Without beating around the bush about buying the best drysuit for kayaking or indeed for any other water activity, this gear is going to cost you a pretty penny.
Don’t worry though. It comes with so many benefits you will wonder why you never bought it earlier. Sample this:
- It will last a loooooooong time – probably longer than a decade
- It will keep you totally dry when kayaking
- It will protect your body from injuries, abrasions and stuff
- It is very easy to take care of
- It comes with gaskets that seal all the possible entry points of water – ankle, wrist and neck gaskets
- It comes in many styles – some are fitting, others are baggy
- There is a drysuit for just about any water activity.
Unlike a wetsuit that absorbs water, a dry suit keeps you completely warm and dry, thus it is recommended for cold water activities. Sailboarding, kiteboarding, canoeing, kayaking, diving, snorkeling and even swimming in cold water puts you at the risk of hypothermia. A drysuit keeps you protected.
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Best Kayaking Drysuit Reviews
Choosing the best kayaking drysuit for a beginner can be hard. There are so many varieties and styles. For example, a kayaking dry suit needs to be very flexible to allow your arms enough room for paddling. Thus, it is a very baggy suit, not for people who want to slay with good looks in the kayak, but it is for people who want to keep flexible and dry at the same time.
Here are a few reviews to guide you along:
Kokatat Drysuit – Men’s Drysuit, Gore-Tex Front Entry
Kokatat Drysuit for men is among the best dry suits and it is ideal for water sports such as kayaking, rowing, sail boarding, and kite boarding among many others.
The most impressive feature of this dry suit is that it is completely waterproof since it is made of superior quality and sturdy material.
As opposed to most of the drysuits that feature a back entry zipper that probably require the help of another person to get into and out of without damaging the zipper; this dry suit has a front entry zipper that runs diagonally across the chest making donning and doffing very easy.
It is very comfortable since it keeps a person warm and dry. You see, it is breathable and extra comfort is guaranteed. At the knees and the seat areas, there are strong reinforcements that boosts durability while preventing abrasions and chafing.
The latex gasket for the neck keeps all the water out and the specialized sleeves give more freedom of movement when paddling. In addition to the main entry zipper at the chest, the dry suit also has a relief zipper that ensures speed and convenience when attending to a nature call.
The comfortable socks keeps the feet warm while preventing the water from entering at the legs and the reflective headlights at the front enhances visibility in low light conditions.
As you look at the features of this drysuit, you will see why Kokakat is one of the most popular brand names for dry suits.
Pros
- Completely water proof
- Breathable
- Easy to wear and get off
- Machine and hand-washable
- Durable
Cons
- Pricey
Stohlquist Amp Drysuit – Tunnel Drysuit for Kayak Fishing
Stohlquist Amp drysuit is made of 4-layer twin sensor fabric that is highly breathable and waterproof, making it among the best kayaking dry suits. This dry suit has UV resistant wrist gaskets and Duraseal latex neck that are tear resistant and hence very durable.
In addition, the wrist gaskets and the neoprene cuff covers are adjustable for better protection against friction or sand. This suit has a front entry zipper that runs across the chest for easy getting into and out of, and it is sealed to ensure that no water gets inside the suit. The relief feature gives you ease and convenience when nature calls.
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This dry suit fits well and it is comfortable enough since the fabric is very breathable and it keeps you warm and dry for all the time that you will be in the water. The knees are reinforced with mesh drainers for more protection and durability.
The dry socks keeps your feet warm while ensuring that water does not get in the suit through the legs. The reflective panels ensure that you have better visibility when kayaking at night or in low light conditions.
Pros
- Made of waterproof and breathable material
- Front zipper for easier donning and doffing
- Relief zipper
- Relaxed fit
- 3 year warranty
Cons
- Hand washed only
O’Neill Men’s Boost 300g – Kayaking Drysuit
When you want to stay warm, dry and comfortable while kayaking, O’Neill Men’s Boost 300g is the dry suit to wear when going for a cold-water ride. Kayaking in cold water can be really thrilling when you are wearing the right gear and thanks to this dry suit, you can enjoy your boating adventure throughout the year.
