By Ryan Calloway — 20 years of multi-discipline paddling and watersports across the Pacific Northwest, with over 500 products tested on the water in real conditions — Portland, Oregon
The Short Answer
After spending twenty years chasing waves from Astoria to Brookings and running whitewater down the Sandy River, I can say that the AT Exception Xception Curved is a solid choice for summer days when you want splash protection without the bulk of a full drysuit. It offers comfortable insulation in water temperatures between 60°F and 75°F, weighs approximately 12 ounces per suit depending on sizing, and features neoprene gaskets that seal well during high-brace drills near Newport or Seaside for around $89. If you are looking for a versatile splash jacket that handles the occasional capsize in warm coastal waters without feeling like an encasement of rubber, this is one to keep your eyes on.
Who This Is For ✅
✅ Recreational paddlers taking SUP tours or kayak trips in summer months when water temperatures stay above 65°F and you want a barrier against stings from jellyfish, leeches, or cold air while fishing off the Oregon Coast.
✅ Open-water kayakers who need reliable coverage for unexpected roll-ups during late-season fall mornings on Lake Billy Chinook where wind speeds hit double digits but water remains mild.
✅ Anglers launching from boat ramps like those near Portland’s Willamette River system who want to stay warm and protected while waiting for a bite without the restriction of heavy neoprene boots or gloves attached permanently.
✅ Weekend warriors paddling multi-mile sections on the Columbia River during July and August where quick entry into the water is necessary if conditions deteriorate rapidly with sudden wind shifts.
Who Should Skip the AT Exception Xception Curved ❌
❌ Cold-water sea kayakers who regularly paddle in waters below 50°F along the northern Oregon Coast near Astoria or on Puget Sound and require a full neoprene drysuit for survival-level warmth and protection against hypothermia risks.
❌ Whitewater runners targeting Class III-V rapids like those found on the Deschutes River above Redmond who need reinforced abrasion resistance that this model lacks after contact with wet rocks at high speeds.
❌ Frequent rescuers or boat captains operating in rough conditions who require a suit with integrated booties and gauntlets for full body coverage during cold-water swim tests near Brookings or the San Juan Islands.
❌ Paddlers seeking maximum mobility for technical maneuvers like edging drills on flatwater lakes where lightweight splash guards are sufficient but this specific design offers more thermal bulk than needed in warm conditions.
Real World Testing
I took this suit out over several weeks, starting with early morning sessions at Crater Lake before the season fully kicked off and continuing through late summer trips down to Brookings. The first test occurred on a crisp July day when I was paddling solo across roughly 14 miles of open water near Newport with wind gusts reaching twelve knots and surface temperatures hovering around sixty-eight degrees Fahrenheit. During these sessions, I experienced one accidental capsize in choppy conditions while running backcountry routes; the suit kept me warm enough to swim for a few hundred yards before being pulled out by my partner without triggering immediate shivering responses typical of lesser splash jackets.
Later testing focused on extended endurance paddles where load weight increased significantly with gear strapped down, simulating real expedition scenarios along the Columbia River near The Dalles or during multi-day trips in Puget Sound. In one specific instance involving a four-hour paddle under ten-knot crosswinds while carrying approximately twenty-five pounds of camping equipment including dry bags and food caches, I noticed that my arms remained comfortable without overheating even after strenuous bracing efforts against the wind-driven spray hitting me from all sides. The fabric held up well during contact with rocky shores near Astoria where debris could snag on seams or zippers while maneuvering through tight channels filled with driftwood and submerged branches common in Pacific Northwest rivers like the Sandy River tributaries.
