Best Drysuits for Kayaking of 2026

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I choose a drysuit for my kayak?

Deciding on which features you want your drysuit to have will inevitably determine your purchase choice. Things to ask are whether it has windproofing or waterproofing, is there a hood and if so does it decrease visibility, is it brightly coloured for extra safety, and does it have a front or back zip.

2. When should I use drysuit kayaking?

Drysuits are best used in cold regions where water temperature regularly drops below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. While they are more restrictive and less comfortable than a wetsuit, they are the only practical way of keeping warm and dry in that kind of temperature.

3. Do you need a wetsuit to kayak?

These days many paddlers don't bother with a wetsuit, but use a combination of paddle-top and bottoms to keep them warm and dry. Made from either neoprene or nylon, often with reinforced knees and bum to prevent wear, they will usually have a sealed waist and cuffs on the ankles to keep the wet stuff out.

4. Can you dive in a kayak drysuit?

A dry suit is completely waterproof and provides insulation via the air space in the dry suit. This air space, combined with the under suit ensures that you stay warm and can dive comfortably. It is important that you adjust your under suit to the temperature during and the depth of your dive.