The Paddler Magazine Issue 76 Early Spring 2024 | Page 4

PADDLER 4
Palm Equipment Tora Jacket for men & women https :// palm . equipment / gb / By Sarah Thornely www . supjunkie . co . uk & Dale Mears @ standuppaddleuk
PADDLER 4
REVIEWS

Palm Equipment Tora Jacket for men & women https :// palm . equipment / gb / By Sarah Thornely www . supjunkie . co . uk & Dale Mears @ standuppaddleuk

Perfect for those warmer days with the threat of changeable weather , the Tora is a lightweight , breathable , and waterproof jacket that conveniently rolls up into the hood .
As with all the Palm ranges , you get incredible quality . The fabric has a light and soft feel and is made with recycled materials . The jacket has taped seams throughout , and the waistband has adjustable Velcro tabs and Palm ’ s 3D ride technology , preventing it from slipping and riding up the body when in use . The cuffs have soft fabric on the inside and Velcro tabs , too . There is a soft-touch inner neck and a YKK AquaGuard half zip with a comfort tab at the top .
The chest pocket with a YKK AquaGuard zip can store items safely away from inclement weather . There is a fully adjustable hood with a stiff peak , which can also be rolled away neatly when wearing the jacket .
So , how does this jacket perform ? It ’ s effortless to wear and store and certainly kept me dry from the rain , especially with the fitting of the hood with a peaked cap . Simple to pull on and off and flexible enough to wear over warmer kit . It doesn ’ t take up much space or weight , but you know it will protect you from the rain and wind should the need arise .
Dale Mears from Stand Up Paddle UK had this to say : “ The new Palm Tora is an excellent addition to my SUP kit . Having only tried it for a few sessions , I ’ m impressed .
“ The jacket is an excellent fit , well suited , and sized for SUP paddling and other activities such as mountain biking , water sports , and walking ( although it ’ s a little short for walking ). This is a perfect throw-over style jacket . It has a half zip , meaning you can throw it over the top of thermals or any clothing you wear . The jacket is also very waterproof , making it perfect for many UK showers .
“ The jacket is designed as a travel jacket or one you can stash away on your board or in the top of a bag . The whole jacket rolls into the hood and is tightened with an elastic strap , which is great because you can quickly fold it up and stash it away , keeping it portable . So far , mine has been on a paddle and a bike ride , and I ’ ve even stashed it in the bottom of my daughter ’ s pram when trying to get her off to sleep .
“ The one thing that I like is the hood . It ’ s non-restrictive whilst you ’ re paddling because you can roll it up , and a little elastic clasp can hold it against the back of your neck . When you want the hood out , it ’ s easy to grab the elastic hook , unhook it , and pull it over your head . The hood is a good size and will easily accommodate a helmet or a baseball cap , or failing that , in the winter months , it will be perfect for a bobble hat or a beanie . The neckline on the Tora is also neat , not too high up over the chin , and the slightly lower neckline means it doesn ’ t feel restrictive . The neck also has a soft lining , which feels lovely against the skin and doesn ’ t feel sweaty when paddling .
SPECS : l Recycled nylon 2.5-layer fabric , waterproof and breathable with a soft feel . l Packs into hood . l Soft touch inner neck and cuffs . l Light waterproof fabric with taped seams .