Re: [Paddlewise] Drysuit socks/booties

Hi Bill

I tried to respond toyou on the NYCKayker list, but when I switched to
"reply," all that was left of your message was the first line.  But on PW
it was all there.  I really don't understand computers!!!

We both have KoKatat Goretex suits - Bob's is the regular weight and mine
is the lightweight.  I've seen the newer KoKatat suits, and they seem to
a different weight, soemwehere in between.  It's my understanding that
there is now only one weight.  We both have the cordura reinformcements,
which I recommend.  The new suits have more cordura than the oler ones.  

Also, Bob has the relief zipper, and I have the drop seat.  I strongly
recommend the drop seat for Patty.  I've known a few women who had the
relief ziper, but it doesn't seem to have been generally successful.  I
fretted about whether to get the drop seat or not - I was worried about
how watertight it would be and how it would fit into the boat.  Neither
is a problem.  It's very hard to open, and I usually require help - but,
hey, I have clothes on underneath.  (Incidentally, we both wear one
piece, drop seat, polartec longjohns under the drysuits.  That, with
polartec socks and a midweight polypro shirt is usually plenty.

 My intent is to go  for  Gore-Tex, front closure units with relief
zippers, most probably 
> from  either Kokotat or Stohlquist in high visibility colors. 
> 
> Right now I am unsure of the best (for me) choice regarding sewn on 
We also have the latex socks.  Your description of them is pretty good. 
I have a pair of one-size-larger-than-I-usually-wear booties to wear with
the drysuit.  With one pair of polartec socks, feet stay toasty.  And
dry.  And you don't have to deal with tight ankle gaskets.

The neoprene are lighter material than your booties - actually, the
sealskinz socks are probably closer to thte neoprene socks than to the
Gopre-tex, but the socks are heavier.  Again, my understanding is that
the newer KoKatat suits will have only one type of sock - I'm not sure if
it's Goretex or cordura, but it's pretty hefty, but pliable.  Should work
very well.


> socks or booties  I know I pretty much want to stay away from just 
> having the latex gasket at the ankles and, so, I believe that gives 
> me 
> three choices of sock/bootie material: 
> A. Latex 
> B. Neoprene 
> C. Gore-tex  
> Please correct me if I'm wrong. 
> 
> Before I go shopping, I'd like to get a little more information 
> about 
> these choices, so I'm asking folks to let me know what they use and 
> the 
> pros and cons they have found with their set-up. I also have 
> questions 
> regarding the material itself, for example: 
> 
>It's a great investment, though.  I have to admit, that even though I've
accused my druysuit of trying to kill me (latex neck gasket!!!), it's
been a very good investment.And if we remember to put the 5 gallone
windshield washer jugs in the necklines for a few days before the first
wearing of the season, they don't even try too hard to kill us.
> 
> Thanks, 
> 
> Bill Leonhardt

Joan
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