Grizzly Wetsuit Jacket
4.5
5
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Good for cold weather kayaking
I have been buying all of the NRS Grizzly wear this winter as I have gotten into winter kayaking. I bought the Farmer John and Hydroskin Jacket in Grizzly but needed a heavier jacket for when air and water are in the 30's. The Hydroskin Grizzly jacket fit perfectly (5'6", 192lbs, 45" chest, 36" waist bought a Medium). This jacket feels great and fits almost (but not quite) as well as the Hydroskin version. The arms are a tad bit longer. Overall great quality and seems tough as nails. I would have made a few changes: I would have made the collar a bit higher particularly in the back of the neck (though works fine with a neoprene balaclava) and made the arm zipper a bit shorter (so long it almost hits the elbows). I was also worried it would be hard to paddle in. While it is a bit harder to paddle in than the Hydroskin jacket (after all it is much thicker), it wasn't bad at all (makes for a little better workout). When possible, for paddling, the combination of a Hydroskin jacket and paddling jacket seems best but when the water gets closer to freezing the heavier jacket is better if a plunge in the water is taken. Of yeah, and works best UNDER the Farmer John, not over.
January 19, 2012
Great jacket for a big muscular ( or full) body type
This looks like a great wetsuit jacket. It is nicely made with easy access zippers in all the right places. I can't wait to get one in my size! For me this will be the NRS, not the Grizzly. I am too small through the rib cage and shoulders to fill out this baby.
September 23, 2009