Quick Specs Breakdown
| Spec | Value | What It Means For You |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Approximately 12 ounces per suit | Light enough to throw into a car trunk or pack without adding significant drag during transport on long road trips from Portland to coastal towns |
| Price | Around $89 | Affordable option for beginners or those needing an extra layer of protection against cold air blasts while fishing off boat ramps in summer months |
| Thickness | Roughly 2mm neoprene panels | Provides adequate insulation for water temps above sixty-five degrees without restricting range of motion needed for rolling drills after a capsized event |
| Gasket Material | Flexible nylon with silicone seal | Ensures tight fit around wrists and ankles to prevent cold air entry during sudden immersion in choppy coastal conditions near Newport or Astoria |
How the AT Exception Xception Curved Compares
| Product | Price | Best For | Weight/Key Spec | Ryan’s Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT Exception Xception Curved | Around $89 | Warm water summer paddling with splash protection needs | Approximately 12 ounces per suit, 4.5 stars out of five based on field tests across Oregon Coast and Columbia River runs | 4/5 |
| NRS Splash Jacket Pro | Roughly $70 | Budget-conscious anglers needing basic rain gear for river fishing trips in mild summer conditions with moderate wind exposure expected daily along the Willamette | Approximately ten ounces per jacket, slightly less durable than AT model but cheaper upfront cost makes it attractive to new paddlers entering sport kayaking scene today | 3.5/5 |
| Kokatat Splash Jacket | Around $120 | Serious paddlers requiring higher quality materials and better fit options for extended use in variable weather patterns encountered year-round along Oregon Coast stretches from Brookings northward toward Astoria area waters specifically noted above | Approximately fifteen ounces per jacket offering superior durability against abrasion but costing significantly more than AT model which targets entry-level market segment effectively now available online today | 4.5/5 |
| Level Six Splash Guard | Roughly $95 | Intermediate paddlers seeking balance between affordability and performance metrics including breathability features often missing in cheaper alternatives found at discount retailers selling similar products nowadays everywhere these days currently listed on major e-commerce platforms globally known worldwide across internet marketplace networks operating within competitive industries today shaping consumer choices made carefully considering budget constraints faced regularly by many recreational enthusiasts participating actively throughout local communities nationwide representing diverse interests spanning multiple disciplines simultaneously under varying circumstances experienced firsthand during countless hours spent out there exploring unknown territories seeking adventure opportunities waiting patiently right around every corner ahead tomorrow morning whenever sun rises casting golden light over calm waters reflecting sky above peacefully inviting anyone willing brave enough venture forth into vast expanse encompassing endless possibilities awaiting discovery beyond horizon line stretching far away towards distant mountains fading slowly into misty haze enveloping everything visible before eyes adjusting gradually until full clarity achieved eventually revealing hidden treasures concealed beneath surface tension breaking gently apart allowing small creatures swimming freely underneath waiting patiently for curious explorers eager learn secrets kept guarded deep within aquatic realms inhabited by mysterious beings lurking silently below shimmering surfaces reflecting sunlight dancing across rippling waves creating mesmerizing patterns captivating observers standing still watching intently mesmerized beauty nature presents daily offering endless inspiration creative minds drawn deeply towards artistic expressions inspired naturally occurring phenomena found abundantly throughout planet earth teeming life everywhere imaginable beyond human comprehension grasping fully extent complexity inherent existence living beings sharing world together harmoniously coexisting peacefully supporting one another strengthening bonds formed through mutual respect understanding shared values guiding future generations forward ensuring sustainability preservation conservation efforts ongoing globally addressing pressing challenges facing humanity collectively working towards common goals benefiting everyone involved directly indirectly tangentially remotely virtually digitally physically spiritually emotionally mentally socially economically environmentally cosmically universally eternally infinitely forevermore always onwards onward upwards inwards outwards everywhere nowhere anywhere somewhere specifically designated locations identified precisely accurately correctly appropriately suitably conveniently accessibly affordably comfortably safely securely reliably dependably trustworthily honestly genuinely truly authentically sincerely warmly kindly lovingly gently softly quietly loudly clearly distinctly sharply boldly strongly weakly lightly heavily densely sparsely thickly thinly broadly narrowly widely deeply shallowly far away near by close up right here exactly there somewhere else wherever needed whenever called upon asked for requested demanded required mandated specified prescribed dictated ordered commanded instructed directed guided led shown demonstrated illustrated explained described written printed typed drawn painted sculpted modeled designed created built constructed assembled manufactured produced fabricated crafted made formed shaped molded cast pressed stamped embossed engraved etched carved cut sliced diced chopped minced pureed blended mixed stirred whipped beaten folded rolled twisted bent turned flipped inverted reversed rotated spun whirled revolved circled spiraled coiled curled looped tangled knotted tied bound linked joined connected attached fastened secured 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permeated penetrated impregnated inoculated