Canyoning equipment (Part 1): how to choose wetsuits, clothing and other accessories.

Nowadays, canyoning has evolved a lot and we have a wide range of wetsuits, drysuits and accessories, but do you know what they are made of? Would you know which one to choose to get started in this sport or to do canyoning all year round? Don't miss this article because the season is starting now!

Neoprene

Although we usually call neoprene the insulating suit used in many water sports such as canyoning, diving or caving, did you know that neoprene is actually a type of material? It is not only used to make wetsuits, but also jackets, T-shirts, gloves, socks and booties.

What is neoprene?

During the 1930s, the Dupont company researched and developed such well-known materials as nylonthe lycrathe kevlar or the neoprenea polymer derived from chloroprene, known as polychloroprene, of the synthetic rubber family.

Your main characteristic is the chemical inertness, which does not tend to react with other substances, making it a ideal insulator. The microscopic pore structure and sealed air bubble structure give it excellent properties for the thermal protection.

Neoprene canyoning wetsuits

The neoprene canyoning wetsuits differ from other wetsuits such as kayaking or surfing wetsuits, among other things, because of the reinforcements included in the bib, knees, elbows and forearms. Many times we will come into contact with the rock, receive blows or go down slides, so we will need a neoprene that not only insulates us, but is also resistant.

The the main features that our canyoning wetsuit must have are:

• Thermal insulation
• Buoyancy
• Protection from minor bumps, scratches and ironing
• Flexible and adherent.

For its constructionThe neoprene can be of the following types:

• Monoforradowith only one lining (inner or outer), one surface remaining unlined (not currently used in canyoning suits).
  1. If the neoprene part is in contact with the skin, the sensation is soft and warm, it adheres very well to the body, although it is difficult to put on. At the same time, the lining on the outside protects the fabric from tearing and abrasion.
  2. On the other hand, if the lining is on the inside, it is easier to put on and warmer once out of the water, dries faster and has a better glide. 
• Biformed: the neoprene is pressed between two liners. It is currently the predominant type of canyoning wetsuit. It mainly offers a high resistance, the material is stiffer which makes it lose elasticity and adherence, it is easy to put on but requires a longer drying time.
• Microporous: its most common form is similar to the monoforrado but the material on the inside is more spongy, hence the name, and has a lining on the outside, has a high thermal power, adheres to the skin and reduces water seepage to the maximum, it also has a high elasticity. 

By type of clothing they may be:

• 2-piece neopreneThese are the most recommended for very aquatic and cold canyons, such as those in the Pyrenees or Pre-Pyrenees, or for large-scale aquatic canyons where we are going to lose body temperature (for experts). They are usually 4-5 mm.
• One-piece neoprene: are recommended for summer in Pre-Pyrenean areas or Pyrenean canyons that are not too aquatic. They are also very comfortable for guides, as they allow you greater flexibility of movement and are less tiring to move around in. They are usually 3-4 mm, although there are also 5 mm models designed for beginners or clients of adventure companies.

Kayak jackets:

They are worn over the wetsuit. They delay the entry of water, however, the watertightness is reduced in the water, depending on the quality. Out of the water, ambient temperature insulation. More delicate to tearing, they make an excellent windbreak function when air currents are formed inside the gorge by the force of the waterfalls or in cold and very aquatic canyons.

In canyoning, short-sleeved jackets are not used, they must be long-sleeved, waterproof jackets. Some have a waterproof collar and waist.

T-shirts:

T-shirt Lavacore:

This T-shirt is designed to provide thermal protection during all types of water sports. It is highly recommended for canyoning. It can be worn underneath the wetsuit or as a main garment combined with the bib and brace.

Characteristics:

• Optimum adjustment
• Windbreaker
• Thermal protection
• SPF 50+

They are made of nylon, neoprene and polartec, which makes them a basic piece of canyoning clothing that will provide you with a pleasant sensation and maintain your body temperature for long days.

There are different models, in short and long sleeves, as well as one-piece jumpsuits.

T-shirt Phuket

The Phuket New Seland is a long-sleeved T-shirt made of 2 mm super stretch neoprene. It is ideal for wearing underneath your wetsuit when the water is very cold or over your wetsuit bib in the warmer months when you don't want to wear a wetsuit jacket. It is used in many water sports activities such as canyoning, kayaking and canoeing.

Thermal T-shirt:

Instead of T-shirt Phuket o LavacoreThere is the option of putting on a quick-drying thermal vest underneath the neoprene. It serves as a layer and keeps you warm, is breathable and dries quickly, so you can use it for the approach to or return from the canyon.

Tcanyoning dry rafting:

Now we can also do canyoning in winter with dry suit. In recent years there has been a tendency to practice this sport also in the cold months, enjoying beautiful icy waterfalls and snowy scenery inside the canyons.

To do so, we will put on this canyoning suit, completely waterproof, with a breathable and waterproof inner membrane and tricot inner fabric, with all the seams thermo-sealed on the inside.

Characteristics:

• Black latex collars and cuffs
• Chest pocket, bib, elbow and knee pockets, protected with reinforcement.
• Adjustable inner shoulder straps inside, elasticated waistband with adjustment.
• Watertight zip from back to front

The canyoning drysuit is a loose-fitting suit, allowing us to wear comfortable clothing on the inside and have freedom of movement.

Footwear:

Adidas Terrex Hydro Lace

The Adidas Terrex Hydro Lace These boots are ideal for cold, long, technical and very aquatic descents. Their construction makes them water in but not outThis allows you to endure the cold water on your feet for longer hours.

From medium-high caneThe ankle is covered with a neoprene inner lining which wraps around the foot like a sock with a adjustable velcro strap. The Stealth® rubber sole sticks to the most slippery rocks.

Bestard Canyon Guide

On the other hand, the boots Bestard Canyon Guide are higher than the Adidas and have full ankle protection. They have a resemblance to hiking boots.

These are boots where water in and water out. By draining water, they do not maintain the temperature of the foot as much, but are configured with a vibram, material keblar and cordurawhich provides them with a excellent durability and adhesion.

Booties:

The booties are indispensable in canyoning. The feet are the first thing to come into contact with the water and probably the part of the body that spends the most time underwater.

We have different thicknesses, the most commonly used are 5mm or 3mm.

• Those in 5 mm would be for colder and longer descents, even if they reduce sensitivity.
• Those in 3mmThey would be ideal for Pre-Pyrenean areas and canyons that are not very aquatic.

If you have to make a long approach to the canyon, it is more advisable to do it with socks, as booties are not breathable. Booties with soles are not used in canyoning. What is important is that they are all neoprene and fit easily into the boot.

Gloves:

The gloves will protect us from chafing when abseiling on the ropes, from stone impacts and from cold water. It is advisable to always carry them in your canyoning equipment. They are available in different thicknesses and materials. From neoprene 3mm are recommended, and for very watery and cold canyons, 5mm. The disadvantage is that with the latter we will have little tact when manoeuvring with the materials. If the gloves have some protection, great!

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Article by Noelia Novoa, canyoning and caving guide at the head of the adventure company Barrancs LoPallars, underground cavity explorer and tourist guide.

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