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Kokatat Meridian Drysuit Review: Tried & Tested

Author: Simon Coward

Checking in today with a review of a classic: the Kokotat Meridian Gore-Tex drysuit. Kokotat, a well-respected US company, has been crafting drysuits longer than most, and their expertise shines in the quality of the Meridian. As part of their premium Gore-Tex Pro line, this suit is tailored for whitewater kayakers, canoeists, kayak anglers, and sea kayakers alike. Let's dive into the details.

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A Long History

The Meridian series has truly stood the test of time, being a go-to for generations of paddlers. From its waterproof and breathable fabric to the fit, it has consistently impressed. As a medium-suit wearer at 5'9" and 165-170 lbs, I’ve found it offers a baggier fit, perfect for layering underneath. However, fit preferences are personal, and the roominess may not be for everyone.

Kokotat has consistently iterated on the design over the years, often leading the industry with changes. However, one current drawback is the reduction of reinforcement in high-wear areas like the knees, butt, and elbows—something worth considering for those who use their suits heavily.

The Price of Quality

One of the biggest considerations is the price. The Meridian, while high-quality and durable, is on the pricier end of the drysuit market, especially with exchange rates and material costs. Yes, it’s built to last, but it’s also more expensive than other comparable drysuits currently available.

Key Features

Let’s break down the features of the Meridian. While these may seem standard across drysuits, they’re worth highlighting.

Front Zip Design

The Meridian is a front zip drysuit available in both men’s and women’s models. The key difference lies in the placement of the relief zippers: the men's version has a front zipper, while the women's version has a drop seat at the back. Both are protected by flaps designed to keep out grit and dirt, with the men's model offering the added benefit of preventing fish scaling—a unique feature for anglers.

Latex Gaskets and Neoprene Protection

Like many whitewater drysuits, the Meridian includes latex neck and wrist gaskets with neoprene punch-throughs. The neoprene serves as a protective layer for the latex, extending its life and making it more durable in rugged environments.

Breathable Gore-Tex Pro Fabric

Kokotat uses Gore-Tex Pro fabric in the Meridian, which has proven to be one of the most waterproof and breathable materials on the market. This ensures high performance whether you’re kayaking, fishing, or paddling in rough conditions.

Storage and Integrated Overskirt

The suit features a self-draining chest pocket, which can be handy for small drybags or snacks. While I personally don’t use the pocket often, many paddlers find it a useful addition.

The Meridian also has a fully integrated overskirt that works well with spray skirts and features adjustable velcro closures for a customizable fit.

Gore-Tex Socks

The drysuit comes equipped with Gore-Tex socks, a critical feature for keeping your feet dry and comfortable. However, be mindful of where you walk—these socks are a potential weak point, especially on rough surfaces like dirt parking lots. If they do get damaged, they’re replaceable, though it can be costly.

Warranty

Kokotat’s drysuits are built in the USA and fully pressure tested before leaving the factory, ensuring high quality and reliability.

Kokotat stands behind their products, offering a warranty on workmanship and materials for the reasonable life of the suit. How long that is will depend on usage—guides who use their suit 100 days a year will see a shorter life than a recreational paddler who uses it 10 times annually.

Even better, Kokotat provides an affordable repair service, encouraging users to send their suits in for maintenance. From pressure testing to gasket and sock replacements, their service is highly valued. I’ve personally sent in one of my older Meridian suits for repair multiple times, and even after 130 patches, it still performed like new.

FINAL THOUGHTS

After 20 years of on-and-off use, I can confidently say that the Kokotat Meridian is an outstanding drysuit. Yes, it comes with a premium price tag, but you’re paying for unmatched quality, craftsmanship, and customer service. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or just getting into the sport, the Meridian is a suit that will keep you dry and comfortable for years to come.