Arkansas Canoe Club Forums

Drytops. Just wondering about the best way to store a drytop when not in use. Should it hang or be put in a box or what?

Safety Deposit Box

wadded up in a mesh bag with all my other basic gear seems to work... so far.

Good kwerstion!

I would say hanging up to make sure it doesn't mildew. I hang mine up on a big plastic suit hanger. Have to put it in through the tunnel.

I treat the gaskets with some protectant that I bought from a vintage tractor supply parts dealer. I'll look at the brand when I get a chance and forward that info if someone doesn't beat me to it.

I think keep the gaskets from getting torn by other gear or caught in a gear bag's zipper is the most important thing, plus keeping the gaskets clean and treated so they don't dry rot.

One other tip that helps save the dry top as well as the neck is to try and shave as often as is practical before donning the dry top. I've had some pretty gnarly rashes from wearing a tight neck gasket over a two-day stubble!

Dave

I have been wanting a mesh bag for my gear. Where Could I find one.

anywhere... OOO, sports store, walmart, online (nrs, coloradokayaksupply)

they have mesh bags in sporting goods at walmart for duck decoys, and they have ones over by the laundry stuff.

Hanging is generally best.
Someplace dry, but not TOO warm.

Most frequently recommended gasket protectant: 303

NOT recommended: Armor All. Is the chemistry wrong, or did the company that makes 303 just pay money to the folks who sell the drytops? I don't know, but I'm not betting my drysuit gaskets or doing my own research to find out.

AVOID AT ALL COSTS: Petrochemical fumes, no matter how slight - if you hang top in your garage and park your car in the garage or store gasoline for lawnmowers there, for example, the fumes will "eat" the gaskets. How fast depends on the ventilation in your garage; as they say, "your mileage may vary". Somebody will probably tell you they store their suit there all the time with no problems. That's probably true. I'm saying I did that and ruined a set of drysuit gaskets - I KNOW that is true. Don't take chances you don't have to take.

Ditto on the garage storage.

I have moved all my coated stuff like dry suits and tents either to a storage bldg out back or inside the house hidden behind a sofa in my home office.

heat just breaks down the coatings especially on the super light new tents etc. I know I lost a big agnes tent from leaving it in the garage over the summer.

After your suit or top is dry, its best to store it in a sized roll-up dry bag and kept in a cool place. Oxygen and light degrade the latex. Its live rubber that ages from the time its new. Theirs no stopping it, no matter what you do to treat the seals. I have never treated my gaskets with anything, and my current suit is Fourteen years old and has only recently suffered neck damage. I plan on O.S. Systems doing the replacements because of the longevity I got out of the original seals.
I have noticed that some individuals body sweat has speed up wear through early softening of the latex. Just wipe the seals clean, and or wash the whole suit or top to avoid this outcome to yours. As soon as it dries roll it up lightly and store it in a dry bag. It could add years to the life of your suit/top.
My two cents Bob