Re: [Paddlewise] Doug's Ultimate Drysuit

Doug Lloyd wrote:

[Re:  Kokatat Drysuit, and his other choice:]

> I take it the zippers need a bit of TLC.

Not bad at all. Just a little lubricant, rubbed in very well so sand will not
stick to any blobs of excess.

> 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

First, you may find after you are "healed up" that those tissues are still
susceptible to infection from long-term immersion in body-temp water.  A good
argument for a drysuit all year round, in the cold waters you paddle.

Second, I am ... very ... skeptical of non-Goretex breathable waterproof
materials.  Not a knock on Whites at all, but, consider that Gore has been
refining their breathables for over 20 years.  And, Kokatat stands behind their
stuff to the max, so a Kokatat Goretex drysuit is something you can expect to
get a lot of use out of.

I also have a couple Sympatex garments, and they do not perform as well as
Goretex.

Doug, considering all the wild and crazy things you do, maybe you should
approach Kokatat for some sort of "pro" deal ... or would that compromise your
free spirit?  <grin>

-- 
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR
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