What we say The SUPboarder team used their first Palm equipment afew years ago now, and their Palm waterproof jackets have become one of their most used SUP accessories. Frequently worn when board testing, filming and when on their own personal SUP adventures the jackets do a great job at keeping you dry and warm.
Made from high quality waterproof, and robust breathable fabrics, Palm’s jackets are the perfect SUPers accessory all year round. Designed specifically for paddlers, they have a generous cut around the shoulders and longer back, allowing unrestricted paddling and excellent coverage from the weather.
Palm offer a huge range of waterproof jackets to suit all types of paddlers and all types of paddling. Whether you’re a beginner paddler or into touring and exploring, looking for a jacket solely for SUP, or one to double up as an everyday waterproof, there’s sure to be a jacket in their extensive range to suit you.
“A must have accessory for European paddling even in summer. It’s the one item I always grab when going paddling. “ – Will Rogers (SUPboarder touring expert)
In this review we take a closer look at 3 waterproof jackets from Palm which we think are best suited to the majority of SUPers – the Vantage, Vector and Atlas…
Vantage A stylish over the head, waterproof jacket which looks just as good off the water as it does on. Lightweight and compact it’s ideal for taking with you on those longer SUP adventures or when walking to the pub incase you get caught out by the weather!
The front 1/2 zip is a generous length making it easy to get on/off , and when unzipped it allows increased air flow and cooler paddling. The fleecy lining and popper holding the neck open makes for a comfy fit and prevents any chaffing around the neck during longer paddles. The hood is a good size and the toggles front and back allow you to keep it firmly in place when paddling. The peak and high collar do a great job at protecting you from the elements without feeling too claustrophobic when paddling. The generous size zipped chest pocket is perfect for your paddling essentials and the key loop is a nice extra feature to have too. The adjustable velcro fastening cuffs allow you to keep your hands free to paddle and the large single fleecy lined front hand pocket is ideal for warming up your hands after a chilly winter session. By adjusting the elasticated waist toggle you can achieve a snug fit and this jacket certainly keeps your top half dry during those unexpected rain showers. But it’s worth noting that because it does not have sealed cuffs/collar it will not keep you dry if you fall in.
Available in mens and ladies sizes, and a choice of colours (men only).
Who’s it for? – The Vantage would best suit more experienced, cruising and exploring paddlers who are less likely to fall in, but are wanting a quality waterproof jacket to protect them from the elements. Lightweight and compact the Vantage is the ideal SUP accessory to take in your dry bag on those everyday paddles as well as your longer SUP adventures.
Vector This over the head style waterproof jacket is definitely more of a watersports jacket than an everyday waterproof. Ideal to wear over your clothes/wetsuit as an extra waterproof and windproof layer when on the water.
The neoprene collar, cuffs and waist band make for a snug fit and when fastened do a great job at keeping your upper body dry if you have an unfortunate quick dunk. The velcro neck collar can be easily opened up helping you cool down after a hard paddle. No hood or hand pockets but a handy zipped front pocket perfect for a snack or car keys etc…. Lightweight and yet still robust this jacket is available in mens, ladies and kids sizes.
Who’s it for? – The Vector is the ideal jacket for beginner/intermediate paddlers who are wanting to keep dry and warm on the water, and are more likely to fall in! Perfect for wearing with your shorts in summer, or over a wetsuit in the winter to help keep the wind and water out, so you can enjoy paddling for longer.
Atlas The Atlas looks more like your everyday waterproof than a watersports jacket, but there are some great hidden features making it another ideal jacket for SUP. The discrete inner wrist seals are great at stopping water running down your sleeves when paddling or transporting your kit. And the adjustable elasticated waist allows you to choose between a loose or tight fit when paddling. The full length zip makes it really easy to get on/off and also gives you the option of paddling with it open which over the head jackets don’t allow. The Atlas has a well fitted hood similar to the Vantage with a good sized peak and adjustable toggles, but you also have the option to roll it up and store it away when not needed. The 2 zipped hand pockets are perfect for taking afew essentials. The more expensive of the 3 jackets but the Atlas won’t look out of place on or off the water. A unisex adult jacket available in 1 colour.
Who’s it for? – The Atlas is the perfect jacket if you’re wanting a normal looking everyday waterproof jacket which you can comfortably paddle in too. Perfect for walking the dog as well as taking on your SUP adventures.
Whichever Palm jacket you decide on, you certainly won’t be disappointed. Just think about the type of paddling you want to do and whether you’re just wanting to keep the rain out or keep you dry when you fall in too! Palm’s top quality waterproof jackets will definitely help keep you dry, warm and paddling for longer.
For more information about the Vantage, Vector and Atlas plus other waterproof jackets check out Palm’s website. Specialist whitewater and many other touring jackets also available.