Updated November 3, 2024
One of the most enticing features of kayaking is how immersed in nature you become as you cruise across a lake or through the rapids of a whitewater stream. Part of the excitement is that you often get wet to one degree or another. When you are dealing with cold conditions getting wet can make you cold pretty fast without the proper protection and put you in danger of hypothermia.
In a cool to moderately cold environment, a kayaking wetsuit is a good solution. When selecting the best model for your situation, you should consider materials, thickness, style, and other features. To help you through the process, some of the best in the range of wetsuits on the market are reviewed below, starting with a comparison table, features, photos, and videos, followed by a buying guide.
If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know in the comments section at the bottom. I’d love to know your thoughts.
For more reviews of kayaks, boats, and accessories, please check out these popular posts:
Kayak Roof Racks Kayak Carts Kayak Drysuit Review Kayak Paddles Kayak Life Vests Women Kayak Life Vests Marine VHF Radios Small Outboard Motors Kayak Trolling Motors Kayak Fish Finders Marine GPS Marine Binoculars Women’s Kayaks Touring Kayaks Tandem Kayaks Whitewater Kayaks for Beginners Lake Kayaks Ocean Kayaks Fishing Kayaks Beginner Kayaks Recreational Kayaks Inflatable Kayaks Inflatable Boats Canoes
Best Wetsuits for Kayaking
- Henderson 3mm Thermoprene Kayak Wetsuit
- O’Neill Epic 4/3mm Backzip Full Kayak Wetsuit
- Lavacore Full Kayak Wetsuit
- NRS Farmer John Kayak Wetsuit
- Stohlquist Rapid John Kayak Wetsuit
- Sharkskin Chillproof Kayak Wetsuit
- Neosport Premium John Kayak Wetsuit
- SUPreme Blade Quantum Kayak Wetsuit
- O’Neill Reactor 3/2mm Kayak Wetsuit
- Kokatat NeoZip Long John Neoprene Kayak Wetsuit
Best Wetsuits for Kayaking Comparison Table
| Wetsuit | Picture | Thickness | Style | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Henderson 3mm Thermoprene Kayak Wetsuit |   | 3mm | Full | $$$ |
| O'Neill Epic 4/3mm Backzip Full Kayak Wetsuit |   | 4/3mm | Full | $$$ |
| Lavacore Full Kayak Wetsuit |   | .5mm | Full | $$$ |
| NRS Farmer John Kayak Wetsuit |   | 3mm | Sleeveless | $$ |
| Stohlquist Rapid John Kayak Wetsuit |   | 3mm | Sleeveless | $$ |
| Sharkskin Chillproof Kayak Wetsuit |  | .5mm | Full | $$$ |
| Neosport Premium John Kayak Wetsuit |   | 3mm | Sleeveless | $ |
| SUPreme Blade Quantum Short Sleeve Kayak Wetsuit |   | 1.5mm | Short Sleeve | $$$ |
| O’Neill Reactor 3/2mm Kayak Wetsuit |   | 3/2mm | Full | $$ |
| Kokatat NeoZip Long John Neoprene Kayak Wetsuit |   | 3mm | Sleeveless | $$ |
| Wetsuit | Picture | Thickness | Style | Price |
Henderson 3mm Thermoprene Kayak Wetsuit
Body-Conforming, Stretchy Fit, Durable Seams, Flexible Knee Pads, Spine Pad, Large Range of Sizes, Multi-Sports Use, Great Brand
- Full Length
- Thickness: 3mm
- Material: Nylon II Neoprene – 75% more stretch than standard neoprene
- Durable GBS-glued, blind-stitched seams
- Contour fit for minimal water flow
- Good-fitting Lycra trimmed cuffs
- Quality YKK back zipper
- Freedom flex kneepads
- Spine pad for warmth
- Adjustable collar for a comfortable fit
- Suitable for several sports
- Comes in black/blue
- Available in 12 sizes
- Price: $$$
O’Neill Epic 4/3mm Backzip Full Kayak Wetsuit
Flexible Neoprene, 4mm of Warmth on the Torso, Super Seal Neck, Durable Seams, Reinforcing Knee Pads, Chest Panel, Large Range of Sizes, Multi-Sports Use, Great Brand
- Full Length
- Thickness: 4/3mm (4mm torso, 3mm arms and lower legs)
- Material: UltraFlex Neoprene – torso, FluidFlex Neoprene – arms and legs)
- Durable glued and blind stitched seams
- Back entry
- Double-seal neck
- Interior chest panel for warmth
- Reinforced knee pads
- External key pocket
- Suitable for several sports
- Comes in 5 color combination
- Available in 12 sizes
- Price: $$$
Comfortable, Lightweight Polytherm Trilaminate, 4-Way Stretch, Breathable, Water & Wind-Resistant, UV Protection, For Warm Water or as an Undergarment, Easy Donning & Doffing
- Full Length
- Thickness: .5mm
- Material: lightweight Polytherm trilaminate synthetic construction (breathable, water and wind-resistant)
