RE: [Paddlewise] Insulation under a Drysuit

On 27-Nov-2000 Dickson, Dana A. wrote:
> 
> At the take out I found that all of my insulation layers were soaked with
> perspiration.  If I had stopped  paddling and was not prepared to change
> into dry clothing I think I would have been very cold for the remainder of
> the day.
> 
> My question is have others who paddle in cold had similar experiences with
> insulation dampness?  If so, have you found a solution to the dampness?
> 

Dana,
Goretex does not breathe fast enough to expel moisture fast enough to prevent
the buildup of perspiration if you exert yourself significantly or wear too
much insulation. However, after you stop paddling, you can just leave your
drysuit zipped while it continues to breathe. Before long, everything inside
will be dry and you'll still be toasty. If it is cold outside, your polypro
will actually dry out faster inside the suit than if it is left to dry in the
cold air. 

One other thing I noticed is that given equal amounts of insulation and
exertion, coated nylon suits are slightly warmer than goretex. This is because
when vapor escapes from a goretex suit, it takes with a small but significant
amount of heat. But goretex suits are so comfortable in such a wide range of
conditions that this is not an issue for me.

After my weekend of stormy winter paddling on the Washington Olympic coast,
I've decided that my favorite piece of gear is my Kokatat Meridian goretex suit
with the reflective tape and Mr. Happy zipper. I even discovered a great new
use of the suit, which is digging up razor clams in the dark and rain. We sure
stayed warm while getting drenched!

Cheers,
kevin

----------------------------------
Kevin Whilden
Your Planet Earth
http://www.yourplanetearth.org
E-Mail: kevin_at_yourplanetearth.org
ph: (206) 788-0281
fax:(206) 788-0284
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