Updated August 8, 2024
When you embark on a kayak trip to an area with cold air and water, be it a matter of changing seasons or a journey to a temperate zone, you need to consider how to stay warm and safe especially for the times that you get wet or submerged. One of the best ways is by using a drysuit that seals out external water while at the same time allowing any internal moisture to escape.
There is a variety of considerations in the selection process from the range of materials like fabrics, gaskets, and zippers, to how to use a drysuit. To help you through the process, ten outstanding models are presented below as an introduction. To begin there is a comparison table, followed by key features for each drysuit with photos and videos to illustrate, and ending finally with a buying guide to set you on your way.
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 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 Drysuit for Kayaking
- Kokotat Idol Gore-Tex Kayak Drysuit
- Stohlquist Amp Kayak Drysuit
- Level Six Emperor Kayak Drysuit
- Kokotat Front Entry Gore-Tex Kayak Drysuit
- O’Neill Boost Kayak Drysuit
- Kokotat Hydrus Meridian 3L Kayak Drysuit
- Kokotat Radius Gore-Tex Kayak Drysuit
- Ocean Rodeo Soul Kayak Drysuit
- Stohlquist EZ Kayak Drysuit
- Kokotat Icon Gore-Tex Kayak Drysuit
Kayak Drysuit Comparison Table
| Picture | Drysuit | Material | Fit | Women's Model | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Kokotat Idol Gore-Tex Kayak Drysuit | Gore-Tex | Regular | No | $$$ |
  | Stohlquist Amp Kayak Drysuit | 4-Layer Twin Sensor Nylon | Relaxed | Yes | $ |
  | Level Six Emperor Kayak Drysuit | 3-Ply Nylon | Relaxed | No | $$ |
 | Kokotat Front Entry Gore-Tex Kayak Drysuit | Gore-Tex | Regular | Yes | $$$ |
  | O'Neill Boost Kayak Drysuit | PVC-Backed 3-Ply Nylon | Relaxed | No | $ |
  | Kokotat Hydrus Meridian 3L Kayak Drysuit | 3L Hydrus | Regular | Yes | $$ |
  | Kokotat Radius Gore-Tex Kayak Drysuit | Gore-Tex | Relaxed | Yes | $$$ |
  | Ocean Rodeo Soul Kayak Drysuit | 420 Denier Nylon | Relaxed | No | $$ |
  | Stohlquist EZ Kayak Drysuit | 4-Layer Twin Sensor Nylon | Relaxed | No | $ |
  | Kokotat Icon Gore-Tex Kayak Drysuit | Gore-Tex | Regular | Yes | $$$ |
| Picture | Drysuit | Material | Fit | Women's Model | Price |
Kokotat Idol Gore-Tex Kayak Drysuit
- Material: 3-layer Gore-Tex
- Fit: Regular
- Gore-Tex Pro socks
- Taped seams
- 2-piece system – can use top only or full drysuit
- SwitchZip for entry and front and rear toileting relief
- Dual adjustable overskirt
- Latex wrist and neck gaskets
- Self-draining
- Zippered sleeve pocket with key lanyard
- Comes in leaf, tangerine, electric blue, or black
- Price: $$$
Pros: easy to put on and take off, can wear top alone, durable
Cons: expensive
- Material: 4-layer Twin Sensor Nylon
- Fit: Relaxed
- UV-resistant
- Integrated breathable fabric drysocks
- Masterseal cross-chest entry
- Relief zippers
- Soft Duraseal latex wrist and neck gaskets
- Cordura-reinforced knees and seat with mesh drainers
- Zippered arm and thigh pockets
- Reflective accents
- Comes in tango or fireball red
- Price: $
Pros: layering is possible with the relaxed fit, reasonable pricing
Cons: not as durable as Gore-Tex
Level Six Emperor Kayak Drysuit
- Material: 3-ply waterproof breathable nylon
- Fit: Relaxed
- UV-resistant
- 3-ply waterproof socks with a 2-panel design
- Shoulders, knees, seat, and elbows reinforced with Cordura
- Fleece-lined hand-warming chest pocket
- Double-tunnel waistband
- Waterproof back entry and relief zippers
- Latex neck and wrist gaskets with neoprene overcuffs
- Comes in bright yellow or charcoal
- Price: $$
Pros: durable with reinforcement of vulnerable areas, 4-season paddling
Cons: rear entry, a little bulky
Kokotat Front Entry Gore-Tex Kayak Drysuit
Durable & Flexible, Keeps You Dry in Whitewater
- Material: Gore-Tex
- Fit: Regular
- Integrated Gore-Tex socks
- Freedom of movement specialized sleeves
- Neoprene neck and cuffs
- Latex neck and cuff gaskets
- Cordura-reinforced seat and knees
- Taped seams
- Waterproof front-entry and relief zippers
- Reflective highlights
- Comes in mantis or red
- Price: $$$
Pros: durable Gore-Tex, reinforcement of vulnerable areas, freedom of movement, excellent seals
Cons: let me know
- Material: Trilaminate Nylon with PVC backing (breathable)
- Fit: Relaxed
- Waterproof back entry horizontal zipper
- Taped seams
- Latex ankle and wrist seals
- Built-in suspenders
- Neoprene neck seal
- Comes in black
- Price: $
Pros: relaxed fit allows stacking inner garments for added warmth, low-priced
Cons: heavier than most
Kokotat Hydrus Meridian 3L Kayak Drysuit
- Material: Hydrus 3L (waterproof and breathable)
- Fit: Regular
- Hydrus 3L waterproof socks
- Waterproof front zipper and relief zipper
- Freedom of movement specialized sleeves
- Neoprene neck and cuffs
- Latex neck and cuff gaskets
- Reinforced seat and knees
- Self-draining chest pocket
- Comes in tangerine or electric blue
- Price: $$
Pros: durable and warm, freedom of movement, moderate pricing
Cons: some say the neck can be tight (it can be adjusted)
Kokotat Radius Gore-Tex Kayak Drysuit
- Material: 3-layer Gore-Tex
- Fit: Relaxed