O’Neil Boost should be your ultimate dry suit because it is made of superior quality trilaminate nylon, which is 100% water proof and sturdy hence puncture resistant. Weighing just 300 grams per square meter, it is obviously one of the lightest dry suits currently available in the market.
It fits comfortably just like a jumpsuit without restricting your motion, and at the same time leaving you with enough space to put on other clothes underneath. The adjustable suspenders allows for an overall better fit of the dry suit.
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All the seams have unique waterproof tapes that ensure you remain dry throughout your adventure in the water. The neck seal is very smooth and comfortable and does not cause any chafing whatsoever.
The wrist and ankle seals are made of latex and they are very thick for a more watertight fit and durability. The strong back zipper that runs from shoulder to shoulder ensures that you have an easy getting in and out of the dry suit.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Lightweight
- Integrated suspenders
- Breathable fabric
Cons
- No pockets
Kokatat Hydrus 3L SuperNova – Best Kokatat Drysuit
Kokatat Hydrus 3L SuperNova is among the best drysuits for kayaking that provides you with ultimate comfort and keeps you dry throughout your kayaking or paddling adventure.
It is made of a high quality, durable and highly breathable 3 layer waterproof fabric.
The nylon outer fabric keeps the water rolling off your shoulders because of the DWR (durable water repellent) coating. The middle layer is made of micro-porous polyurethane coating keeps perspiration away and ensures that water does not get in.
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The innermost layer is made of polyester, is very soft and comfortable against the skin, and it keeps you warm while in the water.
The front zipper will make it easy to get into and out of, without anyone’s assistance and the relief zipper ensures easy and convenient bathroom breaks. The arms have latex wrist gaskets that keep water from getting in.
The neoprene collar is adjustable for a more comfortable fit. The waterproof breathable dry socks ensure that your feet are warm and protected and the draw cord at the waist reduces the free flapping of fabric.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Breathable
- Relief zipper
- Very comfortable
- Easy getting in and out
Cons
- Exteriors pockets can hold water
Crewsaver Cirrus Drysuit – Best Dry Suit
The Crewsaver Cirrus Drysuit is an incredibly unique dry suit that any kayaker should consider buying for their water sports and adventures. It is made of high quality three-layer fabric that provides maximum waterproofing, keeping you dry and warm during your water adventure.
This piece of water adventure gear comes with a front zipper that ensures that you get in and out easily without requiring help from anyone. The knees and seat are reinforced to boost durability and to ensure that you do not suffer from any abrasion.
The neck and the wrists have cuff seals that are glideskin in nature meaning that they do not stick or get snagged on the skin enhancing your comfort.
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The most unique feature about this dry suit is that it comes with a fleece liner of its own and thus you do not have to get worried whether your underneath garments will fit under the dry suit or not.
When you buy this dry suit, you will get a dry bag that enables you to carry your dry suit safely to the kayaking place and back home.
Pros
- Comes with a fleece liner
- A dry bag
- Three layer fabric
- Front entry zipper
- Glideskin cuff seals
Cons
- UK sizing chart
Level Six Emperor 3.0 Ply – Best Kayaking Drysuit
Level Six Emperor 3.0 Ply is among the best kayaking dry suits and it is ideal for every kayaker. The outer layer of this dry suit is made of ripstop nylon that makes it 100% waterproof. The seat, elbows, knees, shoulders and forearms are reinforced by Cordular panels; enhancing durability and protecting the kayaker from abrasions.
This suit features a back zip that enables an easy rear entry and exit in and out of the dry suit. The front relief zipper ensures ease and convenience when nature calls.
The Dual Clinch System works together with your spray skirt to give you a dry seal at the waist keeping any water out of the boat. The inner part of the suit features a breathable lining that works effectively to aspirate sweat keeping you dry throughout your kayaking adventure.
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In addition to the above features, this dry suit has a chest pocket with a whistle that can easily be reached when wearing a PFD and the lower pockets are lined to keep your hands warm when the weather gets cold.
