PADDLER 4
Aquatherm vs Aquatherm Fleece Tops www. chillcheater. com By James Roberts, Sea Kayaking Cornwall
PADDLER 4
REVIEWS
Aquatherm vs Aquatherm Fleece Tops www. chillcheater. com By James Roberts, Sea Kayaking Cornwall
Reed’ s Aquatherm tops have been a staple in my kit bag this season. Made from the brand’ s distinctive waterproof, windproof and stretchy material, they offer a streamlined alternative to bulkier paddle jackets. I’ ve spent several months using both the Aquatherm Long Sleeve Top( Royal Blue / Black) and the Aquatherm Fleece Long Sleeve Top( Navy Blue) in a range of conditions- coastal paddling, downwind runs, dry days and surf- and both have proved themselves in different ways.
The key difference lies in the lining. The standard Aquatherm top has a very light polyester knit inner coating, making it lighter and quicker to dry. The fleece-lined version features a soft, brushed inner for added warmth and comfort. Both share the same outer layer: a smooth, rubbery-feeling, UV-stable, coated polyurethane fabric that blocks wind and repels water impressively well for its thickness.
WEARING NEXT TO THE SKIN
I’ ve worn both tops directly on the skin and over a rash vest, and they’ re versatile enough to suit either setup. The regular Aquatherm top feels slick and technical. It moves well and stays light even when wet, but it’ s slightly more comfortable with a base layer underneath. On longer paddles, especially when working hard, I preferred the slight buffer of a rash vest.
The fleece-lined version, on the other hand, feels like a true base layer. Softer and warmer from the start, it’ s instantly comfortable next to the skin, especially when pulled on first thing. It’ s a touch thicker, but still far from bulky.
PERFORMANCE ON THE WATER
One of the unexpected highlights of paddling in these tops has been the feel of wearing something more fitted and lower profile than a traditional cag. Whether I had the Aquatherm or Aquatherm Fleece on, the close fit reduced the usual rustling and flapping of fabric in the wind, which can become wearing on long days. That skin-tight feel keeps the sound down, movement quieter, and more streamlined- it’ s a subtle thing, but it makes a real difference when you’ re trying to move quietly, stay focused, or enjoy the rhythm of the paddle.
There’ s also less material to catch or bunch around the elbows and shoulders during active paddling. That freedom of movement gives these tops a performance edge- whether you’ re bracing, rolling or making precise manoeuvres in tight spots. They move with you, not around you.
In short, they feel less like an outer shell and more like part of your paddling system. If you’ re used to bulky cags and thick layers, the difference is striking.