best drysuits for kayaking

10 Best drysuits for kayaking for men & women!

Our top 3 picks for you in case you don’t have much time to read the 10 best drysuits for kayaking. Let’s have a quick look and then dive into details.

Best for men

Kokatat Men's Hydrus Supernova Semi-Dry Paddling Suit

Durable, comfortable, well seals, good quality and highly recommended.

Best for women

Comfortable, keeps dry and warm, awesome features, and a good quality drysuit. 

Overall best

Excellent design, suitable for both men & women, easy to put on and off, average price and long lasting.

Kayaking while being soaked and cold is no fun. So what’s the solution? Drysuits! Yes, you got right, drysuits for kayaking are the suits that can provide warmth and dryness while kayaking in extremely wet conditions, like if you’re doing longer sea voyages, or paddling down a wild river.

Here is a list of those 10 best drysuits for kayaking that are currently on the market for you to consider:

Best Drysuits for kayaking comfortably: Quick look

  1. Kokatat Men’s Hydrus Supernova Semi-Dry Paddling Suit
  2. Mookta 3 Layer Nylon  Drysuit
  3. O’Neill Men’s Boost 300g Drysuit
  4. Kokatat Men’s Hydrus Swift Entry Drysuit w/Zipper
  5. Dry Suits for Men in Cold Water kayaking
  6. Gill Dry Suit – Fully Taped & Waterproof
  7. Hollis Neotek Semi-Drysuit
  8. Kokatat Women’s Hydrus Swift Entry Drysuit
  9. Dry Suits for Women in Cold Water Kayaking with Hooded
  10. O’Neill Men’s Fluid 3mm Neoprene Drysuit

Let’s look at those in details what we like and what we don’t. Remember, nothing is perfect in this world. Here we selected these top wetsuits for kayaking based on theirs ratings, comfort, flexibility, user reviews and so many other factors. So, let’s dive into this.

1. Kokatat Men’s Hydrus Supernova Semi-Dry Paddling Suit

100% User Rated 5
5/5
Avg. Rating 5
5/5

Specifications

Particulars

Material

Neoprene

Sleeve Type

Long

Closure Type

Front waterproof Zipper

Relief zipper

Yes

Seal

Latex wrist and neoprene neck

The Men’s Hydrus Supernova Semi-Dry Paddling Suit is the latest addition to Kokatat’s line of drysuits. TROPOS waterproof, breathable fabric with a durable water repellent outer finish is used throughout this suit.

The latex wrist gaskets are designed with hook & loop adjustable neoprene over cuffs that provide a better seal around your hands while paddling and help keep out water when on the deck of your kayak.

The zippers feature TiZip technology which allows them to seal completely without relying on bulky flaps or snaps that can be difficult when wearing gloves.

They also feature self-draining patches at the hips to prevent water from pooling there and causing discomfort as you paddle or sit in your boat.

This suit comes with an adjustable bungee drawcord waist so you can get a snug fit no matter what size paddler you are!

Pros

  • Awesome quality
  • seals well 
  • Good zipper
  • Durable
  • Comfortable
  • Good for kayaking, surfing etc.
  • Reasonable price

Cons

  • No pockets

Kokatat is one of the well-known brands in the drysuit arena. If you are really looking for the best drysuit for kayaking, surfing, or other watersports that has high ratings among the users, you are not supposed to regret buying the Men’s Hydrus Supernova Semi-Dry Paddling Suit.

2. Mookta 3 Layer Nylon  Drysuit

85% User Rated 5
5/5
Avg. Rating 4.6
4.5/5

Specifications

Particulars

Material

Latex, Nylon

Sleeve type

Long

Closure type

Front Zipper

Relief zipper

Yes

Seal

latex wrist and neck & protective layer with neoprene

This suit is made of latex, nylon, new technology with 3 layers of waterproof materials. The neck and sleeves are waterproof seals made of latex. It’s breathable and comfortable.

The ergonomic avant-garde design makes the diving suit more wearable, and it can adjust freely according to your body contour. And it has excellent performance in water proof, cold resistant, breathable and anti-aging etc.

Mookta’s drysuit uses the latest technology to ensure that your drysuit will be able to withstand all weather conditions you might face on land or at sea!

