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Drysuits for Kayaking & Paddling
(71 Products)
BUYING GUIDE
BUYING GUIDE
Need help navigating the many dry suit fabrics and features available? Read our buying guide to find the best dry suit for you.
Buying Guide
If you love paddling and want to extend your season without being wet and cold, consider a dry suit as air and water temperatures drop. Dry suits seal out water to keep you dry. Use insulated layers underneath the suit to regulate warmth. This allows you to adjust your layers to match the weather conditions.
Dry suits are a key piece of apparel for paddlers in colder conditions. Use this guide to choose the dry suit that works best for you.
Materials
Nylon and polyester are the most common fabrics for dry suits. Both are synthetic fibers with similar properties and some key differences:
Nylon is strong and durable, with great abrasion and stretch resistance. However, it can feel stiffer and heavier than polyester. Nylon also absorbs more moisture than polyester but has better odor resistance.
Polyester is more breathable than nylon but doesn't have the same abrasion resistance. Polyester is also naturally hydrophobic, staying lighter when wet and drying quickly. Polyester suits often use nylon reinforcements in high-wear areas like the knees and seat to improve durability.
GORE-TEX Pro is a 3-layer waterproof/breathable nylon fabric designed specifically for paddlesports using feedback from pro kayakers around the world. Lab and field-tested like no other, this rugged fabric retains full breathability for uncompromised waterproof protection. GORE-TEX Pro fabric is the flagship fabric for both Kokatat and NRS dry suits.
Hydrus is Kokatat's house-brand waterproof/breathable fabric and is used in many of their mid-tier suits designed for more casual use, at a more budget-friendly price than GORE-TEX.
eXhaust 3.0 is Level Six's proprietary fabric, which uses a combined nylon outer fabric and a polyester inner lining to maximize durability and breathability.
Entry Systems
Front-entry zippers are the original option for dry suits. The zipper typically runs diagonally from shoulder to waist across the front of the suit. Front-entry dry suits are much easier to take on, off, and zip up. It’s also easier to visually check and ensure you are completely zipped up. This simple, proven system is the most popular option for paddlers. Front-entry zippers do add more bulk to the suit and can be challenging for some to get their shoulders in and out.
Rear entry zippers typically run across the top of the suit’s shoulder. Rear entry zippers minimize fabric bunching under your PFD, increasing mobility and comfort. Rear-entry zippers can also make it easier for some paddlers to get their shoulders in and out of the suit. However, they can be more challenging to zip and unzip by yourself and are harder to visually check that the zipper is completely closed.
There are also some two-piece suits. These typically use a zipper at the waist and give you the versatility to use the top and bottom independently, or zip together as a full suit. The waist zipper also doubles as a relief zipper. The zipper can be tricky to match up between the top and bottom pieces, and the placement of the zipper can be uncomfortable for some people, but the 3-in-1 design offers versatility.
Neck, Wrist, and Ankle Closures
Traditionally, dry suits use latex gaskets at the neck, wrists, and ankles to seal out water. Latex offers incredible stretch to let your head, hands, and feet through while preventing water from entering. To be effective, the gaskets must be tight against your skin to keep water out. This can be an uncomfortable sensation at first, but the gaskets will stretch and form to your body with use. Gaskets can also be stretched or cut for a better fit - but be careful not to overdo it. Stretch or cut too much and the gasket will no longer function as a water-tight seal.
Latex gaskets are the go-to choice for whitewater and open ocean paddlers, and anyone wanting maximum protection against the elements.
Neoprene and Lycra gaskets are an alternative to latex. They are typically not as dry a seal, although they still do a great job of keeping water out. They are also more comfortable for most people. Neoprene gaskets are a great choice for paddlers in calmer water who are less likely to go for extended swims but still want protection for most situations.
Gaskets do require maintenance with a lubricant such as 303 Protectant and need to be replaced periodically. You'll know it's time for a replacement if your gasket feels worn out, is losing its stretch, or if it cracks or rips.
Many modern suits have replaced ankle gaskets with integrated socks. These are much easier to get on and are much more comfortable. They also keep your feet dry, a big bonus on colder days. Most socks are sized to fit a range of foot sizes. Be sure to wear shoes or other protective covering to protect the fabric. You may also need to size up your boots to accommodate the extra fabric.
Relief Zipper, Overskirts, Hoods, and Other Options
Relief zippers let you answer the call of nature without having to entirely remove your dry suit. Most men's suits have a front-access zipper, while women's suits use a rear-access.
