Kokatat Expedition Drysuit

The paddling season in Portland, Oregon never ends, even during the cold, near-constant rainy days of the winter.

Up until recently, I've been using my whitewater drytop whenever I go for my early morning paddle on the Columbia River, which snakes through Portland en route to the Pacific. But one day I took my sea kayak with me on a trip to Seattle. I put in at West Seattle and headed out towards the outer sounds. As I rounded a headland, I encountered breaking waves and pushy winds. It was a rough and exhilarating paddle, but a drysuit was required!

So I ordered a Kokatat Expedition Goretex Drysuit, and this piece of gear has not disappointed me. There is a reason why Kokatat has a reputation for making the driest suits around - they really do keep you bone dry under any circumstances. I tested the drysuit not only by taking numerous chilly practice rolls, but also by swimming out of my boat and treading water. I don't even bother to bring a set of dry clothes with me on my trips anymore. Kokatat's secret is its new Evolution face fabric, a supple 3-layer Gore-tex laminate that is not only waterproof but also breathable.

Kokatat makes several different types of drysuits and the Expedition suit was designed with the sea kayaker in mind. Surrounding the neck gasket is a storm hood complete with reflective piping and three drawcords to pull the hood down tight in gnarly weather. The hood features a high neck collar that goes a long way to keeping the wet weather out of your face. The suit is cut to provide maximum freedom of movement, especially in the arms and shoulders.

On the left sleeve is a small, unobtrusive zippered pocket, a thoughtful feature that is a great place to store little items such as small pieces of Powerbars or Gel shots for a mid-paddle snack. There is also additional reflective piping on the sleeves. Attached to the feet are Gore-tex socks, a much appreciated feature that keeps my often-cold feet warm and dry.

Kokatat has included a Velcro flap covering the suit's front, diagonal zipper. It also has an overskirt with a SmoothSkin neoprene waistband. Don't take this feature for granted. Without it, when paddling in rough water, your boat will slowly fill up with water slipping through your sprayskirt.

The reinforced black Cordura seat and knee patches does a nice job of protecting the vulnerable areas of the suit. I checked the stitching and all the seams are double-stitched and factory sealed. The neoprene over-cuffs and collar protect the rubber gaskets.

The suit comes in only one color, Mango. But look at it this way, it's a great safety feature as it will make you stand out in the water.

There is an option of adding a relief zipper (guys) or a drop seat (gals). I had a drop seat added to mine, and I am not ashamed to say that it has saved me countless of time and energy.

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Reviewed by WetDawg Staff