Reed Chillcheater - Aquatherm vs Aquatherm Fleece Tops Review

Back in 2025, my friends Chris and Jane from Reed Chillcheater asked me to test and write a comparison review of their products for the excellent Paddler Magazine. We chose the Aquatherm tops in both the standard and fleece versions, for a head-to-head comparison. The whole process was a blast, from putting the kit through its paces to formulating my thoughts and capturing high-quality photos for the magazine. You can find the original review below.

The Paddler Magazine Article

Reed Chill Cheater

Reed Chillcheater – Aquatherm vs Aquatherm Fleece Tops Review.

Reed’s Aquatherm tops have been a staple in my kit bag this season. Made from the brand’s distinctive waterproof, windproof and stretchy material, they offer a streamlined alternative to bulkier paddle jackets. I’ve spent several months using both the Aquatherm Long Sleeve Top (Royal Blue / Black) and the Aquatherm Fleece Long Sleeve Top (Navy Blue) in a range of conditions – coastal paddling, down wind runs, dry days and surf – and both have proved themselves in different ways.

The key difference lies in the lining. The standard Aquatherm top has a very light polyester knit inner coating, making it lighter and quicker to dry. The fleece lined version has a soft brushed inner for warmth and comfort. Both share the same outer layer: a smooth rubbery-feel UV stable coated polyurethane fabric that blocks wind and repels water impressively well for its thickness.

Wearing next to skin

I’ve worn both tops directly on the skin and over a rash vest and they’re versatile enough to suit either setup. The regular Aquatherm top feels slick and technical. It moves well and stays light even when wet, but it’s slightly more comfortable with a base layer underneath. On longer paddles, especially when working hard, I preferred the slight buffer of a rash vest. The fleece-lined version, on the other hand, feels like a true base layer. Softer and warmer straight away, it’s instantly comfortable next to skin, especially when pulling it on first thing. It’s a touch thicker, but still far from bulky.

Performance on the Water

One of the unexpected highlights of paddling in these tops has been the feel of wearing something more fitted and lower profile than a traditional cag. Whether I had the Aquatherm or Aquatherm Fleece on, the close fit reduced the usual rustle and flap of fabric in the wind, which can get wearing on long days. That skin-tight feel keeps the sound down, movement quieter and more streamlined – it’s a subtle thing but it makes a real difference when you’re trying to move quietly, stay focused or just enjoy the rhythm of the paddle. There’s also less material to catch or bunch around the elbows and shoulders during active paddling. That freedom of movement gives these tops a performance edge – whether you’re bracing, rolling or making precise manoeuvres in tight spots. They move with you, not around you. In short, they feel less like an outer shell and more like part of your paddling system. If you’re used to bulky cags and thick layers, the difference is striking.

Quick drying and packable

One of the standout features of both tops is how quickly they dry. The outer fabric sheds water fast and even on the move you can feel the surface drying out. That makes either option ideal for multi-day use – no soggy tops to wrestle back into the next morning.That said, the fleece version can hold a little more moisture if it gets totally immersed. On windless days it took noticeably longer to dry, especially at the cuffs and waist. Turning it inside out helped speed things up. On warmer or breezy days, both dried surprisingly fast.

In terms of packability, the regular Aquatherm wins. It rolls down small and stashes easily in a day hatch or dry bag. The fleece adds warmth but takes up a bit more space.

Day-to-Day Use and Layering

These tops have become a regular go-to for anything short of full winter conditions. The standard Aquatherm top layers neatly under a cag or windproof shell and feels agile enough to wear on its own in spring or early autumn. The fleece-lined version came into it’s own on chillier days and keeps you warm when out of the boat over lunch or in the car park. It offered a touch more insulation under a buoyancy aid without ever feeling heavy or restrictive. Over several months of regular use both held their shape well. The seams remained soft and the fabric hasn’t stiffened or stretched out, even after repeated soaking and drying.

Fit and Sizing Fit

It’s worth noting that both of these tops run a little smaller than your standard outdoor sizing. I usually take a medium in most kit but found the large gave a more comfortable fit here – especially when worn over a rash vest. The snug cut helps with performance but it’s easy to underestimate the fit if you go off your usual size. I’d definitely recommend checking the sizing guide on the Chillcheater website; or better still, dropping them an email with your measurements. They’re helpful and know the gear inside out. A well-fitted top makes all the difference to how these perform on the water.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for lightweight, practical paddling tops that dry fast and cut the wind, both of these do the job well. The standard Aquatherm Long Sleeve Top is hard to beat for fast-drying versatility – ideal for warmer days, active paddling and trips where space and weight matter. The Aquatherm Fleece Long Sleeve Top brings an extra layer of comfort and warmth, making it better suited for cooler conditions or low-effort days on the water. Realistically, having both gives the flexibility to mix and match depending on the forecast. They’re no-fuss bits of kit that punch above their weight, especially if you’re after gear that dries fast and packs small.