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Semi dry tops are ideal pieces of rafting equipment designed to keep you warm on the river. Typically these tops are designed with kayaking as well as rafting in mind featuring neoprene neck gaskets, latex wrist gaskets, skirt tunnels, and elastic waistbands. Usually these are used by only by guides and private boaters for 3+ season 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 semi dry tops below.
IR Rival Top
Semi dry tops are similar to drytops in design; however they differ in their gasket closures. These tops are often designed in both long and short sleeve versions. A semi drytop uses less latex and relies more on tighter fitting neoprene, more aggressive cuts, and usually incorporates similar features to a dry top.
More often than not a semi drytop utilizes the same basic pattern as a full dry top. Like a paddle Jacket, semi drytops are designed to keep splashes and wind off of you. Most of these tops use the same weight of fabric as full drytops.
Many of these tops are a 2.5 layer design, 2 layers of fabric and a breathable impermeable inner coating. Unlike paddle jackets these tops are much more breathable and water resistant. Neck and wrist gaskets are tighter than a paddle jacket, but will still take on water in a huge swim.
The 2.5 layers of fabric are often Polyester, nylon, or other similar fabrics. These fabrics shed water extremely well and don’t often wet out. The biggest problem is when you take a big swim. Neck gaskets are prone to leaking since the material used is not designed to completely seal out water.
The gaskets definitely will not leak as badly as a paddle jacket will, however in short swims where you don’t go very deep the risk of getting wet is low. This is great for rafters since our swims are often less deep than kayakers and we don’t spend a lot of time underwater compared to when a kayaker flips.
Semi Drytops are ideal for rafters since you have nearly the same water resistance vs a full dry top. These jackets also have a similar cut or are the same shell as their full try top cousins. This makes them more effective as an option as the cut is more aggressive and roomy where you need it most.
These tops also tend to be more stylish than their paddle jacket cousins as well with better color options and a better overall look. If you can afford one of these over a paddle jacket they are definitely worth the money.
Semi Dry tops are great for 3.5 season use. Although you could use one of these tops all year, they are not great when it gets really cold. Basically they are good anytime you don’t see snow.
If you back this up with a pair of paddle pants you can have a great 3+ season setup without buying a wetsuit. If you get good at layering you can completely eliminate a wet suit.
Many of these tops will have little to no latex in them, so if you are allergic to latex this may be a requirement for you. The neck is generally a soft comfortable neoprene for all day comfort and some models even have soft neoprene wrists. Without the latex, especially on the next you get to spend the whole day without the feeling of a professional wrestler choking you…unless you’re into that sort of thing, then go with the dry top.
If you did later want to upgrade to a neck gasket, brands like Immersion Research offer this option as an upgrade. It is easy to just send it in and they will add the new gasket for you. You can find their latex gasket installation rates here.
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.
MSRP $ 275.00
A long sleeve paddle jacket built like a dry top with a neoprene neck band and latex wrists covered with neoprene wrist cuffs. Lightweight 2.5-layer hydrophobic polyester face fabric stays lighter, dries faster, breathes better, and prevents condensation. The articulated cut gives you room to move without being restricted or lost in excess fabric.
2.5-layer waterproof/breathable shell with 100% polyester mini ripstop face fabric treated with C6 DWR (durable water repellent) finish
Neoprene neckband and latex wrist gaskets with neoprene over cuffs to aid in dryness and gasket preservation
Size variations available to fit paddlers of all shapes and sizes (XS-XXL)
Weight: 1.9lbs (30.4oz)
MSRP $ 249.95
With its easy-to-wear GlideSkin™neoprene neck gasket and lightweight, breathable, 4-layer Eclipse™ waterproof fabric, the NRS Stampede Jacket gives you the perfect balance between comfort and protection in a paddling top.
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.
An alternative to more constricting latex gaskets, the punch-through neoprene GlideSkin™ neck seal provides all-day comfort while still keeping most water out.
The tough latex wrist gaskets seal out water and are protected by self-draining volcano-style neoprene covers.
Coated nylon inner skirt and 3" double-pull waist mate with your sprayskirt to keep you and your kayak's cockpit dry.
Fully taped seams ensure dryness and durability.
Convenient splashproof, zippered shoulder pocket keeps necessities close at hand.
