PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: BEST WHITEWATER DRYSUITS FOR 2021 (PART 1: MEN’S)

Drysuits have revolutionized the paddling industry in the last years, giving paddlers the capability to push harder whitewater in more intense conditions. In this article, we take a look at the best drysuits on the market for whitewater paddling in 2021, by the leading brands in the industry. The following selection is based on quality, comfort and durability.

—————————————————————————————————————————————–

NRS

NRS have provided quality gear for paddler’s all around the world since 1972. For 2021, they have spiced up their game with the new front entry Crux drysuit with a men’s and women’s version available! The Pivot is their other option, a great all rounder with a classic back entry and stylish design.

The Crux

The Crux features the traditional cross-chest entry design and NRS’ highest quality waterproof-breathable technical fabric. (Women’s Version Available)

FEATURES:

• Premium 4-Layer Eclipse™ fabric for superior dryness, breathability and toughness.
• YKK® Aquaseal® waterproof front entry zipper with hook-and-loop sealed flap for extra protection.
• Front relief zipper so you can answer nature’s call without having to strip out of the suit.
• Volcano-style self-draining punch-through neoprene neck and wrist overcuffs protect the top-quality latex gaskets.
• 5″ wide neoprene band overskirt with double-pull hook-and-loop closure fits over your sprayskirt tunnel to complete a watertight seal.
• Double seam taping in the toe and heel adds extra durability to the Eclipse fabric socks.
• Stretchy polyurethane overcuffs with adjustable hook-and-loop closures on the ankles protect the Eclipse socks.
• High-wear areas reinforced with an additional layer of Eclipse fabric.
• Single-seam legs eliminate wear points and improve mobility.
• Features one, PFD-friendly splashproof chest pocket.

The Pivot

The Pivot Drysuit features a back-entry design to eliminate bulk in the chest and NRS’ highest quality waterproof-breathable technical fabric.

FEATURES:

• Premium 4-Layer Eclipse™ fabric for superior dryness, breathability and toughness.
• Back-entry YKK® Aquaseal® zipper, eliminates pressure points on the front, improves flexibility and reduces stress on the zipper.
• Back-entry zip is refreshingly easy to take on and off without assistance.
• 5″ wide neoprene band overskirt with double-pull hook-and-loop closure fits over your sprayskirt tunnel to complete a watertight seal.
• Features a heavy-duty YKK® Aquaseal® relief zipper.
• Double seam taping in the toe and heel adds extra durability to the Eclipse fabric socks.
• Stretchy polyurethane overcuffs with adjustable hook-and-loop closures on the ankles protect the Eclipse socks.
• Volcano-style self-draining punch-through neoprene neck and wrist overcuffs protect the top-quality latex gaskets.
• Single-seam legs eliminate wear points and improve mobility.
• High-wear areas reinforced with an additional layer of Eclipse fabric.
• Features one, PFD-friendly splashproof chest pocket.

—————————————————————————————————————————————–

PALM EQUIPMENT

The english brand has made some major updates for its 2021 range of drysuits. The Atom has been revamped into a second generation drysuit, ready for the harshest conditions, and the Cascade, always a product you can rely on for all types of whitewater! Both have men’s and women’s versions.

The Atom

The second generation of the Atom suit, now with YKK AquaSeal entry and relief zips. A simpler‚ tougher whitewater suit – optimizing the number of seams and positioning them to minimise wear. Heavy duty double taped socks and UK made latex gaskets are there to keep you dry. (Women’s Version Available)

FEATURES:

The Cascade

An excellent multi-purpose drysuit with no skimping on features, diagonal YKK AquaSeal front-entry allows easy closure, relief zip, double taped socks and reinforced areas as standard, this suit will keep you comfortable and dry for all sorts of watersports activities.

