Hey everyone,

I have always been mainly a summer paddler, and I have always wondered about getting a dry top... I was wondering what suggestions everyone has, the one that I am really interested in right now is the IR Short Sleeve Comp Semi-Dry, I have heard that although it does let some water in, more than the traditional dry top, that it is great and keeps you warm all day! as well as it is as comfortable as the most comfortable dry top can be haha!
As far as this goes, does anyone have any insight? Also the drydecks seem like a good idea and really dry, but again hopefully want something short sleeve and that keeps me warm not necessarily looking for the dryest of dry tops! haha

Get a real drytop with latex gaskets on the sleeves and neck. You can trim the neck gasket to make it more comfortable. If hot you can always cool off quickly in the river. Once you are wet inside the semi-drytop you will be wet the rest of the day. It will be harder to warm up if the day gets long and you start paddling in the shade. The semi is also less versatile because you can only use it in hot weather.
Separate skirts and tops are also more versatile, allowing you to use lighter weight or short sleeve tops with the same skirt.

thanks, do you know if anyone makes a short sleeve with arm and neck gaskets?
i think that would be a great idea lol
make my decision alot easier!!

Palm, kokotat, lotus, bombergear all make short sleeve drytops. I believe peak UK also makes one, though they seem to be using a different sort of closure on the neck. I would stick with traditional latex unless you know someone who would swear by an alternative closure. I have the kokatat. They make grat gear, though expensive. I got mine on sale.

Hey there jeffcook the palm sidewinder is a great cag on the short sleave it has latex neck and biceps seals its a lot of money but really good gear and last some time

Dan

I agree. Palm makes great gear. I have the sidewinder bib which is solidly made. Compared with a drysuit it is inexpensive as well.

Spend the money and get a good quality proper long sleeve dry top. When I bought my first dry top, it instantly became the most important part of my kit. It keeps you warmer so you don't lose energy, and can paddle harder for longer. It keeps water out of your boat. Keeps wind off etc. and that's the benefits when it's not even cold. It also allows you to paddle colder rivers and on cold days etc. without freezing your nuts off. The benefits are endless

Also, I paddle in Australia, where it's usually pretty warm. If you get a decent quality dry top that's breathable, you generally won't get too hot unless it's a heat wave or something (and then you can just take it off!). So I see no point in a short sleeve or semi dry top (I have a semi dry top as well, but can't remember the last time I saw a reason to wear it since buying a proper breathable dry top). It may seem like a lot of money, but once you have it you'll wonder why it took you so long to get one!

haha, alright thanks everyone

i'm getting a general trend of long sleeve rubber gaskets
thanks for the advice from everybody and if anyone else has an insight please let me know i will take as much info as I can get!

Just in case you aren't yet fully convinced, here is another reason for a long-sleeve drytop. Bugs. I have a shorty but don't use it as often as I could. During the period when I could use it there are two hatchings of black flies and one of the most voracious greenhead flies you could experience. I use the long-sleeve during those periods. It is a more versatile piece. I found this out the hard way by buying the shorty first, and not using it as much as I thought I would.

Have a look at the PeakUk Combi Short. It has latex gaskets on your biceps and a AOL seal on your neck. The best thing about the Combi short is that it has detachable sleeves! These are made of thin titanium neoprene and the fasten over the latex gaskket on your biceps. This is great for when the weather acts up and I live in Africa, here we also have many a biting bug, so on late afternoons when the "muggies" come out I can pop my sleeves on and don't get bitten.
For the best of both worlds go for the Combi Short, especially if you are paddling in warmer conditions.
d

Ah,
See this is what I love about the Playak forum, any question you have will be answered and from every perspective possible!
Thanks for all the help everyone!

i have PeakUK's drytop that was advertised for $140 on their website. I've used it a couple times this season and it held up very well. I would definately go with something similar to this and then strip down to your base layer if you start getting hot.

Cassidy Bond