People who enjoy paddling and discovering nature on the water know how unpredictable and wild it can sometimes be. From rain to wind to hail. Paddle jackets are ideal for such conditions, as they protect the body from moisture, cold and wind. At the same time, this clothing is breathable, making it the ideal companion for active paddling tours.
A choice that pays off:
The market is large and the variety of products is huge. We help you not to lose the overview. In our recommendations, we compare the best models 2024 and show you what to look out for when buying in our guide. Anyone who makes use of this accumulated knowledge will quickly find the right model for their next paddling trip.
Contents:
- Top picks: The best paddle jackets 2024 reviewed.
- Checklist: These features are important.
- Bestsellers: The most popular paddle jackets at a glance.
- Guide: How to make the right decision.
- FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers about paddle jackets.
The best paddle jackets 2024 reviewed
1. best paddle jacket for sitting and standing
This paddle jacket is available in sizes S, M, L, XL and XXL. You can also choose from the colors Chili, Ocean and Olive. It has a water column of 10,000 mm and weighs just 563 grams in size L. The kangaroo pocket keeps your hands warm.
- Good workmanship
- Keeps tight
- Robust
- Rustles when moving
- Runs a little large for women
Why we like it: The Palm Vantage paddle jacket is particularly comfortable because the zipper is installed at an angle. This prevents it from scratching uncomfortably under the chin. The cut is loose and an elastic band at the hem prevents the cold from penetrating from below.
Recommended for: The jacket is suitable for men and women. Thanks to the roomy hood, you can even wear a helmet underneath.
2. best paddle jacket with sleeve pockets
This paddle jacket is available in sizes S to XXL. You can also choose from the color variants Chartreuse/Gray, Flare and Blue. With the double chimney, a watertight seal with the spraydeck is also possible. It is made from 2.5 layers of HyproTex™ material and weighs just under 600 grams.
- Fit
- Easy to put on and take off
- Weight
- Price
Why we like it: The two attached sleeve pockets are splash-proof. The wide cut does not restrict freedom of movement. The jacket is an intermediate step between a light touring jacket and a high-end jacket and can therefore be used by touring paddlers, canoeists and sea kayakers. It is waterproof and breathable and therefore particularly comfortable to wear.
Recommended for: Reflective accents ensure that the wearer is clearly visible even in poor conditions and is easily spotted in an emergency situation. It can be worn by both men and women.
3. best paddle jacket for rough weather
This jacket is available in sizes S to XXL and weighs approximately 870 grams. It offers a water column of 20,000 mm and is also breathable. Latex cuffs on the hands prevent water from penetrating.
- Waterproof
- Suitable for different conditions
- Spacious hood
- Weight
- Price
Why we like it: The 3-layer jacket has Velcro-adjustable cuffs on the sleeves and torso. This prevents cold and moisture from getting in. The hood is roomy and also suitable for people who wear a plait. However, it can also be rolled up when not in use. The hood is also compatible with a helmet.
Recommended for: The jacket is particularly suitable as a touring jacket for sea kayaking and touring paddlers. It can even be worn in rough conditions at sea and protects against wind and water.
4. best paddle jacket for children
The jacket is available in children's sizes S, M and L. You can choose from the colors lime and red. At 258 grams, it is particularly light. Thanks to the 3D cut, it offers a particularly good fit.
- Price
- Waterproof
- Easy to put on
- Not available for taller children over 158 cm
Why we like it: The jacket is waterproof and breathable. It comes in a signal color, which increases visibility. It can be individually adjusted using the Velcro fastener on the wrists.
Recommended for: The jacket was specially developed for children. Thanks to the adjustable neoprene waistband, it can be individually adjusted to the child.
5. best paddle jacket for the sport
This paddle jacket is available in blue and red. It is available in sizes S to XXL and weighs around 420 grams. The adjustable neoprene waistband and wide-opening neck closure make it easy to put on.
- Small pack size
- Adjustable cuffs
- Breathable
- Large cut
- Rustling fabric
Why we like it: The jacket’s stand-up collar provides additional protection against wind and moisture. The pocket in the waist area offers space for accessories and is closed with a zipper. Velcro fasteners are attached to the hips and wrists for optimum tightness.
Recommended for: This jacket is particularly suitable for touring paddlers, but can also be used for light white water. It fits both men and women.
6. best neoprene paddle jacket
This jacket is waterproof and breathable. It is available in sizes S to XXL and you can also choose from the colors red and blue. Reflective elements ensure safety in poor visibility conditions.
- Good fit
- Price-performance ratio
- Processing
- Light rustling when moving
- Does not hold as tight as a jacket with latex cuffs
Why we like it: The loose cut ensures that several layers can easily be put on under the jacket. This means it can be used at a wide range of temperatures. The pockets on the sleeves and chest are splash-proof.
Recommended for: The jacket can be worn by men and women, but is also available as a specific women’s model.
7. best recycled paddle jacket
This jacket made from recycled nylon is available in sizes S to XXL. You can also choose from the colors teal and citrus. The large adjustable hood is compatible with a helmet, but can also be rolled up when not in use.