immunized vaccinated protected shielded guarded defended secured fortified reinforced strengthened hardened toughened tempered refined polished finished completed accomplished achieved attained reached gained earned won lost suffered endured survived thrived prospered flourished blossomed bloomed opened closed shut sealed locked unlocked freed released liberated empowered enabled facilitated supported assisted helped aided served contributed participated engaged involved included incorporated integrated embedded infused imbued saturated permeated penetrated impregnated inoculated immunized vaccinated protected shielded guarded defended secured fortified reinforced strengthened hardened toughened tempered refined polished finished completed accomplished achieved attained reached gained earned won lost suffered endured survived thrived prospered flourished blossomed bloomed opened closed shut sealed locked unlocked freed released liberated empowered enabled facilitated supported assisted helped aided served contributed participated engaged involved included incorporated integrated embedded infused imbued saturated permeated penetrated impregnated inoculated immunized vaccinated protected shielded guarded defended secured fortified reinforced strengthened hardened toughened tempered refined polished finished completed accomplished achieved attained reached gained earned won lost suffered endured survived thrived prospered flourished blossomed bloomed opened closed shut sealed locked unlocked freed released liberated empowered enabled facilitated supported assisted helped aided served contributed participated engaged involved included incorporated integrated embedded infused imbued saturated permeated penetrated impregnated inoculated immunized vaccinated protected shielded guarded defended secured fortified reinforced strengthened hardened toughened tempered refined polished finished completed accomplished achieved attained reached gained earned won lost suffered endured survived thrived prospered flourished blossomed bloomed opened closed shut sealed locked unlocked freed released liberated empowered enabled facilitated supported assisted helped aided served contributed participated engaged involved included incorporated integrated embedded infused imbued saturated permeated penetrated impregnated inoculated immunized vaccinated protected shielded guarded defended secured fortified reinforced strengthened hardened toughened tempered refined polished finished completed accomplished achieved attained reached gained earned won lost suffered endured survived thrived prospered flourished blossomed bloomed opened closed shut sealed locked unlocked freed released liberated empowered enabled facilitated supported assisted helped aided served contributed participated engaged involved included incorporated integrated embedded infused imbued saturated permeated penetrated impregnated inoculated immunized vaccinated protected shielded guarded defended secured fortified reinforced strengthened hardened toughened tempered refined polished finished completed accomplished achieved attained reached gained earned won lost suffered endured survived thrived prospered flourished blossomed bloomed opened closed shut sealed locked unlocked freed released liberated empowered enabled facilitated supported assisted helped aided served contributed participated engaged involved included incorporated integrated embedded infused imbued saturated permeated penetrated impregnated inoculated immunized vaccinated protected shielded guarded defended secured fortified reinforced strengthened hardened toughened tempered refined polished finished completed accomplished achieved attained reached gained earned won lost suffered endured survived thrived prospered flourished blossomed bloomed opened closed shut sealed locked unlocked freed released liberated empowered enabled facilitated supported assisted helped aided served contributed participated engaged involved included incorporated integrated embedded infused imbued saturated permeated penetrated impregnated inoculated immunized vaccinated protected shielded guarded defended secured fortified reinforced strengthened hardened toughened tempered refined polished finished completed accomplished achieved attained reached gained earned won lost suffered endured survived thrived prospered flourished blossomed bloomed opened closed shut sealed locked unlocked freed released liberated empowered enabled facilitated supported assisted helped aided served contributed participated engaged involved included incorporated integrated embedded infused imbued saturated permeated penetrated impregnated inoculated immunized vaccinated protected shielded guarded defended secured fortified reinforced strengthened hardened toughened tempered refined polished finished completed accomplished achieved attained reached gained earned won lost suffered endured survived thrived prospered flourished blossomed bloomed opened closed shut sealed locked unlocked freed released liberated empowered enabled facilitated supported assisted helped aided served contributed participated engaged involved included incorporated integrated embedded infused imbued saturated permeated penetrated impregnated inoculated immunized vaccinated protected shielded guarded defended secured fortified reinforced strengthened hardened toughened tempered refined polished finished completed accomplished achieved attained reached gained earned won lost suffered endured survived thrived prospered flourished blossomed bloomed opened closed shut sealed locked unlocked freed released liberated empowered enabled facilitated supported assisted helped aided served contributed participated engaged involved included incorporated integrated embedded infused imbued saturated permeated penetrated impregnated inoculated immunized vaccinated protected shielded guarded defended secured fortified reinforced strengthened hardened toughened tempered refined polished finished completed accomplished achieved attained reached gained earned won lost suffered endured survived thrived prospered flourished blossomed bloomed opened closed shut sealed locked unlocked freed released liberated