Before any kayaking trip in a temperate or cold region, it’s important to do your research to find the best drysuit for kayaking. A drysuit is a full-body piece of clothing designed to keep warmth in, while simultaneously allowing internal moisture to escape and sealing external water out.
While drysuits are unnecessary in tropical weather, freezing weather and strong waves can make for a dangerous combination if you’re far from land. Here at The Adventure Junkies, we can guide you through a wide selection of the best drysuits available to make your purchase simpler and your kayaking experience safe, warm and dry.
For more of out top kayaking gear recommendations, check out these popular articles:
Sea Kayaks | Sit on Top | Tandem | Canoes | Inflatable Kayaks
Paddles | Seats | PFDs | Dry Bags | Anchors | GPS
Wetsuits | Drysuits | Gloves | Shoes
Fishing Kayaks | Rods | Reels | Rod Holders | Fish Finders
SUPs | Inflatable SUPs | Paddles
QUICK ANSWER – THE BEST DRYSUITS FOR KAYAKING
1. STOHLQUIST AMP
2. LEVEL SIX EMPEROR
3. STOHLQUIST EZ
4. KOKATAT GORE-TEX FRONT ENTRY
5. KOKATAT HYDRUS 3L MERIDIAN
6. STOHLQUIST SHIFT
7. KOKATAT RADIUS
8. KOKATAT IDOL
9. O’NEILL BOOST
COMPARISON TABLE – THE BEST DRYSUITS FOR KAYAKING
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KAYAKING DRYSUITS REVIEWS
STOHLQUIST AMP
BEST FOR: Comfort
WOMEN’S VERSION: Stohlquist Women’s Amp
MATERIAL: 4 Layer Twin Sensor, Laminated Nylon Shell
FIT: Relaxed
FEATURES: Masterseal entry, relief zippers, Cordura-reinforced knees and seat mesh drainers, waterproof fabric socks, UV-resistant knees, neck, wrist, reflective accents
WARRANTY: 3 year limited
PROS: Price, relaxed fit for layering
CONS: Lacks durability of Goretex
LEVEL 6 EMPORER
BEST FOR: All Around Kayaking
WOMEN’S VERSION: N/A
MATERIAL: Cordura seat and knees
FIT: Relaxed
FEATURES: Bi-layer Cordura seat, knees, elbows, and forearms, adjustable waist, double tunnel waistband, neoprene ankle, wrist, and neck gaskets, rear entry, relief zippers, integrated socks, fleece pockets, emergency whistle, taped seams
WARRANTY: Limited lifetime
PROS: Great drysuit for all four seasons
CONS: Slightly bulky and warm, rear entry
STOHLQUIST EZ
BEST FOR: Freestyle Kayaking
WOMEN’S VERSION: N/A
MATERIAL: 4-Layer Twin Sensor
FIT: Relaxed
FEATURES: Waterproof cross-chest entry, relief zippers, neoprene neck gaskets, articulated armored knees, reflective accents, adjustable cuff covers, fabric dry socks
WARRANTY: 3 year limited
PROS: Easy chest entry, armored knees for freestyle kayaking
CONS: Lacks durability of Gore-Tex
KOKATAT FRONT ENTRY
BEST FOR: Longboat whitewater kayaking
WOMEN’S VERSION: Kokatat Front Entry
MATERIAL: Gore-Tex
FIT: Medium
FEATURES: Specialized sleeves for mobility, reflective highlights, front entry for pit stops, integrated Gore-Tex socks, reinforced knees and seat
WARRANTY: Limited lifetime
PROS: Durability of Gore-Tex, latex gaskets prevent leakage
CONS: No hood
KOKATAT 3L HYDRUS MERIDIAN
BEST FOR: Cold days
WOMEN’S VERSION: Kokatat Hydrus 3L Meridian
MATERIAL: Hydrus 3L
FIT: Medium
FEATURES: Front entry zip, relief zipper or rear drop-seat for women, Hydrus 3L socks, adjustable waist, reinforced seat and knees, latex and neoprene gaskets, self-draining chest pocket, key lanyard
WARRANTY: Limited lifetime
PROS: Highly breathable, durable, and warm
CONS: Neck gasket is snug
STOHLQUIST SHIFT
BEST FOR: All day excursions
WOMEN’S VERSION: N/A
MATERIAL: 3-Layer Rampart
FIT: Snug
FEATURES: “Stand-by” mode, relief zipper, latex gaskets at neck ,wrists, and ankles, Gripp-Loc spray skirt, removable hood, internal elastic suspenders prevent bunching, Cordura-reinforced knees and seat, chest pocket with headphone port, reflective accents
WARRANTY: 3-year limited
PROS: Front entry Simple Captive Zip, “Stand-by” mode for ventilation at rest stops
CONS: Lower mobility and flexibility, snug fit means no layering
KOKATAT RADIUS
BEST FOR: Kayaking in Variable Weather
WOMEN’S VERSION: Kokatat Women’s Radius
