Drysuits have revolutionized the paddling industry in the last years, giving paddlers the capability to push the sport harder, in more intense conditions. In this article, we take a look at the best drysuits on the market for sea kayaking in 2021, by the leading brands in the industry. The following selection is based on quality, comfort and durability.
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NRS
NRS have provided quality gear for paddler’s all around the world since 1972. For 2021, they have spiced up their game with the new front entry Crux drysuit with a men’s and women’s version available! The Pivot is their other option, a great all rounder with a classic back entry and stylish design. These drysuits can be used in whitewater ans saltwater.
The Crux features the traditional cross-chest entry design and NRS’ highest quality waterproof-breathable technical fabric. (Women’s Version Available)
FEATURES:
- Premium 4-Layer Eclipse™ fabric for superior dryness, breathability and toughness.
- YKK® Aquaseal® waterproof front entry zipper with hook-and-loop sealed flap for extra protection.
- Front relief zipper so you can answer nature’s call without having to strip out of the suit.
- Volcano-style self-draining punch-through neoprene neck and wrist overcuffs protect the top-quality latex gaskets.
- 5″ wide neoprene band overskirt with double-pull hook-and-loop closure fits over your sprayskirt tunnel to complete a watertight seal.
- Double seam taping in the toe and heel adds extra durability to the Eclipse fabric socks.
- Stretchy polyurethane overcuffs with adjustable hook-and-loop closures on the ankles protect the Eclipse socks.
- High-wear areas reinforced with an additional layer of Eclipse fabric.
- Single-seam legs eliminate wear points and improve mobility.
- Features one, PFD-friendly splashproof chest pocket.
The Pivot Drysuit features a back-entry design to eliminate bulk in the chest and NRS’ highest quality waterproof-breathable technical fabric.
FEATURES:
- Premium 4-Layer Eclipse™ fabric for superior dryness, breathability and toughness.
- Back-entry YKK® Aquaseal® zipper, eliminates pressure points on the front, improves flexibility and reduces stress on the zipper.
- Back-entry zip is refreshingly easy to take on and off without assistance.
- 5″ wide neoprene band overskirt with double-pull hook-and-loop closure fits over your sprayskirt tunnel to complete a watertight seal.
- Features a heavy-duty YKK® Aquaseal® relief zipper.
- Double seam taping in the toe and heel adds extra durability to the Eclipse fabric socks.
- Stretchy polyurethane overcuffs with adjustable hook-and-loop closures on the ankles protect the Eclipse socks.
- Volcano-style self-draining punch-through neoprene neck and wrist overcuffs protect the top-quality latex gaskets.
- Single-seam legs eliminate wear points and improve mobility.
- High-wear areas reinforced with an additional layer of Eclipse fabric.
- Features one, PFD-friendly splashproof chest pocket.
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PALM EQUIPMENT
The english brand has made some major updates for its 2021 range of drysuits. The Atom has been revamped into a second generation drysuit, ready for the harshest conditions, and the Bora, always a product you can rely on for all types of cold weather and harsher conditions! Both have men’s and women’s versions.
The second generation of the Atom suit, now with YKK AquaSeal entry and relief zips. A simpler‚ tougher whitewater suit – optimizing the number of seams and positioning them to minimise wear. Heavy duty double taped socks and UK made latex gaskets are there to keep you dry. (Women’s Version Available)
FEATURES:
- XP 4-layer fabric
- 4 layer 320D reinforced panels
- Pockets
- YKK Aqua Guard zipped chest pocket
- Weight 1495 g (L)
- Neck Seal Latex gasket with 1.5 mm neoprene outer collar
- Wrist Seal Latex gaskets with velcro adjustable cuffs
- Waist Velcro adjustable neoprene waistband
- XP 4-layer socks with Nylon 320D solesEntry and relief
- Flexible YKK AquaSeal rear entry and relief zipsOther Features
- Retaining inner neoprene waistband
- Reinforced elbows‚ seat and knees
- Reflective details
The ultimate cold weather drysuit for ocean and coastal exploration, now with YKK AquaSeal zips. Named after a katabatic north wind, this is the suit to ride out changeable and challenging conditions, with its adjustable storm hood, intelligently reinforced wear points and non-chafing UltraStretch neck seal.
