Top Kayak Drysuits 2020 – Reviews & Buyer’s Guide
Cold weather doesn’t have to stop you from enjoying your favorite paddling spots! All you need to do, is choose the best kayak drysuit for you.
Drysuits cover your whole body and they’re custom-made to keep the warmth in. Furthermore, drysuits keep that freezing water from splashing on your skin, so you don’t have to contend with shivering while you paddle.
Even if it’s not winter, a drysuit is a great idea for kayaking in mountainous regions or oceans that maintain cooler temperatures year-round.
There are plenty of options to choose from on the market today. The key is to pick a drysuit that’s practical for your preferred activities, whether you love riding rapids or cruising around the local lake.
Table of Contents
Top Kayak Drysuits on the Market
| Image | Product Name | Men & Women? | # of Pieces | Sizes | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Stohlquist Amp Drysuit |
Different models | 1 | S, M, L, XL, XXL | Check Current Price |
 |
Stohlquist Ez Drysuit |
Yes | 1 | S, M, L, XL, XXL | Check Current Price |
 |
Stohlquist Waterware Shift Drysuit |
Yes | 2: Suit and Hood | S, M, L, XL, XXL | Check Current Price |
 |
O’Neill Wetsuits Boost Drysuit |
Yes | 1 | XS, S, M, L XL, | Check Current Price |
 |
Kokatat Gore-Tex Front Entry Drysuit |
Two different models | 1 | S, M, L, XL | Check Current Price |
 |
Men’s Hydrus 3L Meridian Drysuit |
Two different models | 1 | S, M, L, XL | Check Current Price |
 |
Ocean Rodeo Ignite 2.0 Breathable Drysuit |
Yes | 2 | S, M, L, XL | Check Current Price |
The drysuits on this list cover a broad range of styles. Consider whether you’d like one with front or rear access, if you need reflective taping or would like it to double as a wetsuit.
Some are skin-tight while others are roomy and allow for heavy layers underneath if required. As you read, consider which of these features are most important to you and your kayaking journey.
Choose the Best Kayak Drysuit for You
Stohlquist Amp Drysuit
Stohlquist is the top of the line when it comes to kayaking apparel. They make incredible life jackets, dry suits and wetsuits.
The Amp Drysuit is made primarily of nylon and the suit itself has four full layers. The outside layer is nylon, while the inside offers a water-repelling coating and a laminated membrane. Finally, another nylon lining keeps you warm.
These layers also help prevent any water from leaking in.
Additionally, the socks are waterproof and the knees and seat of the outfit are mesh, allowing the suit to drain if water does sneak in. The neck and feet seal to you, while zippers allow you to ease out of this suit.
Furthermore, a few zippered pockets allow you to reach any important supplies easily and keep them safe from water.
Pros
- Zipper
- Entry points seal
- Multiple pockets
- Connects with kayak skirt
- Five sizes
- Different model for women
Cons
- Hand Wash Only
Stohlquist Ez Drysuit
The Ez by Stohlquist is very similar to the Amp.
Again, this is a nylon suit that has four layers. The main difference here is that Stohlquist designed these fabric layers to be breathable as well as waterproof. Once again, there are mesh drainers at the seat and knees of this drysuit.
The socks included in this drysuit are universal, so you don’t have to worry about fitting into them whether you have large or small feet. They will resize as needed.
Pockets are located at the arm and thigh, which allows for extremely easy access. The wrist and neck on this suit have duraseal gaskets and Stohlquist will customize them so that you can receive the best possible seal.
Pros
- Arm pocket
- Thigh pocket
- Duraseal gasket at neck and wrist
- Socks are universal
- Four layers
Cons
- Handwash only
Stohlquist Waterware Shift Drysuit
The next drysuit on this list is the Waterware, also by Stohlquist. However, the Waterware is completely different from both the Ez and the Amp.
To begin with, this drysuit is technically all one piece, however, the hood is detachable. Additionally, it appears to the eye that this suit is a separate pants and jacket set.
Different from the other two Stohlquist’s on the list, this suit is not a four-layer suit, but a three-layer suit. It lacks the inner nylon liner.
To get into this drysuit, there is a zip entry system and a seal waterproof entry. If you’re looking for something to get in and out of easily on your own, this might be the best kayak drysuit for you.
Another pleasant feature of this drysuit is the zippered chest pocket with an internal port for headphones. This allows you to make phone calls as needed or listen to music while you paddle.
Finally, this drysuit is reflective, which is always a huge plus for kayaking apparel. The reflective material makes you visible if you’re out at night without a lantern.
Pros
- 3 layered drysuit
- Detachable hood
- Zip Entry system
- Waterproof sealing
- Zippered Chest Pocket
- Internal headphone port
- Reflective
Cons
- Hand Wash Only
O’Neill Wetsuits Boost Drysuit
A great kayak drysuit by O’Neill, the Boost is both a drysuit and a wetsuit.
To get into this drysuit, kayakers simply have to reach from shoulder to shoulder and unzip. It features a rear zipper, which can be more challenging, but you should still be able to do this on your own.
This is not a tight fitting drysuit. Instead, it feels and looks more like a track outfit that’s lightweight with lots of extra room. This gives you a significant amount of comfort. The loose fit also allows you to wear heavier clothes underneath.
All seams are taped with waterproof tape and there are seals at the neck, wrists, and ankles, as opposed to socks. These are guaranteed by O’Neill to be waterproof.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Baggy, good for layers
- Seal at neck
- Seal at ankles
- Seal at wrists
- Lightweight
- Shoulder to shoulder zipper
Cons
- Rear entry point
- No socks
Kokatat Gore-Tex Front Entry Drysuit
The Gore-Tex Kokata is a front entry suit, making it the best kayak drysuit for easy access.
