Staying Cool in the Heat & Warm in the Chill – What to wear in the summer

But with that variety comes a real challenge: staying comfortable. In Scotland, the weather can swing quickly, and even the warmest days come with cool sea temperatures, wind, or the odd soaking. Over the years, I’ve come to trust certain bits of kit—especially from the team at Peak PS, who’ve supported me for many years and have spent a lot of time paddling in the same kind of conditions we do. Here’s a look at what’s worked for me this summer.

Keeping Cool

On those rare scorchers, especially inland or along sheltered coasts, I’ve found the Peak PS Bagz H2O shorts ideal. They’re lightweight and waterproof, which means I can stay dry even in a wet cockpit or when the spraydeck drips start to soak in.

Up top, the Tecwik Short base layer has been a constant go-to. It’s breathable and works perfectly on its own under a buoyancy aid on hot days. When the breeze picks up, I often add a Tourlite Short cag—it’s light and minimal but gives just enough extra weather protection without feeling like overkill for summer.

Keeping Warm

Let’s be honest—Scottish sea kayaking often leans toward the cooler side, even in summer. For those in-between days, the Tecwik Long base layer is one of the most versatile layers I’ve used. It keeps me comfortable under a cag without overheating and feels good even when damp. If things drop colder still, I’ll layer up with the Thermal Rashy Short over the Tecwik—it adds just the right bit of extra insulation without bulk.

The one bit of kit I find myself reaching for most? The Adventure Lite jacket. It’s breathable, lightweight, and properly waterproof—designed for all-day use on milder or more energetic paddling trips. It’s also built with circular-ready materials, which makes it a bit easier on the planet—a nice bonus for those of us who spend a lot of time immersed in the natural world.

On my lower half, I tend to wear my Explorer Salopettes Evo year-round. They give excellent protection from the cold water, and it’s easy to roll the bib down when hanging out on shore in the sun.

Keeping Dry

When I’m working, I don’t get to choose the weather—and there are plenty of days when staying dry is a serious priority. Whether I’m coaching rescues, getting hands-on with rolling practice, or just dealing with a properly wet forecast, I rely on my Adventure One Piece to keep me dry and comfortable all day.

For shore breaks in miserable weather, I’ll pull on my Ocean Bothy—a simple but brilliant bit of kit that turns a wet lunch into something much more bearable.

Final Thoughts

Scottish sea kayaking is never short on variety—and to make the most of it, I find it’s worth being prepared with kit that can handle both sunshine and squalls. Over the years, Peak PS gear has become a key part of what I rely on to stay comfortable, dry, and focused on the experience, rather than the weather. Most manufacturers will have similar gear options as I use above, so whatever your preference of manufacturer a versatile system like the above will set you up well.

Whether you’re new to paddling or heading out on your hundredth trip, taking a little time to think about your clothing choices—layering for flexibility, staying warm without overheating, and having options for the inevitable wet moments—can make a huge difference to your time on the water.