Arkansas Canoe Club Forums

I was wondering how much of a difference there is between a semi dry top and a dry top to decide which one i need.

Big difference, get a dry top.

My neck is really senstiive to latex so I am a big supporter of neoprene neck gaskets. Tatex at the wrist is ok. I always thought the latex neck gaket bother me becuaase og dense facila hair in that neck area.

The semi dry top may leak a bit more than latex gaskets and will wear faster, but I tend not to keep a top more than 50-100 outings, so the difference in durability is not an issue.

But honestly I will play in pretty cool temps with a semi dry top.

I really liked some of the IR semi drytops but I am not sure if they still make them. My current semi dry top from NRS is ok.

I just noticed the semi dry tops are sufficiently cheaper and wondeed if it would still work for white water kayaking

Semi-dry tops are cheaper than dry tops, but its really a question of what you need the top to do for you and your comfort. If you don't plan on paddling in cold water/weather then you may be able to get away with a semi-dry provided you don't flip much and layer underneath it. The gaskets on semi-dry tops keep out some water, but if you do find yourself repeatedly flipped and drenched in water, then a dry top will keep the water from your upper body.
Dry tops have latex gaskets that are much tighter than on a semi which can sometimes be uncomfortable. They are also usually made of a more durable and waterproof fabric which will hold up better over time.

So, like I said...choosing one has got a lot to do with where you will be paddling most of the time and your comfort level. If you are paddling in cold weather/water for a lengthy time, then it may be best to spend more to get a dry top that will keep you warm in those circumstances. If you are paddling on mostly flat water with not much chance of getting too wet, then a semi-dry may work.

My thought is that it is much easier to cool myself than warm myself on cold days.

I love my shorty NRS semi dry in warm weather. I also wear often my long sleeved NRS semi dry in colder weather over a wetsuit. I find that an inexpensive way stay warm and keep water out of my boat. Im not as dry but my neck is MUCH more comfortable. I don't typically paddle in very cold weather, though.

If you want to be a white water kayaker in Arkansas you need a dry top, and eventually a dry suit. When it comes to staying warm and dry cheaper should be the least of your concerns. You can have that debate on other gear.

Im afraid when it comes to my finances cheaper is the only option.

Personally, I know what you're saying about finances REQUIRING cheaper. When I first started paddling in grade school I somehow made it through numerous Arkansas winters with only extra clothes in a trash bag and stuff to start a fire quickly on the side of the river. I've had to operate with sub par stuff with most of the hobbies I am involved in, but most of the time it just requires a little more work on your part to make sure you are safe and comfortable. Eventually I upgraded to an old wetsuit I bought for 25 bucks off of ebay and I felt invincible in Arkansas winters! Now I run with that same wetsuit and an NRS dry top over it and never once have I felt in danger, and if you do get chilled it's nothing a little jumpin' and movin' around on the bank can't cure real quick. All of these guys on here are really knowledgeable and I'm sure it's true that a dry suit is very nice to have, but I don't see it as a necessity. At most you may limit some of the times you feel comfortable going out.

On a side note, I know from many personal experiences that the people on this site are great and always seem to have extra gear around. If you're really in need, post up in the for sale section and see what people have to offer. I'd bet you could get a used dry top for what that semi-dry would cost you.

-Mitch

Haha ive did the trash bag thing last winter abd ya i posted a topic in the for sale category but nobody has size small gear unfortunately

Someone above mentioned using the shorty semi drytop for warm weathr. I agree with that. Really good equipment choice.

My typical attire for cooler weather (this time of year) was: wet suit, IR thickskin and a semidry dry top. In colder weather I went with a fleece layer and maybe dry pants. Most days I was comfortable. This includes a few unwanted swims in cold weather.

When it was colder I would play less with moving that would end up requiring a roll.

Yes if you can not bargain on a drytop look for a semi dry one. In addition to here, check out boater talk gear swap. People are usually willing to ship clothing.

I did a flatwater practice yesterday in my NRS semi drytop. Did about dozen rolls; the neck gasket did not leak at all. This top is relatively new, less than 10 uses. It maybe different in a swim or prolong submersion.

Did some swimming in my drytop last week. (doesn't count when you are surfing)

Amazed at how dry it kept my torso.. Nothing got in.

I've had a Kokatat Tropos Re-Action semi-drytop for about five years. It has held up well.

http://www.kokatat.com/products/jackets ... t-men.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The neoprene neck gasket is pretty dry, I've spent an hour or two doing rolls and only got a few drops down my back. You can tighten the neck gasket via velcro.

The wrist gaskets are very dry.

The Re-Action jacket is not as heavy duty as some, it is more of a warmer weather top. If it is cold I just put more layers underneath.

I've found the neoprene is much less irritating on my neck, as well a being able to loosen it to get a breather.

Mark

I've had a Kokatat Tropos Re-Action semi-drytop for about five years. It has held up well.

http://www.kokatat.com/products/jackets ... t-men.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The neoprene neck gasket is pretty dry, I've spent an hour or two doing rolls and only got a few drops down my back. You can tighten the neck gasket via velcro.

The wrist gaskets are very dry.

The Re-Action jacket is not as heavy duty as some, it is more of a warmer weather top. If it is cold I just put more layers underneath.

I've found the neoprene is much less irritating on my neck, as well a being able to loosen it to get a breather.

Mark