Hello. My beard is generally pretty trim and I will often shave before a trip, however, it grows quick. The gasket is against the skin for an inch or more so a little hair in one spot shouldn't be an issue. If you were to dive that could be different just like with having facial hair and wearing goggles. For most uses, I doubt hair would have a significant effect and a few drips around the neck wouldn't be terrible or dangerous.
I am used to using a wet suit, but I’ve never tried a dry suit. Watching you put one on they seem rather fragile. Do you ever have problems with leaks? That could be “problematic”!
I've never had a leak. I used to wear a 20+ year old drysuit. I ripped an ankle gasket and the zipper eventually failed. The failures like this happen when putting it on or taking it off so you're on land anyway. I repaired both issues on my own. I treat it gently so it lasts a long time, which is my general approach with most of my gear. It's not fragile--I just see people dropping dry bags onto sharp rocks and sticks or standing on the same with drysuits, which might be fine for a while, but it will lead to eventual failure. I've used Kokatat drysuits sailing, kayaking, and doing some pretty intense swiftwater rescue. I've bounced and scraped along rocks and used gaskets repeatedly and had no issues. The benefit of being dry, comfortable, and being able to layer far outweighs any potential downsides to me.
Good tutorial. Personal hygiene question, do you shave your neck around the gasket? I have full beard and pony tail.
Hello. My beard is generally pretty trim and I will often shave before a trip, however, it grows quick. The gasket is against the skin for an inch or more so a little hair in one spot shouldn't be an issue. If you were to dive that could be different just like with having facial hair and wearing goggles. For most uses, I doubt hair would have a significant effect and a few drips around the neck wouldn't be terrible or dangerous.
I am used to using a wet suit, but I’ve never tried a dry suit. Watching you put one on they seem rather fragile. Do you ever have problems with leaks? That could be “problematic”!
I've never had a leak. I used to wear a 20+ year old drysuit. I ripped an ankle gasket and the zipper eventually failed. The failures like this happen when putting it on or taking it off so you're on land anyway. I repaired both issues on my own. I treat it gently so it lasts a long time, which is my general approach with most of my gear. It's not fragile--I just see people dropping dry bags onto sharp rocks and sticks or standing on the same with drysuits, which might be fine for a while, but it will lead to eventual failure. I've used Kokatat drysuits sailing, kayaking, and doing some pretty intense swiftwater rescue. I've bounced and scraped along rocks and used gaskets repeatedly and had no issues. The benefit of being dry, comfortable, and being able to layer far outweighs any potential downsides to me.
Sounds interesting. Wet suits are fine in the water (for a while) , but not so great for sailing or kayaking in.