winter clothing suggestions

[bunnielab]

Sorry to bump an older thread, but I am about to buy some kind of dry suit and need a final push to help me decide.

I was all set to buy a Kokatat supernova drysuit, but now I am having second thoughts. It seems like buying seperate dry pants w/socks and a splash jacket would be more versatile and a bit cheaper then going with a full suit. I could see myself using just the pants for a long wet launch in the fall/spring, or as waders when I go creek stomping. Same thing with a separate top, I could have both a light and heavy one to change out as the seasons change.

My question is, would I be sacrificing too much safety by going with a two part system?

FYI, I am looking at the Kokatat tempest pants and kanppseter splash top. I like the idea of a lighter top as I almost allways overheat when I buldle up and do anything aerobic. I also already own a great rain jacket/soft shell I could wear over it as an additional layer.

[Cowpokey]

Not trying to sway you one way or the other, but a good set of dry pants and a good top, is not going to be cheap either. I'm not an expert, but the difference in price between those options; I'll take the dry suit with relief zipper.

Less likely to upset balance on the kayak, and less exposure to the elements if/when you need to drain the bladder.

[Turtle135]

Sorry to bump an older thread, but I am about to buy some kind of dry suit and need a final push to help me decide.

I was all set to buy a Kokatat supernova drysuit, but now I am having second thoughts. It seems like buying seperate dry pants w/socks and a splash jacket would be more versatile and a bit cheaper then going with a full suit. I could see myself using just the pants for a long wet launch in the fall/spring, or as waders when I go creek stomping. Same thing with a separate top, I could have both a light and heavy one to change out as the seasons change.

My question is, would I be sacrificing too much safety by going with a two part system?

FYI, I am looking at the Kokatat tempest pants and kanppseter splash top. I like the idea of a lighter top as I almost allways overheat when I buldle up and do anything aerobic. I also already own a great rain jacket/soft shell I could wear over it as an additional layer.

"Splash tops" are designed to protect you from paddle splash and light rain. Unfortunately they offer you no protection if you go for a swim in water that is cold enough to kill you.

http://www.nrs.com/cold_water_layering.asp

"Splash wear is simply any waterproof outer layer that is designed to keep your under layers dry if you get splashed or rained on. If you’re using neoprene as your insulation layer, wearing a waterproof garment over it will cut down on evaporative cooling from the wet outer fabric of the wetsuit. If you go for a swim in splash wear, your inner layers will get wet.

Semi-dry wear is your next step-up in protection. These garments, in tops and full suits, use either neoprene gaskets, or a combination of neoprene and latex gaskets, to block water entry. Neoprene gaskets aren’t as efficient at keeping water out as latex, but they’re more comfortable and less expensive.

Drywear can be separate tops and pants, or full-coverage drysuits. These garments use latex gaskets and latex or fabric socks to totally block water entry. This totally dry system allows you to customize your comfort and protection level by adjusting your under layers to match weather and water conditions."

[bunnielab]

I'll take the dry suit with relief zipper.

Ah, I knew I had forgotten something. That is a pretty good point in favor of a full suit.

Splash tops v semi-dry v dry info

Thanks, I was aware there must be a difference between semi dry and dry but never found it stated so clearly. I had assumed a splash top was less literally named but was clearly wrong.

So for a top, a semi-dry top like an NRS Stampede seems like a good compromise. I like the idea of a more comfortable but less sealed neck gasket paired with more waterproof wrist gaskets.

Sadly anything I buy is going to come out of my "peddle kayak fund" but I think that not being able to get on the water for the next few months isn't an appealing option. I think on friday I will just have to pick something an order it so I can make good use of the next two weeks I have off.

[ComeOnFish]

Awesome deal on semi dri top to wear with waders
http://www.amazon.com/NRS-Rio-Top-Pa...kpaddle+jacket

I have the yellow one. Good quality very durable. I wear it now and year around. I keep it in the zip bag under the hatch when the rain and strong wind is expected in summer.
The jacket is splash proof. The water will come in when dunked. However it kept me warm for a long time on freezing day until I got back to my truck because it is a good wind proof jacket.

Joe

[Turtle135]

So for a top, a semi-dry top like an NRS Stampede seems like a good compromise. I like the idea of a more comfortable but less sealed neck gasket paired with more waterproof wrist gaskets.

Yep, with your PFD on when you pop to the surface your head will be up, you may get a little leakage at the neck compared to a latex neck gasket but with no other water entry you will not get soaked.

p.s. - I wear those Kokatat Tempest Pants with Socks (and a NRS drytop), that double tunnel on the drytop provides for a good seal at the waist with those pants

[reel-em-in]

p.s. - I wear those Kokatat Tempest Pants with Socks (and a NRS drytop), that double tunnel on the drytop provides for a good seal at the waist with those pants

I do the same except I have an immersion research dry top.