Are you into kayaking? Maybe you’re a deepwater fisherman? Whatever your sport, there’s always the chance to do it in cold water conditions. Taking a fishing trip out to the Flemish Cap in the Northern Atlantic or kayaking around the glaciers in the arctic is a thrilling and chilly experience.
In these conditions, a wetsuit isn’t going to cut it when it comes to keeping you warm in cold water conditions. You’ll need a dry suit to keep you warm in these temperatures. Drysuits are available from leading wetsuit manufacturing brands. These purpose-built suits give you complete protection from the water and the elements.
Whether you’re fishing, diving, or boating, a drysuit offers you a way to enjoy the environment while reducing your exposure to the elements. We put together this review of the best drysuits. We’re confident you’ll find the right suit for your coldwater activities in our picks.
Contents
Our Top Picks
- The Best Overall Dry Suit – Pinnacle Liberator Dry Suit
This drysuit is the ideal balance of affordability and performance. You get a suit capable of handling old water conditions when fishing, diving, and kayaking. Its trilaminate design with durable materials, easy inflation with low-profile valves, and high-quality 4-way stretch design makes it a great choice for the best overall drysuit in our review. - The Best Premium Dry Suit – Scubapro Evertech Drysuit
Suppose you’re looking for the best premium diving drysuit. In that case, you can’t beat the utility and value you get from the Scubapro Evertech. This drysuit offers easy entry, trilaminate materials, high-quality construction, and low-profile inflation and exhaust valves. It’s the best choice for a premium suite for professional and advanced divers in cold water conditions. - The Best Budget Dry Suit – O’Neill Men’s Fluid Drysuit
If you’re looking for a drysuit on a budget, you can’t beat the value and performance you get from the O-Neill Fluid. O’Neill is one of the leading brands in surfing wetsuits, offering you a highly functional suit with a great range of motion in the shoulders and hips. It has a great design, high-quality materials, and an affordable price tag.
Dry Suits Reviews
The Best Overall Dry Suit- Pinnacle Liberator Dry Suit
Suppose you’re looking for a top-rated drysuit for all conditions and tasks in the water. In that case, we recommend going with the Pinnacle Liberator Drysuit. This model offers easy entry and removal thanks to the self-donning front-entry system.
The suit features design and construction with lightweight, durable trilaminate ripstop nylon for ultimate rugged durability in rough conditions. You get a telescoping torso featuring elastic crotch straps to make donning the suit a breeze.
The unique design of the suit provides an excellent range of motion in the arms and legs for better movement in the water. The Pinnacle Liberator has a diagonal front-entry system featuring a YKK Aqua-Seal zipper system with a protective flap for long service life.
The Pinnacle Liberator features heavyweight Bell-style latex neck and wrist and neck seals that prevent flushing, making this suit a great fit for any diver without the need for any trimming. Each leg has a standard pocket featuring a Velcro closing strap and drain grommet.
You get an inflation hose, drysuit bag, and suspender set included with your purchase of the Pinnacle Liberator. The suit has a fantastic Si-Tech low-profile design with a 360-degree high-flow exhaust and inflation valve.
The neoprene over collar provided with your purchase gives you additional comfort and warmth with extra-thick knee pads for comfort and protection.
What We Liked
- Trilaminate ripstop nylon.
- Self-donning front entry.
- Telescoping torso with an elastic crotch strap.
- Heavyweight latex neck and wrist seals.
The Best Premium Dry Suit- Scubapro Evertech Drysuit
The Scubapro Evertech Drysuit offers you the best premium model in this review. This drysuit is ideal for dive enthusiasts that need a suit they can depend on for reliable performance in all water conditions.
The Evertech comes with design and construction featuring breathable drysuit nylon/PU/nylon trilaminate blended fabrics. It features waterproof stitched seams for strength and long service life. You get easy donning thanks to the waterproof diagonal front zipper entry. The Si-Tech ring seal system with exhaust valves makes inflating the suit quick and easy.
- Made of a breathable nylon, polyurethane, and nylon trilaminate blend, the Evertech Dry lets you evacuate body perspiration while keeping water out and your body dry.
- The top-quality stitched and waterproof seams are taped twice for maximum reliability, while the front diagonal BDM metal dry zipper is watertight and makes self-donning easy.
- A neoprene neck collar keeps the hood securely in place, making it easier to position when wearing gloves.
