Dry Suits, Dry Pants & Dry Tops

With the new winter paddling season on flowing rivers just around the corner, we often get questions about dry suits, dry pants, and other clothing options for staying comfortable and safe in cold conditions. Choosing the right gear can be challenging, especially if you’re not sure which clothing best fits your type of trip. This blog will guide you through the differences between dry suits, dry pants, and dry tops, explaining the benefits of each system and offering practical maintenance tips. With this knowledge, you can make an informed choice and head out on the water with confidence.

A dry suit is a full-body suit that keeps you dry thanks to a waterproof, breathable construction. It seals tightly around the neck, wrists, and ankles, typically with latex or neoprene gaskets.

Benefits of a dry suit:

• Complete protection: Because a dry suit covers your entire body, it offers maximum protection in cold conditions.
• Comfort and breathability: Modern dry suits are often made from breathable materials that wick away sweat, preventing overheating.
• Safety in case of immersion: For those paddling in rougher water or with a high chance of falling in, a dry suit is ideal. Your body remains fully protected from the cold even if you end up in the water.

Considerations: Dry suits are often the most expensive option and may require some maintenance, especially for gaskets and zippers. They’re ideal for winter paddlers or those who will be in cold water for extended periods.

Dry pants are waterproof pants specifically designed to keep your lower body dry. They come with different closures around the ankles: some have latex or neoprene gaskets, while others are equipped with integrated waterproof socks.

Benefits of dry pants:

• Greater freedom of movement: Because they only cover the lower body, they allow more freedom of movement. This can be ideal in mild conditions or for shorter trips.
• Affordable alternative: Dry pants are usually more affordable than full dry suits but still offer substantial protection.
• Combination possibilities: You can combine dry pants with a dry top or thermal base layers depending on the temperature.
• Option with waterproof socks: Dry pants with integrated socks offer extra protection by keeping your feet completely dry. Socks are a major asset when getting in and out of the river, as they allow you to wade without getting wet feet. This makes boarding more comfortable, even in cold or fast-moving water.

Considerations: Dry pants protect only the lower body. If you need full protection or expect to get wet, such as in fast-flowing water, a dry suit or a combination with a dry top may be more suitable.

When to choose a combination of dry top and dry pants
In mild conditions, such as in spring or autumn, a combination of a dry top and dry pants often provides sufficient protection. This setup is usually more flexible and often more affordable than a full dry suit. An added advantage is that you can connect the dry top and dry pants at the waist by rolling the edges of both garments together. This creates a fairly watertight seal, keeping you dry from splashes or brief immersions.

When to choose a dry suit
For winter conditions or open water where there’s a high risk of falling in, a dry suit provides the best protection. A dry suit insulates and prevents cold water from reaching your body, which is essential for avoiding hypothermia in very cold water.

A dry top is a waterproof jacket that protects your upper body. Like dry pants and suits, dry tops typically have gaskets around the neck and wrists.

Benefits of a dry top:

• Flexibility: You can wear a dry top alone or combine it with dry pants, providing protection while allowing you to adjust to different weather conditions.
• Versatility: It also protects against wind and rain, whether onshore or during breaks.
• Lightweight and portable: A dry top is easy to carry, which is useful if the weather is unpredictable.

Considerations: Although a dry top keeps your upper body dry, it doesn’t offer complete immersion protection unless you combine it with dry pants that create a tight seal around the waist.

A dry suit keeps you dry but doesn’t insulate enough on its own in cold conditions. What you wear under a dry suit is therefore just as important. Here are some guidelines:

• Thermal base layers: Start with a thermal base layer. This material retains warmth and wicks away sweat, helping to keep your body temperature stable. Opt for synthetic or merino wool sets, as these materials are both insulating and breathable.
• Additional insulation layers: On very cold days, adding a fleece or wool layer over your thermal base layer is recommended. Think of fleece pants and tops that fit well and effectively trap body heat without restricting your freedom of movement.
• Avoid cotton: Cotton absorbs and retains moisture, which can lead to chilling. It dries slowly and loses its insulating properties when wet, so choose moisture-wicking materials instead.
• Adapt to the conditions: On milder days, a single layer under your dry suit may be sufficient. Always opt for breathable clothing so that you stay comfortable, even with intense paddling.

Breathable vs. non-breathable materials: Breathable materials are more comfortable as they wick away sweat, but they’re often more expensive. Non-breathable materials are more budget-friendly but may feel less comfortable during strenuous activity.

Gaskets and zippers: Latex gaskets are generally the most watertight but can feel tight. Neoprene is often a bit more comfortable. Waterproof zippers vary in quality and may require occasional maintenance to stay smooth.

To prolong the life of dry gear, proper maintenance is essential:

• Rinse your gear with fresh water after each outing, especially after using it in saltwater.
• Regularly check the gaskets and lubricate the zippers if needed to prevent them from sticking.

Whether you choose a dry suit, dry pants, or a dry top, the best choice depends on the conditions you’ll be paddling in. In cold water or rough conditions, a dry suit offers the best protection. For milder conditions or shorter trips, a combination of a dry top and dry pants may be sufficient. Whatever you choose, staying dry and comfortable is key to enjoying your trip to the fullest.