DIY Cagoule Pattern/Design Discussion

[panhandlejensen]

Thanks for the add! Just picked up a Duluth Pack Paul Bunyan for a Family Trip in the BWCA out of Sag in June and found this community. My people! lol. I am wondering if anyone has a great Cagoule Pattern for Canoe Tripping. I started sewing last year and got the bug. I have made 4 “Cagoules” or “Anoraks” specifically for snowboarding. It has been a real pleasure to take up this DIY endeavor. I was tempted to make a go of pack making, which I still am interested in but it may be down the trail for me.
Anyway, I am interested in incorporating some of the communities ideas into a new jacket design. The picture is me in my first foray. I have since added 34” two way brass zippers to the side seams for access and venting as well as a gusset pocket. In the 90’s I sported a long coated nylon yellow Kokatat Parka with hand warmer pockets and Velcroed Neoprene Cuffs. It was an intense piece of gear.

What are some of your favorite jacket features for canoe tripping, specifically? Thanks in advance for your input and I apologize if I haven’t scoped the site out enough to find out this is a repetitive question.
Cheers from North Idaho, Erik Jensen

 

[tketcham]

Anyway, I am interested in incorporating some of the communities ideas into a new jacket design.

Welcome to canoetripping.com, the canoeist's forum.

I used to own a cagoule and liked it for many reasons, but gave up on it after finding that I couldn't swim very well with it on. The length, which fell below the knees, restricted my movement and could potentially turn a quick swim to shore into a drowning incident in cold water. I also stopped wearing it for hiking in uneven terrain because of the risk of tripping and hitting my head. I think as long as the length of your cagoule doesn't interfere with swimming it could be a practical garment for paddling.

 

[panhandlejensen]

Welcome to canoetripping.com, the canoeist's forum.

I used to own a cagoule and liked it for many reasons, but gave up on it after finding that I couldn't swim very well with it on. The length, which fell below the knees, restricted my movement and could potentially turn a quick swim to shore into a drowning incident. I also stopped wearing it for hiking in uneven terrain because of the risk of tripping and hitting my head. I think as long as the length of your cagoule doesn't interfere with swimming it could be a practical garment for paddling.

Well Said & noted. My jacket currently drapes below the knee but is mid-thigh when in a sitting position. I do like having my knees covered for warmth but a spray skirt and/or decent pants can manage that task.

 

[jdeerfoot]

In the early 1970’s I had one which I purchased from REI. I liked it for back packing and with gaiters it would keep you quite dry. A nice feature in mine was the ability to tie up the garment at your waist. Another benefit or drawback, depending on your perspective, would be the puddle of rain water which developed in your lap while paddling. I found it made for a convenient place for a quick sip of water.

 

[lowangle al]

Hi and welcome. I'm an anorak guy and have figured out what works for me. The one I wear in the warmer months is different then the one for cold weather and neither is waterproof. For most of the paddling season I like it made from lighter material, either cotton or light canvas and only go down a little past my waist. For colder times it needs to go down to almost my knees and a heavier cotton/canvas material is nice. Both need to have a secure hood, for either when it gets chilly or the bugs are bad. I like it cut big enough that I can get it on and of easily and I can wear it over my PFD. They both need to have a draw string at the waist to close it from wind or bugs. The sleeves need to be big enough that I can roll them up and still have some ventilation while having cuffs that can be closed up for warmth or bugs. I also like them to have an open V neck for better ventilation but one that can be securely closed for warmth when needed.


Winter


Summer.

 

[lowangle al]

Here is another view of the light summer one so you can see the length. This was yesterday, it works in winter as long as it isn’t a storm day. The heavier winter one is too much for summer wear.