Kokatat expands SwitchZip in Spring 16 collection giving more options and versatility
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For Spring 2016 Kokatat is expanding its offering of gear with the award winning SwitchZip technology, which features a fully separating watertight zipper allowing paddlers to wear a garment as a full dry suit or as an individual top.
Kokatat introduced the innovative zipper system that fully separates at the waist last year with the GORE-TEX® Idol dry suit. For Spring 2016 SwitchZip will be integrated in the new touring specific GORE-TEX® Radius Dry Suit, the GORE-TEX® Surge Paddling Suit, and the GORE-TEX® Passage Anorak. The Passage Anorak, as well as the tops of all suits with SwitchZip, can be warn alone or mated with any other SwitchZip compatible pant, including the Idol.
“Last season paddlers saw how fantastic SwitchZip is in one suit. With the expansion of the technology, they get additional versatility as they can now mix and match tops and bottoms,” said Jeff Turner, Kokatat Sales Manager.
The GORE-TEX® Radius is a fully featured dry suit designed for touring paddlers. The Radius has a fully adjustable hood with reflective accents that can be removed and stowed in the jacket’s fleece lined outer collar. There are easy to access, self-draining, zippered pockets on each sleeve and another pocket on the right thigh, and reflective highlights throughout the suit provides better visibility. The Radius also features GORE-TEX® socks and latex neck and wrist gaskets to help ensure that no matter the conditions a paddler finds themselves in they will be dry. MSRP – $1,295.00
The GORE-TEX® Surge Paddling Suit is designed for paddlers who want a high performance lightweight suit that provides waterproof protection and high breathability for fitness, SUP, or touring. It’s built with a light weight 3-layer GORE-TEX® fabric with 330 Cordura GORE-TEX® reinforcements in the high wear areas of the seat and knees. The suit features a single hand adjustable NeoCinch neoprene collar and latex wrist gaskets, along with GORE-TEX® socks to keep water out. For the sea kayaker looking for a lightweight expedition option, the bottoms of the suit can be paired with the GORE-TEX® Passage Anorak with SwitchZip. MSRP – $850
Available with and without SwitchZip, the GORE-TEX® Passage Anorak takes design cues from the Radius suit with its self-draining shoulder pockets, removable hood and reflective details, but in the lighter weight, high performance 3-layer GORE-TEX® fabric used in the GORE-TEX® Surge Paddling Suit. The Passage also features a deep asymmetric front zipper that provides additional weather protection for its infinitely adjustable inner splash collar. MSRP – $499/ $589 w/SwitchZip
SwitchZip technology connects the top and bottom of the suit with a fully separating waterproof zipper system, as opposed to traditional dry suits designs that have a large zipper across the chest. SwitchZip suits are not only much easier to put on and take off than traditional designs, but without a zipper across the torso they also allow maximum freedom of movement with each paddle stroke. Additionally, the SwitchZip design eliminates the need for an additional front or rear relief zipper and reduces the suit weight.
The SwitchZip’s flexible zipper sits below a dual adjustable overskirt, so when seated the zipper resides comfortably between the backband and seat inside the cockpit. This below deck placement is designed so the system does not interfere with kayak rigging or PFDs.
As with all Kokatat suits, the Radius and Surge are guaranteed to be completely dry. Each and every suit manufactured in Kokatat’s Arcata, California factory is individually tested to be watertight before it leaves the factory. Further, Kokatat’s lifetime warranty and Arcata service facility ensures users that they will remain completely dry for the life of the suit.
Kokatat will introduce its Spring 2016 Collection at the 2015 Outdoor Retailer Summer Market in Salt Lake City, UT, August 5-8 (Booth 33051).
About Kokatat Inc.
Kokatat has been manufacturing paddling gear in Arcata, California for more than 40 years. At a time when many technical apparel brands were moving manufacturing offshore, Kokatat continued to invest in infrastructure in the United States. Kokatat founder Steve O’Meara was committed to the development of the finest and driest paddling apparel in the world and recognized the need to control and continually evolve the development of our dry wear. In the early days, Kokatat worked closely with W.L. Gore & Associates, makers of GORE-TEX®, to refine the sewing and sealing techniques required for full immersion suits and tops. Today, our hands-on approach to manufacturing continues to set the standard in paddling apparel. Into the water with Kokatat! Please visit www.kokatat.com and follow Kokatat on Facebook and Twitter “@kokatat”.
