Waders or Wetsuit

Just brinning back the old dinosaur subject to life.

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=162.0







Here is a test in the swimming pool.

Just brinning back the old dinosaur subject to life.

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=162.0







Here is a test in the swimming pool.

Based on a recent experience, I would have to vote for the wetsuit. I was in the water for about a minute and I did have water in my waders. Not enough to be much of an issue but had I been in the water longer, it would have been a problem.

I have been testing some fishing apparel that Kokatat will be producing in Jan. and it is the perfect compromise between both...I love mine.

SBD and anybody else.  Please let us know more about the products...in the future. 




Thank you everyone for casting your votes.

There are always dry pants and dry top combos. They've been around for years:

http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product_list.asp?deptid=1173
http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product_list.asp?deptid=1172

http://www.palmequipmentusa.com/acatalog/dry_pants_bibs.html
http://www.palmequipmentusa.com/acatalog/dry_semi_dry_tops.html

Palm is a relative newcomer to the USA market, but the gear quality compares to the imported suits from NRS as well as to the Kokatat Tropos. Perhaps better. They're replacing a two+ year old drysuit that had materials issues, without a fuss. I'm seriously considering selling the replacement drysuit and going with a Sidewinder bib/jacket combination.

Scott

*Edited for clarity. I did not mean to imply that the Kokatat Tropos was imported.

The new gear from Kokatat is a modified paddle pant and semi-dry top combo.  I don't think any of their dry tops etc are imported, I believe all of that gear is still made in CA behind the Redwood Curtain.  I LOVE my Kokatat gear.  I will see if they can post up a description of the new stuff.

Sean,

Here's their press release from August..  It sounds like you're referring to their Tempest Jacket and Pant.  I really think they need to have someone to test these up in Oregon. 

Kokatat Launches Innovative New Kayak Fishing Product Line

For Immediate Release
Lisa Beckstead
Kokatat Public Relations
775-225-8039
[email protected]

Arcata, CA, August 21st, 2008 — In 2009, Kokatat will introduce a selection of exciting New garments geared to the folks who like to fish from their kayaks. These products, merchandised with others from the existing Kokatat line, will make a comprehensive set of solutions for the kayak angler’s needs.

Kokatat’s design team worked closely with kayak anglers to create these innovative new products to meet the specific needs of this expanding market. New products in this line include the SuperNova Angler Paddling Suit, Tempest Pant with Socks, and Launch Sock, all made with Kokatat’s New TROPOS 3 layer waterproof, breathable fabric (T3), as well as the new Tempest Jacket made from standard TROPOS fabric.

SuperNova Angler Paddling Suit:
Based on Kokatat’s popular SuperNova, the New angler version is exactly what cold water anglers have been waiting for! This one piece paddling suit allows the angler the necessary freedom of movement. The increased cordura coverage from below the waist to the ankles on the front of the suit, and on the seat, provides necessary reinforcement and protection needed for changing tackle and handling gear. A relief zipper cover is added making it easier to haul your catch onto your lap after landing the big one!
Unisex sizes: S-XXL
Colors: mango/gray or NEW pacific/gray.

Tempest Jacket and Pant:
The Tempest jacket is designed for all paddlers but feedback from kayak anglers assisted in the design to be sure that this jacket would address their specific needs. Incorporating wrist gaskets, a double tunnel and APT collar to keep the paddler comfortable and dry in inclement weather, the Tempest jacket also has a stowable hood for use in wind and rain.
A New pant, the Tempest Paddling Pant, will also debut for 2009. This innovative pant is the first in Kokatat’s history to incorporate the same sock system found on our dry suits. Also featured is a waist with adjustable “hook & loop” tabs on both sides for a comfortable secure fit.
This jacket/pant combination provides protection and comfort while allowing the freedom and ease to adjust with changing elements.
Unisex sizes: S-XXL
Colors: Jacket- mango or radish, Pant- gray

Launch Sock:
Whether you’re on the Pacific, Atlantic or somewhere in between, Kokatat’s New launch sock is great for keeping your feet dry while launching and landing your boat in knee-deep water! The Launch Sock pulls on over bare or socked feet, snugs down with elastic and a cord lock for launch and can then be easily pulled off when under way.
Unisex sizes: S-M (foot sizes)
Color: gray

###

Get “Into the Water” with Kokatat Watersports Wear, an independent manufacturer committed to growing the sport since 1971! Visit us at www.kokatat.com.

