The Paddler Magazine Issue 80 Autumn/Fall 2024 | Page 4

PADDLER 4

REVIEWS

Klean Kanteen 16oz Insulated Food Canister www . kleankanteen . co . uk By Jo Moseley @ jomoseley

I don ’ t know about you , but I love a crisp autumn and winter paddle . Quieter locations , sunrises we don ’ t have to get up too early for , and the light on the fells in the Lake District , where I researched my second book , are incredible .

Keeping warm is key , both in what we wear and the fuel we take on board . Sometimes , it ’ s great to eat on the go with a canister of hot porridge or soup . Knowing what will work on a SUP can be tricky .

I was therefore very interested in taking up Klean Kanteen ’ s invitation to try the 16-oz Insulated Food Canister . I knew of the brand from my friend Cal Major , endurance paddler , ocean advocate , and founder of the charity Seaful , who has been a longterm ambassador for them .

Indeed , I once messaged Cal , and she replied , “ I ’ m sat on a dive boat bobbing on the ocean in the North of Scotland eating my hot lunch out of my TK Canister between dives !”

As paddlers , we are on the lookout for ways to reduce our single-use plastic and support brands that are committed to the planet . Klean Kanteen ’ s environmental credentials speak for themselves . They are a Certified B Corporation , a member of 1 % for the Planet , and Climate Neutral Certified .

As soon as I received the canister , I liked its simple yet stylish design . The opening is wide enough for a substantial meal and makes it much easier to clean . It is also dishwasher safe .

It has a trademarked thread design closer , which makes it leakproof . With a quick quarter turn , it is locked . I decided to test this by filling it with water and shaking it upside down . Yes , it was leakproof !

There is also a loop , which makes it easy to carry . The double-wall vacuum insulation keeps things hot for seven hours and cold for 25 hours . We might be thinking of soup in the winter , but hello , ice cream and cold drinks next summer !

The canister is made from 18 / 8 food-grade stainless steel and electro-polished interiors , backed by a lifetime Strong as Steel guarantee . This means that any flavours from your food don ’ t leak into the canister , and likewise , the container doesn ’ t affect the taste . Again , I tried this with curried carrot soup one day and porridge the next .

It ’ s a very well-made , good-looking piece of kit , and I ’ m looking forward to winter breakfasts on the board ! Price : 16 oz £ 34.95 ; 32 oz £ 39.95

Yak Chinook dry trousers www . yakadventureequipment . com By Sancha Myall

I am going to start by saying that since doing this review , I have really been questioning myself as to why I waited so long to try wearing dry trousers .

I have been paddleboarding in all seasons for nearly ten years now and have already spent a lot of money on upgrading my Winter wetsuit , buying a good pair of surf boots , sealskin socks , and gloves , then layering up with a hat , buff and a decent quality windbreaker . I really did not think I needed to spend any more on dry trousers , let alone a full suit . However , since reviewing the Yak dry trousers , I wish I had got them years ago , and I ’ m planning on buying the jacket before Winter kicks in .

They were easy to put on over a swimsuit or thermal leggings . They have a latex inner ankle seal that is tight but not uncomfortable and instantly makes them watertight . They also have an outer ankle adjustable cuff that you can pull as tight as you like over your boots , trainers , or socks . At 5 ’ 2 ” and a UK size 12 , the size medium fitted me well . They did come up extremely high , but with the fully adjustable waistband , it just added extra warmth and did not make them uncomfortable at all .

The extra hardwearing fabric on the knees and bottom was put straight to the test when I sat on the wooden pontoon to launch and managed to get hitched on a screw . I was expecting some damage , but absolutely nothing ; thank goodness !

I set out along the beautiful Bridgewater to Taunton canal in Somerset on a reasonable day with little wind . I was worried that I ’ d find the trousers bulking and restricting , especially on the board , but even with all its locks , tunnels , and low bridges to contend with , I still found the Yak dry trousers extremely comfortable with plenty of movement and flexibility .

I think the most important thing to understand about a dry suit is the freedom it gives you . Knowing that you can set out for a winter paddle and remain warm and , most importantly , dry is great . It was also great to have the freedom of paddling in what felt like clothes instead of the restriction of a thick wetsuit . Having a pair of Yak dry trousers in your paddling gear will give you more adaptability all year round . They make it easier to stay warm and dry , enabling you to paddle longer and ultimately enjoy it more .

I highly recommend them ; you will not regret spending out on some dry trousers or even a full suit . It will bring you so much ease , warmth , and comfort . Price : £ 99.95- £ 110.00