The drysuit has three layers to it. The first is Nylon, then the membrane, and then a shell. These three layers helpt to keep you nice and dry. Like the Stohlquists, the knees and seat feature mesh which allows any water to drain out.
For the material at the neck, wrists and ankles, you’ll find neoprene sealing. Additionally, all the seams on this drysuit are sealed, just like the Boost.
You will not find any pockets on this drysuit, which can be a drawback for many kayakers.
Pros
- Seams are taped
- Individual suit for women and men
- Three layers
- Sealing at neck, ankles, and writs
- Mesh allows water to drain
Cons
- No pockets
Men’s Hydrus 3L Meridian Drysuit
The Meridian Drysuit is unique in a few different ways.
For example, the fabric features three layers, which is pretty standard. However, the suit has socks and cuffs, and the cuffs are adjustable. In theory, you could use both socks and cuffs, allowing for extra waterproofing.
The sipper entry is at the front of this drysuit, allowing you to access it easily on your own. Additionally, this zipper is covered, which gives it an extra element of avoiding intake of cold water.
The neck and wrist connectors have neoprene over the cuffs, improving the waterproofing.
Another benefit of this drysuit is the bungee cord waist. This waist allows the suit to be pulled tighter to the body and creates less of a chance of water sneaking into the suit.
Additionally, there are several pockets on this suit, but they are self draining. This means that water can get into the pockets, but the belongings will drain quickly. It’s probably not wise to put electronics or other valuables in these pockets.
Pros
- Pockets are self-draining
- Bungee cord waist
- Neoprene cuffs
- Cuffs and socks for ankles
- Front zipper entry
- 3 layered fabric
Cons
- Pockets can hold water
Ocean Rodeo Ignite 2.0 Breathable Drysuit
The Ocean Rodea Ignite may be the best kayak drysuit for you, if your main purpose is to stay warm.
Now, the main difference between this drysuit and others is that it comes in multiple pieces. For instance, this drysuit has removable suspenders, a removable hood, and an external jacket. Therefore, you can choose to use only what you need, depending on the weather conditions.
The material of this drysuit is saltwater resistant. Additionally, though the material is waterproof, it is also extremely breathable, allowing for maximum comfort while kayaking.
Furthermore, there are outer chest pockets on this drysuit as well as inner jacket pockets. Both of these pocket sets allow you to store lots of snacks or small equipment pieces close by. This can be a major perk.
For sealing yourself into this drysuit, entry is via a front zipper. The neck seal is adjustable and the wrists are neoprene with a velcro adjustable feature. Finally, there are lower leg boot cuffs and dry sock booties.
Pros
- Reflective
- Socks
- Boot Cuffs
- Adjustable neck & wrist seal
- Inner Jacket Pockets
- Exterior Pockets
- Saltwater resistant
- Breathable
- Knees & seat are reinforced
- Standby mode
- Full drysuit mode
- Removable hood and jacket
- Removable suspenders
Cons
- Lots of pieces
How to Buy the Best Kayak Drysuit
Purchasing the best kayak drysuit for you can be a large investment. Therefore, it’s important to choose the right one.
Here’s a rundown of the most important things you need to consider before you purchase one.
Number of Pieces
Many kayakers are concerned about the number of pieces the drysuit comes with. If the suit comes in multiple pieces, it can make it easier for entry points to tear and water to leak through. However, the benefits of this option include being able to choose how much coverage you need and to layer up further when it’s really cold.
Pockets
Does the best drysuit for you need to have pockets? Not all kayaks come with waterproof compartments, so drysuit storage offers a safe place for precious valuables such as cell phones or car keys.
Some pockets on drysuits are not waterproof. These pockets often drain quickly, but please make sure you do your research. If you know that your drysuit does not have waterproof pockets, even if they drain, remember to keep your phone and wallet somewhere else!
It’s easy to purchase a small dry bag, like the Marchway Floating Waterproof Drybag, to keep your devices are safe.
Seals
It’s important to take notice of the seals when you’re researching the best kayak drysuits. Neoprene is the most common element to find at a seal. The best option, however, is Glideskin Neoprene. This type of neoprene ensures that the kayaker’s skin will not become caught on the neoprene as it seals.
Typically, you’ll have seal points at the neck and wrists of the suit, and maybe at the ankles. The best drysuits have a seal point and socks. Drysuit socks are attached to the suit and keep your feet warm.
Entry location
The entry location of a drysuit might be a consideration for some kayakers. There are two places for zipper entries. One is up the front of the drysuit, the other is at the back.
Obviously, it’s easy to do a drysuit zipper up yourself if it’s located at the front. However, many back zippers are still easy to manage on your own. Just make sure to try one on first, or ask the manufacturer about it.
Reflectivity
Reflectivity is extremely important, especially if you don’t have lights or reflectors on your kayak. If you’re paddling at night or it’s a particularly dark or foggy day, reflectivity makes you visible to other boats on the water.
Most drysuits are not equipped with reflectivity, however, drysuits like the Waterware by Stohlquist are extremely reflective.
Our Final Review for the Best Kayak Drysuit
Drysuits are excellent additions to your kayaking gear and ensure you can keep paddling in all weather conditions, no matter what time of year it is.
When you take your needs and preferences into consideration before you purchase one, you’ll stay warm, dry and happy on your paddling adventures.