- Anti-bacterial inner fleece
- 4-way stretch
- Durable and warm overlapping flat-locked seams
- Durable dual-slider front zipper
- Thumb loops and foot stirrups to prevent riding up
- UV protection – 50+ SPF
- Good in warm water or as an undergarment – minimal thermal protection
- Black
- Available in 9 sizes
- Price: $$$
High-Stretch, Comfortable Neoprene, Reinforced Knees and Seat, Freedom of Arm Movement, Top Kayaking Brand Name, Rated for Water Temperature of 65 Degrees F or Greater
- Sleeveless
- Thickness: 3mm, 2mm in the shoulders and behind the knees
- Material: high stretch neoprene, ThermalPlush interior (for added warmth and comfort)
- Durable glued and blind stitched seams
- Extra-long YKK front zipper
- Extra-large arm openings
- 3mm reinforcing panels on the seat and knees
- Great for paddling sports
- Black
- Available in 4 sizes
- Price: $$
Stohlquist Rapid John Kayak Wetsuit
Comfortable Super-Stretch Neoprene, Reinforced Seat and Knees, Freedom of Arm Movement, Top Kayaking Brand Name, Relief Zipper
- Sleeveless
- Thickness: 3mm
- Material: super stretch neoprene
- Durable glued and blind stitched waterproof seams
- Heavy-duty #10 YKK front zipper
- Relief zipper with elastic zipper lock
- Extra-large arm openings
- Reinforced seat and knees
- Great for paddling sports
- Black
- Currently available in 2 sizes
- Price: $$
Sharkskin Chillproof Kayak Wetsuit
Comfortable, Lightweight 3-Layer Construction, 4-Way Stretch, Moisture-Wicking, Water & Wind-Resistant, UV-Resistant, For Warm Water or as Undergarment, Machine Washable
- Full Length
- Thickness: .5mm
- Material: lightweight 3-layer construction (micro-fleece/nylon/lycra)
- Anti-microbial inner fleece – odor and itch-resistant, wicks moisture
- Windproof, water-repellent, UV-resistant
- Machine washable
- 4-way stretch
- Neutrally buoyant, noncompressible
- Thumb loops and foot stirrups to prevent riding up
- Good in warm water or as an undergarment
- Black
- Available in 8 sizes
- Price: $$$
Neosport Premium John Kayak Wetsuit
Durable Neoprene, Zipperless, Double-Shoulder Entry, Thermal Bonded Kneepads, Freedom of Arm Movement, Matching Jacket for Cooler Conditions Available Separately
- Sleeveless
- Thickness: 3mm
- Material: premium neoprene
- Flatlock seams, spot-taped stress points
- Lycra trimmed neck, arm, and waist opening
- Thermally bonded knee pads
- Velcro shoulder straps – double-shoulder entry
- Zipperless
- Great for paddling sports
- Jacket available separately for colder conditions
- Black
- Available in 7 sizes
- Price: $
SUPreme Blade Quantum Short Sleeve Kayak Wetsuit
Comfortable Thin Neoprene & Micro Fleece Interior, Comfortable Sealed Collar, Stretch Kneepads, Easy Mini-Zip Entry, Windproof, Warmwater Use, Great for SUP & Kayaking
- Short Sleeves
- Thickness: 1.5mm
- Material: Quantum Foam Neoprene
- Microfleece interior
- Special skin neoprene chest and back – fast drying and windproof
- Narrow mini front zip entry
- Low-profile adjustable Glideskin collar for comfort and a good seal
- 4-way stretch kneepads
- Internal elastic key loop
- Great for paddling sports
- Warm water use
- Comes in grey/black
- Available in 8 sizes
- Price: $$$
O’Neill Reactor 3/2mm Kayak Wetsuit
3mm of Warmth on the Torso, Flexible Neoprene, Adjustable Neck Closure, Durable Seams, Reinforcing Knee Pads, Huge Range of Sizes, Multi-Sports Use, Great Brand
- Full Length
- Thickness: 3/2mm (3mm torso, 2mm sleeves and lower legs)
- Material: UltraFlex Neoprene – torso, FluidFlex Neoprene – sleeves and lower legs)
- Flatlock stitching, overlapping, no-rash seams
- Wind-resistant SmoothSkin chest and back
- YKK zipper back entry
- Adjustable neck closure and seal
- Reinforced knee pads
- Suitable for several sports
- Comes in 8 color combination
- Available in 15 sizes
- Price: $$
Kokatat NeoZip Long John Neoprene Kayak Wetsuit
Comfortable 2-Sided Neoprene, Reinforced Non-Skid Knees, Non-Chafing Armholes, Freedom of Arm Movement, Top Kayaking Brand Name
- Sleeveless
- Thickness: 3mm
- Material: 2-sided neoprene
- Flatlock seams
- Seamless, no-chafing armholes
- Unhemmed stretchy neoprene ankles
- Embossed logo
- 2-way front entry zipper