- With soft yet protective soles, the attached semi-rigid boots feature superior anti-slip capabilities while also letting you walk comfortably on objects like shells.
- Driven to constantly innovate and improve the diving experience, SCUBAPRO builds high-quality equipment for the work, sport, and lifestyle of people whose passion is found below the surface.
The Evertech comes with plenty of innovative and intuitive features. We like the enhanced suspender system providing additional support on longer dives. The vented hood system keeps your scalp dry. There’s a SmoothSkin collar and wrist seals for watertight flush prevention and a Diamond Span interior lining for additional warmth.
The Evertech comes with cargo pockets on the legs for storing your gear and a hook for securing your pocket. The pockets come with Velcro seals and high-security over flaps. The neoprene neck collar on the Evertech secures the hood in place, allowing for easy positioning when wearing gloves.
The booties on the suit have soft protective soles. You get attached semi-rigid boots with anti-slip soles for superior stability on the boat. This suit comes with a 4mm thickness making it ideal for the coldest conditions.
What We Liked
- Front entry zipper for easy donning.
- Stitched and taped seams for durability.
- SmoothSkin neck and wrist seals.
- Diamond Span interior.
The Best Budget Dry Suit- O’Neill Men’s Fluid Drysuit
If you need a high-quality, budget drysuit, we recommend going with the O’Neil Fluid. O’Neill is one of the leading brands in surf wetsuit design and one of the product’s innovators in Southern California. O’Neill released the Fluid for very cold water surfing.
Suppose you’re thinking about doing activities in Alaska or northern Maine. In that case, the Fluid will keep you feeling warm in the water. This Drysuit features a design and construction with 3mm “Fluidflex” neoprene and the Fluid seam welding with a 100% waterproof zipper to keep you dry and warm.
- Loose upper fit and performance lower fit
- Smooth skin Dry seals
- 100% waterproof
- Fluid seam Weld
- Body: 3mm Fluid Flex foam Neoprene
The Fluid features “SmoothSkin” neck and wrist seals that don’t snag on your skin and prevent flushing. This suit is very flexible with excellent stretch making it ideal for surfers that need a full range of motion in the arms and groin/hips.
The Fluid has a shoulder zip for easy entry into the Drysuit and an oversized neck seal for additional warmth and secure positioning of your hoodie. You also get a tight performance fit on the lower limbs and a looser fit on the upper. O’Neill offers a 1-year warranty on your Drysuit.
What We Liked
- A great choice for surfing and cold watersports.
- 3mm neoprene is highly flexible.
- SmoothSkin neck and wrist seals.
- Shoulder entry system.
AQUALUNG Fusion Bullet Drysuit
We recommend going with the AQUALUNG Fusion Bullet Drysuit as another premium drysuit model for professional users and advanced divers. This suit is the pinnacle of Drysuit dive technology, offering you a patented dual-layer neoprene system with an innovative “AirCore” inner layer that’s highly breathable.
The Aqualung Fusion comes with a super-stretch neoprene skin offering great flexibility around the groin and under the arms for a full range of motion. The smooth neoprene finish provides less drag in the water with a streamlined finish that enhances fluidity and mobility in the water.
You get ankle zippers for easy donning and doffing of the Drysuit, with large twin-zip expansion pockets on either leg and a D-ring attachment point with drainage grommets. The Pocket Support System stops the pockets from riding down when holding weight.
The Aqualung deluxe suspender system is also included, featuring a 3D mesh back pad for comfort and support. The Fusion comes with GatorTech Pro knee pads for durable, long-lasting performance out of this Drysuit.
What We Liked
- AirCore inner layer for comfort.
- 3D mesh back pad and deluxe suspender system.
- Fast inflation and purging with oversized valves.
- GatorTech knee pads.
SEAC Men’s Warmdry Dry Suit
If you’re a recreational enthusiast diver, you need a drysuit for those cold conditions. When the water temperature drops to levels where your 5/4mm wetsuit cant handle it, the only option left is the Drysuit. SEAC brings you the “Warmdry” model, featuring design and construction with high-density 4-mm neoprene for optimal protection from the cold.
This model comes with a rugged outer lining, featuring construction with heavy-duty Powertex and poly PK, along with a nylon inner lining featuring a durable waterproof metal zipper and protective flap. The SEAC Warmdry comes with a GlideSkin heat-taped collar and Aquastop wrist seals to prevent flushing.
