Kayak Hot Dogs

Gear Review: Kokatat Jackson Mythic shorty dry top.

Gettin' to work with my new shorty!

Ecuador park n'play 

        Over the last five years I have been testing out equipment in the most harsh conditions on the planet, Ecuador. Kayaks break often, skirts leak, helmets change colour, and drytops de-laminate. If gear can survive the intense UV rays, humidity, and the jungle hikes of Ecuador top marks are awarded in my books. I generally paddle eighty plus days during my stay in Ecuador, everything from class IV/V creeking to class III big volume. Our tour company, Endless Adventure International, generally visits three paddling areas: The Napo Valley, a hot and humid amazon jungle rain forest, the Quijos Valley, a cooler climate cloud forest, and Baños similar to the Napo with more wind and cooler nights. Paddling in the Napo Valley does not necessitate the use of a full drytop however, a shorty is a solid option if you want to keep a dry boat providing your skirt is still intact. Since my first year in Ecuador I have tested three different shorty dry tops-- The Level 6 Chochee, the Stohlquist Swicx, and the new Kokatat Jackson Mythic. I will use my experience with all the models to compare and contrast to the new Kokatat.

Trying on the Icon Drysuit with EJ

        Kokatat WaterWear and Team Jackson Kayak have teamed up to introduce a new line of PFD's and dry wear. The new line is bold and bright and made in the USA with top quality fabrics. In classic Jackson style, the colours coincide with the JK brand- Yellow, Orange and navy blue. Also available in the line up is a new drysuit called the Icon,  the Legend drytop, the and new PFD called the Maximus.

        The Mythic shorty is complete with neck and bicep gaskets, skirt tunnel, but no fancy zipper pockets or unnecessary bling. Top quality latex gaskets are covered with light-weight neoprene providing protection for the latex and comfort for the paddler. The shell is made of a breathable three layer fabric called Hydrus 3L, even on the hottest days in the jungle the top breaths avoiding the “OMG I am wearing a garbage bag” feeling. Kokatat has scored huge with this new fabric as it is lighter and dryer than both the L6 and Stohlquist. Thus far with over forty straight days cooking in the sun and rustling through mysterious jungle plants the top looks brand new.

        The fit of the Mythic is perfect. I am 6 feet tall (182cm.) and a slender 175lbs(80kgs.) The medium fits just right but I could probably go for a large if I were to layer underneath as the top JUST fits. Roomy in the shoulder area and slim in the torso with enough room for rotating the design is made for hours of play boating at your favourite spot. Large velcro tunnel adjustments stay intact even while throwing your body about completing huge loops and twisting cartwheels. Other tops I have tried will creep up on your lower back exposing you to leakage after arial moves, the Kokatat remains in place most of the time.

Nick T. Airing out the Legend Dry Top

        Yes, the colour of the new line of tops may seem a little ah “gaudy” but I personally am all about being seen on the river. I am well aware that there are numerous Star Wars/ninja fans out there that insist on wearing black in hopes of looking like a forceless Darth Vader swimming out of their kayak. This top may not be for you but I offer this piece of insight-- when your crew is searching for you after a unfortunate swim do you want to look like a rolling log, rock or garbage bag or something that screams out “save me now”!!! I have been waiting for years for function to take over style with river gear, gone are the days of plaid drysuits and dark colours. Unless you are sneaking through private property to access some whitewater goodies camo has no place on the river. When I am expedition kayaking I want gear that can be see from google earth if things go south. Not to mention dark green, black, and blue suck for photos, ask any photographer the brightest and best photo colours are yellow, orange, and red. Lead guiding a river trip? Wrap yourself in the new Kokatat gear and tell your duckies to follow the light to safe lines!

        So far so good with durability while other brands have slipped the ranks from my go-to top to “sure I have a top you can borrow” you will not pry the Mythic from my hands.  The Level 6 and Stohlquist tops have definitely served their purpose.  The L6 is quite durable and heavy duty and it took two seasons before the seam tape came off and the fabric did not last long in the intense trial conditions. The Swicx is a very comfortable and lightweight option however, the non-latex gaskets neither kept me dry or held up in the long run.   The Mythic is lightweight, excellent fit, bright colours, awesomeness. I give this piece of gear a good ol' nine out of ten, only losing one point for the occasional disturbing flashes of light I experience as my arms pass my peripheral vision and the blur of neon reminds me of my university disco days. Thanks for the good stuff Kokatat.

See ME on the river,

Chris Ryman