Kokatat Cags and Tuilik

www.kokatat.com

Kokatat make functional clothing for work and play on and in the water. Designed by paddlers for paddlers, these clothes ensure a safe and enjoyable experience when boating or swimming.

Paclite Shell Boater Pant

Features include elastic waistband with draw cord, neoprene ankle closures and self-draining, bellows thigh pocket on the right side that is easily accessible while seated. It matches the cags on this page, makes a great splash sports outfit.

Tropos Super Breeze Cag

This cag has a waterproof, breathable fabric, with Lycra neck closure and wrist closures, adjustable drawcord waist and factory sealed seams will keep you comfortable for years to come. Size XXL is available in mango only.

Tropos Tempest Cag

Waterproof/breathable TROPOS fabric keeps out splash and spray, and the latex wrist gaskets keep arms dry while landing your catch. The integrated hood can be stowed away when not needed, and a double skirt integrates with pants or bibs to offer a dry ride even in rough conditions. Reflective highlights keep you safe in fog or low-light conditions.

Tropos Otter Cag

This fully seam sealed hooded quarter zip lightweight paddling jacket features Kokatat’s Tropos waterproof breathable fabrics in high wear areas and lighter Tropos Light fabric in the back and underarms for enhanced breathability.

The Tropos Light Drift jacket is a similar design to the Otter, but without the hood and is made exclusively with the Tropos Light fabric.

Test Review: Kokatat Storm Cag (Tuiliq)

www.kokatat.com

We were intrigued by the claims we read online and ordered a Kokatat Tuilik for £200 in England. The lightweight comfort we experienced made it worth the investment.

Kokatat has been making kayaking equipment of the highest quality since 1971 and attaches great importance to the environmental impact of their production. Over 90% of their production takes place at their factory in Arcata, California. The Kokatat Hydrus 2.5 Storm Cag (formerly Tropos Light) is their best lightweight kayak cag.

This one-piece combination of cagoule and spray deck cover is designed to be worn over warm fleece clothing for instant protection from changing weather conditions. Its oversized cut allows full mobility over outerwear and life vest. The long bodied hem provides a good spray cover for all cockpits with a 6mm high-tension shock cord and grab loop. You can also use it instead of a spray deck.

Key features include a pile-lined hand warmer pocket as an extra little luxury after paddling, a zippered self draining mesh pocket on sleeve, adjustable neoprene cuffs that seal tightly to keep most water out, reflective patches on hood and sleeves for added safety, and zippered access to the interior of the cag so you can get at the pockets in your clothes or life jacket.

Shelter

After a fun paddle session or the end of the day this cag is comfy for relaxing on the beach. Sitting on the shore or in damp conditions, your seat will stay dry. If you pull your knees up you can keep your legs and knees snug underneath. It will cover everything, helping you to keep your temperature up.

This full coverage pullover also functions as an emergency shelter when needed for extra insulation or when dealing with an injured paddler. You can fit a warm fleece hand pouch into front, just below the large front pocket with Velcro flap cover and drainage holes.

Water Test

We enjoyed this storm cag all summer long, took turns who could wear it at sea. We wore it instead of a spray deck over sportswear and tracksuits. This we found to be the most comfortable outfit on the beach.

Due to its loose cut we could put it on quickly with no effort. Tuiliks are meant to be worn with the hood up to minimise water leakage. The cuffs and hood can be adjusted tightly around the head and face to keep most water out when splashing around or rolling the boat.

Our paddling sessions are always very wet and wild, so we were keen to see how this storm cag holds out. Surfing in the waves was easy due the the freedom of movement it allows and we stayed reasonably dry and warm.

Brace and Roll

On calm days we practice the brace and eskimo roll. For this we carefully tightened the cuffs and hood to keep most of the water out. When hanging upside down under water, the air can't escape and the water presses the cag against you, so not much came in. When doing the brace while keeping head and hands high enough out of the water, we stayed dry. However, when face or cuffs went into the water, some of it came in.

Let's be realistic, unless you wear a dry cag, you will get wet. With the face and one arm in the water, the air escapes through the upper arm and water comes in the lower, but not enough to sink the boat. Good seals slow that down.

Swim Test

After each long paddle session our clothes were somewhat wet but we kept warm, which is why we wear a cag. Time for our usual dip in the sea. Swimming in this storm cag is surprisingly easy and pleasant, even on top of our sportswear. In between splashing in the sea, we sat on the beach fully covered up to stay warm. This storm cag is also comfy for sunburn protection.

Summary

The Kokatat Storm Cag with spray deck is a lot more comfortable than separates, is easier to put on and take off, keeps you warm when splashing and rolling your boat, and is easy to swim in. We'll get more such cags for our team to stay warm when wet.