- Semi-rigid boots turn inside-out for fast drying
- Bellowed 1000-denier Cordura pockets hold necessary gear
- Glide skin taped collar and smooth aquastop wrist closures keep water out
- Fabric storage bag, hood, hose and straps included
- Fabric storage bag, hood, hose and straps included
The blind-stitched seams on the Warmdry are watertight and feature neoprene tape on the inside for a secure fit. The Warmdry comes with semi-rigid boots that turn inside-out, allowing fast drying times. You get bellowed 1000D Cordura nylon pockets to hold your gear and drain grommets to prevent waterlogging of your equipment.
You get a carry bad, hoodie, straps, and hoses included in your Warmdry purchase. It’s a great value-for-money drysuit and an ideal choice for semi-professional divers.
What We Liked
- Affordable quality
- 4-mm neoprene with blind-stitched and welded seams.
- Semi-rigid boots and hoodie included.
- 1000D Cordura nylon pockets.
Mustang Survival Hudson Dry Suits
Mustang brings you this survival drysuit. You get a bright orange color for easy identification in the water. Suppose you’re out fishing those cold Atlantic waters. In that case, the Mustang Survival drysuit gives you protection from the elements and plenty of visibility to the crew.
Mustang Waterlife Studio has 30-years of experience in drysuit and wetsuit design, producing some of the most functional, high-quality drysuits available. The Survival Hudson suit comes with technical elements the pros will love, offering unmatched performance and comfort.
- MarineSpec BP fabric for bomber protection
- Adjustable CCS Exoskin neck seal, for quick one-handed watertight closure
- Waterproof YKK AQUASEAL zipper doubles as entry and relief zipper
- Easy wear internal suspenders balance suit weight for maximum fit and comfort (Replacement suspenders available - model #MA0200)
- Reinforced sock soles can handle extra abuse (made with our bladder material)
This model has trimmable neoprene wrist cuffs and integrated dry socks featuring the Mustang Closed Comfort System (CCS). You get an Exoskin neck seal and cuffs to prevent flushing and a fast, one-handed watertight closure.
The Mustang Survival Hudson features an internal suspender system for comfort and full adjustability for the knees and cuffs to create a custom fit to the suit.
You get lightweight knee pads with plenty of support, preventing injury when hitting the deck. The pocket positioning closer to the hip makes grabbing your gear easy. Mustang gives this model a waterproof YKK Aquaseal zipper for easy entry and a watertight seal that lasts for years.
What We Liked
- A great choice for professional fishermen.
- Bright orange color for easy identification.
- Thick knee pads for impact resistance.
- CCS cuffs and neck seal. Internal suspenders.
Bare Aqua-Trek 1 Pro Dry Suit
Are you ready to take on the frozen lakes and glaciers? If so, you’re going to need protection on your kayaking trip. The Bare Aqua-Trek Pro is a great choice for kayakers and adventurers looking for warmth and protection from the cold.
This Drysuit features design and construction with Ultrawarmth Base Layers offering excellent durability and abrasion resistance. You get a Codura nylon construction with 4-Layer Oxford fabric for a highly breathable and lightweight suit. The trilaminate design is incredibly durable and easy to fold away for travel.
The Aqua-Trek 1 Pro Dry comes with two needle-felted seams providing a watertight fit and a long service life for the suit. You get a budget-friendly suit offering extreme performance in demanding conditions. This suit is ideal for budget-conscious travelers who need an affordable suit that performs well in the water.
The scientifically engineered and validated Ultrawarmth Infrared Technology embedded in the fabric provides thermal energy production, leading to better recovery and increased endurance. You get a form-fitting 3D patterning design for a snug and comfortable fit.
This model comes with a 2mm SmoothSkin collar and vented neck drain for an improved seal with the accompanying Bare dry hoodie. There are low-profile valves for easy inflation and deflation and anatomically shaped legs, arms, and torso to reduce bulk in the suit.
What We Liked
- Anatomical design with a snug fit.
- Low-profile valves.
- Durable trilaminate construction with 1000D Cordura nylon.
- Ultrawarth Thermal base layer.
- Bare dry hoodie included.
Mookta Drysuit
The Mookta is another affordable drysuit for budget-conscious buyers. You get a latex and nylon construction with a tri-laminate design and special coating for great waterproofing and excellent breathability. This suit is a great choice for recreational users that want a good balance between price and performance.
