Re: [Paddlewise] Dry Suit Questions?

From: Spencer Smith <spencerarthur_at_hotbot.com>
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2000 17:53:40 -0700
Hi Nick,

>2.  Is it cost efficient to spring the extra $100-150 for Gore-Tex or go with coated fabric?

In my opinion, your question #5 answers question #2.  In warm/hot weather you'll bake in a coated dry suit.  Is a breathable fabric worth the extra $?  I'd say yes if you intend to use it often.

>4.  Is there any such beast as a two piece dry suit?

Yes.  And I've found them to be less expensive than the one piece suit.  I think you'll get many different opinions on whether or not they're truly "dry" in submerged conditions.  Wearing a dry top and having a tight spray deck (at chest and coming) is (FAI&P) just as good as a full-size dry-suit.  (This assumes you stay in the boat).

>5.  Finally, what about sweating?  I'm picturing boiling in my own juices in an enclosed bag on a 80 degree day.

In a coated dry suit in 80 degrees... you'll sweat often and freely unless you roll, brace or scull like mad.  In weather >60 degrees (water 45-55 degrees) wearing a breathable dry suit, I roll every 10-15 minutes to keep cool unless conditions keep me really wet.

My opinions only.
Spencer A. Smith


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Received on Wed Apr 26 2000 - 17:54:14 PDT

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