Dry vs. Semi-Dry Suit, Latex vs. Neoprene Gaskets - Another Discussion & Quick Test - Kayak Hipster

[@janis_balodis]

I've had my Typhoon multisport 4 since 2013. I've gone through several gaskets. Have switched from original latex to neoprene and back. Currently I have neoprene gaskets on the suite. The comfort is undeniable. The biggest improvement I have had to the setup I use was switching to Merino under layer. Surf in February 5°C wind gusts up to 18m/s swimming among floating ice. Done all that.

[@paulbarrett1372]

Two years ago, wearing my Stohlquest dry-suit, latex sleeves and neoprene neck ring, I caught a branch with my paddle (paddling the Huron river in Michigan in December with ice forming along the shore) I ended up upside down in waist deep water, not a drop of water in my suit, wearing jeans, t-shirt and fleece pull-over, I continued my paddle down the river.

[@BladePressure]

I have a large head and thickish neck. A drysuit is too uncomfortable. I have taken a couple swims in whitewater in a semi. It was fine. Great vid.

[@brucecoppola8512]

I live in lower Michigan and paddle in fairly mild sea states (waves 3ft max, mostly 1 or 2 ft). I own a "paddling jacket" with latex wrist gaskets, neoprene neck, and inner and outer drawstring "tunnels"(?) at the waist. I pair that with paddling pants with stocking feet and wool sox underneath having a Velcro neoprene cinched around the inner tunnel of the jacket. Here's the odd part. I was going to take a course in what was a chilly May where I'd be out of the boat a lot. I suited up with base layers and fleece insulation under the pants and jacket and swim tested in ~50°F water on a cold wet day in the 40s. While I got wet, I was still warm after repeatedly floating around and swimming for 5-10 minutes at a time! From what I've read about cold water safety I should have been shivering. What to make of this?

[@Avalanchediver]

I have been Kayaking for about 30 years and Scuba diving for about the same. I am a rescue diver for the local Sheriff Dept for over 20 years and dive monthly year round. True drysuits come with neoprene as well as latex seals. It's common knowledge that neoprene is generally more comfortable and Latex more dry. I have only had one drysuit of many that is actually "DRY". Yea it has latex seals and an attached hood. Not a great suit for kayaking as it is a Viking and not very flexible. Needless to say, seals are acceptable in either configuration. DO NOT expect to be completely dry after submersion. You may be, but most to te time not. Choose under garments that will still insulate when damp/wet. As long as there is no flow of water you will be protected. At least to somewhat buying you time to get out of whatever bad situation you might find yourself. Test your gear and paddle to your level of proven confidence. Pushing limits in cold water means they may have to call someone like me to find your remains...

[@robertkerner4833]

You are very brave to post this. There are, as you mentioned in your opening, so many people who believe neoprene is a death sentence! Lots of opinionated dare I say intolerance on this topic.

[@Lorax_Tribe]

I tested my Kokatat dry suit in the shower and in the tub with cold water, Sharkskin socks, pants and shirt underneath. It felt adequate to the cold and I was completely dry both times. I haven’t used it in the field.

[@leeanderson5955]

Good review gives me more confidence with my new Kokatat semi dry. Just can’t stand latex necks

[@biteon]

I have a drysuit with neophrane cuffs and neck. It is a very well made drysuit Typhoon PS220 and I have done lots of playing around in the cold ocean surrounding Iceland. I get a little bit of leak after lots of playing around the neck and up my arms but it has never made me cold. Maybe that is because I always wear wool base layer and thicker wool outer layer when it is really cold but it has never bothered me more than my sweat.

[@travisgoldman7468]

My Aqualung Raptor drysuit has neoprene wrist and neck gaskets. The neck gasket has an adjustuble cinch loop so it can be tightend to adjust for neck size. What I like about this design is if it's calm I can leave it loose for comfort, if it starts to get bouncy I can tighten it to be water tight. I have swim tested this suit and it doesn't leak. It's not actually designed for kayaking but is designed as a whitewater rescue suit for emergency services. I ended up getting it because it was the only drysuit that was available in my size that I was able to get before the Seventy48 and WA360 races last summer. It might be worth looking at if you have latex sesitivity issues.

