Re: [Paddlewise] DRY SUITS

>Date: Fri, 15 May 1998 08:53:01 -0700
>To: Philip Wylie <pjwylie_at_planet.eon.net>
>From: pid_at_mec.ca (Product Information Department)
>Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] DRY SUITS
>In-Reply-To: <355AF369.94DF6598_at_Planet.eon.net>
>
>Hi Philip,
>
>I bought a Kokotat Gore-Tex Drysuit several years ago for some arctic
paddling I did. It was generally too warm for summer paddling in the
Pacific Northwest, unless you're going to roll as a whitewater paddler does
to cool off. Great for winter paddling in the Gulf Islands, the campsites
are way less crowded in January.
>Anyway a couple of suggestions:
>The standard relief zip is awkward to use in the boat, though possible.
I'd have considered the vertical zip but bear in mind the previously posted
comments re chafing, plus I'm sure it's subject to more stress.
>
>Since I have something in my body chemistry that tends to dissolve latex
(you have no idea how inconvenient this can be) I took my drysuit to a
diving shop and had them replace the wrist and neck seals with the neoprene
seals used on diving drysuits - more durable and a better seal. At the same
time I had them install soled neoprene "booties" directly to the feet.
Result, hopping out of the boat for landings is a more pleasant experience
(thought you do need more room under the deck.
>
>
>Happy Paddling
>
>Philip Torrens
>"The opinions expressed in this posting are not necessarily those of my
employer, or indeed, of any sentient being."
>
>(I't
>
>At 07:36 5/14/98 -0600, you wrote:
>>Does anybody own a 'KOKATAT'- Gore-Tex Front Entry Drysuit?
>>This is KOKATAT's most popular Drysuit with the waterproof
>>Optiseal Zipper 4.4Oz polyester 3-layer Gore-Tex laminate.
>>
>>My questions concern: (1) how convenient are the front (optional)
>>crotch zipper works (for bladder relief-men & women)?
>>
>>(2) how reliable and comfortable is this suit and is
>>overheating a problem on the Pacific Coast line?
>>
>>(3) Is the full Dry Suit better or equal to the 'Farmer John"
>>combination with a Gore-Tex TecTour Anorak 2.1oz ripstop
>>nylon 3-layer Gore-Tex laminate?
>>
>>(4)Now the full wet suit is waterproof to thirty feet
>>(not that I intend to go diving) is there much or anyleakage
>>with the farmer John combination?
>>
>>Does anyone own a high end  Stolquist Gore-Tex Drysuit 
>>and can you offer any opinion and do they offer a front
>>crotch zipper for bladder relief?
>>
>>Thanks,
>>
>>Philip
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