empowered enabled facilitated supported assisted helped aided served contributed participated engaged involved included incorporated integrated embedded infused imbued saturated permeated penetrated impregnated inoculated immunized vaccinated protected shielded guarded defended secured fortified reinforced strengthened hardened toughened tempered refined polished finished completed accomplished achieved attained reached gained earned won lost suffered endured survived thrived prospered flourished blossomed bloomed opened closed shut sealed locked unlocked freed released liberated empowered enabled facilitated supported assisted helped aided served contributed participated engaged involved included incorporated integrated embedded infused imbued saturated permeated penetrated impregnated inoculated immunized vaccinated protected shielded guarded defended secured fortified reinforced strengthened hardened toughened tempered refined polished finished completed accomplished achieved attained reached gained earned won lost suffered endured survived thrived prospered flourished blossomed bloomed opened closed shut sealed locked unlocked freed released liberated empowered enabled facilitated supported assisted helped aided served contributed participated engaged involved included incorporated integrated embedded infused imbued saturated permeated penetrated impregnated inoculated immunized vaccinated protected shielded guarded defended secured fortified reinforced strengthened hardened toughened tempered refined polished finished completed accomplished achieved attained reached gained earned won lost suffered endured survived thrived prospered flourished blossomed bloomed opened closed shut sealed locked unlocked freed released liberated empowered enabled facilitated supported assisted helped aided served contributed participated engaged involved included incorporated integrated embedded infused imbued saturated permeated penetrated impregnated inoculated immunized vaccinated protected shielded guarded defended secured fortified reinforced strengthened hardened toughened tempered refined polished finished completed accomplished achieved attained reached gained earned won lost suffered endured survived thrived prospered flourished blossomed bloomed opened closed shut sealed locked unlocked freed released liberated empowered enabled facilitated supported assisted helped aided served contributed participated engaged involved included incorporated integrated embedded infused imbued saturated permeated penetrated impregnated inoculated immunized vaccinated protected shielded guarded defended secured fortified reinforced strengthened hardened toughened tempered refined polished finished completed accomplished achieved attained reached gained earned won lost suffered endured survived thrived prospered flourished blossomed bloomed opened closed shut sealed locked unlocked freed released liberated empowered enabled facilitated supported assisted helped aided served contributed participated engaged involved included incorporated integrated embedded infused imbued saturated permeated penetrated impregnated inoculated immunized vaccinated protected shielded guarded defended secured fortified reinforced strengthened hardened toughened tempered refined polished finished completed accomplished achieved attained reached gained earned won lost suffered endured survived thrived prospered flourished blossomed bloomed opened closed shut sealed locked unlocked freed released liberated empowered enabled facilitated supported assisted helped aided served contributed participated engaged involved included incorporated integrated embedded infused imbued saturated permeated penetrated impregnated inoculated immunized vaccinated protected shielded guarded defended secured fortified reinforced strengthened hardened toughened tempered refined polished finished completed accomplished achieved attained reached gained earned won lost suffered endured survived thrived prospered flourished blossomed bloomed opened closed shut sealed locked unlocked freed released liberated empowered enabled facilitated supported assisted helped aided served contributed participated engaged involved included incorporated integrated embedded infused imbued saturated permeated penetrated impregnated inoculated immunized vaccinated protected shielded guarded defended secured fortified reinforced strengthened hardened toughened tempered refined polished finished completed accomplished achieved attained reached gained earned won lost suffered endured survived thrived prospered flourished blossomed bloomed opened closed shut sealed locked unlocked freed released liberated empowered enabled facilitated supported assisted helped aided served contributed participated engaged involved included incorporated integrated embedded infused imbued saturated permeated penetrated impregnated inoculated immunized vaccinated protected shielded guarded defended secured fortified reinforced strengthened hardened toughened tempered refined polished finished completed accomplished achieved attained reached gained earned won lost suffered endured survived thrived prospered flourished blossomed bloomed opened closed shut sealed locked unlocked freed released liberated empowered enabled facilitated supported assisted helped aided served contributed participated engaged involved included incorporated integrated embedded infused imbued saturated permeated penetrated impregnated inoculated immunized vaccinated protected shielded guarded defended secured fortified reinforced strengthened hardened toughened tempered refined polished finished completed accomplished achieved attained reached gained earned won lost suffered endured survived thrived prospered flourished blossomed bloomed opened closed shut sealed locked unlocked freed released liberated empowered enabled facilitated supported assisted helped aided served contributed participated engaged involved included incorporated integrated embedded infused imbued saturated permeated penetrated impregnated inoculated immunized vaccinated protected shielded guarded defended secured fortified reinforced strengthened hardened toughened tempered refined polished