Dry Tops

Dry tops are fantastic pieces of rafting equipment designed to keep you warm on the river. Typically these tops are almost exclusively designed with kayaking in mind featuring latex neck and wrist gaskets, skirt tunnels, and elastic waistbands. Generally these are used by only by kayakers guiding rafts on cold weather river trips doubled up with a pair of paddle pants. If you are trying to understand what is out on the market we have a helpful buyer’s guide at the bottom of the page otherwise you can find more info about drytops below.

Top Recommendations for Dry Tops

What is a Dry top

A dry tops are designed to completely seal out water from your neck to your waist. This top is great in nearly any river conditions and any season. Drytops are most commonly used by kayakers since the dynamics of flips and swims are much different between the two sports. Most rafters simply prefer a drysuit since their entire body gets splashed rather than just their upper half. They feature sealed double layer gaskets at each opening of the top.

How does a Dry top work

Drytops work by forming a tight seal at the neck, wrists, and waist. These tops are a 2.5 layer design, 2 layers of fabric and a breathable impermeable inner coating.

 They typically utilize the same 2.5 layer material as a Semi dry top which is usually built using polyester, Nylon, or other similar patented materials.This material helps paddlers stay dry from splashes while maintaining breathability through the fabric.

How waterproof is a Dry top

For the most part they are pretty waterproof; the real issue is the waist. The one point these tops generally leak is at the waist. Getting a good seal can be a challenge and again these tops are mostly utilized by kayakers when a full drysuit is not necessary.

Most Rafters are more likely to go with a full drysuit due to the possibility of leakage during a swim or most class III or higher operations on the water. The full suit will keep you warmer and drier by removing the possibility of water entering at the waist. Ultimately, if you go for a big swim though this will leak at the waist at some point.

Why would you want to have a Dry Top?

If you are a crossover paddler and use a kayak as much as a raft or you are a full time kayaker, you will likely have one of these. In a kayak wearing a paddle jacket or semi dry top and you flip water will easily get into the neoprene neck gasket of that style top. The latex neck is much better at keeping you dry in a kayak.

That said it does pair well with paddle pants for unprecedented toilet access. If you are a female paddler this may be a big concern for you since stripping down an entire drysuit to answer the call is not ideal. Pee funnels as well can get messy and some lady boaters don’t want to mess with that.  As long as the conditions are right that combo can be a great choice.

When would you use a Dry top

Dry tops are great for 3+ season use. If the temperature is anywhere north of freezing a dry top and pants will do well. Even in cold dry weather you can get away with it as long as the river is easy. If there is any frozen water either in the air or the river, or it is pouring rain all day in the winter this is not a recommended option. At that point you will want to go with a drysuit.

Wrists and neck

Wrists are latex gaskets typically with a protective over cuff of neoprene or additional drysuit material. Neck gaskets are built in the same fashion with a latex gasket and a soft protective material to cover the gasket. Special care must be taken with these and they should be maintained with a product like 303 aerospace protectant. Take care to clean and wash these after every use since latex can degrade over time with skin oils and sunscreens.

Waist

Waist bands on these tops are a double tunnel style which allows for 2 options. If you also kayak it makes for an ideal fit with your skirt. If you were paddle pants in a raft, you can pull the elastic band under the waist band of your pants and secure the skirt tunnel over the waistband of your pants. This ensures that you have a 3 layer seal to keep water out of your waist. Many tunnels have a hook and loop style closure that allows you to cinch down the waist to your desired size and accommodates layers well.

7 Figure Dry Top - Immersion Research

MSRP $ 419.00

Updated for 2019 - An alpine inspired fit dry top provides more freedom while eliminating excess fabric. Constructed with polyester face fabric made 100% from recycled water bottles. Our unique shell fabric won’t absorb water so your dry top stays lighter, breathes better, dries faster, and avoids condensation to keep you feeling dry.

• 3-layer waterproof/breathable shell with 100% PCW recycled polyester face fabric treated with C6 DWR (durable water repellent) finish

• Latex neck and wrist gaskets with neoprene over cuffs to aid in dryness and gasket preservation

• One piece super sticky neoprene tunnel

• Size variations available to fit paddlers of all shapes and sizes (S-XXL)

• Weight: 1.9lbs (30.4oz)

Paladin - Hiko

MSRP $ 230.00

Paladin 4O2 is top of a line dry jacket for extreme white water kayaking. It is the newest evolution step in the Paladin line. Strategically positioned seams create a great fit that allows free range of motion. This dry jacket is made from 4O2 - it is super light four layer material.

Paladin 4O2 is equipped with "Double Pull" system - the waist can be adjusted simultaneously from the back and the front by one simple motion. Latex cuffs around wrists and neck are protected by long neoprene cuffs and high neoprene collar. Cordura reinforcement in the areas of elbows and knees protects the areas from sharp rocks and branches.

Flux Dry Top - NRS

MSRP $ 324.95

The NRS Men's Flux Dry Top's waterproof material is unmatched in breathability, and its action-cut design can't be beat. The Flux gives kayakers the ultimate combination of dryness, durability and comfort.

• 4-layer Eclipse fabric, with its proprietary waterproof-breathable barrier and Nanosphere® DWR finish lock water out while letting moisture escape.

• The supple polyester microfiber shell allows frictionless paddling with superior resistance to puncture and abrasion.

• The Flux's action-cut design provides superior comfort and freedom of movement.

• Waterproof-breathable HyproTex™ inner skirt and 5" double-pull waist mate with your sprayskirt to keep you and your kayak's cockpit dry.

• Tough latex neck and wrist gaskets snug to the skin for a waterproof seal and punch-through neoprene overcuffs protect the gaskets.

• Convenient splashproof, zippered shoulder pocket keeps necessities close at hand.

Drygear Related Articles