[Paddlewise] Insulation under a Drysuit

Dana said:
<snip>
<<<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,
When it comes to paddling, you can either be cold and damp or warm and
damp, your choice :-)

Other than that snippet of silliness (true as it is), I find a tight
neoprene spray skirt around one's torso to be doing a bit of a
disservice to the whole notion of insulation and dead-air space. After a
good long paddle in colder conditions, my kidney area, abdominal area,
and lower chest are extra cold from all that compression against it of
the various layers. I have a breathable dry-top, but with it bunched up
under the skirt's tunnel, it can't breath -- and as I mentioned, I
become very chilled. Some conditions I encounter require a bombproof
skirt, unfortunately, so I'll be keeping the tight unit. In summer, it
works out much better, as the skirt is tight against one layer of
polypro and 3 mil wet suit, so the normal thin layer of insulation
occurs against the skin. Of course, it is all a bit less relevant in
warmer temps.

I also find that from the waist down, there isn't much movement in
kayaking. It is the 50% above the waistline that sees action, and this
is the area that tends to perspire and gets cold in winter. My skirt
covers about 40% of that 50%, ergo the problem with the lack of
breathability. I may eventually buy a neoprene skirt with a nylon or
gortex bib, and see if that helps. Good luck with your search for the
ultimate set-up.



DL


***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed
here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire
responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author.
Submissions:     PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net
Subscriptions:   PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net
Website:         http://www.paddlewise.net/
***************************************************************************