- Reflectors for better visibility
- Easy to put on and take off
- Large bags
- Price
- Zippers not completely waterproof
Why we like it: 3 layers of recycled material provide protection from wind and splashing water. Thanks to the reflectors, the jacket is highly visible and the large kangaroo-style belly pocket offers space to stow items.
Recommended for: The jacket is suitable for environmentally conscious touring and sea kayakers. The blouson cut makes it comfortable when sitting or standing.
Paddle jacket Checklist: These features are important
- Material: The material must be water-repellent, but not waterproof. Depending on the area of application, more or less water column is required. Jackets with a latex finish are particularly good at keeping water out.
- Insulation: A fleece insert or merino wool in the jacket keeps you reliably warm. Additional layers can also be worn under slightly wider-cut jackets to suit the temperature.
- Cleaning: A paddle jacket may only be cleaned in the washing machine if this is expressly permitted by the manufacturer. Otherwise the coating will be damaged.
- Fit: Most paddle jackets can be worn by both men and women. If you want a more figure-hugging fit, you can opt for special ladies’ models. Nevertheless, a paddle jacket should not be bought too small. This restricts freedom of movement.
- Design: Paddle jackets are now available in a wide variety of colors. Everyone can choose their favorite here.
- Extras: If you are out and about in fog, you should choose a jacket with reflectors. There are also models in signal colors that are particularly visible.
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Bestsellers: The most popular paddle jackets
(**Last update 2024-09-16)
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Buy a paddle jacket:
How to make the right decision
Jesse Luttig ★★★★★
(Road cyclist from Groningen)
Paddle jackets are becoming increasingly popular. The models are not always exclusively suitable for paddling, but also for all kinds of other sports. Their robustness and water-repellent material are appreciated by athletes all over the world.
In addition to paddling adventures, tests have shown that paddling jackets also make great cycling or hiking jackets. Conversely, models from these areas can also be used for paddling.
However, the following guide will explain what the workmanship of all these models should look like. Find out more now!
What do I need to consider when buying a paddle jacket?
When looking for the best paddle jacket, you should definitely pay attention to the following features and characteristics before buying:
Material: Which fabrics are most suitable?
There is no one right material. This may come as a surprise, but paddle jackets are ultimately functional jackets and often consist of several layers:
Base Layer
As the name suggests, this is the bottom layer of material. They should sit comfortably on the body and be breathable. Here we work with fleece, merino wool or cotton.
Caution: Breathable jackets can only do their job if the clothing underneath also allows moisture to pass through. So if you wear a plastic T-shirt under a breathable jacket, you are hindering this effect.Mid Layer
This is the middle layer of a functional or paddling jacket. It is designed to insulate the body and keep it warm. This is achieved, for example, by using down or vegan substitute products. In summer or in warm countries, a jacket consisting of just this layer may be sufficient. Softshell jackets are an example of this.
Top layer
The third and final layer of a good paddling jacket is on the outside. This layer withstands wind, rain and all external influences. This layer can be made of neoprene, plastic or a chemical coating.
There are also jackets that only consist of this layer. But then they don’t provide any warmth, only protection from moisture. That’s good for rainy summer days. Not recommended in winter, however.
Depending on the intended use, a paddle jacket can also consist of just one of these layers.
Inner lining: Which material should I choose?
For paddle jackets for particularly low temperatures, manufacturers usually use a down lining or vegan substitute products. This type of lining is particularly light, but cozy and warm.
There are also manufacturers who only use warming lining in parts of the jacket. This is ideal for changeable weather. One example is lined pockets in which hands can be warmed. Or a cozy fleece collar.
Water column: Which thickness is the right one?
The term water column is important when materials are exposed to rain or moisture. This can be the case with paddle jackets. This value indicates how long a material can withstand water and the pressure with which it acts on the material.
The unit of measurement: The water column is given in “mm”. A manufacturer may use the term waterproof if the water column is 800 mm or greater. The higher the value, the more liters of water and pressure it can keep away from the body.
Breathability: when does it play a role?
A paddle jacket is worn during physical activity. The general aim is to prevent the sweat that can occur when paddling from accumulating under the material of the jacket. Otherwise you will experience a sauna effect and run out of breath much faster.
The breathability of functional jackets is given in g/sqm/24h. This means grams (of moisture) per square meter that can evaporate within 24 hours.
Polytetrafluoroethylene, for example, is an exemplary material that implements this property excellently. Does the Gore-Tex brand mean anything to you? She was the first on the market to equip her clothing with it.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers
What is the best paddle jacket?
Are paddle jackets breathable?
Are paddle jackets waterproof?
What do good paddle jackets cost?
If you want to enjoy your jacket for a long time but have little money to spend, we recommend buying a used, high-quality model. The price is lower here.
What material are paddle jackets made of?
*Price includes VAT, plus shipping. Customer reviews, prices, delivery times and costs may change in the meantime. By linking to selected online shops and partners, we may receive a small affiliate commission. There are no additional costs for you.
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