[White-water] Dry Tops

[Mark Taratoot]

I'm still paddling with my Lotus Nemo drytop that I've had forever.  I 
don't think they make them anymore since Patagonia bought Lotus years 
ago.  They still have a company that does their warranty work and 
replaces seals.  I usually wear a medium, but the size large gives 
plenty of room for gear.  It's had a few leaks fixed, but is pretty bomb 
proof.  I hope to keep paddling it for years to come before it needs a 
replacement.

I also still paddle a Kokatat semi-dry top (wrist seals but a 
less-aggressive seal around the neck) when the weather is hot and the 
water is less cold like Umpqua in the summer.  It's thinner material, 
but holds up well and is very breathable (XCR Goretex).  If/when my 
Lotus ever leaks too badly, I will probably replace it with a Kokatat.  
The semi-dry top is size medium, and I still have at least some room for 
layering.  If it's cold enough for lots of layers, I paddle a dry SUIT 
instead of a top.  My suit is a Kokatat, and they have been very good 
about repairs when I send it in for gasket replacement and leak 
testing.  It's got plenty of patches on it, but they all hold.  Their 
reputation of excellent customer service is worth a few extra bucks to 
me, although I also have heard good things from Stolquist customer 
service, but I've never used their products.  I own some NRS products, 
mostly neoprene and layers, and they seem to hold up well.  I have not 
needed warranty service.  Mountain Surf no longer makes dry tops, so I 
presume they are not able to offer warranty service on your top, which 
as I recall, isn't that old yet!  I'd give them a call first and give 
them a chance to support their product.  I think the other companies 
would, or at least might.

You'll probably get decent performance from any product you buy from 
those three companies.  If you find yourself in a town with a paddle 
shop, try a few on with your fleece underneath and then support that shop!

Cheers!

-m

-- 
Mark Taratoot
taratoot at peak.org


On 6/3/2012 10:53 AM, Jack Doyle wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I researching dry tops in the less than $300 price range.
>
> Does anyone have an opinion about which is the better dry top, e.g., 
> NRS vs. Kokatat vs. Stohlquist? My Mountain Surf has been great, but 
> is now leaking at the seams and starting to delaminate.
>
> I've never been able to find a large that allows me the room necessary 
> for layering. Does anyone have such experience with the above dry tops?
>
> Thanks,
> Jack
>
>
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