FEATURES:
- XP 4-layer fabric
- 4 layer 320D reinforced panels
- YKK AquaGuard zipped front pockets
- Front pockets backed with fleece liner
- Weight1987 g (L)Neck Seal
- UltraStretch neck with fleece lined 1/4 zip outer collarWrist Seal
- Latex gaskets with velcro adjustable cuffsWaist
- Velcro adjustable neoprene waistbandHood
- Volume adjustable‚ helmet compatible‚ rollaway storm hoodFeet
- XP 4-layer socks with Nylon 320D solesEntry and relief
- Flexible YKK AquaSeal rear entry and relief zipOther Features
- Retaining inner neoprene waistband
- Reinforced elbows‚ seat and knees
- Asymmetric cuffs
- Outer collar has laser-cut breather holes and offset zipper with tie-back stud
- Reflective details
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LEVEL SIX
The Fjord is Level Six’s expedition-style drysuit, constructed from a fully waterproof-breathable 2.5 ply eXhaust material and integrated with 3 ply eXhaust panels on high wear areas. This drysuit features their new torso entry zipper and ultra-breathable shoulder straps, which allow the top to be worn like a bib pant in hot weather. This drysuit comes complete with British latex gaskets on the wrist and neck, and a neoprene Velcro neck enclosure to protect latex gaskets.
FEATURES:
- British latex wrist and neck gaskets with adjustable gasket protectors
- Waterproof rear torso clam entry and relief zipper
- Articulated spine
- Internal adjustable suspender system
- 3.0 Ply built-in waterproof socks
- Fleece lined collar & removable storm hood
- Exhaust 2.5 / 3.0 waterproof breathable nylon
The Odin is a deluxe front-entry dry suit designed to stand up to the toughest tests on the water. This dry suit is constructed using our toughest waterproof-breathable nylon; Exhaust 3.0 and comes complete with features like the stealth double tunnel system, articulated spine, reinforced knees & elbows, relief zipper, and an adjustable waist-belt.
FEATURES:
- British latex wrist and neck gaskets with adjustable gasket protectors
- Front relief zipper
- Fleece lined pocket with YKK aqua seal zipper
- Reinforced knees & seat
- Articulated spine, knees and elbows
- 3-ply built-in socks
- Stealth waistband system
- Front entry
- Double tunnel
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KOKATAT
Kokatat keeps delivering with a wide range of dry wear for 2021! Based in Arcata, CA, the American brand specializes in using high quality fabrics such as GORE-TEX PRO, for the ultimate in-water experience.
The pinnacle product for sea and touring kayakers. The Kokatat Odyssey Dry Suit features GORE-TEX PRO fabric, pockets and a removable hood.
FEATURES:
- GORE-TEX PRO fabric
- Nylon waterproof front entry zipper
- Nylon Waterproof front relief zipper
- Latex neck and wrist gaskets
- GORE-TEX with Paclite technology removable hood
- Pile lined collar “hook & loop” cuffs
- Dual adjustable overskirt with “hook & loop” compatible neoprene
- Removable suspenders
- Adjustable bungee drawcord at waist
- Left and right sleeve pockets, right thigh pocket
- Reflective accents on arms and hood
- Every suit 100% fill tested; guaranteed to be dry
Kokatat’s most popular drysuit has been updated for 2021, and it’s the best yet thanks to design updates and the new GORE-TEX PRO material that make a lighter weight, more rugged and Durable suit.
FEATURES:
- GORE-TEX PRO fabric
- Nylon waterproof front relief zipper
- Latex gasket with neoprene punch through collar and cuffs
- Dual adjustable overskirt with “hook & loop” compatible Ariaprene
- Self-draining, zippered chest pocket with key lanyard
- Adjustable bungee drawcord at waist
- Every suit 100% fill tested; guaranteed to be dry
The Legacy Dry Suit featuring GORE-TEX PRO fabric and articulated patterning is at the foundation of Kokatat’s dry suit line-up. The front-entry design Legacy features the new GORE-TEX Pro material that kokatat developed with GORE-TEX that make a lighter weight, more rugged and durable suit. The Legacy also features an adjustable bungee drawstring waist, latex gaskets with neoprene punch through neck and neoprene lined adjustable wrist cuffs, and a streamlined leg pattern. The suit features nylon waterproof entry and relief zippers with zipper flaps.
FEATURES:
- GORE-TEX PRO fabric
- Nylon waterproof front entry and relief zipper
- Adjustable bungee drawcord at waist
- Every suit 100% fill tested; guaranteed to be dry
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PEAKUK
Peakuk are delivering for 2021, with their classic reliable range of sea kayaking drysuits. The Explorer and Adventure. Both made in the UK.
A unique, leg entry sea kayaking suit featuring our innovative fully waterproof leg entry system. The 10mm YKK zip allows easy entry and total freedom of movement when paddling whilst the supersoft neo neck gives the ideal compromise between paddling comfort and protection. Comes with storage bag / changing mat made entirely from surplus materials.
