Drysuits

[rcowen]

I've been looking at options on paddling in the winter in my kayak. It's a rec kayak and I really don't do anything over class 2 waves. I'm kinda new to the winter thing, as I have only owned my kayak since March of this year. I am looking forward to doing some winter paddling, but I need the right gear to keep me warm and dry. The good lord knows I don't want to get hypothermia out there!

I have been looking at drysuits, but man those things are expensive! I was wondering if anyone had any advice. Would a wetsuit with a couple layers underneath be OK? Or should I try something else? I don't wanna have to spend 500 dollars on a drysuit if I don't have to. . . THANKS!

[RomanLA]

I've bought so much cold weather gear in the last year, that I probably could have bought a dry suit. Ouachita Outdoor Outfitters has a really good deal on a custom fit Kokatat dry suit (Meridian GMER I think). I wouldn't get one of the cheaper drysuits. They're not going to have the Gore-Tex socks. Kokatat does have a semi drysuit with built-in socks for a good price. It's made for recreational paddlers, so I wouldn't want to spend any quality time in cold water.
http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product.asp? ... eptid=1174

This was my favorite combination for paddling last year...
NRS Mystery Helmet Liner
NRS Stampede Semi Dry Top
NRS 3mm Farmer John Wet Suit
Glacier Gloves Water Sports Glove
Smart Wool Adrenaline Hiking Socks
Patagonia Capilene 3 Long Sleeve Shirt

Oh yeah, I almost forgot that NRS has a nice dry top on sale right now. It's the Team NRS Plunge and it's half off ($105). They had every size available when I looked yesterday.

[Zach]

I've never been a fan of wetsuits. I've always been cold when it is cold out or hot when it turned out warmer than expected. I've never been either comfortable or warm in a wetsuit. Even on slightly cool, lazy days drinking out of a canoe I've not been warm in a wetsuit.

However for a chainsaw party or SWR class would be perfect.

A few years ago, when I loaned out my drygear, I actually had good luck on a moderately cool day (hovering between upper 30's and low 40's) with just rain gear with lots of layers. Long underwear and fleece top and bottom. Though admittedly after a few swims I put another wool sweater on at lunch. Water collects in the sleeves which isn't great, but doable. If you get a cheap dry top just put lots of layers on top and bottom and throw on some cheap rain pants.

Take some extra dry layers in a drybag, bring lots of food, and go with other people. Also, if it is really cold all bets are off until you know what temps you are comfortable in. I tend to carry around a nice layer of natural insulation year round keeping my core warm and I have short/fat fingers so my hands don't get cold either, so your mileage may vary.