The new gear from Kokatat is a modified paddle pant and semi-dry top combo.

Sean, is this the same thing that you showed us back in May at your FW 101 class?  You showed us wetsuits and drysuits and then showed us something you'd been testing and I believe it was by Kokatat.  I also recall you saying something about it being due out in July.  Maybe the release was pushed back or maybe this is different stuff.

Thanks for jogging my memory as it was something I wanted to check into because it looked like quality stuff.  Hope they can post some info because I'd curious about the price.

Michael

Thanks Fellers for all the information.

Kit Mann from Kokatat here.

The answer to the "waders or wetsuit" question is now NEITHER.  There is a much better alternative - Kokatat's Tempest Pant.  It's a waterproof/breathable fabric pant with two particular features that make it really work for us anglers:
1) Fabric Socks.  Durable enough that we have put them on thousands of drysuits we have made for the US Coast Guard, yet light enough that you can use your standard size footwear (sandals).  You don't have to have a pair of sandals two sizes too big to go over neoprene booties.
2) A wide, cummerbund style neoprene waistband.  Keeps the top of the pant sealed and with an appropriate jacket (Kokatat makes several) and careful donning, it'll keep you mostly dry in a dump.

The wp/b fabric is a Kokatat proprietary 3-layer construction that we call Tropos.  Very durable, completely seam sealed, absolutely waterproof, and breathable.

I don't mean this to be an ad, just real information. Kokatat is all about function and quality.  It takes us at least 6 months and usually longer to bring something new to market because we want to field test it for a good long time to make sure it works. Sean and ChuckE and Paul L on the West Coast and Eric Burnley on the East Coast have been helping us test this gear for several months now and we're satisfied. 

The only unfortunate thing is that we won't be going into production until January.  Then it will be available to all our current dealers, physical and catalog/internet, and we're also going to be working with some new ones that are more focused on fishing.  I don't have suggested retail prices with me but will post when I have the chance.

And just to clear up that "import" thing...Kokatat does make these garments right here in Arcata, CA.  We have a plant that employs 130 people.  And we are the ONLY paddlesports clothing company that still makes gear in the USA.

Tight Lines!

Kit Mann
Kokatat

Sounds like good gear, Kit.

I find that it's hard to get a good fit in most technical gear, because I'm pretty tall- 6 ' 5" Pants are particularly tough.

Any chance your company will produce tall sizes?

Sean, is this the same thing that you showed us back in May at your FW 101 class? 

Yep.  I loved it then, and I LOVE it now...it is "the answer".  You can the whole package (jacket/pant/pfd) in this pic...

it'll keep you mostly dry in a dump.

absolutely waterproof, and breathable.

?????

Question.....would this be a safe thing to wear out in the Ocean (instead of wetsuit)? Will this keep you warm enough when you get separated from your kayak and miles away from shore? Just curious>>>>

My favorite, most versatile setup is to wear a farmer-john wetsuit w/NRS dry pants over it. And, of course a paddling jacket w/PFD on top. The dry pants keep me warm and comfy while the wetsuit give me 'peace-of-mind' if I ever happen to dump in open water.
I still wear my breathable waders in freshwater or calm ocean conditions. Because they keep my warm+comfy...but the idea of waders filling with water is a scary thought.
That is why my new setup [farmer john w/dry pants] is the perfect compromise of safety and comfort.
PK

Question.....would this be a safe thing to wear out in the Ocean (instead of wetsuit)? Will this keep you warm enough when you get separated from your kayak and miles away from shore? Just curious>>>>

Sounds like a loaded question Mooch. Why stop at just a wetsuit.. why not a survival suit?

Personally, I agree that a wetsuit will work well in open water conditions but with the right layering a drysuit or wader/drytop combo can keep you just as warm... and definitely drier.

Z