Best Paddling Drysuits 2022 | Complete Guide

Every year manufacturers come out with new drysuits for paddlers. Whether you are into the excitement of whitewater paddling, epic open water crossings or more tranquil paddling adventures, paddling in Canada can be cold and at times downright dangerous from a cold exposure standpoint. These are the best paddling drysuits of kayaking, SUP, canoeing, and rafting.

The list below is built from years of experience using, talking about and getting feedback on all manner of paddling drysuits. So, without further, check out our best paddling drysuits for 2022 - Canada edition below.

 

Drysuit Characteristics and Brands

 

Drysuit Characteristics

Long Term Durability

• Leveraging our years of experience to weigh in anecdotally on the long term durability properties of the suit

Price

• Outline of the average price of each model

Value (price to longevity ratio)

• Price does not determine value. This category considers the price and how many years of ‘service’ you can expect from the suit

Paddlesports Specific Features

• Double tunnels, reflective taping, sock material and more

Warranty/Manufacturer Customer Support

• Manufacturer warranty and our take on customer support, flexibility and service from the makers of these suits

Ease of Repair

• Are repairs and maintenance easy? How can you leverage these services to maximize the life of the suit.

Comfort

• Who does it fit and why? Conversely, who may these suits not work for

Style

• We want function AND fashion! Can you have it all?

These are by no means the only great paddling drysuits out there. These suits are merely the highlights from the many options out there for the 2022 northern hemisphere paddling season.

Drysuit Brands

The brands of paddling drysuits we sell in our Calgary, Edmonton and online stores are:

Kokatat

Best For: Long term maker of the highest in quality GORE TEX Drysuits

 Shop Kokatat Drysuits 

NRS

Best For: New line up of GORE TEX Pro drysuits and some great price point non GORE TEX drysuits

 Shop NRS Drysuits 

Level 6

Best For: Canadian Company with a great lineup of excellent price and quality non GORE TEX drysuits

 Shop Level Six Drysuits 

Mustang

Best For: SUP, Canoe and Touring Paddlers wanting a streamlined, top quality  drysuit without too many bells and whistles

 Shop Mustang Drysuits 

We have been through the ups and downs with all these manufacturers over many years (some we have worked with for over 20 years). Over these years we have built long standing relationships, trust and have worked alongside them to help ensure they make great products and we can all back it with quality customer service. In short, we have a lot of trust and pride in the brands we wear, test and sell.

 

Best GORE TEX Paddling Drysuit 2022

Kokatat Men’s Icon GORE TEX Drysuit

The Kokatat Men’s Icon GORE TEX drysuit has been a long time favorite of the AQ Outdoors instructional and shop team. Built of the long lasting, durable GORE TEX pro fabric and rounded out with ultra durable cordura legs, this rear zip drysuit will always be a favorite.

SPECS/FEATURES

• GORE TEX PRO Material
• Heavy Duty Cordura material in the legs
• Rear Zip Entry
• Limited Lifetime Warranty (Kokatat Lifetime Warranty)
• Amazing Repair and Maintenance available through Kokatat
• Latex Neck and Wrist Gaskets
• Front Relief Zipper
• Double tunnel for Spray Skirt
• Supple waterproof T-Zips.
• GORE TEX PRO Socks

PRICE

$1780 CAD + Tax

WHAT WE LIKE

• Durability of the material
• The cut and tailoring of the suit is as comfortable and stylish as we have tried.
• The rear zip gives the suit the feeling of wearing a drytop (no front zip bunching under your PFD)
• The warranty and maintenance options are second to none
• Long lasting gaskets
• The confidence that Kokatat have been building GORE TEX drysuits for over 30 years
• Although one of the more expensive drysuits, the longevity of these creates a high value proposition.
• Custom colour and sizing options for those looking for a totally personalized suit. 
• (note: there are long delays on this at time of writing due to COVID supply chain issues

WHAT WE DON’T LIKE

• If you have inflexible shoulders you have to get creative with doing up and undoing the rear zip.
• They are on the expensive side

GENERAL CARE VIDEO

 

Kokatat Women’s Meridian GORE TEX Drysuit

The Kokatat Women’s Meridian GORE TEX drysuit has been a long time favorite of the females of the AQ Outdoors instructional and shop team.

Built of the long lasting, durable GORE TEX pro fabric and rounded out with ultra durable cordura legs, this rear zip drysuit will always be a favorite. Tailored to fit women, and the drop seat relief system is a ‘must have’ for most female paddlers we know.

