Kokatat, OS?

Been waiting on a bonus check from work to land in my hand so I can splurge on a new dry suit.

I've been doing my research, and been leaning towards the Kokatat Men's Gore-Tex Meridian in Yum Yum Yellow so that I am highly visible (as if my favorite fishing hat wasn't already a traffic stopper). 

Was recently discussing said purchase with a buddy at work and he mentioned a manufacturer out in Scappoose Oregon (OS Systems) that makes suits at about 3/4 the price and are made right here in the USA. 

I am not familiar with OS, or their products.  I'm not even sure what their fabric is, compared to the Kokatat's 3 layer Goretex fabric.  Of their products, I do like the looks and features of the OS Systems Breathable Rescue Drysuit. Internal suspenders and external bellow pockets.

Anyone here have any experience with the OS dry suits? 

OS System Breathable Rescue Drysuit.



Kokatat Gore-Tex Meridian

I checked them out at Andy and Bax in portland before. They looked pretty nice but other than that I don't know much about them. I've got the kokatat topos t3 angler suit and its pretty nice.

I don't have an OS drysuit, but I do have an OS Pecos semi-dry top. Everything about is top quality, as far as I am concerned. I believe it is Gore-Tex - it has been comfortable in all conditions, and I have used it every month of the year since I bought it a year ago. I know Andy & Bax carries the line, but I do not know if they will order them for you. They have a fairly good selection, but they do not have every item in every size. The OS website says they will sew to custom sizes, but I'm not sure how to order. When I emailed them, they answered very quickly, but just pointed me to Andy & Bax.

They appear to design a lot of gear for heavy users - I don't know if that means they are higher quality, it might just mean that they are used to dealing with governmental outfits. It doesn't appear from their price list that they are an especially inexpensive suit.

I don't know anything about the OS drysuits beyond the fact that they're local and seem to have some great features.

As I recall, they're located in Saint Helens so I'd imagine you could book a visit and custom sizing.  They might even be open to adding a heavy cordura lap to accomodate yak fishing stresses.

As for Kokatat... It's well known that their quality and service are excellent.  You definitely wouldn't go wrong with the Goretex Meridian.

-Spot-

You should also check out Mustang Survival, really great design, super comfortable neck system and lots of Kevlar reinforcement.

I may be able to find an unused demo for you if you're interested. I got mine for $650 delivered.

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Spot, I like the idea of a cordura reinforced lap. I put a good tear in mine with a crab trap last year. Would be nice to have that worry nullified.

I talked with OS last year before I went with a Mustang Survival Rescue Swimmers drysuit. I think that they would be open to any modifications. An OS angler suit would of been my first option but was topped by an exceptional deal from MS.

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