MATERIAL: Gore-Tex
FIT: Relaxed
FEATURES: SwitchZip for two-piece functionality or relief, removable, stowable hood, dual adjustable overskirt, latex gaskets
WARRANTY: Limited lifetime
PROS: Comfort and versatility
CONS: Price
KOKATAT IDOL
BEST FOR: Freestyle whitewater kayaking
WOMEN’S VERSION: N/A
MATERIAL: Gore-Tex
FIT: Medium
FEATURES: SwitchZip for two-piece functionality or relief, dual adjustable overskirt, self-draining, zippered sleeve pocket with key lanyard
WARRANTY: Limited lifetime
PROS: Very durable
CONS: Price, no hood
O’NEILL BOOST
BEST FOR: Whitewater on a budget
WOMEN’S VERSION: N/A
MATERIAL: PVC-backed nylon
FIT: Relaxed
FEATURES: Latex ankle and wrist seals, built-in suspenders
WARRANTY: 1 year limited
PROS: Price, relaxed fit designed for additional layering
CONS: Weight, PVC-backed nylon lacks breathability
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST DRYSUITS FOR KAYAKING
MATERIAL
Drysuits are almost always made of either nylon or Gore-Tex. Sometimes, the nylon is coated or laminated with a hydrophilic substance to repel water. Gore-Tex is highly durable, and while more expensive than other fabrics, is definitely worth the money.
Many suits will offer Cordura-reinforced knees and seat, soft latex and neoprene gaskets around the neck, ankles and wrist to prevent chafing, or even a proprietary fabric on the interior of the suit for added comfort. Consider the climate and intended use when shopping for a drysuit.
FIT
Like all pieces of clothing, drysuits are made to fit snugly, loosely or somewhere in between. If you enjoy whitewater kayaking in late fall or early spring when the daytime temperatures are still low, you might consider buying a drysuit that offers a loose fit and ample room for warm, long sleeve layers underneath.
If you don’t anticipate needing extra layers, perhaps opt for a suit that fits more snugly to eliminate excessive bulk.
BREATHABILITY
We covered materials above. While staying dry and warm are the main reasons for wearing a drysuit, thicker, water-repellent fabrics are less breathable than thinner, uncoated fabrics. However, Gore-Tex, in addition to being durable, is one of the most breathable fabrics available.
Sweating underneath your clothes in a cold environment can be dangerous as it leaves you wet and prone to hypothermia. Breathable fabrics were developed to overcome this problem, which can present challenges in nearly all sports, from mountaineering and long-distance running to snow-skiing and kayaking.
ENTRY TYPE
Up until recent years, there have been two types of drysuit entries, back entry and front entry. The first uses a zipper down the back of the suit, the second, down the front of the suit. While they each have their benefits, front entry suits will typically offer a relief zipper which makes pit stops a breeze.
The third entry type, SwitchZip, was developed by Kokatat. Their drysuits can be completely separated in the middle and function as either top only, bottom only or full drysuit when fused.
FEATURES
Make a list of wants and needs before you shop. If comfort is very important to you, choose a drysuit with mesh draining areas, and adjustable wrist, ankles and waist cinches.
If functionality is more essential, perhaps for an activity like fishing in the early morning hours, gear pockets, loops, reflective trim may rank higher on your list of desired features. While some drysuits come with built-in socks, you will need to find kayaking shoes and kayaking gloves, as they will not be included in your purchase.
WARRANTY
Warranty may be more important to some users than others, depending on their choice of activity. Fisherman and whitewater kayakers will damage or wear out their suits faster than the casual kayaker.
A drysuit will most likely be the second most expensive purchase you’ll see apart from your kayak. So, a lifetime warranty will come in handy if it should ever need to be replaced.
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