Sea Kayaks Techniques Bulletin Board

Re: Drysuit vs. Dry Top & Pants

Posted By: M. Hamilton
Date: Monday, 13 November 2000, at 4:21 p.m.

In Response To: Drysuit vs. Dry Top & Pants (Craig Bumgarner)

: Any comments on dry suits vs. dry tops used in conjunction with dry pants?

Craig, As I've posted before, I MUCH prefer a dry top to a full suit. I've used both over the years and find the full suits a hassle to deal with, and the zipper across the chest very restricting when surfing. (Lots of upper body movement in kayak surfing) The other issue is one of cost. I rarely get more than a hard year of use out of any of these products before the underarm area wears out. Patagonia / Lotus dry tops fit me the best and last the longest. I wear Patagonia neoprene pants or shorts in conjunction with the dry top. NOT farmer johns! Farmer johns are terribly restrictive and annoying. So after many years of messing about I've spent the last 10 or so in dry tops. I teach surfing for a Seattle Academy and only wear a drysuit when swimming in the surf with students. After lunch I switch to the dry top, as I just can't stand the fit of the suit and size doesn't seem to matter. Now for the cold protection. Only an idiot would argue against the full suit for ultimate protection, but I will say that I teach year round in the Pacific Northwest in 49-56 degree F water with my set up and I stay plenty warm standing in water next to students, demonstrating wet exits, re-entries etc., and while I get a little seepage around the waist, I'm fine. For individual paddling I'd never wear a full suit.
My vote would be to go for the two piece set up because you have so many more options and it's more cost effective. For beginners who will spend more time in the water, or the likelihood of prolonged exposure is greater, the suit is the way to go. As their skills develop they may opt for the dry top option later. Hope this helps. It's just my opinion. Take care MH

: The latter seems like it might be more versatile and possibly less expensive
: (Kokatat Gortex top is $315 plus Kokatat dry pants $125 vs. $600-$700 for
: Gortex suit). I wonder if the combination affords similar protection while
: in the water.

Messages In This Thread

Drysuit vs. Dry Top & Pants
Craig Bumgarner -- Monday, 13 November 2000, at 1:38 p.m.

Re: Drysuit vs. Dry Top & Pants
Ed K. -- Monday, 13 November 2000, at 4:03 p.m.

Re: Drysuit vs. Dry Top & Pants
M. Hamilton -- Monday, 13 November 2000, at 4:21 p.m.

Re: Drysuit vs. Dry Top & Pants
Will -- Monday, 13 November 2000, at 9:05 p.m.

Re: Kokotat dry top
Ray -- Tuesday, 14 November 2000, at 8:53 a.m.

Re: Drysuit vs. Dry Top & Pants
Kent LeBoutillier -- Tuesday, 14 November 2000, at 6:17 a.m.

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