FEATURES:
- Articulated cut with pre bent elbows, seat and knees
- Fully taped seams
- Breathable and durable X4 mid-heavyweight nylon with 20m waterproofing
- Reinforced X4 heavyweight elbows, knees, seat and ankles
- Really soft superstretch neoprene neck seal with elasticated tension strap
- Lightweight hood which zips into fleece lined collar
- Zip opening outer neck seal
- Latex inner wrists with Aquaout neo outer seals
- Aquaout neo waist seal with inner waist webbing belt
- Aquaout neo outer ankle seals
- Double front and left sleeve zip pockets with plastic zip sliders and sewn drainage holes
- Reflective sleeve stripes and hood peak
- Patented easy entry and easy pee fully waterproof YKK 10mm Aquaseal leg entry zip
- X4 breathable, waterproof and durable fully taped socks with flatlocked seams
- DBS boot ready neo outer ankle seal system
- S. M. L. XL. 10. 12. 14.
- Weight (M): 1640g
Peak’s shoulder entry sea kayaking / touring suit features tough and flexible 10mm YKK Aquaseal entry and vertically orientated relief zips. The X4 midweight nylon and bombproof construction give high performance and total security, whilst the adjustable hood stashes neatly into its collar. Comes with storage bag / changing mat made entirely from waste materials.
FEATURES:
- Articulated cut with pre bent elbows, seat and knees
- Fully taped seams
- Breathable and durable X4 midweight ripstop nylon with 20m waterproofing
- Reinforced X4 heavyweight elbows, shoulders, knees, bum and ankles
- Zip opening outer, fleece lined neck with adjustable neoprene inner superstretch cone neck seal with elasticated tension strap
- Large fold away, adjustable X2.5 ripstop nylon hood
- Latex inner wrists with Aquaout neo outer seals
- Aquaout neo waist seal with inner waist webbing belt
- Double front zip pockets for easy access whilst wearing a PFD, with plastic zip sliders and sewn drainage holes
- Reflective piping on entry zip flap cover and hood peak
- Curved and flexible fully waterproof YKK 10mm Aquaseal shoulder entry and fly zips
- X4 breathable, waterproof and durable fully taped socks with flatlocked seams
- DBS boot ready neo outer ankle seal system
- Sizes: S. SM. M. ML. L. XL
- Weight (M): 1570g
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HIKO SPORT
The 4O2 four-layer material features some incredible characteristics. The top layer is made of the nylon Taffeta. The inside is made of a light microporous coating and hydrophilic membrane. WP25.000mm, MVP15.000g/m2/24Hrs.
FEATURES:
- Entry through waterproof T-Zip on running across the shoulders on the back panel.
- Flyer for easy relief is also equipped with a T-Zip.
- Double-Pull adjustment system in the waist allows even distribution of tension in a single motion.
- Neck and wrist latex seals.
- The torso of the suit is made out of 4 layer highly breathable fabric – Airfour light for maximum comfort while the pants remain from more durable Airfour fabric.
- Exposed areas of elbows, knees, sitting area and the outsoles of the socks are reinforced with abrasion resistant Cordura.
- The suit provides amazing heat comfort without restricting mobility.
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IMMERSION RESEARCH
Updated for 2021, the Devil’s Club dry suit is constructed using abrasion-resistant 240g/m² Taslan nylon shell fabric that makes it the ideal fit for any paddler who is hard on gear. Built from the ground up to be the most rugged drysuit on the river, it is an expedition-ready dry suit designed for use in the toughest conditions. An articulated cut provides a free range of motion without excess fabric bulk.
FEATURES:
- An external belt reduces excess fabric and potential failure points while keeping the suit snug on your hips
- In an effort to reduce plastic consumption, this suit comes packaged in a recycled oversized billboard gear bag. These gear bags are cut and sewn by the Cambria Center for Blind and Handicapped in Johnston, Pennsylvania.
- Abrasion-resistant 3-layer waterproof/breathable shell with 100% nylon face fabric treated with C6 DWR (durable water repellent) finish
- Heavy-duty pants, seat, ankle cuffs, and booties come reinforced with abrasion-resistant Devil’s Club 3-layer 240g/m² nylon Taslan fabric.
- Complete with a rear-entry YKK® AquaSeal® entry zipper.
- A front YKK® AquaSeal® relief zipper helps to assist your bits when nature calls.
- Latex neck and wrist gaskets with neoprene over cuffs aid in dryness and gasket preservation.
- Volcano neoprene wrist cuffs for maximum dryness and easy ‘banana peel’ slip-off.
- Size variations available to fit paddlers of all shapes and sizes (S-XXL)
- Tech Specs
- Shell Fabric: 3-layer nylon Taslan
- Fabric Weight: 240 g/m²
- Waterproofness (mm h₂o): 30,000
- Breathability (g/m²/24h): 4,000
- Weight: 4.25 lbs (68 oz)
