ok not used to this cold water business

so what do you guys wear around seattle waters when the average water temps are 55 and below?  i was looking at dry suits online but wow are they really between 400-600 dollars? lol thats insane....was just curious if u guys where wet suits, dry suits, rain gear, or a combination of them?

Basically, in order of preference and price from high to low. 

Dry Suit
Dry top & Dry bottom
Dry top & Waders
Paddle Jacket & Waders
Wet suit
Rain Gear

I'm slowly working my way up to a dry suit.

Here is a list of old posts on the topic.

http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,991.0.html
http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,715.0.html
http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,45.0.html
http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,217.0.html

hmmm...so has anybody tried these kokatat dry suits...would be hard decision...buying decent pair of waist waders is going to cost over a 100 dollars, buying decent dry top is going to cost over 100 dollars...this sport is getting to be more expensive then i anticipated...but still its all initial cost...just wondering if by the time u by all the gear for a wader dry top combo you probably looking at close to the cost of a cheaper dry suit...hmmm

looks like either way i am gonna need around 2000 dollars to get on the water lol...if i buy a brand new boat...1500 or more if i don't

Many of us that use waders already had them for other things like stream fishing so that wasn't an additional cost for us. 

I've used Kokatat drysuits for years. The Gore-Tex models are pricey, but the dryness and durability has always made it worth it for me. Their Tropos models are also a good deal for the price. They're not a breathable as the Gore-Tex versions, but still seal out the water equally well. NRS also has some good drysuits for the price.

Whatever route you go on drysuits, the socks and relief zipper are essential options. Keeping my feet dry makes an incredible difference in warmth, and the relief zipper is very handy when you need it.


Brian

hmmm...so has anybody tried these kokatat dry suits...would be hard decision...buying decent pair of waist waders is going to cost over a 100 dollars, buying decent dry top is going to cost over 100 dollars...this sport is getting to be more expensive then i anticipated...but still its all initial cost...just wondering if by the time u by all the gear for a wader dry top combo you probably looking at close to the cost of a cheaper dry suit...hmmm

looks like either way i am gonna need around 2000 dollars to get on the water lol...if i buy a brand new boat...1500 or more if i don't

if i buy a brand new boat...1500 or more if i don't

Not sure if you mentioned being in the NW yet but I have an almost new X-Factor for sale w/ fish finder + extras for $1200. It's a very dry ride!
http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,1130.msg8260/topicseen.html#new

Z

not in the area as of yet and am not in the position to buy it atm...(well actually that depends on how much it ends up costing me to live up there lol)  maybe if you still have it for sale in a few months i can check it out but some how i am thinking somebody is gonna snatch up that deal fairly quickly...

Yeah, I'm sure it'll sell quick enough. It's a hellova deal for a rigged X if you ask me. It'll go to Craigslist in a week or so if it doesn't sell here. Gotta help your homies first!

Z

I have the Tropos and it works really well. But a VERY good low-budget alternative are neoprene waders and a dry-top. Now, you have to remember that I am the cheapest man alive and I caught a Black Friday special (Day after Thanksgiving) and scored my waders for $35 bucks at Fisherman's Marine.
My Dry-top is from ebay for $30. (why else would it be pink? ) This system works best for cold air and water although I'm comfortable in it to about 75 degrees with my legs in the water.
 :
Again, there is nothing wrong with the drysuit. I have swum (swimmed?) in cold water in both setups and both were fine. I just don't like dancing in public and the other gear is easier to get in and out of.

I've been using the Super Nova for a couple seasons.  I really like it.  Very light.  I've also got a brand new NRS that's I've never even put on.  It's a remnant from my former business. 

I've used my REI coupon and bought a Kokatat SuperNova (Tropos) suit late last year.  Have used it a dozen or so times this year and so far I really like it.  It was a stretch ($$$) to order it, having never used one of those before and I went back and forth on sizing, ended up going with a larger one.  It has been very comfortable so far.  I haven't had any WARM days with it, so not sure what the max comfortable temperature for it is yet, but am thinking around mid 60's is too warm.  As for cold...there have been some 30 degree days that it's worked fine for me, but my hands do get cold.  For me 40 is my max low for a fun day on the water.

I don't find it any harder to get into my SuperNova than waders.  Neither is easy, but not an issue for me.

Last year I was using just breathable waders and splash top, and I think that is a fine combination and will use that again this year as it warm up slightly.  Personally I would never go to Neoprene waders again, they stink and I don't like the "tight fit" - I'm a loose clothing type of guy.  You can always layer up in the breathable waders and splash top.  If you go a lot in the "off-season" that dry/semi-dry's sure are nice though.

I used a Kokatat Tropos dry top/ pants set with good results last year on Eagle River, and that water never gets warm. I went this route, because like you, I thought a full dry suit was a little spendy. I got fully dunked, in the current, and all I got was a little trickle of water in my nether regions from a case of plumbers derrier that I had developed while paddling. . I don't see why this setup wouldn't work well for offshore, I know I certainly intend to use it. The important thing is, even when I did get a little wet, I didn't get cold. the Tropos were good for preventing evaporative cooling. A couple of caveats, the pants don't have built in socks so you will need a good pair of neoprene boots, and if they do get water in them you have to get your fingers under the latex ankle seals to let it out - trust me walking around with your pants sloshing is weird. But overall, I was happy with them. I would highly recommend getting the Tropos bibs. I think they are like 40 - 50 dollars more, and should eliminate the trickling problem. I plan to upgrade soon.