Now that I've seen what the drop seats look like from the backside (and would rather NOT walk around with a toilet seat on my butt, thanks), can someone tell me if there's any other good reason why I or any other female should go the extra expense of a womens' suit?

Mary,

What are you saying?! You think that's not a good look for us? ;)

Do you wear a full skirt in the winter, Mary? The reason I'm asking is because I'm thinking, for my needs, a pair of neoprene pants (or a wet suit) paired with a dry shirt or dry jacket (WITH gaskets at the neck and sleeves--gaskets are very important to me!) will serve me well. I can layer underneath for additional warmth (and add dry pants on top of the neoprene if need be) and wear any of those separately should I choose to. Seems a more versatile and less expensive option. What do you think about that get-up versus a full-on dry suit? (An added benefit is that they are separates, which makes pit stops easier to manage.)

I'd be curious to hear your thoughts and feedback from experienced cold water paddlers... (Perhaps someone could ask about that Friday night. I don't know if I'm going to make it.)

Thoughts?

Linda

Mary,

The woman's drysuits are generally cut differently. Usually they have shorter torso's,shorter arms, narrower shoulders and wider hips. Make sure you look at the sizing chart for both and see which matches your measurements better. I know Kokatat offers a woman's version with and without the drop seat.


Linda,

I've always worn a drytop in the winter with neo pants. Having said that I got to wear a friends drysuit last winter and can't wait to get one of my own.

I know folks who have worn dry top and dry pants combo and it has worked well enough for them. The main complaint about this setup is you will still get some leakage during a swim and there is some added bulk in the middle where the skirt/top/pants overlap.

I hope this helps. Happy paddling!

Adam, thanks for responding. I just went ahead and bit the bullet on a unisex model.

Linda, you know how a cat looks when you catch them with their tongue hanging out? All that cool, gone in a split second.

Thanks, Adam. Good to know this.

And, Mary, yep, I can see it. You just gotta preserve the cool... ;) You go, girl.

Hope you like your suit!

See ya soon,
Linda

It arrived yesterday. The first time it went on, it came straight back off and I seriously considered returning it, until I did some research and found out there are concentric circles on the neck gasket you're supposed to cut at, to fit the latex to where it won't choke you half to death. Much better afterwards. I'll still look ridiculous - but will be WARM.