You get watertight latex seals for the neck and wrists, preventing flushing while remaining comfortable. The ergonomic design of the torso, arms, and legs give it a snug form factor, and the suit is easy to don. This Drysuit provides you an excellent range of motion in the arms and around the hips.
- The use of new technology with 3 layers of waterproof materials and special coatings makes it waterproof, breathable, comfortable and has excellent performance
- The neck and sleeves are waterproof seals made of latex, which are comfortable and waterproof
- There is an extra protective layer made of neoprene on the neck, cuffs and ankles to make it strong and durable
- Ergonomic avant-garde design, easy to put on and take off and have a better freedom of movement experience
- With adjustable design, self-draining design, fully waterproof zipper, the pursuit of excellence in details
It’s a good choice for fishing or kayaking. You can expect a comfortable experience with an adjustable design to customize the fit. You get a self-draining design with a waterproof zipper and low-profile inflation valves.
The semi-rigid booties allow easy turning out for fast drying. They have molded rubber soles offering you anti-slip footing on the deck.
What We Liked
- Affordable quality.
- Durable tri-material design.
- Booties included.
- Self-draining design.
SEAC Unifleece Insulating Undergarment Dry Suit
Our last Drysuit is a complement for the suits in this review. When diving in very cold conditions, a drysuit may not provide all the warmth you need in the water. If that’s the case, you need the SEAC Unifleece undergarment for your Drysuit.
You wear this under your Drysuit for additional warmth in the coldest water. The Unifleece comes with a design and construction featuring soft, warm fleece. There’s a waterproof outer layer and a lightweight, breathable liner that wicks away moisture from your skin, keeping you dry.
- Lightweight, breathable, 2-layer undergarment keeps you warm while diving in cold environments
- Outer layer repels water to help keep you dry
- Double-Ended front zipper gets you in and out quickly
- Ankle stirrups prevent bunching when putting on your drysuit
- Easy-access zippered pockets for carrying extra gear
The suit comes with ankle straps and a double-ended front zipper, making donning and securing of the suit effortless. The Unifleece comes with additional easy-access zipper pockets for extra gear. It’s a great choice to enhance the utility and warmth of your Drysuit.
What We Liked
- Improve the warmth of your Drysuit.
- Compatible with all drysuit models and brands.
- Warm fleece interior.
- Easy donning with front zip.
- Affordable enhancement of your dive gear.
Other Best Selling Options
- 3 Layer Breathable Nylon Shell
- Loose Fit Drysuit
- Neoprene Neck Seal
- Laytex Wrist and Ankle Seals
- Waterproof Horizontal Back Zip
- A perfect choice for a range of water activities the Drysuit features XPLORE+ 3 layer fabric technology for a highly durable breathable and waterproof finish.
- With in-built adjustable braces a flexible YKK Aquaseal waterproof zipper and pre marked glideskin collar and cuffs the suit will adjust to fit your body. Benefiting from fabric socks to increase suit durability and a handy low thigh cargo pocket this suit provides full wet weather protection.
- Wear over your usual layers this - drysuit is ideal for sailing dinghy sailing paddle sports and board sports such as stand up paddle boarding and kayaking.
- Main Fabric: 100% Nylon PU coated. Reinforcement: 100% Polyester PU coated. Hand Wash. Do Not Bleach. Do Not Tumble Dry. No Iron. Do Not Dry Clean. Do not store wet. After use rinse in fresh water.
- 100% Waterproof Guarantee: Our dry suit is fill tested and guaranteed to be completely waterproof, providing peace of mind in the harshest conditions.
- GORE-TEX Pro Fabric: This advanced fabric has been developed over years of paddling and testing across the globe, ensuring maximum performance and reliability.
- Durable Construction: Reinforced seat and knee patches ensure long-lasting durability, making this dry suit ideal for high-stress activities and environments.
- Integrated Socks: The Hydrus 3.5 fabric socks keep your feet dry and warm, enhancing overall comfort during extended wear.
- Environmentally Conscious: Manufactured from 105% recycled GORE-TEX fabric, our dry suit not only delivers exceptional performance but also supports sustainable practices.
