DRYSUITS

Does anyone have any experience or opinions
on the Kokatat Expedition dry suit?

I have a front entry Gore-Tex suit and I love it.
I would probably buy one with neoprene gaskets if it ever needs to be replaced, but using a large pickle jar I was able to stretch out the neck for it to be fairly comfortable.

why are you looking at the expedition?
do you really need a storm hood?
OR makes a really nice fleece lined rain hat.

I think that both Zee and Rory have these.  Hopefully they'll chime in soon.  I know Zee was gushing about his when we hit Sucia this year.

-Spot-

Well..long story short..Being new to this business I originally
ordered the GFER pictured on Backcountry.com's website showing
it with a relief zipper. When it arrived without the zipper I was
told the picture was wrong. They offered to sub the Expedition
suit with socks and hood for a reasonable upcharge. Now I am wondering
if the hood is really needed. It kind of creates a high collar effect.
I have the option of returning it and getting something else. Question is..
What else if anything would you guys who have been out there for
awhile might recomend.

Whatever you end up with I would suggest something that has the cordura in the lap area.  The spines and teeth on fish are sharper then you think... then you put one in your lap and you discover new things.

What else if anything would you guys who have been out there for
awhile might recomend.

Ain't Gore-Tex, but lots of guys on here, myself included, use the Kokatat T3 Angler semi-drysuit.  It is considerably less expensive than the Gore-Tex suits.  The T3 fabric (3-layer Tropos) has proven to be plenty waterproof and breathable for my needs, and the extra Cordura fabric in the high wear areas seems to be a great addition.  It's a "semi-dry" suit due to the neoprene, rather than latex, neck gasket.  It does have latex wrist gaskets.  No ankle gaskets due to having integrated socks.  It does have a relief zipper (though I have not yet made use of mine while on the water, FWIW). 

+1
I highly recommend the same.  It is what I use and I have used the relief zipper extensively while on the water.  "Oh Look! A rainbow!"

I have hoods on the Kokatat dry tops I use for  clients and occasionally myself.  Hoods are a double edge sword for me.  If the conditions don't warrant their use it can get a little bothersome for some (me included) bopping around back there.  That said when its plain cold, wet and shitty out pulling that hood up over a good beanie and snugging it down is awesome and will keep you on the water longer.  Keeps the wind and rain off your neck etc. like no hat ever will.  A hood that could be rolled up into a pouch around  the collar like windbreakers often have would be the best of both worlds.

I don't have the expedition, but I wish I did!

Has anyone had the experience of their hands swelling up after a few hours in their drysuit. Yesterday my left hand looked like a balloon after 3 hours in my suit. I'm guessing the wrist is too tight or perhaps I didn't have it adjusted right.
T2

The expedition is pretty awesome but like any top of the line suit, the difference between it and others tends to be minimal. The GFER is essentially the same suit w/o the hood. That being said, the hood is crazy comfy and it fits incredibly well.

The suit I like the most is still the Supernova Angler. It's not as breathable as the Gore ones but super comfy and durable. If you have the extra money and want supreme comfort the expedition won't fail you though. Hope that helps.

I don't have the expedition, but I wish I did!

Step into my office Chi-town.

Has anyone had the experience of their hands swelling up after a few hours in their drysuit. Yesterday my left hand looked like a balloon after 3 hours in my suit. I'm guessing the wrist is too tight or perhaps I didn't have it adjusted right.
T2

Cut or stretch the gasket. You can try sticking something like a beer can in there for a couple of days and see if that helps. If not just trim the gasket.

the gaskets need to be stretch - like noah said - if you have big paws and the wrists to match, try a canned veg can - they are bigger then most beer/soda cans.

I use a pint glass to stretch gaskets, graduated sizing! (also I have a bunch of them)