Let's be honest, there are many different specifications for drysuits, and if you're not familiar with them, it can be overwhelming when trying to find one that suits your needs. We often get questions regarding drysuits, so we've broken it down for you and answered them.
Q: Are there different types of drysuits?
Yes, there are different types of drysuits. You can match the features of a drysuit to the type of activity you take part in, from the leisurely to adrenaline-fuelled.
The 3 main types are:
Recreational
The recreational suit is the generic entry-level, your basic budget kit. They have a mixture of latex and neoprene gaskets on the neck and wrists. This suit is suitable for taking part in activities in calmer environments.
Touring Drysuits
Touring suits are usually suited for longer journeys on flat open water, for example, paddling on a loch in Scotland. They are usually hooded with a neoprene neck and storm collar, ready for any weather front that may roll in.
Whitewater Drysuits
These suits are appropriate for any activity on fast-flowing water where the user is more likely to experience being fully submerged in the water. They have latex cuffs and neck to minimise any water intake.
Q: Do drysuits have relief zips?
Yes, women’s suits have a drop seat relief zip at the back.
Men’s suits have a quick-release zip at the front.
Horizontal
Vertical
Q: Do all drysuits have a back entry?
No, there are front, leg and back entry suits available. Peak is exclusive to the leg entry system. Sometimes, people may favour a certain entry due to experience and mobility.
On a front entry suit, the zip runs diagonally across the chest from the shoulder to the opposite hip.
On a Back entry suit, the zip runs across the back of the shoulders. This one can be tricky at first to close, but with practice and experience, it will become easier.
Finally, we have the leg entry suit, where the zip runs the entire inside length of your legs. It starts from the bottom near your ankle area and zips all the way up to your groin area down the inside of your other leg.
Q: What types of gaskets are there?
Gaskets are the seals on a drysuit at the wrists and at the neck. The material they are made from can differ.
Latex gaskets, which sit closer to the skin to form a tighter seal, letting in less water. Suits with latex gaskets are more suited to fast-flowing, whitewater enthusiasts.
Neoprene gaskets fit quite snugly and feel less restrictive than latex and are therefore generally more comfortable. If you end up in the water submerged, neoprene is likely to let in a little bit of water.
Q: Are they all made from the same material?
Drysuits are made from waterproof yet breathable materials such as Gore-Tex®️, 3-layer or 4-layer, depending on the manufacturer.
3 layer and 4 layer suits are usually made from nylon or eclipse, which is another version of Gore-Tex®️. The materials can be more or less durable and also abrasion-resistant.
So, there we are. We hope that explains anything a little confusing about all the technical features of drysuits and helps you search for an appropriate suit for your needs.