SPECS/FEATURES

• GORE TEX PRO Material
• Heavy Duty Cordura material in the legs
• Front Zip Entry
• Limited Lifetime Warranty (Kokatat Warranty)
• Amazing Repair and Maintenance available through Kokatat
• Latex Neck and Wrist Gaskets
• Drop Seat Relief Zipper
• Double tunnel for Spray Skirt
• Supple waterproof T-Zips.
• GORE TEX PRO Socks

PRICE

$1780 CAD + Tax

WHAT WE LIKE

• Durability of the material
• The cut and tailoring of the suit has been developed over many years with feedback from Kokatat team paddlers and long time users alike.
• The Women’s Meridian drysuit fits a wide range of female paddlers
• The front zip gives the suit the feeling of wearing a drytop (no front zip bunching under your PFD)
• The warranty and maintenance options are second to none
• Long lasting gaskets
• Having a drop seat makes for much easier middle of the day bathroom breaks
• The confidence that Kokatat have been building GORE TEX drysuits for over 30 years
• Although one of the more expensive drysuits, the longevity of these creates a high value proposition.
• Custom colour and sizing options for those looking for a totally personalized suit. 
• Note: there are long delays on this at time of writing due to COVID supply chain issues

WHAT WE DON’T LIKE

• The front zip can create bunching under your PFD. This isn’t always the case though if you are on the small side of the sizing it can.
• They are on the expensive side
• Some women don’t like the location of the drop seat and prefer a lowered front relief zipper with a ‘she wee’

For more information, check out our article: Kokatat Women's Drysuits Meridian vs Icon

 

Best River SUP Drysuit 2022

Mustang Survival Women’s Helix CCS Drysuit

Review by female staff member: Madison Nesom

The Mustang Survival Women’s Helix CCS Drysuit is a relatively new suit to the AQ Outdoors lineup. One of the premier pieces in the Mustang Survival women’s line, the Helix dry suit gives you freedom and mobility in all the places you want it, and no extra material in the places you don’t.

Plus, features engineered for your body and biology mean less time wrestling in and out of gear designed for other bodies, and more time actually adventuring.

SPECS/FEATURES

• MarineSpec BP fabric for bomber protection
• Waterproof. Breathable. Super Durable.
• Adjustable CCS™ Exoskin® neck seal, for quick one-handed watertight closure
• Waterproof YKK® AQUASEAL® zipper doubles as entry and relief zipper
• Easy wear internal suspenders balance suit weight for maximum fit and comfort (Replacement suspenders available - model #MA0200)
• Watertight zippered pockets on sleeve and thigh
• Trimmable neoprene wrist cuffs for custom fit
• Wrist overcuffs protect seals, and easily peel back for sleeve adjustment
• Super lightweight molded knee pads stay put with knee adjustment tabs
• Reinforced sock soles can handle extra abuse (made with our bladder material)
• External hanging loop, for drying

PRICE

$1499.99 CAD + Tax

WHAT WE LIKE

• Durable material
• Slim fit, no extra bulk 
• Low maintenance, no upkeep on gaskets 
• Knee pads! For those who swim a lot…
• Suspenders
• Adjustable neck for further comfort

WHAT WE DON’T LIKE

I (Maddie) have found you have to be a little careful with the neoprene wrist cuffs. When putting the drysuit on, try not to put too much pressure or strain on the wrists. My cuffs have worn out and I’m hoping I don’t punch a hole through them. 

The neck system took some getting used to. I am fully aware by now that around my neck is always going to get a little wet underneath, especially if I’m swimming a lot. (I do swim a lot with river SUP…) I think this drysuit is 100% worth trying on before purchasing to decide whether or not you would be fine with how tight the neck should be.

 

Kokatat Men’s Meridian GORE TEX Drysuit

The Kokatat Men’s Meridian GORE TEX drysuit has been a long time favorite of the AQ Outdoors instructional and shop team. Built of the long lasting, durable GORE TEX pro fabric and rounded out with ultra durable cordura legs, this front zip drysuit will always be a favorite.

The Kokatat Men’s Meridian GORE TEX drysuit is basically the OG of paddlesports drysuits, having been around for longer than most and with a reputation of being long lasting and high performing.

