Kayaking is a wonderful sport and can be quite an adventure. However, what is important here is that along with the kayak itself, one must take care of certain things. For example, the kind of clothes that you should wear when you go out kayaking is something most people tend to ignore.
In fact, whenever you venture out for any watersport, you must pay attention to what you wear. Thus, today, we are going to talk about some of the best suits for kayaking that will make your kayaking journey more fun and comfortable.
But first, let’s talk about why a dry suit is needed. Is it actually required or not? The answer is an unwavering yes. A dry suit is a must for all water – sports, and kayaking is no exception to this rule. The basic purpose of a dry suit is to keep you dry and shield you from both hot and cold water, should the need arise. In essence, after wearing a dry suit, you can venture out in the water and the water will not have any effect on you.
Especially for people who enjoy paddling, a dry suit is a must. When paddling out in the cold waters of the sea, the drysuit protects you from the freezing waters and helps you maintain your body temperature. This way, you can shield yourself from stark cold waters, thereby protecting yourself from its after-effects like fever, cold, and headache.
Dry Suit Vs Wet-Suits
This is one of the most common questions that people have, and always get confused between a wet suit and a dry suit
A wet suit is a suit that collects water in the suit itself, and this water gets heated by the body temperature, thus providing the warmth needed by the human body. These are more ideal if you are venturing out to more warm waters.
But ideally, a dry suit is highly preferred for activities like kayaking and thus, we would recommend you to go for a dry suit instead of a wet – suit.
Best 6 Drysuits for Kayaking
Affiliate Disclaimer: This site is reader-supported and we earn commissions (at no additional cost to you) if you purchase products from retailers after clicking on a link from our site.
1. O’Neill Men’s Fluid 3mm Neoprene Drysuit
O’Neill Men’s Fluid 3mm Neoprene Drysuit is ideal for those who don’t want to make any sacrifice on the flexibility front just to stay dry and warm while kayaking. Unlike other drysuits, O’Neill Men’s Fluid 3mm Neoprene Drysuit does not leak and thus will help you stay dry as much possible. Freedom of movement is somewhat guaranteed with this drysuit.
You can put on layers underneath this drysuit as its upper part is somewhat loose-fitting. However, the lower section of O’Neill Men’s Fluid 3mm Neoprene Drysuit has a compact design and offers snug fitting. Overall, O’Neill Men’s Fluid 3mm Neoprene Drysuit is a decent drysuit and is not that restrictive which makes it ideal for kayaking and other similar water activities.
Features –
- Neoprene Neck Seal
- Horizontal Back-Dry Zipper
- Fluid Seam Welded Construction
2. Stohlquist Ez Drysuit
This modestly priced drysuit is designed to help people stay dry no matter what. Getting in and out of this drysuit is not going to be a pain in the neck with Stohlquist Ez Drysuit. It has got a smart design that allows much flexibility which makes it ideal for kayaking. 4-layer drywear fabric is used in the making of this drysuit. Breathable and waterproof, Stohlquist Ez Drysuit is going to offer you superior protection without cutting down the comfort front. neoprene neck gasket is not that restricting and therefore, you would hardly feel any discomfort even when wearing it for hours. The neck gasket is super stretchable and offers great fittings. Extra padding is included in the knee areas.
Features –
- Nylon tricot lining
- Neoprene Neck Gasket
- Microporous Coating
- Laminated Membrane
- Nylon tricot lining
- Made in the USA
3. Gill Dinghy Sailing Drysuit
Gill Dinghy Sailing Drysuit is designed to help you stay dry in extreme weather conditions. This drysuit has got 4 layers and thus, it is quite obvious that Gill Dinghy Sailing Drysuit is going to offer superior protection from water. Glideskin collar and cuffs make it almost impossible for the water to enter the suit.
The outer layer of this Gill Dinghy Sailing Drysuit is made from nylon and it is further reinforced with polyester PU. The elasticated waist is definitely one of its unique features. Its seams are properly and carefully taped and breathable fabrics are mainly used in the making of this drysuit to make it even more comfortable for the paddlers.
Features –
- YKK Aquaseal Waterproof Zipper
- Water Repellent Finish
- 4-Layer Fabric Construction
- Reinforced Knees
4. Kokatat Men’s Hydrus Swift Entry Drysuit
Kokatat Men’s Hydrus Swift Entry Drysuit is designed mainly for beginners yet it offers decent performance. If you are looking for a drysuit that can help you stay dry for a long period of time, Kokatat Men’s Hydrus Swift Entry Drysuit is your best bet. Unlike other fancy drysuits that come with many bells and whistles, Kokatat Men’s Hydrus Swift Entry Drysuit is a simple drysuit that will keep you protected from rain and water.
Made from breathable fabrics, Kokatat Men’s Hydrus Swift Entry Drysuit will not let you get soaked with sweat while paddling for hours. The sweat will be wicked away by its fabrics. Fabric is itself DWR treated and that means, it will last really long.
5. Ocean Rodeo Soul Breathable Drysuit
Ocean Rodeo Soul Breathable Drysuit is a super versatile drysuit that leys you stay warm and dry without making any kind of sacrifice on the safety and performance front. Ocean Rodeo Soul Breathable Drysuit lets you relieve yourself easily if you have to take a pee. There are two ways to put on the harness – either you can wear it over the jacket or under it; it is entirely up to you.
Ocean Rodeo Soul Breathable Drysuit is known for its incredible level of elasticity and flexibility. Soul hood can be zipped in and off in a matter of a few seconds and it does offer some level of protection from the strong wind or torrential rain.
Made entirely from 100% breathable materials, Ocean Rodeo Soul Breathable Drysuit is super comfy.
6. SEAC Men’s Warmdry 4mm Neoprene Dry Suit
SEAC Men’s Warmdry 4mm Neoprene Dry Suit is designed for people who love diving or kayaking. high-density 4mm neoprene is mainly used in the making of this drysuit and it will not allow the water to sip in. poly PK and Powertex were used to construct the outer lining whereas the inner lining is made from nylon.
The boots can be turned inside out so that they get dried out fast when not in use. Aquastop wrist closures and skin taped collar will not let the water enter the suit under any circumstances. Essentials gears can be kept in its Cordura pockets.
What To Look Out For When Purchasing A Dry Suit?
So, now that you know what a dry suit is and why is it preferable, here are some things to consider when buying one for yourself:
The Front Zip
Although severely underrated, this is one of the most important and useful things that you must look out for when purchasing a dry suit for yourself. Having a front zip is a huge advantage as it is not only comfortable when sitting on the kayak, but is extremely easy to wear and take off without any difficulty.
The Relief Zipper
This is also an important consideration because when going for long trips, this can help you to relieve yourself without having to take your whole suit off.
Seals
This is yet an important factor to consider. Made from both neoprene and latex, you can go for the neoprene because it is more comfortable than latex, but the defining property of latex is that it keeps the water out in a much better way than neoprene. You may also find a combination of both these materials in some places.
Color
Although not given much importance, you must choose the color of your drysuit wisely. In the case of rescues, brighter colors tend to be more visible than dark ones. So, it is recommended that you go for bright dry – suits as it helps to get identified easily in case you ever need to get rescued.
So now that you have read about drysuits, make sure to keep these tips in mind when purchasing your very own drysuit
