I suffer very much from being cold, I hate it so I've put together some of the kit that I find works well to keep me warm.
The first thing I would recommend is quality, thermal base layers and I can't see past Reed Chillcheater kit. From experience of years ago falling in on freezing February river trip, the Aquatherm kit helped keep me warm, even though I was soaked. The long sleeve top I use has a zip neck as this allows me to adjust my temperature should it get too hot. The tops are long in the body so work well at keeping your core warm. Team these up with Aquatherm trousers and you'll be really cosy.
Drysuits will keep you, well, dry as opposed to warm, so team them up with base layers to keep you warm. Wetsuits on the other hand, work by trapping a thin layer of water between you and the suit. This means to work best, you have to get wet, not something that would relish.
My usual kit would be a quality, waterproof cag and waterproof trousers. This works better for me than a drysuit as it offers me better flexibilty and ease of use but I'm always aware that this will result in me getting wet if I do fall in.
Extremities need to be protected from cold blasts so, always have a warm hat/beanie and for hands, I prefer pogies. I was skeptical at first over their effectiveness but soon felt their benefit. Unlike my neoprene gloves which hold the dampness against my hands, pogies offer a warm solution. There are various options but, personally, I like the longer cuff and reflective heat lining of Kosi Pogies. They allow me to have a good grip of the paddle and stop the wind from chilling down my hands. You do have to remember you're wearing pogies though before you reach out to collect plastic rubbish floating by (now who would do a silly thing like that?! 😂)
Most of us wear neoprene boots which again can be cold, so a good quality thermal sock and or waterproof socks will help.
Whenever I paddle I carry a dry bag packed with a complete change of clothing and a towel so that if the worst happens, I can quickly get changed into warm clothes. I did pack this a few years ago and haven't had to use it since then, so heaven knows what the fashionistas will think- but at least I'll be warm and dry!
Last but not least, always pack a flask with a warm drink and some snack attacks. Check the weather and have fun! Happy paddling!
