PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: BEST WHITEWATER DRYSUITS FOR 2021 (PART 2: WOMEN’S)

Drysuits have revolutionized the paddling industry in the last years, giving paddlers the capability to push harder whitewater in more intense conditions. In this article, we take a look at the best woman specific drysuits on the market for whitewater paddling 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.

The Women’s Crux

The Women’s Crux features the traditional cross-chest entry design and NRS’ highest quality waterproof-breathable technical fabric.

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FEATURES:

• Premium 4-Layer Eclipse™ fabric for superior dryness, breathability and toughness.
• YKK® Aquaseal® waterproof front entry zipper with a hook-and-loop sealed flap for extra protection.
• 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.
• Features a heavy-duty YKK® Aquaseal® dropseat relief zipper, with protective flap cover.
• Volcano-style self-draining punch-through neoprene neck and wrist overcuffs protect the top-quality latex gaskets.
• Stretchy polyurethane overcuffs with adjustable hook-and-loop closures on the ankles protect the Eclipse socks.
• Single-seam legs eliminate wear points and improve mobility.
• High-wear areas reinforced with an additional layer of Eclipse fabric.

The Women’s Pivot

The Pivot Drysuit features a back-entry design to eliminate bulk in the chest and NRS’ highest quality waterproof-breathable technical fabric.

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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.
• Double seam taping in the toe and heel adds extra durability to the Eclipse fabric socks.
• Features a heavy-duty YKK® Aquaseal® dropseat relief zipper, with protective flap cover.
• Volcano-style self-draining punch-through neoprene neck and wrist overcuffs protect the top-quality latex gaskets.
• Stretchy polyurethane overcuffs with adjustable hook-and-loop closures on the ankles protect the Eclipse socks.
• 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 Cascade, always a product you can rely on for all types of whitewater! Both have men’s and women’s versions.

The Atom

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)

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FEATURES:

The Cascade

An excellent multi-purpose drysuit with no skimping on features, diagonal YKK AquaSeal front-entry allows easy closure, relief zip, double taped socks and reinforced areas as standard, this suit will keep you comfortable and dry for all sorts of watersports activities.

FEATURES:

• XP 3-layer fabric
• Nylon 320D reinforcement
• Weight 1650 g (L)
• Neck Seal Latex gasket with velcro adjustable outer collar
• Wrist Seal Latex gaskets with velcro adjustable cuffs
• Waist Velcro adjustable neoprene waistband
• Feet XP 4-layer socks with Nylon 320D soles
• Entry and relief YKK AquaSeal front entry and relief zip
• Elasticated drawcord at waist
• Reinforced elbows‚ seat and knees

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LEVEL SIX

Level Six offer a large number of unisex drysuits such as the Emperor, Odin, Cronos, however the Freya is their deluxe women’s specific suit designed for all types of on-water activities and whitewater.

The Freya

The Freya is a deluxe front-entry, women’s specific 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, knees & elbows, rear relief zipper, and an adjustable waist-belt. From the SUP to whitewater, the Freya front-entry dry suit will have you feeling like a Norse Goddess.

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FEATURES:

• British latex wrist and neck gaskets with adjustable gasket protectors
• Rear relief zipper
• Fleece lined pockets with YKK aquaseal zipper
• Reinforced knees
• 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 Women’s Icon

Designed with the input of world freestyle kayaking world champions Dane and EJ Jackson, the Kokatat GORE-TEX PRO Icon dry suit was designed to take a beating and keep you dry.

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FEATURES:

• GORE-TEX PRO fabric
• Self draining punch-through neoprene neck and wrist over-cuffs
• Latex neck and wrist gaskets
• Zippered chest pocket with key lanyard
• Rear entry zipper
• Nylon waterproof rear dropseat for women
• Dual adjustable overskirt with hook & loop compatible neoprene
• GORE-TEX PRO socks
• Factory sealed seams

The Women’s Meridian (GORE TEX PRO)

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.

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FEATURES:

• GORE-TEX PRO fabric
• Nylon waterproof rear dropseat for women
• 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 Women’s Meridian (HYDRUS 3.0)

For paddlers looking for a great dry suit on a budget, look no further than the Kokatat Hydrus 3.0 Meridian dry suit. The Hydrus 3.0 Meridian is made in Arcata, CA and incorporates all the features of the GORE-TEX® version including Kokatat’s superior construction techniques, integrated socks, watersports entry and relief zippers, but at a lower price. This proprietary three-layer fabric is exceptionally waterproof and breathable, and carries Kokatat’s limited lifetime warranty.

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FEATURES:

• Hydrus 3.0 (3 layer) fabric
• Nylon waterproof front entry zipper
• Nylon waterproof rear dropseat for women
• Latex gasket with neoprene punch through collar and cuffs
• Hydrus 3.0 (3 layer) socks
• Dual adjustable overskirt with “hook & loop” compatible neoprene
• Self-draining, zippered chest pocket with key lanyard
• Adjustable bungee drawcord at waist
• Reinforced seat and knee patches; self-draining
• Every suit 100% fill tested; guaranteed to be dry

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HIKO SPORT

The Calypso Air4

The CALYPSO Air4 is a top of the line women’s dry suit that is here keep you warm and dry even while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in a kayak.

FEATURES:

• Rear entry TIZIP® waterproof zipper dry suit designed for extreme paddling
• Ergonomically designed cut
• Latex wrists and neck gaskets for maximum dryness are further protected protected with soft neoprene cuffs
• Hight wear areas (seat, knees, forearms and elbows) are reinforced with cordura for durability
• The main body of the suit is made from Air4 material
• Equipped with our “Double Pull” system where pulling forward on the waist tabs simultaneously tightens the front and back and is then secured via hook-and-loop on the front for a perfect fit.
• A double tunnel waistband to provide a tight seal against your sprayskirt.
• TIZIP® in the area of lower back and thighs for easy relief
• Ankle cuffs adjustable via hook-and-loop
  Integrated cordura socks are durable and stay dry.

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IMMERSION RESEARCH

The Women’s Aphrodite

A clam-shell entry eliminates a pesky shoulder or chest zipper for a full unrestricted range of movement. Additionally, the clam-shell entry provides a generous relief opening for when nature calls. Polyester face fabric made 100% of recycled water bottles make the Aphrodite dry suit hydrophobic.IR’s unique shell fabric won’t absorb water so the suit stays lighter, breathes better, dries faster, and avoids condensation to keep you feeling dry. An articulated women’s specific cut provides caters to a wildly diverse assortment of body shapes and sizes. 

FEATURES:

• 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.
• 3-layer waterproof/breathable shell with 100% PCW recycled polyester face fabric treated with C6 DWR (durable water repellent) finish
• Booties, seat, knees and ankle cuffs reinforced with abrasion-resistant Devil’s Club 3-layer 240g/m² nylon Taslan face fabric
• Clam-shell YKK^® AquaSeal^® entry zipper & relief opening 
• Latex neck and wrist gaskets with neoprene over cuffs aid in dryness and gasket preservation.
• Adjustable webbing belt to keep your suit snuggly on your hips
• 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-XL)