Pros
- 100% waterproof
- Breathable and comfortable
- Cordura-reinforced panels
- Waterproof chest pocket with an emergency whistle
Cons
- Back entry
Stoloquist ez Kayaking Drysuit
The Stoloquist ez Kayaking Drysuit provides you with ultimate waterproof protection ensuring that you enjoy a dry and comfortable kayaking adventure. This dry suit is made of superior quality 4-layer twin sensor fabric that is highly breathable and waterproof.
The suit has a slightly relaxed fit for maximum mobility and comfort. The neck and wrist gasket is made of ultra stretch soft neoprene that gives UV protection and is tear resistant. When you wear it, you will be grateful you bought it because it allows you to paddle comfortably.
Click Here To See Price & Reviews On AmazonThis dry suit is so easy to get into and out of courtesy of the waterproof cross-chest sturdy zipper. The relief zipper ensures that you easily and conveniently answer to the nature calls.
The package also comes with universal dry socks and the knees and seat are reinforced for better protection and durability. The wrist and ankle cuffs are adjustable and the suit has reflective accents for better visibility even in low light conditions.
Pros
- Four layers for maximum waterproofing
- Breathable fabric
- Universal dry socks
- Adjustable ankle and wrist cuffs
- Arm and thigh pockets
Cons
- Cannot be machine-washed – hand wash only
Crewsaver Phase 2 – Best Drysuit for Kayaking
The Crewsaver Phase 2 is a great kayaking dry suit that will ensure that a kayaker remains dry, warm and comfortable during his adventure. It is made of high quality, highly breathable 400D nylon fabric with heat-taped seams offering maximum waterproofing. The fabric is very durable and lightweight ensuring that you remain comfortable even during long kayaking periods.
The front zipper enables easy donning and doffing and the seat and knee panels are reinforces for enhanced durability and abrasion resistance. The neck and wrist seals are made of Glideskin neoprene that does not snug on the skin giving your more flexibility and comfort.
This dry suit also comes with integrated latex dry socks, one piece under fleece and a dry bag for convenient carrying of your dry suit.
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Pros
- Maximum waterproofing
- Highly breathable fabric
- A fleece liner
- A dry bag
- Easy donning and doffing
Cons
- No relief zipper
Sobek unisex drysuit for kayaking XX-Large
Sobek is a unisex dry suit that will keep your safe, dry and warm while paddling without breaking your bank or compromising the quality. It is made of 3-layer superior quality fabric that is highly breathable and lightweight keeping you comfortable and dry when kayaking.
The suit leaves enough room for underneath garments so that you remain warmer even during cold days. The latex neck and wrist gaskets are resistant to tear and therefore very durable.
Sobek dry suit features a sturdy bronze waterproof entry feature for easy front entry and exit. Additionally, this dry suit has a sewn on waterproof socks that provides you with enough room to wear underneath socks for enhanced warmth of your feet.
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The hook and the loop waistband enable you to snug the dry suit up for a more comfortable fit.
Pros
- Highly breathable fabric
- Maximum waterproofing
- Easy donning and doffing
- Light weight
- Affordable
Cons
- Does not feature a relief zipper
Scubapro Drysuit Evertec LT – best kayaking gear
ScubaPro has one of the best scuba diving equipment and gear in the market and it is little wonder then that they have a drysuit for kayaking, rafting, sailing and other surface water adventures. You will never regret buying this incredible drysuit. The ScubaPro Evertec LT drysuit can be used for kayaking because unlike the Everdry 4, it is more flexible and gives the user even more room to wear layers.
This is a light suit, more fitting than many other suits we have reviewed here for kayaking. However, word out there is that this drysuit is only good for diving, but many people say they have used it for kayaking. Who says you cannot kayak and scuba dive at the same time?
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Some people find the Scubapro Drysuit too restrictive for use in kayaking, but some people swear by it. However, if you are looking for a dry suit that you can use for diving as well as for surface water activities, this is it for you. It is lighter and more fitting than most other dry suits for kayaking and besides, it is built to last a long time.
Can you wear undergarments with this drysuit? Yes you can but a thinner layer than what you would wear with the regular drysuits for kayaking. This is a suit designed to help your body retain as much of its heat as possible, thus making sure that you will not lose heat when diving.