Dry Suits Buyer’s Guide
If you’re looking to kayak or dive in cold waters, like seriously cold waters, you will need protection from the cold. Suppose you fall off your kayak while navigating the glacial lakes around Sweden or Norway. In that case, you’re in deep trouble if you’re not wearing a dry suit.
The water temperature in the fjords around Norway is around 55°F (13°C). The Arctic Ocean can reach lows of 28.8 °F (−1.8 °C). Finding yourself in that water in normal winter clothing will take your breath away when the water contacts your skin. Hypothermia starts to set in real fast, and in a few minutes, it’s all over.
What is a Drysuit, and How Is It Different from a Wetsuit?
If you want to avoid this kind of nightmare scenario out on the water, you need protection from the cold. A drysuit offers you the ultimate protection from cold water. These suits are different from wetsuits.
The wetsuit has a design to let a thin layer of water into the suit. The layer sits between the neoprene and your skin, warming up with your body heat. As a result, you stay warm and toasty.
However, when you’re dealing with water temperatures under 60F, the protection afforded by a wetsuit no longer applies. A small amount of exposure to water at these temperatures will get you feeling cold in a few minutes.
A dry suit doesn’t let any water into the suit. Therefore, you can stay warm and dry, with a thermal liner suit ensuring you stay warm in the coldest water. Typically, divers and kayakers will wear drysuits in very cold water. They want to increase their bottom time or tour length through the open water.
Drysuit Design – Understanding Laminate/ Membrane Dry Suits Vs. Neoprene Dry Suits
You have options for two types of drysuits. Neoprene or membrane (shell or tri-laminate) drysuits are available from leading manufacturing brands.
Trilaminate/ Membrane Dry Suits
These drysuits feature design and construction with three laminated layers of material. The three materials vary in their purpose, but they all serve the core function of keeping you dry.
The suit’s exterior usually features a nylon-based material like Cordura or Ripstop to give your suit tear protection. IF you snag it on a wreck corner or a rock in the shallows, you want to know that the material won’t tear and let in water.
The secondary layer is usually the waterproof layer featuring neoprene or other waterproof materials. The final third layer locks in body heat to keep you warm. Most manufacturing brands offer dry suits that keep you dry, not warm. Therefore, the third layer may be a moisture-wicking layer that ensures you don’t sweat in the suit.
Membrane trilaminate drysuits dry fast, and they are easy to clean. They are available from several brands online and in multiple sizes and colors and suit different functions.
Drysuits come in a range of designs to suit all types of activities. From kayaking to surfing or fishing, there’s a drysuit to suit your activity.
Neoprene Dry Suits
The neoprene drysuit is different from the membrane suit. Essentially they offer you a super-thick wetsuit using crushed neoprene materials in the suit construction. The crushing or compression of the materials makes for a thinner suit than the traditional wetsuit.
It is waterproof and reduces buoyancy changes when ascending or descending. Therefore, they are the ideal choice for commercial divers. A neoprene suit is warmer than a membrane suit, but it’s also heavier.
However, the insulative properties of neoprene materials mean that you get the option of wearing lighter undersuits than you need to with membrane suits. Neoprene is also more form-fitting than membrane suits. So, they are harder to don, but they offer you the best warmth and range of motion in your movements.
What Features Do I Look for in a Dry Suit?
Watertight Zippers
The drysuit is an offshoot of a military project from the space race. Originally, the role of the drysuit was to protect astronauts from the elements while in space. The waterproof zipper is a direct result of this investment in equipment design in the space program.
Most dry suits will have a zipper entry system across the shoulders for easy donning and doffing (removal) of the suit. Drysuit zippers may also fit diagonally across the front of your torso, straight down the middle, or on the side.
All zippers will eventually fail, especially with frequent use. Therefore, it’s important to look at the zipper quality when purchasing your suit. We prefer models that use the YKK Aquaseal zipper for the best service life.
Air Exhaust and Inflation Valves
The drysuit allows you to pump a small amount of air into the suit through an inflation valve on the shoulder. The air replaces the duty of the water in the wetsuit. Your body heat warms the air in the suit, keeping out the cold.
You deflate the suit using the exhaust valve when you finish your dive. The best drysuits offer you low-profile valves and fast inflation of the suit. Some drysuits come with inflation tubes included, while others require you to purchase them separately.
Some drysuit designs feature valves to fit your air system, adding or removing the buoyancy in the suit as you ascend or descend in the water.
