Cold Water/Weather Clothing

I notice that many folks wear a wetsuit but unzip the top  Seems like that just defeats the whole  purpose. Which has lead me to considering what's the the best way to dress so as to stay warm, but not get hot when the sun is out.
Also I want to survive taking a dip. I know I can get back into my kayak, so I don't worry about getting stuck in the water for an extended time.

I normally go out in nylon pants, non cotton thermals, fleece jacket and a wind breaker of some sort. Maybe fleece gloves if its cold.

What do you think?

I was reading this article to get some ideas....
https://thekayaklaunch.com/cold-weather-kayaking-clothing/

A couple options depending on your budget.

Chest waders + belt + splash top/dry top + another belt (if needed).  With applicable non cotton under layers.

New or used dry suit. With applicable non cotton under layers.

I started with the waders, belt and dry top and this worked really well for several years until I ponied up for a drysuit.

Yeah, I’ve never been much for waiters myself. I guess I just see them as filling up with cold water if anything were to happen.

Good video from Tyler about waders in a kayak.

https://youtu.be/d7i4zajijb8?si=uGEXm2iTWJg8UU9k

Good video from Tyler about waders in a kayak.

https://youtu.be/d7i4zajijb8?si=uGEXm2iTWJg8UU9k

Nice Explanation. Makes sense. Thanks.

Hope it makes sense because how you've described your kayaking costume makes it sound like you're dressing to become just another statistic - and not the good kind.

An unzipped wetsuit top is stupid, but still much safer than fleecy nonsense when you find yourself in the water.

Waders by themselves are not a good idea.
Waders without a properly snug belt are not a good idea.
Waders not paired up with a drytop with TWO belts is not a good idea.

Waders with a belt appropriately snug around the waste AND
a dry top with neck and wrist gaskets AND another belt appropriately snugged up securing the dry top over the waders WILL keep you dry.   

I used this combo for several years, and tested my setup nearly everytime I hit the ocean. Many surf launches and landings where I was less than graceful and went swimming.
Absolutely dry. 

About the only time you my have issues with this setup is if you are underweight and skinny as hell where the belts don't actually get any traction and just slide off.

Added under layers to add fluff will help with this.

Not to disagree with INSAYN, but you can probably find Farmer John wetsuit bottoms for less than the cost of reliable waders, and pair that with a dry top.  The Farmer John bottoms provide more protection for your core region than waders and they allow you to wear shoes that are more suitable - and comfortable - for kayaking.

You can probably find good quality used Farmer Johns for sale and save a few more nickels.

HINT: When neoprene gets wet on a breezy day, it'll exhibit evaporative cooling.  That's good on warm days, and a butt pain on colder days.  I used to wear my rain pants on top of my wetsuit in cooler weather and that worked to keep the neoprene dry and toasty.

I echo what Tinker has said. After having waders fill up in a river I'll never trust them in open water, and I'm allergic to latex so no drysuit gaskets. I wear a farmer john wetsuit and dry top. Front zipper is a must. It's comfy and safe. Also easy to clean and dry and store. 

If waders are filling with water, then a belt was not worn or worn correctly, let alone two belts with a dry top.

However, I can understand the latex allergy being a no-go option for a dry top. 

I got a pair of heated sox for Christmas, and have been loving them.
Rechargeable batteries, and can control temp with my phone via bluetooth.
No more frozen toes!

The only time I've had issues with my waders taking on a good bit of water was when I punctured a hole in the ankle area of one of them, that made for a super uncomfortable day of fishing but didn't pose a hazard. That instance reminded me to keep aquaseal in front pocket moving forward.

The one time I fully fell in while wearing them was on the Deschutes and I got maybe a cup or two of water that made it into the leg portion, the shirt was soaked but fortunately it was a 92 degree day and aside from the ugly tan lines I got from wearing the waders without shirt it wasn't much issue.  I could see how trying to self rescue would be problematic while wearing it but that's why we practice.