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I purchased the Stohlquist Toaster Pogie paddling gloves for winter paddling, and have been VERY happy with them. Warm, and reasonably priced. I'm a pretty hardy paddler and love hiking and paddling in the MidWest winter, but once my hands get cold it's miserable. These pogies are better than ANY gloves I've tried, from NRS paddling mitts and gloves to ski gloves, to layered gloves. I thought I might be a little nervous about having my pogies "fasten" my hands to my paddle, but it's very comfortable to put hands in and pull them out.

I paddled the Current River in Missouri Ozarks on New Years Eve in 2017 with 8 degree temps and icicles forming on my paddle and cockpit edges. My hands stayed toasty in my Toaster Pogies and I was able to really enjoy the beautiful winter float. I was pulling my right hand out to take photos, then sticking it back in. LOVE these pogies - won't be paddling in winter without them again.

I purchased my Old Town Vapor 10 in 2010. Great entry-level recreational kayak. I wanted a good-quality, stable, comfortable kayak with a very large cockpit for easy entry and exit for very tall people. I've paddled it on countless lakes and rivers, from Class I-II floats and whitewater, to 25+ miles on the Missouri River. I'm still happy I got it and will continue to use it despite buying and using other kayaks.

PROS: Excellent quality, and support from Old Town on a couple of minor updates has been excellent. Very comfortable seat with adjustable back. Very stable - it would be hard to tip this boat. Huge cockpit has enough room for a large dog (I've had 2 in with me) or a small child sitting in front of you. Handy enhancements include the molded-in cup holder (my cup stayed put all the way down the upper Buffalo National River at slightly off flood stage!), and the open well in back (perfect for a small rectangular cooler)..

CONS: Slow boat compared to more streamlined 10 foot recreational kayaks. Very high deck means it catches a lot of wind. Huge cockpit with no enclosed bulkhead means it can swamp in heavy waves or whitewater (but I've taken it on lively Class II+).

BOTTOMLINE: Great stable, comfortable recreational kayak. Not the fastest, but much better quality than cheap boats like Pelicans or other lowest-priced options.

I purchased my Old Town Vapor 10 in 2010. Great entry-level recreational kayak. I wanted a good-quality, stable, comfortable kayak with a very large cockpit for easy entry and exit for very tall people. I've paddled it on countless lakes and rivers, from Class I-II floats and whitewater, to 25+ miles on the Missouri River. I'm still happy I got it and will continue to use it despite buying and using other kayaks.

PROS: Excellent quality, and support from Old Town on a couple of minor updates has been excellent. Very comfortable seat with adjustable back. Very stable - it would be hard to tip this boat. Huge cockpit has enough room for a large dog (I've had 2 in with me) or a small child sitting in front of you. Handy enhancements include the molded-in cup holder (my cup stayed put all the way down the upper Buffalo National River at slightly off flood stage!), and the open well in back (perfect for a small rectangular cooler)..

CONS: Slow boat compared to more streamlined 10 foot recreational kayaks. Very high deck means it catches a lot of wind. Huge cockpit with no enclosed bulkhead means it can swamp in heavy waves or whitewater (but I've taken it on lively Class II+).

BOTTOMLINE: Great stable, comfortable recreational kayak. Not the fastest, but much better quality than cheap boats like Pelicans or other lowest-priced options.