Pros

  •  Very comfortable
  • Advanced and ergonomic design
  • Breathable fabric
  • Comparatively lower price than most other

Cons

  •  No pockets

With its unique features such as self draining system for better comfort during long dives; adjustable design for more freedom when moving around; ergonomic avant-garde design making it more comfortable when worn under pressure etc., you will surely experience many hours of fun while wearing one!

3. O’Neill Men’s Boost 300g Drysuit

75% User Rated 5
5/5
Avg. Rating 4.5
4.5/5

Specifications

Particulars

Material

Nylon

Sleeve type

Long

Closure type

Back Zipper

Seal

Latex wrist and ankle seal

Neoprene neck seal

The upper part of the dry suit is made of a 2-layer nylon material with a wicking inner layer and an outer layer providing extra strength and durability. This layer provides great insulation from cold water.

It also features an integrated waterproof horizontal back zip for easy entry/exit and adjustable chest straps with quick release buckles for added comfort when paddling hard.

The wrist & ankle seals are made from soft latex so they won’t irritate your skin while paddling or changing positions in different ways throughout those long hours spent on deck.

The neoprene neck seal helps prevent water from entering through your helmet opening, as well as ensures that your face mask doesn’t fog up while you’re in action on the water.

Pros

  • Roomy for multiple layering
  • High protection against cold and leaking
  • Reasonable price
  • Lots of features 
  • Quality product

Cons

  • Back zipper is not easy to close.
  • No pockets

Generally, drysuits are higher in price but  O’Neill Men’s Boost 300g Drysuit is one that is not only featured with all necessary items but also mantained their quality under such a reasonable price.

That is why it is one of the best drysuits for kayaking, surfing and other water activities among the users.

4. Kokatat Men’s Hydrus Swift Entry Drysuit w/Zipper

78% User Rated 5
5/5
Avg. Rating 4.7
4.7/5

Specifications

Particulars

Material

Nylon, latex

Sleeve type

Long

Closure type

Front Zipper

Seal

latex neck and wrist gasket

This Kokatat Men’s Hydrus Swift Entry Drysuit w/Zipper is one of our favorites. It was designed specifically for kayaking, so you can be sure it’ll be waterproof and breathable on long paddling trips.

The Latex,Nylon Hydrus 3.0 (3-layer) fabric construction blocks water penetration while allowing hot air to escape through the Gore-Tex inner membrane.

This material also has high durability against abrasion damage, so you can expect this suit to last through years of use—especially if you take care of it by cleaning it after each use and storing it properly when not in use.

This suit features a latex wrist gasket with an adjustable hook & loop cuff closure system which allows you to adjust its tightness without having to remove gloves or mittens when your hands get cold because they won’t slip out once they’re secured inside them (as happens with standard neoprene cuffs).

Pros

  • Easy to put on and off
  • Front zipper made the suit easier to use.
  • Nice fit and comfortable
  • Good quality.

Cons

  • Neck gasket is tight

Kokatat is one of the popular brands due to its quality product. People buy their drysuits for their user-friendly design along with several worthy features. 

Among several other drysuits, we listed Kokatat Men’s Hydrus Swift Entry Drysuit as one of the best drysuits for kayaking after hours of research and testing.

5. Dry Suits for Men in Cold Water kayaking

79% User Rated 5
5/5
Avg. Rating 4.6
4.6/5

Specifications

Particulars

Material

Neoprene,

Main fabric: OEKO-TEX,160D P/Taslon Plain FD fabric, Waterproof latex socks.

Sleeve type

Long

Closure type

Back zipper

Seal

Latex gasket

The three layers of advanced waterproof materials are all bonded together using seam tape which provides superior water proofing while still allowing you to move freely without feeling too restricted.

The neck seals are made out of latex which helps keep out any water when you are submerged in different body positions such as leaning forward or back.

This seal will also prevent any cold air from coming into contact with your skin if there were ever any gaps between where your clothes meet your body (whereas other brands might not have this feature).

The PKEDW guarantees their user about dryness and comfort while they maintain their drysuits lightweight and quality.
How is the dryness maintained? Well, they incorporated a self-draining neoprene neck system and wrist-over cuffs to prevent water seeping in.

