Re: [Paddlewise] Dry Suit Field Test (add dry top)

Thanks, Doug, for all the useful info.

My experience matches Doug's well.  In moderate conditions, and a bit beyond, 
I use a combination of Farmer John wetsuit, probably 3 mm, with a 
non-breathable Patagonia Stretch Sidewinder 'semi-dry' top.  Like Doug's, 
this top has latex cuffs and an adjustable neoprene neck closure, which I 
leave open 90% of the time.  Underneath I wear between one and three 
'expedition-weight' performance underwear tops, usually Patagonia Capilene.  
I've used this combination for several years in New England and Western 
whitewater and on the ocean in Maine, Ireland, and a cool day off Tortola.  

It's not as warm as a drysuit, but it's quite inexpensive and comfortable in 
moderate and warm air temperatures.  Although the neck is the only vent 
point, between good wicking and venting, I never feel damp from perspiration. 
 At a rapid or when the whitecaps start churning, I close the collar, which 
keeps out waves quite well.  Submerged, you don't stay dry, but dry enough, 
and plenty warm for a limited swim.  

I grabbed a used wetsuit at a yard sale, and waited for a deal on the 
non-Gore-Tex top.  Disadvantage: A bit inconvienient for pit stops.

I recently got my first-ever drysuit, a coated-nylon Stohlquist with a 
plastic YKK waterproof zipper across the chest.  A Stohlquist staffer told me 
to expect leakage from this zipper in 2 or 3 seasons.  Anyone have experience 
of this?  

This suit seem like another imperfect but safe and workable solution for the 
low-budget 4-season paddler.  The chest zipper serves OK for relief, with a 
little wiggling around.  Will I bring the suit on a multi-day ocean camping 
trip in the summer, when I don't plan to wear it most days?  Most likely: it 
could add a bit of security for a breezy day and a challenging crossing.

To minimize inner dampness, I've always been able to cool down effectively, 
thus temporarily reduce perspiration, by popping some practice rolls.  

On maintenance, the Stohlquist guy strongly recommended never putting the 
suit in a washing machine.  He said this can cause the seam-seal tape to 
part.  

Cheers, Jim







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