Dry Suits Gear Review

Spirit Drysuit
OS SYSTEMS
(503) 543-3126
www.ossystems.com

Manufacturer’s Statement: “OS Systems is the leading manufacturer of lightweight, high-performance fabric drysuits designed for the discriminating paddler. Every drysuit is individually hand-crafted in the USA, with an uncompromising dedication to quality and performance.”

General Comments: The Spirit supplied for this review had everything a canoeist, open-deck paddler, sea kayaker, or rafter would want in a drysuit (minus the optional relief zipper). Standard features include a waterproof/breathable “Micro” fabric, diagonal front entry with brass zipper and zipper cover, stretch-webbing waist, adjustable neck, ankle, and wrist wraps, Cordura knee and butt pads, and glued-on fabric socks designed to be worn under a standard neoprene bootie.

Comfort Factor: This is a sleek-fitting suit that just begs to be worn. It’s lightweight and designed for freedom of movement, and reviewers commented that they felt like they were wearing nothing at all. Side arm gussets provide unrestricted arm movement, and another gusset running all the way from one ankle, through the crotch, and over to the other ankle allows you (so says OS Systems literature) “to raise your foot all the way to touch your head, provided you could do this before you donned the drysuit.” Not surprisingly, none of the testers attempted this, but it was nice to know that other paddlers could.

Bang for the Buck: The Spirit is an excellent suit at a competitive price. But don’t be a cheapo: pop for the essential relief zipper. Your bladder will be glad you did.

Price: XXS-XXL, $625. Optional relief zipper, $160.

Extreme Drysuit
NRS (800) 635-5202
www.nrsweb.com

Manufacturer’s Statement: “Ounce for ounce, the industry’s toughest drysuit . . . Whether you kayak, raft, tour, or canoe, the Extreme will exceed all your expectations.”

General Comments: Utilizing a rugged, waterproof, and breathable fabric called TriTon, the Extreme features reinforced Cordura seat, elbows, and knees and adjustable neoprene outer cuffs on neck, wrists, and ankles to protect latex gaskets. High-visibility reflective arm stripes are a nice safety touch.

Comfort Factor: A heavy-duty brass diving zipper across the body facilitates slipping in and out of the suit, and the adjustable shock-cord waist makes for a slimmer fit. The suit is loose and non-restricting, allowing for ease of movement. The fabric is relatively quiet, with only a minor crinkling sound.

Bang for the Buck: The reviewers liked everything about this drysuit, especially the price. However, the optional relief zipper and socks are definitely worth the upgrade cost.

Price: S-XL, $450; XXL, $480. With relief zipper and full-coverage socks: S-XL, $575; XXL, $605.

WhiteWater Drysuit
STOHLQUIST WATERWARE
(800) 535-3565
www.stohlquist.com

Manufacturer’s Statement: “The best cutting-edge design from Stohlquist, pioneer of the paddler’s drysuit in 1984. No suit leaves QC [quality control] until passing Stohlquist’s strict standards.”

General Comments: Stohlquist claims that it has supplied more drysuits to paddlers, rescue professionals, and sailors than any other brand. But what really matters is that their suits are still top-of-the-line after all these years. The WhiteWater is a multi-purpose suit that will appeal to both open boaters and kayakers with its slim-fitting built-in skirt tunnel. Other features include a durable waterproof/breathable fabric, low-profile cross-chest mounted zip with shield, toggled zipper pulls, double-reinforced Cordura seat and knees, and adjustable and stretchy neoprene cuff covers.

Comfort Factor: Testers unanimously agreed that the WhiteWater is a winner. The fabric is quiet and soft, the elastic waistband allows for a trimmer fit, a crotch gusset provides roominess and added durability, and the optional relief zipper and attached latex booties were greatly appreciated. Our only carps were that we would have preferred an adjustable neoprene outer neck collar instead of the stretchy tunnel and the option of ordering waterproof fabric socks (easier to don and doff) instead of latex.

Bang for the Buck: This is a suit for all seasons and applications, at a fair price. Adding optional booties and a relief zipper shoots up the cost quite a bit, but even so, the final package is worth the extra bucks.

Price: M-XXL, $549.95. Optional relief zipper, $119.95; latex booties, $79.95.