Pros

  • Beginner friendly
  • Breathable
  • Keeps dry and  comfortable
  • Cost effective
  • Zipped pocket
  • Better quality

Cons

  • Back zipper

Kayaking in cold weather can be fun if you have a drysuit like PKEDW’s drysuit. This drysuit is placed in our best drysuits for kayaking due to its commitments and many user-friendly features under a few hundred bucks.

6. Gill Dry Suit – Fully Taped & Waterproof

83% User Rated 5
5/5
Avg. Rating 4.7
4.7/5

Specifications

Particulars

Material

Polyester, Nylon, Neoprene

Sleeve type

Long

Closure type

Water proof front zipper

Seal

Neoprene gasket

This suit is made in the USA, and was designed to be fully waterproof, breathable, flexible and comfortable.

It’s made with a three layer fabric construction, including an outer shell of 100% Nylon PU coated neoprene, 100% Polyester PU coated nylon lining and 3rd layer of 100% Polyester mesh.

The combination of these fabrics makes it waterproof yet breathable for you to stay warm on those cold days.

The sleeves have pre marked glide skin seals that allow you to customize your fit based on how tight or loose you want your wrist to be around your arm.

The knees and seat are reinforced for extra durability when kayaking or other water sports activities get intense!

Pros

  • Excellent for kayaking
  • Booties are comfortable to put on inside shoes 
  • Last long if taken care of according to instructions
  • Easy to put on and off
  • Side pocket

Cons

  • A little bit baggy

If you are looking for a drysuit that is specially made for kayaking this Gill’s drysuit will be a perfect choice. An aesthetic look with kayak supporting features devoted us to list among the best drysuits for kayaking.

7. Hollis Neotek Semi-Drysuit

75% User Rated 5
5/5
Avg. Rating 4.4
4.4/5

Specifications

Particulars

Material

Neoprene

Sleeve type

Long

Closure type

Front Zipper

Seal

Latex dams

Semi-drysuit is the most practical and popular  suit, developed for semi-aquatic sports such as surfing, cold weather kayaking, and water skiing.

This semi-dry suit is constructed for ultimate compression and stretchy movement incorporating different thicknesses(8/7/6 mm) neoprene. It is constructed in such way that you can use it as drysuit also.
Several dams on arms, legs, and neck prevent water intrusion. There is no option for water to seep in through the glued and blindstitched seams.

Two thigh pockets are convenient to use for keeping your essential gears. The front zipper system makes this semi-dry suit easy to put on and off.

Pros

  • Front zip from shoulder to shoulder
  • Very easy to put on and off.
  • Comfortable and self draining
  • Comfortable for very cold water kayaking
  • Can be used as both drysuit and wetsuit
  • Perfect for that price.

Cons

  • Many face sizing problems (To avoid this perfectly measure yourself)

Many people who don’t want to buy a separate drysuit or wetsuit, Hollis Neotek Semi-Drysuit is a nice option for them. One can use this for multiple water activities while spending comparatively less money.

8. Kokatat Women’s Hydrus Swift Entry Drysuit

100% User Rated 5
5/5
Avg. Rating 5
5/5

Specifications

Particulars

Material

Nylon

Sleeve type

Long

Closure type

Front zipper

Seal

Latex gasket

The suit has a 3-layer front fabric that’s designed to be comfortable against the skin while still being waterproof.

The nylon waterproof front entry zip will help you get into the suit easily, so you can focus on your paddle instead of struggling with your clothes.

And when it comes time to get out of your drysuit after paddling, this zipper makes it easy to remove without having to remove your gloves or wriggle past anything else first.

The reinforced seat patch allows for greater durability around where paddlers sit most often during long trips – especially those with heavy loads or lots of gear strapped on deck – and also helps prevent leaks from occurring there over time thanks to wear and tear from repeated use (or lack thereof).

A self-draining back panel ensures no water gets trapped inside after each outing as well!

Pros

  • Comfortable and waterproof
  • Front zipper
  •  Well skin covering for cold water kayaking
  • Self-draining
  • Breathable and cut the wind

Cons

  •  A little bit costly

The Hydrus Swift Entry Drysuit is a great choice for those who want comfort, performance, and unrestrictive movement during paddling with luxury in their drysuit. You will feel the difference when you see other people struggling with their drysuit.