Scubapro makes all types of diving drysuits and wetsuits and having such a brand name backing your experience will give you confidence to attempt different types of adventures. The Evertec LT diving drysuit is good for moderately coldwater diving.
This is a sock-suit, which by the way are heel-less thus making it easier to fit.
Pros
- Keeps you totally dry
- It is very comfortable for diving
- Good for cold water diving
- Front diagonal zipper makes it easy to get into and out
- Has pockets
Cons
- It is pricey
- Mostly recommended for diving
Ocean Rodeo Soul Drysuit – Best kiteboarding drysuit
Although the Ocean Rodeo Soul is mostly used for kiteboarding, there is nothing to prevent you from using the same suit and its wonderful features for kayaking. After all, kayaking and kiteboarding are both surface sports. With this drysuit, you are guaranteed to feel that finally, you are at home in the water and that your soul and spirit belong to the water.
This drysuit is going to keep you 100 percent dry in the water. It is designed with many convenient features. For example, it has a crotch relief zipper that means you do not have to take off the entire suit to answer a call of nature.
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It is a two piece suit that has a removable jacket. This jacket comes with a two-way zipper, makes it a bliss to get into and out of. In addition, there is a detachable hood, and as you walk around the beach in your drysuit, you can loosen the neck gasket.
You can choose to wear the drysuit in standby mode or in full dry mode. In the latter, it will keep you 100 percent protected from water and keep you warm as you sailboard. If you wear it in standby mode, just open the dry zip and get the neck seal off.
Pros
- Good for cold weather kiteboarding, kayaking and sailboarding
- Easy to get on and off
- Seals stay intact for a long time
- Keeps one dry all the time
- Drysuit is stylishly designed
Cons
- Latex seals seem a bit small for many people
Gul Gamma Front Zip – Cheap Drysuit for Men
Nothing gives you confidence when you are seated atop that kayak or canoe than the knowledge that you have the best drysuit for kayaking that will enable you to move your arms and keep you warm and dry.
When going for wild water kayaking, you always have to remember that it is not called wild water for nothing. It is wild in every aspect. It is rolling, angry and roaring and above all, it is cold. That is why you need to buy a good drysuit like the Gul Gamma dry suit for men with a front zip.
You will also note that this drysuit is a good looker as it comes in delightful colors. Combined with its wind and water protection features, you will be glad to be the best-looking person aboard the kayak and the most well protected.
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Compared to other drysuits for kayaking and surface water sports in the market, this one is very affordable and most people wonder whether it is for real. It is!
The neck and cuff seals are glide-skin making sure that they stay snug on the skin without moving about. The ankle and the cuff closures are also very easy to manage as you get in and out of the drysuit. Basically; you will find this drysuit easy to get into and out of.
Pros
- Keeps you dry and warm
- Easy to put on as it is a front-zip
- It looks nice
- Very affordable
Cons
- Heavy
Can you use a kayaking drysuit for scuba diving?
Yes you can but please note that for that, you have to use a diving drysuit that is specifically made for scuba diving. Most of the drysuits for kayaking that we have reviewed here are breathable and breathability is not possible for underwater activity with all the weight of the water pressing on you.
Why should you wear a drysuit for kayaking?
When you go kayaking, there will be a lot of water splashing about with most of it landing on you especially if you will be doing wild water kayaking. Cold water draws heat away from the body many times faster than air and therefore without a dry-suit, your kayaking, kiteboarding or sailboarding adventure could turn nasty. Hypothermia is very serious.
Because most of the drysuit for kayaking are lined with fleece, this contributs to keeping your body warm against the cold water because the fleece is non-conductive. This therefore means that no heat escapes from your body and no cold comes in.
Conclusion
You have seen the reviews for the best drysuit for kayaking. These are only a few of the best drysuits in the market. There are many more. Since this is a piece of gear that will set you back a good amount of money, consider the features carefully before buying. That way, you can get a drysuit that you can keep for many years. Whatever you do, do not go kayaking in cold water without a drysuit.
