After paddling two straight days in all-day rainstorms on an invasive species survey, I realized it was time to retire my 6-year-old paddling jacket. Shopping around I found a Level Six Torngat jacket on sale. Having previously purchased sun protective shirts from Level Six I knew them to be a quality company, so I ordered the Torngat about a month ago. This past week I again was forced to paddle for a couple of hours through one of Florida's torrential summer downpours and I can report that the Torngat lived up to it's description of being both waterproof and breathable. Although a woman, I am long-waisted and have long arms, so I ordered the men's Torngat model rather than the women's Ellesmere model. I love the double wrist closure - an inside adjustable cuff of neoprene and an outer adjustable cuff of the eXhaust fabric - which does a great job of keeping paddle drip from running down your sleeves. The quarter-zip makes it easy off and on, even in the kayak. The waist secures with two large velcro tabs and worked well with my nylon spray skirt, I have not tried the hood yet. The hood rolls up inside the collar and I found with the padded collar snugged up against my neck and wearing my big sun hat I got no water down the neck. In colder weather the hood would be very nice, not only to keep the water out but the warmth in. Sizing is about normal for a loose fit so I have plenty of stretch, even wearing it over a shirt and a light fleece vest. I can recommend this jacket to anyone looking for a waterproof, breathable, 3-season paddling jacket.
