Wetsuit/Drysuit

[rcwild]

Water can drain body heat at a significantly greater rate than air of the same temperature. Wearing appropriate clothing is critical to guard against hypothermia. Some people prefer wet suits, some prefer dry suits. There are pros and cons to each. Which should you choose? Is one brand better than another? Where can you go to get a good deal?

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[rcwild]

Whether you choose a wet suit or a dry suit, it will represent a fairly significant investment. Your suit will be subjected to quite a bit of abuse as you slide over rocks and squeeze through narrows. The point receiving the most wear will probably be your back side. Some harnesses, such as the Petzl Canyon, come with built in panels to protect your wet or dry suit from abrasion. In Australia, I encountered a number of canyoners who simply wore an old pair of nylon hiking shorts over their wet suits, prior to donning their harness. Simple, inexpensive, and very fashionable.

[gavc0]

Here in Blighty, South Wales to be presise. we use a suit that has Kevlar reinforcement on the knees and backside. But we do also wear shorts to provide extra protection to the wetsuits.
g

[mtngoat59102]

Recently saw and had one party member use the new NRS Extreme Dry suit rented from The Mountain Shop in Cedar City, UT. It is reinforced at the backside, knees and elbows. I am not a personal fan of dry suits but was impressed by the fit, function and design of this piece. I seem to remember Ben's price being much more competitive than the retail prices I have seen posted on the web.

http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product.asp?pfid=2250&deptid=1174#

[Spatulator]

I just bought one of these:

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/xq/asp/base_no.24001/special_type.sale/dept_id.L2~382/qx/product.htm

Haven't worn it in a canyon yet, but seems comfortable and I like the knee and butt protection.

[mtngoat59102]

Well, after renting a dry suit for the few times a year I wanted one I decided it was time to own my own. Dry suits are an expensive item and there are lots of choices. I called Ben at the Mountain Shop today to pick his brain for ideas. As usual, he was more than helpful and I have one on order (after he talked me into spending less money). Dry Suits are not only expensive but require a greater level of care. If you find yourself in my shoes down the road and do not have a good resource I can highly recommend calling Ben at The Mountain Shop in Cedar City, UT.

It's no secret I have been a loyal customer of his for a couple years now. Regardless, he contiues to give me reason to be. Getting good advice from people who's primary concern is not getting inside your checkbook is not always easy so I wanted to share my experience. My infomercial is now over. :)

Neil

[woadams123]

I recently came across a full 5mm wetsuit selling for $99. I was skeptical. The person at the store said it had rubber gaskets for the top, sleeves and feet and was not a discontinued item, just part of their large sale going on. Here's the link.
http://www.divers-supply.com/Sea-Elite-Xflex-5Mm-Mens-P1358C322.aspx

I am new to wetsuits and would appreciate any feedback regarding what to look for and to look out for. Thank you in advance.

[DJ Meding]

It will depend on how you are built that will determine which suit works best for you. I am 6'0" and 160lbs. Camero suits fit me very well and I have bought all mine via Sierra Trading Post at very resonable prices. Have different thickness suits for different applications.
Dave

[Canyonbug]

I am new to wetsuits and would appreciate any feedback regarding what to look for and to look out for. Thank you in advance.


I don't know if this is of any help, a year ago or so I put together some of my thoughts on wetsuit selection and posted it on my blog. Some may be a little generalized, but if it helps great.

http://northwashoutfitters.com/blog/?p=49

[erstanl]

Worked well in keyhole. In the Subway the next day the wind started blowing real hard, and it got pretty cold. But even the rest of my party in full 3/2 suits were complaining. Those in the party that went without a wetsuit were so cold they didnt even speak after triple pool.

If I had not procrastinated buying a wetsuit, I would have bought a full 3/2 HyperFlex. The BodyGlove shorty works, and is far less constrictive, but little short on warmth. Isnt that what a wetsuit is all about?

[kuper]

I wear a camaro suit from Sierra trading post, it is a farmer john style (Sleeveless) with reinforced knees. I aquaseal the seams on the knees and wear a Kayaking spray jacket over the top. I have a difficult time with the mobility that most wetsuits offer in the shoulder arm area so this option works pretty good. I wore it through Kolob last september, although I got a bit cold it was nothing un-managable