Kevin Whilden wrote: > Doug, > I have a fully tricked out Kokatat Goretex Meridian, with relief zipper, > reflective tape, latex booties, and personalized monogram on the sleeve (top > that everyone!). Personalized monogram. Can you say, "I got connections man!" ? So what's the big deal anyway? It probably just says "KW" so folks know which boat tester you are for SK Magazine, when you are out testing. :-) > > I like the latex booties because I have dinosaur-sized feet, and the snug fit > of the latex is completely necessary for me to then get my foot into a > neoprene sock or bootie. I also don't like the concept of having wrinkles in > the goretex sock, which could cause a hot spot if you had to do any serious > walking in the drysuit (has anyone with a goretex sock noticed this?). Yeah, this is why I asked. The wrinkle thing was washing around in my mind as a source of irritation. I take it not too many folks order the neo booties sew on. I also heard from folks back channel that Kokatak it famous for making the Gore booties way too big. > Under the latex, I wear a hi-tech smartwool style synthetic sock. That is > very comfortable, and I've never had a problem with overheating. But then I > always paddle freezing rivers.... [Do the socks make your tootsies more highly cognitive? :-)] I take it Kev that you don't have problems with Athletes Foot. I get it bad at times, so worry about the restricted tightness of the latex. > Of course, the problem with latex is that it is mandatory to maintain the > latex using 303 Protectant every 4-6 months. Or else it gets sticky and > disintegrates. I take it the zippers need a bit of TLC. I guess I'm still of two minds on the Goretex vs non-Goretex. On the one hand, Goretex will provide a dryer end user, but at a horrendous price. It will also wear out quicker. Additionally, for a Canadian, a custom measured and fit suit isn't the easiest, non expensive way to go. I had a lot of back channel info on cheaper breathable alternatives from other countries. So, I need to make a decision. I've always been happy with a Farmer John and breathable paddling jacket combo for spring and summer, and once I heal up, I can go back to that. I still need to replace my Sympatex jacket that delaminated, so might go to the Bomber brand. Then for a drysuit, Whites make a new unit called the Propulsion with a great fabric called Quadraflex I believe. It is strictly for cold, heavy weather paddling, which is what I want. URL is: <http://www.whitespaddlesports.com/> Actual drysuit: http://www.whitespaddlesports.com/products/7.php No financial connection. I had a very custom wetsuit made to spec., so was happy with their service, and they are located just out of town. Decisions, decisions. Doug *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************Received on Tue Feb 26 2002 - 21:27:42 PST
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.4.0 : Thu Aug 21 2025 - 16:30:50 PDT