- Gore-Tex Pro socks
- 2-piece system – can use top only or full drysuit
- SwitchZip for entry and front and rear toileting relief
- Stowable, removable hood
- Dual adjustable overskirt
- Pile-lined zipper collar
- Latex neck and cuff gaskets
- Comes in mantis or tangerine
- Price: $$$
Pros: hood available, relaxed fit allows layering for cold conditions, easy to put on and take off, can wear top alone, durable
Cons: expensive
Ocean Rodeo Soul Kayak Drysuit
- Material: 420 Denier Breathable Nylon
- Fit: Relaxed
- No socks
- Removable hood
- Polytech UV-resistant seals
- Standby and full drysuit modes
- Front zip entry
- Crotch relief zipper
- Zippered chest and 2 side pockets
- Reflective piping
- Customizable levels of warmth
- Suitable for SUP, kiteboarding, windsurfing, sailing, and kayaking
- Comes in royal/grey, green/grey, orange/black, or royal/black
- Price: $$
Pros: removable hood, relaxed fit, and customizable layering
Cons: socks not included
Super Low-Priced, All-Around Drysuit for Touring or Whitewater
- Material: 4-layer Twin Sensor Nylon
- Fit: Relaxed
- UV-resistant
- Integrated fabric drysocks
- Masterseal cross-chest entry
- Relief zippers
- Soft Duraseal latex wrist and neck gaskets
- Adjustable cuff covers at ankles and wrists
- Articulated armored knees
- Zippered arm and thigh pockets
- Reflective accents
- Comes in black or mango
- Price: $
Pros: armored knees, layering is possible with the relaxed fit, very low pricing
Cons: not as durable as Gore-Tex
Kokotat Icon Gore-Tex Kayak Drysuit
- Material: 3-layer Gore-Tex
- Fit: Regular
- Integrated Gore-Tex socks
- Dual adjustable overskirt
- Self-draining neoprene neck and overcuffs
- Latex neck and wrist gaskets
- Cordura-reinforcement on legs, shoulders, and arms
- Factory-sealed seams
- Waterproof rear-entry and relief zippers
- Zippered chest pocket with key lanyard
- Comes in leaf or tangerine
- Price: $$$
Pros: durable Gore-Tex, reinforcement of legs, shoulders, and arms, rear entry shoulder zipper increases mobility
Cons: expensive
Kayak Drysuit Buying Guide
Material
A key feature of drysuits is to be waterproof. With the scrapes, abrasions, and rugged possible use, durability is also important. To accommodate these factors drysuits are made of nylon, Gore-Tex, or other advanced materials in a few cases. Gore-Tex is currently the most highly regarded, even though the most expensive, in part because it is also breathable permitting excess moisture to escape.
Many times areas of the suit that take more wear like the knees, elbows, and seat will have Cordura or similar materials for reinforcement. Gaskets for sealing the neck and cuffs are usually of latex and neoprene for a comfortable fit and waterproof seal. Internally many manufacturers also include other materials, often proprietary, to add to the comfort.
Fit
A drysuit should be comfortable and the sizing should roughly align with that of your other clothes. Check with the manufacturer’s info for what their size categories actually mean.
Drysuits are designed to keep you dry and warm. Some have a more relaxed or loose fit in order to have the capability of adding under layers of clothing to increase warmth. Other models fit more snugly and would be less likely to have room for underlayers. And then there is something in between snug and relaxed, that I call regular.
Entry
Most suits historically have had designs that include zippers in the front or back as entry points. In the past back entry was more difficult to accomplish alone but newer versions have zipper placement across the shoulders that are easier to manipulate and has mobility advantages, as well.
Recently Kokatat has developed the SwitchZip system that separates the top and bottom so that each component can operate separately or together when combined with a zipper.
Other Features
Relief Zipper – This is a zipper in addition to the entry zipper that is placed on the front or back that allows a person to relieve him or herself without having to climb out of the suit to do it. Positioning can be different in men’s and women’s models.
Booties/Dry Socks – Most suits are designed with socks or booties built-in so that they are of one piece with the legs for a completely dry fit. For such dry socks, it is recommended to wear some sort of kayaking shoe or boot over the top to avoid damage to the socks. Other drysuits require separate socks or booties that require a leakproof connection with the suit.
Reflective Materials and Color – The ability to be seen is important for a kayaker especially in rescue situations in low light. Many drysuits have reflective materials in strips or highlights for such purposes. In addition, bright colors are also easier to see in all circumstances.
Some other features to consider include, mesh drainage areas, adjustable ankle, wrist, and ankle cinches with cuffs for protection, zipper covers, well-placed waterproof pockets, and nylon loops for gear attachment (as for fishing).
For more reviews of kayaks, boats, and accessories, please check out these popular posts:
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
Feedback and Comments
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