FEATURES:

• XP 3-layer fabric
• Nylon 320D reinforcement
• Weight 1650 g (L)
• Neck Seal Latex gasket with velcro adjustable outer collar
• Wrist Seal Latex gaskets with velcro adjustable cuffs
• Waist Velcro adjustable neoprene waistband
• Feet XP 4-layer socks with Nylon 320D soles
• Entry and relief YKK AquaSeal front entry and relief zip
• Elasticated drawcord at waist
• Reinforced elbows‚ seat and knees

—————————————————————————————————————————————–

LEVEL SIX

Level Six started 2021 off with a bang, launching their brand new updated Emperor drysuit and the more affordable Cronos, allowing everyone no matter the budget, to get out on the water in maximum comfort. The Odin remains a stylish and ultra reliable piece of kit.

The Emperor

The Emperor is a heavy duty drysuit built to stand up to the toughest tests on the water. From whitewater kayaking to expedition paddling and kayak fishing, the Emperor offers unparalleled durability and comfort while keeping you dry. This drysuit is constructed using the Level Six ultra-tough eXhaust 3.0 fabric and incorporates Cordura panels to reinforce high wear areas like the knees and elbows and seat panel.

FEATURES:

• British latex wrist and neck gaskets with adjustable gasket protectors
• Waterproof relief and rear entry zipper
• Articulated spine stitching for an unrestricted range of motion.
• Cordura reinforced shoulders, elbows, knees & seat
• 3.0 Ply built-in waterproof socks
• Fleeced lined hand warming chest pocket
• Exhaust 3.0 ply waterproof breathable nylon / cordura panels
• Double tunnel with Stealth waistband system

The Odin

The Odin is a deluxe front-entry dry suit designed to stand up to the toughest tests on the water. This dry suit is constructed using our toughest waterproof-breathable nylon; Exhaust 3.0 and comes complete with features like the stealth double tunnel system, articulated spine, reinforced knees & elbows, relief zipper, and an adjustable waist-belt.

FEATURES:

• British latex wrist and neck gaskets with adjustable gasket protectors
• Front relief zipper
• Fleece lined pocket with YKK aqua seal zipper
• Reinforced knees & seat
• Articulated spine, knees and elbows
• 3-ply built-in socks
• Stealth waistband system
• Front entry
• Double tunnel

The Cronos

The Cronos is an entry level dry suit designed to keep you on the water longer without breaking your budget. Constructed using Level Six eXhaust 3.0 waterproof breathable nylon, this front-entry drysuit features a neoprene punch through neck with a latex neck gasket, latex wrist gaskets, and integrated socks to keep you dry and protected.

FEATURES:

• British latex wrist with adjustable gasket protectors
• British latex neck gasket with neoprene punch through protector
• Front relief zipper
• Reinforced knees, seat & elbows
• Articulated spine
• 3-ply built-in socks
• Front entry 

—————————————————————————————————————————————–

KOKATAT

Kokatat keeps delivering with a wide range of dry wear for 2021! Based in Arcata, CA, the American brand specializes in using high quality fabrics such as GORE-TEX PRO, for the ultimate in-water experience.

The Icon

Designed with the input of world freestyle kayaking world champions Dane and EJ Jackson, the Kokatat GORE-TEX PRO Icon dry suit was designed to take a beating and keep you dry.

FEATURES:

• GORE-TEX PRO fabric
• Self draining punch-through neoprene neck and wrist over-cuffs
• Latex neck and wrist gaskets
• Zippered chest pocket with key lanyard
• Rear entry zipper
• Front relief zipper for men
• Dual adjustable overskirt with hook & loop compatible neoprene
• GORE-TEX PRO socks
• Factory sealed seams

The Meridian (GORE TEX PRO)

Kokatat’s most popular drysuit has been updated for 2021, and it’s the best yet thanks to design updates and the new GORE-TEX PRO material that make a lighter weight, more rugged and Durable suit.

