Every Reed Tuilik is made to measure. This starts with your kayak's cockpit and seat position before moving on to your body dimensions. As well as arm length this includes diameter measurements at hip, waist, chest, wrist, forearm, bicep, neck and forehead. Reed's website provides a measurement guide to assist you to measure correctly as this is a vital part of purchasing the Reed Tuiliq.
As a result this tuilik really does feel like it was made for you, providing a good custom fit around the body and snuggly fitting around your face and wrist's. The Reed Tuilik uses an 'Eskimo Tears' face closure system. This fits tightly around your head and face, including over your chin, and seals the water out. This is tightened up using elastic cord with toggles on the end. The only part of the tuilik with excess material is the long body tube to allow you to lay completely forward and backward onto your boat deck or be able to slide out to the side to balance brace.
The Reed Tuilik can be constructed of either Aquatherm for summer paddling or Aquatherm Fleece for the winter. The wrist and face seals are made of Super Stretch Aquatherm. The Tuilik pairs well with Reed's Transpire fleece for a complete layering system.
To see the Tuilik in action check out this video of Ann Kristin Skinlo by Bergen Heim:
By Philip Clegg
With over two decades of working in the sea kayaking industry, Phil can be found on a daily basis coaching for Sea Kayaking Anglesey. That's when he's not expeditioning, playing or putting kit to the test.