Is your dry suit fully dry or semi dry? What’s the difference and why do you want one over the other?
As a recreational user, or a Swiftwater Rescuer, there are choices to be made when purchasing dry wear and dry suits. One of the big choices and delineations in dry wear is “dry” or “semi-dry.” Sometimes dry wear labels and product names don’t designate a level of dryness so I’ll help point out the main features that dictate whether or not water enters the suit. And if water gets in, how much?
If I were to pretend that all dry suits were equal in construction and material quality I would then look at the neck and wrist gaskets to determine whether this is a dry or semi-dry garment.
DRY – has latex gaskets around neck and wrist. Sometimes those latex gaskets are covered with an over-gasket made of stretchy neoprene. Latex is thin, stretchy and tight against your skin. This provides the driest barrier to water around neck and wrists. It is still physically possible for a small amount of water to enter while tendons flex and cause the gasket to bridge over your natural body shape. But this latex gasket is going to be your best bet for a true dry suit that keeps you actually dry. Swiftwater swimmer/rescuers will want this type of suit, or anyone who is putting their hands or arms in the water repeatedly, or going underwater completely. IR makes numerous full dry suits, the Operator LX and Devil’s Club being the two most popular models.
SEMI-DRY – has neoprene gaskets without latex gaskets underneath. This gasket type seals out most water and offers a higher level of comfort to anyone who has sensitive skin or is otherwise averse to a tight latex gasket around neck and wrist. These options are mostly dry but will allow some water to enter more easily if you are submerged, swimming or going underwater frequently. *Some semi-dry gaskets open and close with a draw chord or other type of closure. Those options are even less dry but may offer ventilation and a higher level of comfort. However, comfort may be relative to whether or not you are wet or dry inside the suit itself. Most users who want a semi dry for their rescue efforts are standing in flood water, contaminated water or spending most of their time as a boat operator. IR makes the Operator “Semi-Dry” for this purpose. It’s the same incredible construction as the Operator LX without the latex gasket.
Thanks for reading! I hope this helps you make a choice on the correct dry suit for your needs. Reach out to me directly for price quotes on products or any other gear questions.
I’ve left pertinent links and info below my signature.
Spencer Cooke, Effort Inc.
effort.tv
ASTRAL | BADFISH | EAGLE CREEK | EDDYLINE
HIBEAR | IR | JACKSON KAYAK | WERNER
The essential Swiftwater Rescue Gear Kit:
Astral Indus or Greenjacket PFD
Astral Footwear; Pusha, Hiyak or Rassler
Astral Throw Rope
IR Operator LX Dry Suit
IR Operator Semi Dry Suit
IR Debrief Union Suit
IR OPS Gear Bag
Swiftwater Team Highlight:
Pat Barry of USNWC is located in Charlotte NC at the US National Whitewater Center and is head of Swiftwater instruction. Pat uses IR and Astral gear and keeps a fleet of demo units you may try out! Book a training with Pat, HERE.
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