Drysuit or a Survival suit?

[PacificNWrib]

In getting prepared for a trip this month and being concerned about safety, what is the best solution?

I found this website and the dry suit looks like a viable option.

http://www.kayakacademy.com/drysuit.html

[Matt]

Don't put yourself in a position of needing either?

Seriously, if I know I'm gonna get wet I always favour a waterski style drysuit.
They usually have better protection on the cuff & neck seals.

Every survival suit I've ever worn has leaked.

[jyasaki]

I think the drysuit will be substantially cheaper, and much more likely to be in place when needed.

I think, on a RIB, you are more likely to be ejected than to have to abandon the vessel, so having something that you wear continuously makes more sense than something you don when the emergency comes up.

Kokotat is pretty highly regarded among kayakers. I have no experience with them (don't do a lot of kayaking, and already have a diving drysuit.)


jky

[Donnie144]

If you are looking for a little more affordable option discount divers in Seattle offers used suits for sale. They are usually dive suits but have the occasional kayak one on hand. Keep in mind though if the seals are toast you are looking at about $80 for the wrist seals and $80 for the neck and if the zipper is gone those are about $250. If a zipper goes it's a slow leak so as long as you are not in the water for an hour there shouldn't be a problem. But a flooded suit will hold you at or under the surface. If cared for a used suit could be a great deal. If you have any questions on what to look for in the terms of damage let me know.

Discount divers
877-728-2238
http://www.discountdivers.com/index.html

[whiteminiman]

Kokotat are a very good brand, I know several people that swear by them

If you are looking for the best of the best... I'd recommend Mustang Survival, for some reason they don't list drysuits under their Recreational section, but have a look under their Military or CoastGuard section for drysuits.

http://www.mustangsurvival.com/produ...gory.php?mc=37

If you are looking at spending long periods of time in them... make sure you get BREATHABLE fabric... ignore people who say that it doesn't work - they are thinking of diving drysuits. The only thing that you need to do is wash it down with freshwater after every outing, to stop the salt crystals from forming.

I think a lot of people in the UK will recommend CrewSaver HyperDry

http://www.crewsaver.co.uk/crewsaver...s/drysuits.htm

Hope that helps,
WMM

[jyasaki]

Originally Posted by whiteminiman

If you are looking for the best of the best... I'd recommend Mustang Survival, for some reason they don't list drysuits under their Recreational section, but have a look under their Military or CoastGuard section for drysuits.

Wasn't aware they did drysuits.

If you are looking at spending long periods of time in them... make sure you get BREATHABLE fabric... ignore people who say that it doesn't work - they are thinking of diving drysuits.

I will second the fact that for all-day wear, you do *not* want a diving drysuit. That's what I wear all day; by the evening, my feet are cold and wet (not damp), and the rest of the undies are prime candidates for laundering. And that's before I get in the water...

jky

[Donnie144]

PNW REI just sent me a 20% off coupon and they do have the goretex dry suits if you are intersted.

http://www.rei.com/index.jsp?cm_ven=...1_gm&id=header

[Nos4r2]

Try searching Ebay for Immersion Suit. You'll find a lot of gear.

[Jklingel]

I just sold two neoprene survival suits, realizing what was mentioned above: you may well get ejected and wish you had something on. Besides, after donning one, I could not imagine wearing it for hours. In its place I bought an NRS dry suit. I laid in the tub w/ it for half hour and walked around the house a bit. I THINK I can manage in it for several hours without getting claustrophobic... think. When I asked about this, one of the English guys said "Most of us on this side of the pond use dry suits". Sounds like a plan to me. I also got a model w/ a fly; now that sounds like a real good idea. Good luck. j