The Kokatat Gore-Tex Expedition dry suit is the top of the line sea kayak and sailing drysuit. Basically the GoreTex Expedition drysuit (GEE) is the same as the Gore-Tex Meridian GME-R except that the GEE comes with a package of options (all the bells and whistles) which include: a hood, reflective tape on the sleeves, left and right sleeve pockets, GoreTex dry-socks, and Men's suits have a Relief (pee) Zipper while Women's suits have a Drop-seat Zipper. The hood is not removable, but as of 2008 it was redesigned so that it can by rolled/folded up and held out of the way with an attached Velcro strap, or it can be tucked under the back of your PFD, or simply let the hood lay down flat like a very low collar. The new hood design stays in place well in wind, doesn't hinder Eskimo rolling (in fact when it is on it helps keep water out of your ears and keeps your head warmer during rolls) regardless of whether you are wearing it, have it loose around your neck or tucked away. The only reason not to want the new hood is for river kayaking where there may be a risk of getting the hood caught on a branch etc. (although folding it and tucking it out of the way would minimize this), so for pure river kayak use we recommend the GoreTex Meridian model dry suit which doesn't have a hood (but all the other bells and whistle are available as options on a Meridian model). As with the Gore-Tex Meridian dry suit, the GoreTex Expedition drysuit has a front-entry metal zipper and an overskirt (the overskirt keeps your kayak drier while rolling or paddling in waves). Two other differences between the GEE and a Meridian style dry suit are the outer wrist cuffs (that fit over top of the latex wrist gaskets so as to protect the wrist gaskets from sun and thorns) and the outer collar (that goes over the latex neck gasket). On the GEE the outer wrist cuffs are adjustable with Velcro closure whereas the Meridian dry suits have non-adjustable "Punch-Thru" neoprene over-cuffs. Being able to loosen the outer cuffs on the wrists makes the GEE more comfortable to wear all day, at camp, etc. Similarly, the neck on the GEE is more comfortable than the Meridian because the Meridian has a snug, "Punch-Thru" non-adjustable neoprene collar over and around the latex neck gasket whereas the GEE has a hood that serves this purpose without adding a second snug layer around your neck. If extreme dryness in white-water conditions is your priority, then the "Punch-Thru" wrist and neck gasket covers make the Meridian your choice, but for all day comfort on sea kayaking trips, we recommend the GEE.
Sizes: Men's S - XXL, Women's S - L
Color (both men's and women's): Mango (yellow) or Radish (red)
© George Gronseth 2004, all rights reserved.