Recommendation for dry pants?

[Georgia Stu]

After many, many years of use, my Stohlquist 2-piece drysuit finally gave out. My wife already bought me a Peak UK dry top (which I love, BTW!), and now I need a good dry pant to mate with it. I won't say that I don't swim much (don't want to tempt the river gods!), but I still would like to minimize that shocking seepage in the event of a cold swim.

Any recommendations?

[sbroam]

I've been using neoprene pants for the last year or so. Minimal shock and I get a pretty good seal into my dry top (but would look for pants that go higher for a better seal). I've gone through a couple of sets of paddling pants/semi-dry pants and got tired of leaks and the coating failing. The thickness does affect boat fit until I adjust...

Augusta? Come on over to the Saluda in Columbia some time.

[Georgia Stu]

I'd love to get over and paddle the Saluda with you! I've wanted to for a good while, but have just never hooked up with anyone that knew the levels and the lines.

[wetnobby]

You love the Peak top so go for the Peak dry trousers...

[Georgia Stu]

I'd love to, but can't seem to find them anywhere in the US, at least not online. NOC has only XL, and says they can't be backordered.

[philcanoe]

depends?

[Georgia Stu]

Ha! Glad to say I'm still years away from that!

Except of course while scouting some awful rapid....

[Craig Smerda]

one piece drysuits are your friend... preferably gore-tex or a breathable fabric... you can layer accordingly.

one of my canadian cartoonist friends wears his year round... but he ain't right in the head

[PAC]

depends?

Are these used with both cold and warm "water"? Paul C.

[marclamenace]

Just a comment - Most of my paddling friends have a whole collection of dry pants, top, neoprene pants, etc etc and they are telling me that they can combine them in different ways to match any wheather type...

On my side I got only one one piece goretex dry suit with socks and one whole long sleeves 2-3mm neoprene wet suit. With these two I am good for just about any wheather.

I just feel that you don't need so many options and a one piece dry is dryer than these two-pieces. And no, I don't see problems with the long neo sleeves, but my wet is made of ultra-stretch neo under the armpîts and movements are smooth.

The goretex dry is a dream to wear, expensive but worth every penny. Being warm and dry after a whole day paddling in the cold feels unreal but so sweet. I have to admit I may share a tear when it'll be done but I can bet I'll be running to the store for another one.

[Jollyman]

I have a pair of Kokatat dry pants and they are pretty nice.

[Georgia Stu]

I can definitely see the advantages of a one-piece drysuit, especially a goretex one. But here in the southern US, there's not so much REALLY cold weather, and my old 2-piece has seen me through 15 years of essentially anything mother nature threw at us. Yes, even the Valley Forge trip, (chea)Jack, although that was seriously pushing it!!

$$$ is also an issue until I "grow up", or at least until after my 3 kids finish college!

[Georgia Stu]

I have a pair of Kokatat dry pants and they are pretty nice.

Jollyman - How is the Kokatat waist band - fits firmly? With an old pair I had, they were tightened only by 2 small pieces of velcro, and I popped those loose from time to time. Had nothing to do with gut size, of course!

[cheajack]

Hey Stu, if Santa Claus brings you dry pants, may I conclude that we will be paddling more this winter?

[sbroam]

I've got one of those neoprene back supporters I got at a sporting goods store - probably 10" wide - I've used that under the spray tunnel to boost the seal on any number of combinations of garb... Adds just a little bit of insulation, too.