Gear Locker: Kokatat Gore-Tex Meridian Drysuit

February-March 2004

This is an article from WaveLength Magazine, available in print in North America and globally on the web.
To download a pdf copy of the magazine click here: > DOWNLOAD

by Alex Matthews
Photos by Rochelle Relyea

When nature calls, Alex will be ready.

Alex models a very comfy Kokatat drysuit.

First Nations people managed for millennia with clothing of woven cedar strands or animal skins, but modern paddlers have comfy new options, as Alex shows.

I am a veritable chihuahua of a human being. I shiver at the slightest chill. My limbs are long and thin, radiating heat into the surrounding air. If placed in cold water, my lips turn blue and then I die. So I really like drysuits.

The Kokatat Gore-Tex Meridian drysuit is beautifully built and detailed. The three-ply fabric consists of the Gore-Tex Immersion Technology membrane sandwiched between Kokatat’s ‘Evolution’ nylon face fabric and a moisture-wicking scrim on the inside of the garment. The result is a supple material with a soft hand and very good durability. Every seam is carefully tape-sealed, and every Gore-Tex Meridian suit is water tested before leaving the factory to guarantee dryness. The use of a waterproof-breathable fabric greatly increases the comfort of a paddling piece. When working, we perspire, and Gore-Tex allows a good amount of this vapor to escape while still keeping water out, whereas urethane coated fabrics don’t breathe at all, resulting in moisture build-up inside the garment. The high-wear areas of the seat and knees of the Meridian are also reinforced with tough Cordura nylon.

The duty of keeping water out of the neck, sleeves and legs is handled by latex gaskets. These are top quality units, protected by neoprene over-cuffs that secure with Velcro taps for a nice snug closure.

A metal-tooth Optiseal zipper runs from the top of the right shoulder to the left hip providing lots of room for getting the suit on and off. Again, materials are first rate; this is a rugged waterproof zipper that doesn’t let a drop of water in. Overtop of the zipper there is an overskirt that seals closed with Velcro and a neoprene waistband. When paddling, the spray deck is sandwiched between the suit and its overskirt for a very dry seal. A bungee drawcord at the waist rounds out the package.

The cut is excellent, providing great freedom of motion. Bear in mind that if you are in doubt about sizing, it is best to go bigger rather than smaller. Once you are wearing lots of fleece underneath, you want to have room to move and stretch. If the fit is slightly oversized, much of the excess volume disappears once the suit is on and the air is squeezed out of it.

There are several custom order options available on the Meridian. There are two options that I highly recommend—the super convenient ‘relief zipper’ and the Gore-Tex socks. The relief zipper is a short Optiseal unit that runs horizontally across the crotch of the suit and provides, well, relief, without having to take the suit off. For women there is a drop seat version. The women’s Meridian is not merely a downsized men’s pattern but a suit specifically proportioned to fit the female form. The Gore-Tex socks eliminate the need for latex gaskets at the ankles and keep feet warm and totally, luxuriously dry. Be sure to always wear a decent outer bootie in order to protect the socks.

Are there any down sides to the Meridian drysuit? Only one— the price. It is not cheap. But looking at the superb materials, excellent quality and features, the cost is totally justified. The adage goes—’you get what you pay for’, and this dry suit is a Rolls Royce. With a Gore-Tex Meridian in your gear locker there is no longer any excuse not to practice rescues or go for that February swim in the surf. It redefines the concept of comfort in cold water and provides a far greater margin of safety when paddling in truly nasty conditions.

Highly Recommended.

PRICING (check with your local dealer)

Men’s Gore-Tex Meridian Drysuit: S-XL—$1035 Cdn/$735 US, XXL —$1128 Cdn/$805 US Options tested:

• Relief zipper adds $165 Cdn/$120 US

• Gore-Tex socks adds $108 Cdn/$80 US

Women’s Gore-Tex Meridian Drysuit: $1035 Cdn/$735 US

• Dropseat adds $220 Cdn/$155 US

• Gore-Tex socks add $108 Cdn/$78

Kokatat Watersports Wear 5350 Ericson Way, Arcata CA 95521 (800) 225-9749 or (707) 822-7621, Email: kokatat@kokatat.com Web: www.kokatat.com

© Alex Matthews has worked as a sea kayak guide, safety-boater on river trips, managed an outdoor store, shaped boats, and been marketing manager for a major kayak manufacturer. He resides on Vancouver Island.