40) poly shirts, nylon pants ($35-75), and, perhaps most importantly, poly underwear bottoms ($5-20).
If you can, purchase several fabric "weights" to cover a wider temperature range. You'll also want at least one pair of long underwear bottoms ($10-30) if you kayak or camp in colder weather.
Technical clothing such as this can be found at good outdoor or camping-supply stores. For those with technical-wear sticker shock, Duofold produces a line of garments that can be purchased inexpensively online at Campmor. When in doubt, examine the tag to determine the materials used in the fabric.
Technical Outerwear
When the weather turns cold, windy, or rainy, you'll need more warmth than shirts alone will provide.
For added warmth, choose jackets or sweaters made of fleece or wool. These fabrics will repel small amounts of water, and so can be used in light rain or spray.
If, instead, you face rain or heavy spray, try a paddling jacket ($50-200). These jackets are designed to be almost completely waterproof through rain, spray, or perhaps an occasional Esmiko roll.
Kokotat makes an inexpensive paddling jacket using their waterproof/ breathable Tropos fabric. This "Super Breeze" jacket retails for $99 and uses neoprene seals at the wrist and neck to keep out water.
While not completely waterproof like a drytop, this jacket, in the author's experience, keeps out water through at least one or two Eskimo rolls.
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Hands, Feet, and Head
From the minute you enter your boat, your feet are likely soaked. To keep them warm, wear neoprene booties ($25-50) on your feet. Over-the-ankle models are better at preventing water infiltration than are low-cut styles.
If it is cold or windy, consider covering your hands with pogies ($20-40). These neoprene garments wrap around your paddle shaft and allow hand-to-shaft contact. Pogies also allow your hands to dry much more quickly than do paddling gloves.
Half of body heat loss is through the head, so always carry a wool or fleece hat to stay warm. If you capsize, your life may depend on having headwear to keep you warm. Paddlers who expect to get their head wet, while surfing or in rough conditions, should consider a neoprene hood ($10-20) that fastens around the chin.
In sunny weather, wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect yourself from sunburn. Also, always use sunscreen of SPF30 or greater, even when it's cloudy, as there is little shade and much reflected light on the ocean.
Layering
It's not unheard of for New England overnighters to wake up to a 30°F morning, paddle in 65°F sunshine at noon, then face 40°F blowing spray and rain after a cold front passes during late afternoon. To be prepared for such changes, carry many thin layers that can be added or removed throughout the day as needed.
No matter what the weather, carry warmer and cooler clothing than you think you'll need. If someone capsizes, or your group must spend the night outdoors, you'll be glad that you brought warm clothing, hat, and gloves.
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