Rock Boots and Socks
Drysuits give you full protection from the water. As a result, many of them come with booties molded into the suit as part of the lower suit design. Unlike scuba suits that require you to use separate booties, these suits have them ready-molded into the feet.
Look for models with neoprene socks and rubber soles that help you grip the boat deck when moving around on wet surfaces. Some suites come with semi-rigid booties, while the real coldwater drysuits come with rigid booties.
Neoprene, Latex, or Silicone Seals
The drysuit relies on its seals to prevent water from entering the suit. If the seals fail, water flushes the suit. You get bone-chilling contact with the water around you, rapidly dropping your core temperature.
Look for drysuits offering your SmoothSkin seals. These seals provide you the best watertight seal and no irritation on your skin. If you can’t find a suit with SmoothSkin seals, look for models with neoprene, latex, or silicone seals.
Neoprene offers you the longest-lasting material, but it stretches over time. Silicone and latex have excellent flexibility, but they are more prone to tearing.
Other Drysuit Considerations
So far, we have discussed the primary things to look for in the best drysuit designs. However, a few secondary design features are worth nothing when assessing a prospective drysuit.
- Zipper placement (back, side, shoulder, or front)
- Pockets or not? Do the pockets have drain grommets?
- Do you get booties included?
- Are the inflation tubes included?
- Does the suit come with complimentary dry gloves?
Some drysuits also come with pee valves. Wetsuits allow you to relieve yourself in the water without leaving you feeling like you peed your pants. However, you don’t have this luxury with the drysuit. Some manufacturing brands created a “” P” valve that solves this problem.
Check that the Rest of Your Gear Is Drysuit Ready
There are plenty of different dry suit designs. However, regardless of the type of suit you buy, you’ll need to ensure that the rest of your dive gear is compatible with the suit.
Remember, dry suits are a lot heavier than traditional wetsuits. Therefore, you’ll have to ensure that your BCD has the lift capacity to accommodate the additional weight with the drysuit.
You’ll also have to check that the booties on the suit are compatible with your fin pocket. Your find will also have to have enough thrust to drive the additional weight of the suit through the water.
Top Tips for Buying Your Drysuit
When you fit a wetsuit, you’re looking for a skintight fit across your body. However, it’s not the same with the drysuit. Some drysuits have a form-fitting design, especially in the legs. However, most drysuit designs come with a looser fit on the shoulders and back. This loose fit accommodates the air expansion inside the suit.
The loose-fitting also accommodates the addition of the thermal undersuit. However, you want to make sure that the suit isn’t too loose, so it disrupts your buoyancy during your dive. The neck and wrist seals need a snug, watertight fit, and the legs should have cargo pockets for carrying your gear within easy reach. The cargo pockets remove the need to store stuff in the BCD pockets.
Some drysuits come with internal suspenders making it easier to don the suit and hold it in position. The suspenders prevent the suit from sagging in the crotch and down the thighs when you have stuff in your pockets.
Ensure the exhaust valve for the suit is between the elbow and shoulder, pointing up when holding your arms level to your shoulder. Suppose the exhaust valve isn’t in the right spot. In that case, the air might not escape properly during your ascent, leading to a dangerous situation.
Assessing the Fit
So, how do you know if your drysuit is the right fit? Try it on and look for the following when you receive your suit.
Sit on a chair and pretend that you’re putting on your fins. Pull your knees to your chest and see the range of motion you get in the suit. You might need a larger size if it feels tight when bending over. Reach your hands to your neck like you’re reaching for the tank valve.
Squat with your knees fully bent. The drysuit should be spacious and accommodative enough to allow free movement in this position without feeling like it’s constricting your hips. If you’re trying on a membrane suit, make sure you’re wearing your undergarment suit when trying on the dry suit.
If you can complete the basic movements listed above, you need a larger suite. Choosing a suit with the wrong fit is bad; it’s better to send it back and get the right fit rather than risk it on the open water.
Try Before You Buy
Many local dive shops offer dive courses on drysuit diving. Organize a specialty course and learn the safety procedures around using your drysuit.
You’ll get to try out a dry suit and fit the right fit for you. Plus, you’ll learn about controlling buoyancy in the suit and how to take care of your suit with regular maintenance after dives.
Drysuit Undergarments – Do I Need One?
If you’re purchasing a membrane suit, it doesn’t come with any thermal protection. Neoprene suits offer you warmth due to their insulative properties. However, trilaminate suits don’t have insulative materials in their design.
