We chose to delay the launch of our Exhaust Pro Emperor, and that year bought us a suit rebuilt from the ground up against a single brief: a heavy-duty suit so comfortable that paddlers don’t notice it on the water. Other than how good they look in it.

Major design effort went into fit, the suppleness of reinforcement zones, and the ergonomics of our rear entry. We wanted a rear-entry zip that paddlers could operate independently every day and barely notice once on the water. This is a difficult balance that our team, quite frankly, nailed.

For the new Emperor we also added suspenders, which turn it into a true expedition suit. They are supple, low-profile, easy to adjust, and engineered to hold the suit exactly where it belongs without altering the paddling experience. Knowing suspenders are not everyone’s cup of tea, we kept the waist belt and made the suspenders removable. Paddlers can wear them all the time, reserve them for multiday trips and long portages, or remove them entirely. That choice is theirs.

Underneath it all is our top-of-the-line Exhaust Pro fabric. PFAS-free and 100% recycled, it posts 6,000 g/m²/24h breathability and a 33,000 mm waterproof rating, with a hydrophilic membrane and award-winning real-world breathability. It is more durable than what came before it, and a slight two-way stretch gives back that last bit of freedom when a paddler is working hard.

Next year is Level Six’s 30th anniversary. It seemed only right that it ia the year we rebuild our most iconic product.

KEY DESIGN INNOVATIONS

• Exhaust Pro 3-ply: PFAS-free, 100% recycled, 6,000 g/m²/24h breathability, 33,000 mm waterproof rating, hydrophilic membrane for real-world breathability and wicking, more durable, slight two-way stretch
• Removable suspenders for true expedition capability, with the waist belt retained
• Articulated rear zipper, re-engineered for solo operation and all-day comfort
• Neoprene punch-throughs with a tighter flush guard protecting latex neck and wrist gaskets
• Reinforced ballistic nylon in the high-wear zones, kept supple
• Stealth waistband system
• Handwarmer pocket
• Front relief zipper