BOAT STORE
Preview of the latest boating products.
Whenever you go fishing, wearing the correct clothing is essential if you are to remain comfortable, and to provide adequate protection for your skin from damage caused by excessive exposure to sunlight, particularly in tropical countries.
Several manufacturers produce excellent purpose-designed technical clothing for fishing and other activities in hot climates. Helly Hansen is one such company, and recently Sea Angler was sent one of the LIFA Active Solen Hoodies to evaluate.
The original plan was for our man Dave Lewis to give it an initial airing during a trip to warmer climes. “No prizes for guessing why that didn’t happen,” said Dave, who added: “Over the past weeks throughout lockdown I have worn my Solen Hoodie extensively, when gardening for example!
“My wife would say I now wear it excessively. She says: ‘I can always tell when you particularly like a new item of clothing because as soon as it’s been washed and dried, you’re wearing it again!’ She is absolutely right, the Solen Hoodie is unbelievably comfortable and perfect for casual wear and, yes, I have been wearing it to death.” creation to boost UPF protection to 50+ UPF. Yes, really! The grounds will never wash out.
Thanks to the lightweight and hydrophobic LIFA Active fabric, you get excellent moisture-management properties to keep you feeling dry on hot summer days.
This hoodie is ideal for fishing in the Tropics or for wearing as a comfortable base layer in cooler climates.
Weighing just 140g, it is also a durable garment and perfect for long-haul fishing trips, especially as remaining within stringent luggage allowances imposed by airlines is always a challenge.
Furthermore, after a day’s fishing, the hoodie is easily washed and hung up, and will be dry the following morning.
In fact, the drying time is said to be up to 200 per cent faster than cotton.
Features include a loose-fitting hood and long sleeves, so you can fish a full day under a hot tropical sun safe in the knowledge your skin is adequately protected.
“I hope to give my Solen Hoodie a thorough workout in the tropics one day very soon,” said Dave.
Available through all Helly Hansen outlets, the recommended retail price is £50. There are four colours (blue, red, white and black) and sizes are small, medium, large, extra large and XXL.
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With its low-cut design, the LC Skiff Shoe leaves plenty of room for easy movement, while keeping perfectly secure on the feet due to its drawstring entry and heel-hold box.
Ideal for kayak anglers, it is amazingly comfortable too, and it is chafe-free due to the design of its glued and blind-stitched seams and apex-flex neoprene upper. The incorporation of a bamboo charcoal inner takes away unwanted odours.
The shoe’s super-grippy capability is made possible by Neil Pryde Sailing’s unique N-Grip sole. Priced at just £44.95 per pair, these advanced boat shoes are available in UK sizes 4-12. The LC Skiff Shoe not only looks good, but it is also designed for high performance and provides exceptional grip.
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