I already own a Palm Ion Bib. It’s a great bit of kit, but the neoprene back can get a bit sweaty on a hot day… well those lovely people at Palm obviously listen to their customers, because I noticed that they had brought out a new bib named the “Atom”. The neoprene back had gone, and the garment looked a bit lighter in weight.

I was planning a spring time kayak fishing trip to New York, and at this time of year, the weather can be quite unpredictable (a bit like the UK!). I was also visiting my cousin in North Carolina, so luggage space and weight was going to be at a premium. Then I remembered the Atom. A quick phone call to Gus at Escape Watersports, confirmed my hopes, it looked like the Atom was the garment of choice.

Gus made sure the Atom arrived in double quick time. I already knew the sizing from my Ion bib.

This is what Palm’s website says about the Atom bib…

Premium salopettes for big days out‚ made from breathable XP 3-layer fabric with tough 4-layer wear panels.The fabric upper body section has a vent mesh back to keep things comfortable‚ and there’s a low profile waterproof relief zipper too. Combined with a twin-waist jacket‚ they make a warm‚ protective two-piece suit.

Let’s look at the Atom bib (salopettes) in a bit more detail, starting with the fabric boots. The boots use the XP breathable 4 layer material with tougher 320 denier nylon on the soles to provide greater protection where you need it most. This method of re-enforcing stress areas using heavier material is repeated throughout the garment.

The boots have adjustable velcro tabs which shape the lower leg and act as gravel guards…

The legs are made from different materials. The shaped panels provide protection, and allow for articulation. Both the knees and the backside use the same XPS 4 layer reinforcement…

The convenience zip uses a flexible MasterSeal TiZip. Some lubricant is provided for the zip, which is always good to see…

The elasticated waistband is made of neoprene, and has velcro fasteners to ensure a snug fit…

The top of the bib has an elasticated surround which also makes for a more secure fit…

The back section has a mesh panel which provides ventilation, and reduces sweating…

The elasticated braces are adjustable…

There is a hanging loop at the top of he garment which helps when trying to dry it after use…

New York, New Yak…

I have used the Atom bib quite a bit, but what about that kayak fishing trip to New York? Well, my good friend Bob Neuweiler sorted everything… the weather, the kayaks and the fish. I just had to bring my Atom bib and a couple of fishing rods. In truth, the Atom was absolutely spot on – and the fishing was rather good too – I caught my first American striped bass.

Conclusion

I loved my Palm Ion bib, and the Atom bib is an improvement in terms of weight, breathability and particularly the mesh back, rather than the old neoprene back. For kayak fishing, the Atom bib is an ideal “gap filler”. By that I mean it covers alot of situations – spring, summer and autumn. It is my garment of choice on the river when kayak fishing, and I have also used it when trout fishing in my local river. As a bonus it doesn’t weigh much, and also packs down quite small.

Pros

+ Lighter (than Ion bib)

+ Improved mesh back (reduces sweating)

+ Use of 4 layer fabric (the Ion had 3 layer fabric)

Cons

– No quick release buckle on the braces; a bit more awkward to get into than the Ion

If you are interested in buying the Palm Atom bib, get in contact with Gus, at Escape Watersports; he will sort you out.

To find out more about the Palm Atom bib, visit their website.