by Michael Hodgson

Can one fabric work just as well in the water as out? Yes, if that fabric is Thermal Stretch by Malden Mills. Until just a few years ago, neoprene was the only viable choice for in-water insulation. The trouble is, neoprene doesn't breath, making it a highly unsuitable choice for any activity where periodic contact with the water is the goal, such as paddling.

Enter Thermal Stretch. According to the folks at Malden, Thermal Stretch fabric offers four key attributes that set it apart from neoprene: a water-repellent surface, a breathable membrane to shed wind and water, four-way stretch to streamline fit and minimize cold water exchange, and a thermal lining of soft, comfortable fleece next to the skin.

Above the water, Thermal Stretch is as warm as 3mm neoprene, and far more breathable---a major plus for paddlers, adventure racers or canyoneers. In the water, its equal to 2.5 mm of neoprene.

Thermal Stretch is more expensive than neoprene, but I'll bet that unless you are an overly price-sensitive buyer, the features of Thermal Stretch will sway you, no matter how neoprene-biased you might be.

A Farmer John in Thermal Stretch sells for around $175 whereas a neoprene version may be had for $130--the cost difference reflects the cost of Lycra on the exterior. However, slip into a Thermal Stretch suit, and the greater comfort and enhanced fit becomes evident immediately.

It is no surprise that Thermal Stretch suits now represent 40-percent of all the suits sold to the tropical diving market. This is because when warm water diving, surfing and paddling, Thermal Stretch performs far better than neoprene.

© 1999 Michael Hodgson; All Rights Reserved