9. Dry Suits for Women in Cold Water Kayaking with Hooded

100% User Rated 5
5/5
Avg. Rating 5
5/5

Specifications

Particulars

Material

Neoprene

Sleeve type

Long

Closure type

Front zipper

Seal

Neoprene gasket, latex splash collar

The Dry Suits for Women in Cold Water Kayaking with Hooded Vest is the best choice for kayakers looking for quality and durability at an affordable price point.

It features three layers of advanced waterproof materials that are lighter, more rugged, and durable than other brands’ single-layer suits.

The self-draining neoprene neck and wrist overcuffs prevent water from entering the dry suit ensuring maximum protection against moisture during outdoor activities like kayaking in cold water conditions.

Dryness is guaranteed confidently while not compromising fabric quality and comfort. Comfort is ensured by several suspenders that allow you to fit the drysuit snugly.

Pros

  • Keeps  dry
  • Comfortable for cold water kayaking
  • Very good quality than most of other brand at that price
  • Numerous features at a good price.
  • zipped arm pocket
  • Removeable hood

Cons

  • Hat is not that comfortable

If you are looking for a drysuit but don’t want to spend much on a single item for kayaking, then this drysuit for women by PKEDW is the perfect choice for you.

10. O’Neill Men’s Fluid 3mm Neoprene Drysuit

60% User Rated 5
5/5
Avg. Rating 4.1
4.1/5

Specifications

Particulars

Material

Neoprene

Sleeve type

Long

Closure type

Back zipper

Seal

Neoprene neck and cuffs

The Fluid 3mm Neoprene Drysuit is a great option for paddlers who want a neoprene drysuit without breaking the bank.

The suit has a loose fit up top, with the lower half tailored to provide more mobility while you’re paddling or swimming.

This suit features our industry-leading Smooth Skin Dry Seals, which are 100% waterproof and don’t come with the stiff, bulky feel of traditional seals.

The smooth surface also makes it easy to slide on and off your paddleboard or kayak—no more struggling to get in and out of your gear!

Pros

  • Nice fitting
  • Can be used as wetsuit also
  • Good construction
  • Adjustable neck system
  • One year warranty
  • Good quality product under this price

Cons

  • Back zipper
  • No pockets

All in all, O’Neill Men’s Fluid 3mm Neoprene Drysuit is an excellent quality dry suit. It provides freedom of movement and great warmth for the price. 

If you are looking for a warm comfortable and inexpensive drysuit that fits well, this is definitely one to consider.

best drysuits for kayaking: Buying guide

If you are planning to do kayaking in cold weather conditions, you need a drysuit. Drysuits prevent water from getting in and it keeps your body dry. It comes with hundreds of models, so how can you find the best one?

We will explain everything about selecting the best drysuits for kayaking in this post. We hope it would be a helpful guide for you to pick up your ideal model easily.

What Did we consider in the selection process of the best drysuits for kayaking?

We have selected the best drysuits for kayaking using the following criteria and thinking to share these with you guys so that you can select the best one by yourself.

When looking for a drysuit, there are many factors to consider. Here you will find everything you need to know about finding the best drysuit for kayaking for your needs.

A quick review of the main elements of our selection process that make up a best kayaking drysuit:

  • Material used
  • Size and fit
  • Seal types
  • Flexibility and durability
  • Pockets, relief zippers, suspenders, etc.
  • Seams
  • Women models
  • Temperature and paddling style.
  • Your budget

Lets dive into these in details and learn how to select a good wetsuit for kayaking.

Main materials in a drysuit

  • Nylon and nylon blends are the most common materials used to make modern drysuits. This fabric is stretchy and durable, which makes it ideal for use in kayaks. It also has a high breathability rating, meaning that it’s more likely to keep you warm while letting sweat evaporate through the material.
  • Neoprene is another popular choice among drysuit manufacturers. This material is less stretchy than nylon but much warmer; it’s particularly useful for those who spend an extended amount of time in cold water (e.g., surfers). The downside? If you’re caught in rough seas or rapids, neoprene can tear easily and eventually start leaking water into your suit.
  • Latex is a natural material that comes from the sap of certain trees. It has been used for thousands of years to make waterproof clothing, such as raincoats and fishing jackets. This material is thinner and more flexible than neoprene, making it more comfortable.

Size and fit

Sizing and fit is really an important factor for a comfortable dryuit. An incorrect size and loose or over fit drysuit will not fulfill your requirements. 