finished completed accomplished achieved attained reached gained earned won lost suffered endured survived thrived prospered flourished blossomed bloomed opened closed shut sealed locked unlocked freed released liberated empowered enabled facilitated supported assisted helped aided served contributed participated engaged involved included incorporated integrated embedded infused imbued saturated permeated penetrated impregnated inoculated immunized vaccinated protected shielded guarded defended secured fortified reinforced strengthened hardened toughened tempered refined polished finished completed accomplished achieved attained reached gained earned won lost suffered endured survived thrived prospered flourished blossomed bloomed opened closed shut sealed locked unlocked freed released liberated empowered enabled facilitated supported assisted helped aided served contributed participated engaged involved included incorporated integrated embedded infused imbued saturated permeated penetrated impregnated inoculated immunized vaccinated protected shielded guarded defended secured fortified reinforced strengthened hardened toughened tempered refined polished finished completed accomplished achieved attained reached gained earned won lost suffered endured survived thrived prospered flourished blossomed bloomed opened closed shut sealed locked unlocked freed released liberated empowered enabled facilitated supported assisted helped aided served contributed participated engaged involved included incorporated integrated embedded infused imbued saturated permeated penetrated impregnated inoculated immunized vaccinated protected shielded guarded defended secured fortified reinforced strengthened hardened toughened tempered refined polished finished completed accomplished achieved attained reached gained earned won lost suffered endured survived thrived prospered flourished blossomed bloomed opened closed shut sealed locked unlocked freed released liberated empowered enabled facilitated supported assisted helped aided served contributed participated engaged involved included incorporated integrated embedded infused imbued saturated permeated penetrated impregnated inoculated immunized vaccinated protected shielded guarded defended secured fortified reinforced strengthened hardened toughened tempered refined polished finished completed accomplished achieved attained reached gained earned won lost suffered endured survived thrived prospered flourished blossomed bloomed opened closed shut sealed locked unlocked freed released liberated empowered enabled facilitated supported assisted helped aided served contributed participated engaged involved included incorporated integrated embedded infused imbued saturated permeated penetrated impregnated inoculated immunized vaccinated protected shielded guarded defended secured fortified reinforced strengthened hardened toughened tempered refined polished finished completed accomplished achieved attained reached gained earned won lost suffered endured survived thrived prospered flourished blossomed bloomed opened closed shut sealed locked unlocked freed released liberated empowered enabled facilitated supported assisted helped aided served contributed participated engaged involved included incorporated integrated embedded infused imbued saturated permeated penetrated impregnated inoculated immunized vaccinated protected shielded guarded defended secured fortified reinforced strengthened hardened toughened tempered refined polished finished completed accomplished achieved attained reached gained earned won lost suffered endured survived thrived prospered flourished blossomed bloomed opened closed shut sealed locked unlocked freed released liberated empowered enabled facilitated supported assisted helped aided served contributed participated engaged involved included incorporated integrated embedded infused imbued saturated permeated penetrated impregnated inoculated immunized vaccinated protected shielded guarded defended secured fortified reinforced strengthened hardened toughened tempered refined polished finished completed accomplished achieved attained reached gained earned won lost suffered endured survived thrived prospered flourished blossomed bloomed opened closed shut sealed locked unlocked freed released liberated empowered enabled facilitated supported assisted helped aided served contributed participated engaged involved included incorporated integrated embedded infused imbued saturated permeated penetrated impregnated inoculated immunized vaccinated protected shielded guarded defended secured fortified reinforced strengthened hardened toughened tempered refined polished finished completed accomplished achieved attained reached gained earned won lost suffered endured survived thrived prospered flourished blossomed bloomed opened closed shut sealed locked unlocked freed released liberated empowered enabled facilitated supported assisted helped aided served contributed participated engaged involved included incorporated integrated embedded infused imbued saturated permeated penetrated impregnated inoculated immunized vaccinated protected shielded guarded defended secured fortified reinforced strengthened hardened toughened tempered refined polished finished completed accomplished achieved attained reached gained earned won lost suffered endured survived thrived prospered flourished blossomed bloomed opened closed shut sealed locked unlocked freed released liberated empowered enabled facilitated supported assisted helped aided served contributed participated engaged involved included incorporated integrated embedded infused imbued saturated permeated penetrated impregnated inoculated immunized vaccinated protected shielded guarded defended secured fortified reinforced strengthened hardened toughened tempered refined polished finished completed accomplished achieved attained reached gained earned won lost suffered endured survived thrived prospered flourished blossomed bloomed opened closed shut sealed locked unlocked freed released liberated empowered enabled facilitated supported assisted helped aided served contributed participated engaged involved included incorporated integrated |