- Non-skid reinforced knees
- Great for paddling sports
- Black
- Currently available in 3 sizes
- Price: $$
Wetsuits for Kayaking Buying Guide
Materials
The most commonly used material for wetsuits is neoprene. This is a porous and buoyant form of rubber that traps a thin layer of water between your skin and the suit. This water is warmed by your body and with a good fit doesn’t flow around thus maintaining temperature and keeping your body warm. It can be combined with other materials like nylon, polyester, or Lycra to increase comfort and elasticity for a conforming fit. Often times there is also a liner of fleece or other materials for softness and to avoid skin rashes.
Some models use advanced materials like Sharkskin or Lavacore instead of neoprene which provide good thermal properties in a thinner, lighter, less buoyant material.
Thickness
The thicker the suit, generally, the warmer it will be, especially when neoprene is the primary material. Thinner neoprene is more flexible than thicker versions. For warm-to-cool water temperatures, 3mm of neoprene will keep you warm while still having the flexibility to paddle effectively and feel comfortable. When the water is cooler and you need to go to thicker 4mm neoprene, flexibility can be compromised in favor of warmth. For that reason when the water and air get quite cold a drysuit may become the best option. For information about drysuits, please check out this article: Kayak Drysuit Review.
To combat the flexibility problem, some models use a thicker neoprene on the torso and a thinner version on the arms and lower legs. In this case, you see the thickness described as 3/2mm or 4/3mm, for example.
It is also possible to wear a thinner suit of Sharkskin, Lavacore, or Lycra as an undergarment beneath a wetsuit to add some warmth without sacrificing much flexibility.
Style
Wetsuits are configured as one-piece units or can be divided up into components to suit a variety of preferences. You can get full suits with long sleeves and legs for the coolest conditions. Short sleeves and long legs and vice versa are also a possibility. A shorty has both short sleeves and short legs. It is possible to have separate tops and bottoms that have whatever combination of short sleeves and legs that you want.
Sleeveless wetsuits, called Farmer John’s or Farmer Jane’s, are popular with paddlers because they provide the maximum freedom of movement for the arms and shoulders.
Size and Fit
For a wetsuit to be effective in providing thermal protection, it must fit snugly enough that there is minimal water circulation inside that doesn’t allow cold water from the outside to get in. On the other hand, if it fits too tightly you’ll be uncomfortable and less flexible when paddling and moving generally. Problem points can be armpits, the neck, cuffs, and the chest area. If the suit doesn’t conform to the body’s contours there are water pockets. If it is too tight it can result in pinching, chafing, and rashes.
Your best bet is to try on several models before buying. Fortunately, many wetsuits come in a wide range of sizes to suit a large variety of body shapes and sizes.
For online purchases, check the buyer’s feedback and/or contact the seller for advice on fit.
Other Features
There are several that improve the user experience.
- Seams – The best method is to glue and stitch seams. This creates durability and avoids scratching and chafing that is possible for stitched-only seams.
- Reinforced knees and seats can increase durability and the life of the suit and add to comfort.
- A relief zipper can add a lot of convenience to what can be a very inconvenient procedure.
For more reviews of kayaks, boats, and accessories, please check out these popular posts:
Kayak Roof Racks Kayak Carts Kayak Drysuit Review Kayak Paddles Kayak Life Vests Women Kayak Life Vests Marine VHF Radios Small Outboard Motors Kayak Trolling Motors Kayak Fish Finders Marine GPS Marine Binoculars Women’s Kayaks Touring Kayaks Tandem Kayaks Whitewater Kayaks for Beginners Lake Kayaks Ocean Kayaks Fishing Kayaks Beginner Kayaks Recreational Kayaks Inflatable Kayaks Inflatable Boats Canoes
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