So after selecting the correct brands or product, carefully select the size. Every brand has their size chart. Measure yourself and match your measurements with the chart and order your desired drysuit.

The seal types

The seal types are the most important part of a drysuit, and you should know what you’re getting into when buying. Seal Types – Seals come in two main types: neck-to-ankle seals and wrist-to-elbow seals (sometimes referred to as w/e). You can buy either a neck-to-ankle or wrist-to-elbow seal type.

Both will keep out water from entering through any openings where skin meets fabric but only neck-to-ankle models tend not be adjustable whereas w/e styles are often adjustable via suspenders and/or velcro straps around wrists/elbow areas so that users can get an extra tight fit if needed during colder weather conditions (this also prevents leaks).

If you don’t mind losing some mobility then go with neoprene style which offers better flexibility but if you’re planning long days on water then go with either Gore Tex brand material or even fleece lining inside these models!

Flexibility and Durability

Unlike traditional wet suits, which are designed for swimming and surfing, modern drysuits designed for kayaking are typically made of a synthetic material that offers increased flexibility, comfort, and durability. 

When buying a drysuit, it’s important to consider the material, fit, and features that will best suit your needs and preferences.

Pockets, relief zippers, and suspenders in dry suits

Drysuits come with a number of different features that make them better suited for kayaking than ordinary wetsuits. One such feature is pockets, which are much easier to access while on the water. 

Some drysuits have multiple pockets and even zippered compartments, making it easy to store your valuables while paddling without having to worry about losing anything overboard.

Another popular feature is relief zippers or “venting” zippers; these allow you to relieve pressure by unzipping one section at a time, making them useful in case you’re feeling too hot or too cold during your trip. 

Venting zips can be found on either side of the suit’s neckline or down its sides (like in this model), so they allow the wearer greater freedom of movement while still offering protection from exposure when needed most—during colder months when temperatures dip below freezing point!

Finally, suspenders are great for keeping a drysuit in place during activities like kayaking because they’re specifically designed for just that purpose: holding up wet suits so they don’t slip off during strenuous activity like paddling hard against waves currents

Seams of a drysuit

A good seam will prevent water from getting through the stitching where two pieces of material meet together when you wear your suit in the water or during washing. 

In general, seams should be welded or taped to ensure they’re waterproof and won’t leak during use beyond what’s normal wear over time (i.e., if you get caught in a rainstorm while kayaking).

You may also want to look for relief zippers on either side of your crotch area so you can pee into them without taking off your entire suit! This feature is especially useful if there’s no bathroom nearby on your next adventure trip!

Women’s models in drysuits

You can also find women’s models of drysuits, which are made to fit the female body. These suits are typically smaller in size than men’s suits, but they can still be found in a wide range of styles and colors.

It’s important to note that not all women need to wear a woman’s drysuit. If you’re an average-sized woman with average mobility, then it’s likely that any standard men’s suit will work for you just fine.

However, if you have large breasts or larger hips (or both), then there might be some challenges with fitting into standard men’s gear – especially when considering how much more flexible and stretchy these types of materials are compared to cotton or wool fabrics used in other clothing items such as shirts and pants!

Temperature and paddling style

  • Water temperature and weather conditions. If you expect to be using your drysuit in extremely cold temperatures, consider purchasing one that has better insulation built in.
  • Your paddling style (fast or slow). If you’re a fast paddler, it’s important to purchase a suit with excellent buoyancy so that you don’t sink during intense exercise sessions.

Your budget

Everything is fine but if budget does not go together nothing will going to happened. If you are a regular kayaker or you have to do a lot of water activity and you don’t have problem with budget, you should buy a better one. 

A quality drysuit may costlier but it supposed to be durable and comfortable. If you are an occasional kayaker and don’t want to spend more on this single stuff you can go with cheaper one. Here in this article we have spent hours to select a best wetsuit for both types of people.

Final thoughts on choosing the best dry suits for kayaking

In conclusion, the best drysuit for kayaking should be one that is well-fitted with the right material, seal type and comfort features. It must also be easy to wear and remove.

As you can see from our buying guide above, there are many factors to consider when choosing your next dry suit. Hopefully this information will help you narrow down your options so that you can find the perfect drysuit for your needs!

Learn in more detail about what to look for in a drysuit for kayaking.