FEATURES:

• GORE-TEX PRO fabric
• Nylon waterproof front relief zipper
• Latex gasket with neoprene punch through collar and cuffs
• Dual adjustable overskirt with « hook & loop » compatible Ariaprene
• Self-draining, zippered chest pocket with key lanyard
• Adjustable bungee drawcord at waist
• Every suit 100% fill tested; guaranteed to be dry

The Meridian (HYDRUS 3.0)

For paddlers looking for a great dry suit on a budget, look no further than the Kokatat Hydrus 3.0 Meridian dry suit. The Hydrus 3.0 Meridian is made in Arcata, CA and incorporates all the features of the GORE-TEX® version including Kokatat’s superior construction techniques, integrated socks, watersports entry and relief zippers, but at a lower price. This proprietary three-layer fabric is exceptionally waterproof and breathable, and carries Kokatat’s limited lifetime warranty.

FEATURES:

• Hydrus 3.0 (3 layer) fabric
• Nylon waterproof front entry zipper
• Nylon waterproof front relief zipper for men, rear dropseat for women
• Latex gasket with neoprene punch through collar and cuffs
• Hydrus 3.0 (3 layer) socks
• Dual adjustable overskirt with « hook & loop » compatible neoprene
• Self-draining, zippered chest pocket with key lanyard
• Adjustable bungee drawcord at waist
• Reinforced seat and knee patches; self-draining
• Every suit 100% fill tested; guaranteed to be dry

—————————————————————————————————————————————–

PEAKUK

Peakuk are delivering for 2021, with their classic reliable range of drysuits. The Whitewater and the Deluxe. Both made in the UK.

The Deluxe

Peakuk’s shoulder entry whitewater suit featuring 10mm YKK Aquaseal, curved, flexible entry and vertical relief zips. X4 nylon fabric with reinforced high wear areas plus double neck and wrist seals gives a super tough and reliable One Piece Suit for all river paddlers.

FEATURES:

• Articulated cut with pre bent elbows, seat and knees
• Fully taped seams
• Breathable and durable X4 mid-heavyweight nylon with 20m waterproofing
• Reinforced X4 heavyweight elbows, shoulders, knees, bum and ankles
• Latex inner neck with superstretch neo cone outer seal
• Stylish and functional sewn hole drainage system between neck seals
• Latex inner wrists with Aquaout neo outer seals
• Aquaout neo waist seal with inner waist webbing belt
• Front zip pocket for easy access whilst wearing a PFD, with plastic zip slider and sewn drainage holes
• Curved and flexible fully waterproof YKK 10mm Aquaseal shoulder entry and fly zips
• X4 breathable, waterproof and durable fully taped socks with flatlocked seams
• DBS boot ready neo outer ankle seal system
• Sizes: S. SM. M. ML. L. XL.
• SM – medium jacket small trousers. ML large jacket medium trouser.
• Weight (M): 1620g

The Whitewater

A unique and innovative suit, the Whitewater is Peakuk’s leg entry river suit and features tough, X4 nylon fabric and double neck and wrist seals. The unique 10mm YKK leg entry system allows easy entry and unrivaled freedom of movement and paddling comfort. Comes with storage bag / changing mat made entirely from surplus materials.

FEATURES:

• Articulated cut with pre bent elbows, seat and knees
• Fully taped seams
• Breathable and durable X4 mid-heavyweight nylon with 20m waterproofing
• Reinforced X4 heavyweight elbows, shoulders, knees, seat and ankles
• Aquaout neo outer ankle seals
• Latex inner neck with superstretch neo cone outer seal
• Latex inner wrists with Aquaout neo outer seals
• Aquaout neo waist seal with inner waist webbing belt
• Front zip pocket for easy access whilst wearing a PFD, with plastic zip slider and sewn drainage holes
• Stylish and functional sewn hole drainage system between neck seals
• Patented easy entry and easy pee fully waterproof YKK 10mm Aquaseal leg entry zip
• X4 breathable, waterproof and durable fully taped socks with flatlocked seams
• DBS boot ready neo outer ankle seal system
• Sizes: S. M. L. XL. 10. 12. 14
• Weight (M): 1600g

—————————————————————————————————————————————–

HIKO SPORT

The Odin Air4

The ODIN Air4 is a top of the line men’s dry suit that is here keep you warm and dry even while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in a kayak.