As a result, you need to wear an undergarment suit. These suites feature a fleece or thermal lining that brings the warmth you need to the drysuit. Without these liners, you don’t have any protection from the cold, and you’ll get hypothermia. The liner suit gives you the protection you need against freezing to death underwater.
So, it goes without saying that you need an undergarment suit if you have a membrane drysuit. However, suppose you’re using a neoprene suit. In that case, there’s no need to invest in one of these undergarment suits, especially if you’re doing activities like kayaking.
Most undergarment suits come with a front zip design for easy entry. When purchasing your undergarment suit, look for the right fit using the same methods described earlier.
You need a full range of motion in your arms and hips and a tight seal around your wrist, neck, and ankles. The undergarment suit also has an ergonomic, body-hugging fit. Don’t buy a drysuit that’s too loose, or you lose the insulative benefit of the undergarment.
Manufacturer’s Warranty
Look for drysuits that come with a manufacturer’s warranty. A warranty is a sign that the brand is willing to put its money where its marketing hype is when it comes to the suit.
While drysuits aren’t meant to last forever, a warranty signifies that the suit comes from a leading manufacturing brand that emphasizes quality materials. Most brands offer you a 1-year warranty against manufacturing defects, like premature seal failure.
Dry Suits FAQs
Q: Will a dry suit keep me completely dry?
A: Yes, a dry suit keeps you entirely dry during use. The neck and wrists come with watertight seals that prevent flushing. The hood, booties, and gloves ensure that every part of your body receives protection from exposure to cold water.
Drysuits are different from wetsuits. Wetsuits let a thin film of water into the suit, allowing your body heat to heat the suit. Drysuits don’t let in any water. They rely on materials like foam neoprene, crushed neoprene, heavy-duty nylon, or vulcanized rubber to provide insulation from the cold water.
Q: Do I Need a Custom-Fitted Drysuit Or Can I Buy It Off the Rack?
A: For many divers, ordering an off the rack “fits good enough” drysuit is a viable option.Perhaps they are one of the lucky who happen to fall in line with what the size chart states.
Also, they might be honest with themselves and recognize the fact that they do happen to put on the “winter 15” around the midsection just after the holidays.
The possibility also exists that they simply think that a custom fitted drysuit is simply out of reach financially.
All are acceptable reasons for ordering a drysuit in a stock size.
However, ordering a custom drysuit does remain a viable option and is easier and a great deal more inexpensive than you might want to believe.
Q: How tight is the fit of a drysuit?
A: The rule with dry suits is that the snugger the fit, the better. The more air the suit needs to keep warm, the less efficient it is at depth.
When fitting the suit, it’s okay if it feels a little tight across the shoulders. The legs should have a gorm-fitting design and an ergonomic torso and arms where possible. The closer the drysuits profile to your body, the easy your movement is. You’ll also experience an improved range of motion in your activities while wearing the drysuit.
Q: What is the service life of a drysuit?
A: If you treat your drysuit with the right care and maintenance, it should last up to ten years, depending on the quality of the materials and workmanship in the suit’s construction.
Make sure that you rinse your suit out properly after use. Turn it inside out, and make sure you remove any saltwater that could end up corroding parts of the wetsuit. Never dry the drysuit in direct sunlight, only in the shade.
Q: Where do I buy the best drysuits?
A: We recommend picking up your drysuit from Amazon, the world’s leading e-tailer. Amazon has the best range and prices, and Prime members get free fast shipping. Amazon gives you buyer protection on your order, and returns are never a problem, thanks to the great customer service.
Dry Suits – The Verdict
If you’re going diving in cold conditions, fishing o the Northern Atlantic, or kayaking in the glacial waters around the arctic, you need a drysuit. In these conditions, hypothermia sets in quickly, and you need protection from the cold water.
The suits in this review represent some of the best options in the industry. We have models to suit any activity and any price range. However, we realize it’s challenging to settle on a drysuit when you have so many good choices.
If that’s the case, why not go with one of our top picks? We have a drysuit to fit your needs on the water and your budget.
- The Best Overall Dry Suit – Pinnacle Liberator Dry Suit
- The Best Premium Dry Suit – Scubapro Evertech Drysuit
- The Best Budget Dry Suit – O’Neill Men’s Fluid Drysuit
