Winter is almost here (Chicago, IL) I’m looking for dry-suit. Any suggestions

Thank you in advance for your advice.

Must be breathable (otherwise, you will still be wet when you get out of it). I recommend that the zipper be accessable while you are in it (I have a Gill on which the zipper is in the back and I have to have help to get in and out). A relief zipper (i.e. in the crotch) would be REALLY nice.

Speaking of drysuits, why is it that majority of sailors stop sailing in the winter, when outdoor clothing has improved so much lately. Even more strangely many of these sailors spend a fortune on thier annual skiing trip, which is far colder. We need to persuade these outdoor clothing makers, to update the drysuits with the new fabrics.


75% of Ski jackets never see the snow, if cycling shorts can be fashionable then so can drysuits

I' sail through the whole year but only when the temp is above 0° C. I wear a breathable drysuit with 3 pair of socks and allot of clothes.
The chill factor when sailing is far greater, than it is when skiing (only when wet!). Skiing is also more athletic and you were nice skiing boots and gloves. The problem when sailing in low temp, is that your feeds and hands get wet and stiff after while.

My wife and I have used drysuits for quite a bit of cool weather sailing. Off season and a couple of high latitude expeditions. Yes, heavy weight GoreTex is the ticket. You can spend all day in a GoreTex dry suit and remain dry. Our first suits were not breathable, what a difference!

Also recommend latex socks and relief zips. The socks solve the cold feet problem since you can then really layer up your tootsies. You have to wear them under some kind of high top footgear though, to protect the latex. The relief zips are key also. You'll regret it if you don't get your suit with one.

We have Kokatat suits that we bought about 6 years ago. They have held up well though we have been through a complete set of seals in that time. The protective cuffs at neck, wrists, ankles are a good feature.

George

I have a Kokatat breathable and its great. They are designed for paddling which requires a lot of upper body freedom. Once I cut the gaskets to the correct size, (tight enough to not allow water in, but not so tight that circulation is cut off) I can sail and actually forget that it is even on. Most sailors in our club are either using this kind or are going to it shortly. They are real expensive, but the are worth it. Don't miss the wetsuit even a little bit.

I will be sending it back to Kokatat to have them add the relief zipper over the winter and probably the thigh pocket.

I bought it at REI. I suggested to my whole family that if they were getting a gift for me for christmas and/or the impending birthday, that they get gift cert. at REI. I actually bought the suit before thanksgiving last year and after Christmas and that-there-birthday, cashed in the gift certs on the suit. After the gift certs where credited and the rei member cash back, the suit cost me about $300.

www.rei.com
http://www.kokatat.com/

I agree that sailing is colder (or at least feels that way) than skiing.

One thing I learned in years of spring/cave diving is that there is no such thing as a gasket that won't leak. With the neck, it's due to the constant head turning. With the arms, it's the flexing of the forearm (when working sheets and tillers).

I prefer some sort of wicking undergarments, and then layer on the fleece before entering the drysuit. The wicking keeps the skin surface dry, and fleece can stay warm(er) even when wet. I think wool is the only other thing that claims this - and it's heavier.

I'll be picking up another dry-suit (Kokatat most likely) this year, and certainly will add the relief zipper. I'm still debating about the booties/no booties design...

AND DON'T FORGET A NICE HOOD. Gill has a nice one that's fleece. It's form fitting, fleece, and not as tight as a diving hood... Still experimenting with this though...

Whatever you do, Gortex Booties are a must!!!...I just got my Kok. suit fitted with those babies....much better than the traditional "pull your hair" seals....

Much warmer too!

http://www.swwhitewater.com/sqdrysuit.html

I have been very happy with this Stohlquist combination Gortex pants and top. What I like most is having the option of pants, top or both. I have also been very pleased with their PFD. It has plenty of room to move your arms and sits up high; making it easy to hook on and off the trap.
Dave