8/10/2019 ZZ 1309264569 Yak Xipe OceanPaddler2

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Used as intended (i.e. to store a hydration pack), the rear pocket works well.

For paddlers who like to store flares in a rear pocket, it is almost impossible

to open the rear zip wearing the PFD so you would be reliant on anotherpaddler opening it for you.

It is difficult to comment on long-term durability after only six weeks;

however, there are no signs of wear and tear after some reasonably heavy

use. In particular, there are no issues with zips corroding despite an

intentional lack of care cleaning the buoyancy aid after use (not

recommended).

SUMMARY

Im really impressed with the Xipe. It is obvious that Yak have thought hard

about the design brief with this buoyancy aid. The nuts-and-bolts of decent-

sized pockets, slim design and easy adjustment are all covered, but its the

attention to detail (e.g. decent zips with chunky corrosion-resistant zip pulls

for cold wet hands) that I particularly like. The ability to tuck away strap

ends to prevent them flapping in the wind is another good feature. The

pocket openings are well thought-out and provide ample storage without

over-bulking the front of the buoyancy aid. With a comfortable fit during

extended paddling, this is a solid sea kayaking buoyancy aid!

For more information see www.yak-paddling.com

OCEAN PADDLER

Yak have recently released the first of two new buoyancy aids aimed at the

touring/sea kayaking market. The Xipe is the first of these to hit the shelves

and pit itself against some of the established buoyancy aids available.

DESIGN AND FEATURES

The Xipe is a front-zipped three-pocket design. The rear of the buoyancy

aid features a full-length expanding pocket with a wide-top zip. It will hold

a 3-litre hydration pouch and includes a rubber protected hole for feeding

the drinking tube through the top of the pocket. It could also be used for

carrying flares, as some paddlers prefer, and the wide mouth with invertedU-shaped zip provides access to the pocket. The front of the Xipe has a

pocket on each side of the zip. On one side is a taller pocket designed for

VHF radios. It has a vertical zip, opening downwards along with a rubber-

protected aerial hole at the top of the pocket. On the other side is another

decent-sized pocket which also utilises a downward-opening vertical zip.

Inside this pocket is an accessory clip and internal mesh pocket with velcro

opening to keep equipment separated. Both pockets feature a drainage hole

at the base and chunky plastic-covered zips with rubberised zip pulls. The

Xipe has four key adjustment points. Both padded shoulder straps utilise

wide webbing straps which run through buckles positioned at the top and

front of the buoyancy aid. When pulled down to tighten the shoulder straps,

the excess webbing can be neatly hidden behind fabric sections to prevent

the end of the straps flapping in the wind. The middle adjustment comes

in the form of heavily elasticated side panels and a concealed waist belt

which clips together behind the front zip. The final adjustment comes from

a thinner webbing strap and buckle at the base of the Xipe. The front zip of

the Xipe is oversized, chunky and plastic-coated with another rubberised

zip pull. The review model was a two-tone red and black (black pockets and

straps set against the red RMR400 fabric of the buoyancy aid). At strategic

points on the Xipe, reflective piping or decals provide additional visibility in

low-light conditions.

IN USE

I used the Xipe extensively over 6 weeks for short skills-based training

sessions, several shorter evening paddles and a handful of long trips. Over

that period it has proved itself to be a very comfortable and well-designed

buoyancy aid. It sits nice and high up on the body with ample room beneath

it for wearing a waist-mounted towline when seated in the kayak, and easy

access to swing the towline from front to back when towing. The 50N XipeI have been using is a very good fit without excess bulk at the front and an

uninhibited feel when performing a range of strokes and working at the

extremes of body rotation. Adjustment both on dry land and on the water is

simple and effective. When first donning the Xipe, you have a brief moment

wondering if youve suddenly expanded in girth as the two front sides of the

Xipe are held back by the heavily elasticated sides. This however allows you

to clip and then tighten the webbing belt before pulling the front together

and zipping up the buoyancy aid.

In the water, the buoyancy worked effectively and the slim design allowed

relatively unhindered swimming without riding up. Performing straddle

self-rescues I found the lower volume front did not impede climbing back

onto the stern of the kayak, even when the pockets were loaded with a VHF,

EPIRB and sling/krab. The pockets worked well and can hold a reasonable

amount of equipment. The vertical zips provide easy access to the pockets,

although there is obviously more chance of kit falling out of the pocket

compared to top-opening pockets (take a few moments to attach items onto

the provided accessory clip). The VHF pocket is nicely designed and, even

with the aerial through the provided hole at the top of the pocket, I was still

able to remove the VHF easily from the pocket due to the vertical zip.

Read Ocean Paddlers review of the brand new

Xipe Buoyancy Aid