SPECS/FEATURES

• GORE TEX PRO Material
• Heavy Duty Cordura material in the legs
• Front Zip Entry
• Limited Lifetime Warranty (Kokatat Warranty)
• Amazing Repair and Maintenance available through Kokatat
• Latex Neck and Wrist Gaskets
• Front Relief Zipper
• Double tunnel (unnecessary for SUP)
• Supple waterproof T-Zips.
• GORE TEX PRO Socks

PRICE

$1780 CAD + Tax

WHAT WE LIKE

• Durability of the material
• The cut and tailoring of the suit is as comfortable and stylish as we have tried.
• The front zip makes putting on and taking off a breeze.
• Easy to visually check if the zip is fully done up.
• The warranty and maintenance options are second to none
• Long lasting gaskets
• The confidence that Kokatat have been building GORE TEX drysuits for over 30 years
• Although one of the more expensive drysuits, the longevity of these creates a high value proposition.
• Custom colour and sizing options for those looking for a totally personalized suit. 
• Note: there are long delays on this at time of writing due to COVID supply chain issues

WHAT WE DON’T LIKE

The front zip can create bunching under your PFD. This isn’t always the case though if you are on the small side of the sizing it can.

They are on the expensive side

For SUP, the double tunnel just creates additional and not needed material. It does however create an additional layer of durability to the suit.

 

Best Flatwater SUP Drysuit 2022

Kokatat Women’s Odyssey (GORE TEX Pro) Drysuit

Review by female staff member: Robyn Bell

If you're looking for maximum comfort for your flatwater & touring adventures, the Kokatat Women’s Odyssey GORE TEX Pro drysuit is where it's at. It's loaded with features like a hood, suspenders, extra storage, rear drop seat relief zipper and long lasting, durable GORE TEX pro fabric.

SPECS/FEATURES

• GORE TEX Pro
• Front Zip Entry
• Limited Lifetime Warranty (Kokatat Warranty)
• Amazing Repair and Maintenance available through Kokatat
• Latex Neck and Wrist Gaskets
• GORE TEX removable hood
• Removable suspenders
• Dual adjustable overskirt
• Rear drop seat Relief Zipper
• Reflective accents
• Sleeve and thigh pockets
• Supple waterproof T-Zips.
• GORE TEX PRO Socks

PRICE

$1930 CAD + Tax

WHAT WE LIKE

• Durability of the material
• Front zip entry means you don't have to ask for help getting in and out of it
• The suspenders make them really comfortable to wear around the put in/take out
• The warranty and maintenance options are second to none
• Long lasting gaskets
• The confidence that Kokatat have been building GORE TEX drysuits for over 30 years
• Although one of the more expensive drysuits, the longevity of these creates a high value proposition.
• Rear relief zipper makes bathroom breaks easy
• Custom colour and sizing options for those looking for a totally personalized suit.
• Note: there are long delays on this at time of writing due to COVID supply chain issues

WHAT WE DON’T LIKE

• Because it's a front entry zip you will get some bunching under your PFD
• I don't really use the sleeve/thigh pockets
• They are on the expensive side

 

Best NON GORE TEX Drysuit 2022

Level Six Men’s Odin Drysuit

I have been using the Level Six Men’s Odin Drysuit for the last 2 seasons. This has included personal boating and regular instruction. It has probably seen about 80 - 90 water days so far.

It is a front entry drysuit built with Level Six’ Exhaust 3.0 waterproof and breathable fabric. It is well built and the material is super beefy. This suit also includes a front relief zipper.

SPECS/FEATURES

• Exhaust 3.0 Material
• British latex wrist and neck gaskets with adjustable gasket protectors
• Reinforced material in high wear areas (Knees and Seat)
• Front Relief Zipper
• Limited Lifetime Warranty (Level Six Warranty)
• Ongoing repair and maintenance available at Level Six
• British latex wrist and neck gaskets with adjustable gasket protectors
• Double tunnel for Spray Skirt
• Articulated spine, knees and elbows
• Stealth waistband system
• 3-ply built-in socks

PRICE

$1,200 CAD + Tax

WHAT WE LIKE

• Durability of the material, it really feels like it can take a beating
• Fleece lined pockets are nice and warm on cold Alberta creeking and playboating days.
• The relief zipper
• Supple front zip makes for minimal bunching in the material
• The warranty and maintenance options are really good
• Gaskets seem really robust, I haven’t had to change them yet
• It sounds strange, but due to the fleece lined pockets and beefiness of the material it feels like a very warm drysuit.
• Great freedom of movement, the tailoring is really good for me (5’9” 165 lb male wearing a medium)
• Adjustable waist band is great. When wearing the suit off the water with the top down, cinching that up means it doesn’t fall down. It means there is no need for suspenders in the suit.
• Really appealing price point for a premium mens paddling drysuit

WHAT WE DON’T LIKE

Although durable, I found the neck gasket out of the box far too big for me. It is OK but seems a little on the big side for a medium suit.

