Palm Fuse Adventure suit review

Palm Equipment have really pulled out the stops with their new Fuse adventure range, and I’ve been lucky enough to test some of it this autumn.

Now that it’s getting colder, people are looking to extend their on-the-water sessions, so I’ve put the new Palm Equipment Fuse adventure suit to the test.

I love the new colour schemes in this suit, especially the navy/mandarin, which really stands out on the water but is also a super practical colourway. The navy bottoms keep the dirt off and won’t stain like some lighter colours do. This suit is also available in navy/mid blue, which isn’t as bright but still looks fantastic.

Although suitable for many different paddlesports, the Adventure Fuse adventure range has been adapted from the conventional whitewater range. The Adventure suit, due to the lack of a waist baffle, isn’t to be used with a spray deck and is designed for more leisurely activities such as paddleboarding, touring, and sea kayaking. Tested paddleboarding, this suit is excellent. I’ll talk fit next.

Fit
For me, two things make this suit fit really well, especially for paddleboarding: firstly, the front diagonal entry zip. This is so much easier than a shoulder entry, but so much more comfortable when standing using a paddleboard stroke. Your shoulders feel free of the tension caused by a shoulder zip, and the PFD does not catch on them in a standing position. This really allows you the freedom to love with ease. Secondly, not having a waist baffle reduces the amount of material around your waist, allowing greater freedom and plenty of space for a quick-release waist belt or a waist PFD.

I do love the fact that the suit has a built-in webbing belt and buckle, which lets you tighten it so it sits comfortably on your waist, taking the weight out of the suit. The fabric is two-way stretch, allowing the suit to be tailored into a more athletic fit. Don’t get me wrong —I don’t classify my body type as athletic —but this is a slimmer-fitting suit that moves with you rather than the baggier, dry suits on the market. I tested the XL as a 5’11 90kg paddler, it was super comfortable. A little tighter on the lower leg than I’ve been used to, which actually felt so much nicer when on the water than having a baggy leg and velcro. Note that this suit also comes in a male- and female-specific fit.

Features
This suit comes with some nice additions; my favourite has to be the belt, which I really like. However, the external pockets are also great—they’re splashproof, so they are not dry pockets, but ideal if you want to keep a phone in a dry pouch accessible, like you would in a jean pocket. One below the right waist, suitable for a phone or keys (in a pouch), and one on the right chest, both spacious, so you can have a more slimline PFD without worrying about storage. The cuffs are latex with neoprene protection keeping water out, and my much preferred neoprene-only neck seal.

I do love the fact that the hood on this suit is removable, as I would probably not choose to paddle with it often; however, being able to stash it in a bag to zip on if needed is excellent. The hood is adjustable and has a lovely soft neck baffle. The hood is also spacious so that it will fit a helmet of the required size.

Fabric
As discussed, the fabric is a two-way stretch, but it is also recycled Nylon that is PFA-free (forever chemicals). The suit also has a polyurethane coating. According to Palm’s textile care guidelines, the suit can be machine-washed at 30 degrees.

All in all, this suit was an absolute pleasure to paddle in, and it was lovely to see a non-kayaking suit designed with SUP in mind. Super comfortable, soft, non-baggy fit, and it feels light to wear. It was a pleasure to take on and off. My only issue with any drysuit is the huge socks, but they have to be this way due to the variety of foot sizes. I will add that once my boots were on, it was easy to tuck any excess sock up into the leg without any restriction.

If you are in the market for a new winter suit that doesn’t feel too warm in autumn, this one’s for you!
Price: £675.00