ContentsQUICK ANSWER – THE BEST DRYSUITS FOR KAYAKING COMPARISON TABLE – THE BEST DRYSUITS FOR KAYAKINGKAYAKING DRYSUITS REVIEWSSTOHLQUIST AMPLEVEL 6 EMPORERSTOHLQUIST EZKOKATAT FRONT ENTRYKOKATAT 3L HYDRUS MERIDIANSTOHLQUIST SHIFTKOKATAT RADIUSKOKATAT IDOLO’NEILL BOOSTHOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST DRYSUITS FOR KAYAKINGMATERIALFITBREATHABILITYENTRY TYPEFEATURESWARRANTY 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 VIEW AT AMAZON 2. LEVEL SIX EMPEROR VIEW AT AMAZON 3. STOHLQUIST EZ VIEW AT REI 4. KOKATAT GORE-TEX FRONT ENTRY VIEW AT REI 5. KOKATAT HYDRUS 3L MERIDIAN VIEW AT REI 6. STOHLQUIST SHIFT VIEW AT REI 7. KOKATAT RADIUS VIEW AT AMAZON 8. KOKATAT IDOL VIEW AT REI 9. O’NEILL BOOST VIEW AT AMAZON COMPARISON TABLE – THE BEST DRYSUITS FOR KAYAKING PICTUREKAYAKING DRYSUITBEST USEFITWARRANTYPRICERATING PICTUREKAYAKING DRYSUITBEST USEFITWARRANTYPRICERATING Stohlquist AmpOverallRelaxed3 years$$4.7 Level 6 EmporerOverallRelaxedLifetime$$5.0 Stohlquist EZOverallRelaxed3 years$$4.0 Kokatat Front EntryBreathableMediumLifetime$$5.0 Kokatat Hydrus 3L MeridianBreathableMediumLifetime$$3.0 Stohlquist ShiftBreathableSnug3 years$$3.0 Kokatat RadiusSwitchZipRelaxedLifetime$$$5.0 Kokatat IdolSwitchZipMediumLifetime$$$5.0 O'Neill BoostBudgetRelaxed1 year$3.8 KAYAKING DRYSUITS REVIEWS STOHLQUIST AMP Check out the latest price on: Amazon 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 Check out the latest price on: Amazon 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 Check out the latest price on: Amazon | REI 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 Check out the latest price on: Amazon | REI 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 Check out the latest price on: Amazon | REI 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 Check out the latest price on: Amazon | REI 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 Check out the latest price on: Amazon 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 Check out the latest price on: Amazon | REI 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 Check out the latest price on: Amazon 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 Gear up for kayaking, without breaking the bankGet the Latest Deals on Kayaking GearSent right to your inbox...GEAR UP FOR KAYAKING 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.