It definitely isn’t as breathable as a GORE TEX suit. Great for cold weather paddling, I feel less inclined to wear it on warmer days or ones with lots of boat carrying.

When swimming (teaching safety courses) the suit feels ‘heavy.’ I think this is due to the fleece lined pockets and beefiness of material. On the plus side, I can warm my hands up in the fleece pockets after said swims!

After 2 hard seasons of use the socks are starting to leak a bit. I am sending it back for repair from Level Six this week, and that is all covered.

 

Level Six Women’s Freya Drysuit

Read our full Level Six Women's Freya Drysuit Review

In full transparency, I have not used this suit. Being a male, I feel that there is little value in me trying this suit on as it is not at all designed with me in mind.

However we have sold many of them to local paddlers and have received lots of feedback on this drysuit. That feedback gives us plenty of confidence to include it on this list. The Level Six Women’s Freya Drysuit is an all season waterproof and breathable drysuit built specifically for women in paddlesports. It is built from Level Six’ Exhaust 3.0 fabric and is designed to be heavy duty, comfortable and long lasting

SPECS/FEATURES

• Exhaust 3.0 Material
• British latex wrist and neck gaskets with adjustable gasket protectors
• Reinforced material in high wear areas (Knees and Seat)
• Rear relief zipper
• Limited Lifetime Warranty (Level Six Warranty)
• Ongoing repair and maintenance available at Level Six
• British latex wrist and neck gaskets with adjustable gasket protectors
• Double tunnel for Spray Skirt
• Articulated spine, knees and elbows
• Stealth waistband system
• 3-ply built-in socks

PRICE

$1,200 CAD + Tax

WHAT FEMALE PADDLERS LIKE

• Durability of the material, it really feels like it can take a beating
• Fleece lined pockets are nice and warm on cold Alberta creeking and playboating days.
• The relief zipper has received awesome feedback for comfort and that it is less invasive than traditional rear zips.
• Supple front zip makes for minimal bunching in the material
• The warranty and maintenance options are really good
• Gaskets seem really robust.
• As with the Odin, paddlers have reported that is is a really warm feeling drysuit
• Freedom of movement and fit has been met well (with some exceptions noted below)
• Users have reported loving this drysuit for all types of paddlesports, particularly whitewater kayaking and River SUP.
• Really appealing price point for a premium womens paddling drysuit

WHAT FEMALE PADDLERS DON’T LIKE

• We have seen a number of returns due to sizing issues in smaller paddlers. Basically people usually wearing a small not really fitting the small and having to go up in size to a medium. If considering this suit it is well worth taking the extra time to ensure you follow the sizing guidelines for the Freya (see below)
• We have seen a small percentage of suits come back with lightly delaminated seams. These have been quickly repaired and returned by Level Six and the repairs have all been long lasting.
• Female paddlers also noted the suit feels a little heavy when swimming, seems to be the same comments as the Odin. The beefy material and fleece lined pockets add some heft to the suit (but also warmth).
• The Exhaust 3.0 material is not as breathable as comparable GORE TEX suits

FREYA SIZE CHART

 

BEST PADDLING DRYSUITS 2022 SUMMARY

That is our Best of Paddling Drysuits for 2022. This is by no means an exhaustive list, though they are certainly our go to drysuits for this year. We have tried and tested all of them and our team would love to discuss any further questions you have around a future drysuit purchase.

AQ Outdoors offers free shipping on drysuits throughout most of Canada (some small shipping costs to the Maritimes and Territories).

Thanks for checking out our Best of Paddling Drysuits post and contact us by any of the methods below for more information!

Written by: Simon Coward

Contributors: Madison Nesom, Robyn Bell

 

Shop AQ Outdoors Drysuit Collection

 

Related Drysuit Articles

Kokatat Drysuit Buyer's Guide

Front Zip vs Rear Zip Drysuits

Drysuit Neck Gasket Repair: Complete Guide

 

About the Author:  I am a 40 something year old Australian now living in Cochrane, Alberta Canada.  For the past 12 years I have been an owner of AQ Outdoors / Aquabatics.  A proud father of 3 kids and husband to Nikki.  

I have been into the outdoors for as long as I can remember, family camping and surfing trips as a kid graduated to a lifelong passion for most things outdoors. Whitewater paddling has been a core part of my life over the past 24 + years. My twenties were spent chasing hard whitewater all over the world, much of my thirties spent learning to teach it and now I love getting out in whitewater with my family whenever I can.

AQ Outdoors Contact

Edmonton:  (p) 780 463-4892 (e) info@aquabaticsedmonton.com

Calgary:  (p) 403 288-9283  (e)  info@aqoutdoors.com