[@Phrancis5]

I'm in the PNW but don't paddle white water or waves anymore and the neoprene neck seal on my semi-dry suit is so much more comfortable than my previous full drysuits. Even after trimming the gasket, I still got a terrible neck rash with latex. Maybe I was allergic, but it was only around the neck.

[@nancyhainline2517]

Thank you. Informative. Unrelated Question: I don't kayak often & plan to make some dry bags, or semi dry bags. Would appreciate info on something to waterproof the stitch seams that would be flexible. Any suggestions welcome

[@mariusengelsen7194]

I live in Norway, and have experience from both scuba diving and kayaking in the winter. You get full drysuits with neoprene gaskets, as well as latex gaskets. It is not the material on the gaskets that defines if the garment is semidry or dry, it it the construction of the garment. And even in the middle of a freezing winter a little bit of water inside the suit is not a problem. (Just temporary uncomfortable).

[@mariusengelsen7194]

A good example is the 100% dry Ursuit AWS 4-tex suit. All out neoprene seals 👍👍👍

[@superwag634]

I have two drysuits. A musto and a Kakotat both with latex seals. Unfortunately, after 10 years unused and still with tags, Im starting to realise that I may have bought them unnecessarily. Thats the problem with Australia and its hot seawater. They were good as a safety backup on my yacht if it ever sunk and i had to get into a liferaft. That also didn't happen. Oh well, might be time to sell two brand new drysuits

[@LJ-jq8og]

WHEN are you going to do your practical Trak Kayak review !? :)

[@waynefatguyinakayak7408]

I need to find a drysuit, but finding one that fits is difficult because I'm short and fat. Drysuits that will fit my chest and hips are made for people several inches taller. Is it a bad thing if the legs and sleeves are too long and get bunched up? For reference, I'm 5'7", 240 lbs, 50 inch chest, size 38/40 waist, 28 inch thighs, 19 inch calves, and a 30 inch inseam.

[@waynefatguyinakayak7408]

@@PaddleDogC5 A bit out of my price range. I've been looking at a Reed Chillcheater paddle suit. Kayak Hipster seems to like his gear from them, and even with shipping and taxes the Reed suit costs hundreds less than a Kokatat Hydrus drysuit, even without the custom sizing.

[@chuckwagn4192]

Call me nuts but I realized Kotatat women’s sizes are perfect for short stocky men. I figure most folks do not realize the relief zip is in the wrong spot 😂. Even with custom sizing a men’s suit, it still won’t fit me. Having extra long arms and legs in a drysuit is very uncomfortable

[@trickyricky9953]

I had skin cancer and my neck is very sensitive to the pressure of latex. My Nookie drysuit with a neoprene neck is not perfect for an Irish winter, but beats staying at home. The other comment would be that some people I know prefer a wetsuit over a drysuit.

[@waynefatguyinakayak7408]

Reed makes quality gear, no doubt. However, in emailing them I found out they DON'T make socks for their drysuits to accommodate wide feet. And to those of us with wide feet, it definitely matters.

[@melaniesimpson6322]

Hi, new to your channel…Wondering what brand semi dry suit does your wife wear? Does she like it? I’m 5’4” and petite. No shops around me to try gear on. Thanks

[@Corcioch]

Whoever made that suicide comment, regardless of who they are, is an alarmist and completely over dramatic.

[@sickgit66]

The latex seal on my peak drysuit has just given up, I think I'll be going to neoprene this time, I'll give up a little waterproofing for the comfort (had semi dry cags in the past) and the amount of broken latex neck seals that have gone on trips (paddle buddies) due to old age, sloppy fingers, branches etc have sold me. Plus my drysuits got a neoprene cover over the neck seal anyway to cut down on flush, so it's time to give it a go.