An overskirt, or double tunnel, is designed to work with the tunnel on your kayak spray skirt. The spray skirt tunnel will go over the overskirt on the dry suit and help prevent water from getting into your kayak. Rafters, canoeists, and stand-up paddlers often choose non-skirted suits. This saves a layer of fabric, increasing mobility, and can also cut down on cost.
Hoods help block wind and rain. They are a popular option for flatwater and open ocean paddlers in harsher climates. Most hoods can be removed or stowed when not in use.
Fit
Fitting a dry suit fit is very complex. Height and weight are the most important size indicators, but other factors can play a part. You'll want the suit to be loose enough to give you plenty of room for layers, as well as comfortable movement. Sizing charts can be found on each dry suit’s product page. If you fall in between sizing you will typically want to choose the larger size.
Dry Suit Love and Care
Remove jewelry and other sharp items before taking the suit on and off to protect the gaskets. Wearing layers underneath keeps you warmer and helps keep the inside of the suit cleaner. Rinse after each use.
To clean, we recommend Gear Aid Revivex Pro Cleaner or other detergents meant for technical outerwear. Avoid liquid laundry detergent or harsh chemicals. Hand washing and rinsing is recommended. Air dry. Do not put it in a dryer.
You will also want to keep your gaskets lubricated to stretch easier and extend their life; we recommend 303 Protectant. Zippers can be maintained with Gear Aid Zipper Cleaner and Lubricant to keep dirt out of the zippers, avoiding damage and keeping them sliding smoothly.
Warranty
Warranty periods on drysuits can range from one year to the lifetime of the garment, depending on the manufacturer and the fabric used. GORE-TEX suits typically offer the longest warranty and are backed by both the suit's manufacturer and GORE themselves. Note that warranties do not apply to latex gaskets. These have a much shorter lifespan and will need to be replaced periodically. Location, care, and amount of use can all determine how long gaskets will last.
Selecting a dry suit involves many decisions about which features are important to you or the way you plan to paddle, as well as other factors like cost and even color preference. If you would like a personal recommendation, please contact our customer service team. We are happy to walk you through our selection and help you find the best dry suit for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Stay Warm & Dry With A Dry Suit for Kayaking, Paddling, and Rafting
You love paddling, the water, the great outdoors - but do you love being soaking wet and freezing? Chances are, you’d prefer to stay warm and dry while doing what you love - so you can’t leave today without grabbing a kayak drysuit for the next time you’re paddling in aggressive water or cold temperatures!
These differ a bit from kayak wetsuits (which are essential in their regard) in that kayak drysuits are more loose-fitting, comfortable, and easy to get in and out of. Plus, these keep your kayak clothing dry, like layering shirts and layering pants, without providing too much insulation that has you sweating before you even start paddling!
Here at Outdoorplay, you’ll find the best kayaking suit collection online - curated by us and featuring the top brands in the industry.
Why Buy Your Drysuit for Kayaking At Outdoorplay?
We have a myriad of different breathable, waterproof drysuits, including Gore-Tex kayak drysuits, to choose from. These are comfortable to wear all day long - not just in water. The materials used in these rafting dry suits allow your skin to breathe - and sweat to wick out of the material. These also work great for Stand-Up Paddling!
We even offer some kayak dry suits that feature built-in dry socks - saving you an additional purchase on kayak socks! A good pair of water shoes will protect these socks and should be considered. Other models have a unique waist that will accommodate the tunnel of a whitewater spray skirt.
With our kayaking dry suit, you’ll be prepared for anything the day throws at you - and you’ll be able to fully enjoy your boating day on the water without worrying about freezing temperatures or soaking wet clothes.
Plus, you’ll enjoy a price match guarantee across all the different dry suits we offer here. If someone else provides the kayaking drysuit you want for less, show us – and we’ll match it. We even offer free shipping on orders over $49! And with a 100% money-back guarantee, you can shop confidently, knowing your purchase is backed up with a hassle-free return policy.
Grab The Rest Of The Gear To Go With Your Rafting or Kayak Dry Suit!
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your kayaking dry suit today and the rest of your kayak gear here at Outdoorplay! As you may already know, we have all the accessories you need to fully enjoy paddling, like:
- Kayaking Gloves
- Paddling Pants
- Paddling Shorts
- Kayaking Life Jackets
- Splash Jackets
- Kayak Racks
- And much more on sale from top brands like AIRE, Werner Paddles, Stohlquist, and Astral!
Shop now so you can enjoy your next journey on the water the way it was meant to be enjoyed - in comfort and style!