FEATURES:

• Rear entry TIZIP® waterproof zipper dry suit designed for extreme paddling
• Ergonomically designed cut
• Latex wrists and neck gaskets for maximum dryness are further protected protected with soft neoprene cuffs
• Hight wear areas (seat, knees, forearms and elbows) are reinforced with cordura for durability
• The main body of the suit is made from Air4 material
• Equipped with our « Double Pull » system where pulling forward on the waist tabs simultaneously tightens the front and back and is then secured via hook-and-loop on the front for a perfect fit.
• A double tunnel waistband to provide a tight seal against your sprayskirt.
• Front TIZIP® waterproof relief zipper
• Ankle cuffs adjustable via hook-and-loop
  Integrated cordura socks are durable and stay dry.

—————————————————————————————————————————————–

SANDILINE

The Extreme 4L

The Extreme 4L by Sandiline is a Drysuit without compromise, made by a fully waterproof-breathable TOYOTA 4 Layer material (waterproof 20.000mm-breathable 9.000g/sgm/24h). For unparalleled durability, Cordura reinforcements have been placed on knees, elbows and seat parts.

FEATURES:

• Breathable & waterproof 4 layer fabric
• Waterproof 20.000 mm
• Breathable 9.000 g/sqm/24h
• Welded seams
• TiZip masterseal dry zippers;
• Latex gaskets on wrists (bottled) & neck
• Ultraspan neoprene gaskets
• Cordura reinforcements on knees, elbows & seat part
• Relieve (« pee ») zipper
• Leg pocket

—————————————————————————————————————————————–

IMMERSION RESEARCH

The 7Figure

Designed with an alpine-inspired fit increases the range of motion and eliminates excess fabric and comes reinforced in high-wear areas for enhanced durability. Our polyester face fabric is made from 100% recycled water bottles and is bluesign® certified. The 7Figure suit won’t absorb water so your suit stays lighter, breathes better, dries faster, and avoids condensation to keep you feeling dry.

FEATURES:

• To reduce potential failure points the adjustable webbing belt has been removed from this version of the 7Figure suit. The tight-fitting single-piece neoprene waistband holds the suit firmly on your hips.
• In an effort to reduce plastic consumption, this suit comes packaged in a recycled oversized billboard gear bag. These gear bags are cut and sewn by the Cambria Center for Blind and Handicapped in Johnston, Pennsylvania.
• Constructed with a 3-layer waterproof/breathable shell fabric with 100% PCW recycled polyester face fabric treated with C6 DWR (durable water repellent) finish. Our polyester face fabric is Bluesign® certified.
• A one-piece super sticky neoprene tunnel provides a dry seal and reduces bulk.
• Heavy-duty pants, seat, ankle cuffs, and booties come reinforced with abrasion-resistant Devil’s Club 3-layer 240g/m² nylon Taslan fabric.
• Complete with a rear-entry YKK® AquaSeal® entry zipper.
• A front YKK® AquaSeal® relief zipper helps to assist your bits when nature calls.
• Latex neck and wrist gaskets with neoprene over cuffs aid in dryness and gasket preservation.
• Volcano neoprene wrist cuffs for maximum dryness and easy ‘banana peel’ slip-off.
• Size variations available to fit paddlers of all shapes and sizes (S-XXL)
• Shell Fabric: 3-layer recycled polyester
• Fabric Weight: 215g/m²
• Waterproofness (mm h₂o): 30,000
• Breathability (g/m²/24h): 4000
• Weight: 3.9lbs (62.4oz)