What kayak clothing is right for you?
Wetsuit
Pros
- Warm for paddling on a cold day, and gives you some protection if you capsize
- Inexpensive
- Tough and reliable. You don't have to worry about a ripped gasket
- Works well for swimming if it comes to that
- Can wear a windproof jacket over top to make it warmer
Cons
- Too hot in warm weather
- Clammy because it doesn't breath
- Uncomfortable and will restrict your movement somewhat
- May not be warm enough for a very cold day
- Hard to adjust for changes in air temperature, can't layer very well
- Don't keep your neck and head warm on a cold windy winter day
Dry Top/Dry Pants
Pros
- Get one with wrist gaskets if you want to avoid water trickling down your arms
- More comfortable then a wet suit
- Can layer underneath to adjust for comfort
- More versatile than a one piece suit. Can take top off when too hot
- Will keep you dry in most conditions, as long as you don't go for a swim
- A good dry top is made of breathable fabric so less likely to get wet from your sweat
Cons
- The cheaper ones don't stay waterproof very long. The fabric is not durable
- Not good if you come out of your kayak too often
- Don't give you effective protection for neck and head for the colder days
Dry suit
Pros
- Comfortable for paddling and you won't loose much heat if you go for a quick swim
- Great for a longer swim as long as you are wearing enough insulation under it
Cons
- Neck gasket is not comfortable
- No protection for the neck and head on a colder day, although if you get one with a hood that will help
- Being one piece you can't wear top of bottom seperately
Tuilik/Dry pants
- Excellent neck and head protection to keep you toasty in the coldest windiest day
- Waterproof hood is perfect for rolling or keeping out the wind and spray
- Comfortable. No neck gasket, no skirt tunnel around the waist. everything is loose fitting
- Don't need a separate skirt
- Less water gets in the kayak from waves, or rolling because there is no opening above the skirt
- If keeping your hair dry is important to keep you warm you will appreciate the tuilik
- Perfect for those who want to push their skills and learn to roll, because it allows unrestricted freedom of movement. Makes it much easier to roll and brace
- Will leak at the waist if you spend too much time swimming