dry tops.. dunno what to do..

[GonnaCatchABig1]

Originally Posted by 1dozenraw

I have 3 set-ups. For days on the breachway when the waves are blowing spray everywhere - Grundens fowl weather gear, knee high rubber boots that commercial dragger hands wear and Korkers. Simms dry top ( I paid $100 for it almost new) and breathable waders. I also have a Helly Hansen breathable semi dry top that I bought new for $35 (because it's pink and no-one else had the balls to wear it). Not a issue for me. It's a bit lighter than the Simms and it was cheap. I don't own or ever wear anything with a hood.

how effective is the dry top at keeping water out if submerged for any period of time? is basically what im trying to decipher here. (not completely submerged but half of its got be spending time in the water right?)

[1dozenraw]

Originally Posted by GonnaCatchABig1

how effective is the dry top at keeping water out if submerged for any period of time? is basically what im trying to decipher here. (not completely submerged but half of its got be spending time in the water right?)

I usually stand waist deep. I wear a wader belt over the drytop if I'm going in that deep. The waders are another 18 inches up inside so no water gets in them at all. Where the Simms does fail a bit id around the neck and wrists. The gaskets on me are snug but not uncomfortably tight. So it's more comfortable but when water is all around a small amount goes down my arms or neck. I can live with it. I have had waves break over head and staked 98% dry... but that a wave or two... consistently under water... not sure I'd be that dry. But I am too old to fish that way...

[Pete_G]

To me a "dry" top is going to have latex gaskets at the neck and wrists. Effectively waterproof. Same style gaskets a survival suit would have, no water will pass (assuming they are tight enough), even underwater.

A "splash" top will have neoprene gaskets at the wrists and neck, and can and will allow seepage in regards to water getting by but will fend off most of a wave. Definitely not waterproof, but far more water resistant then just a jacket.

Drytops are dry, but they are a wrestling match to get in and out of and if the gaskets are to work properly they need to be tight around the wrists and neck. Too much work for me and uncomfortable for some, I just assume get wet. But if you go this route, you will be dry.

Assuming the manufacturer is describing them properly, they'll function as I listed above.

[gldnbear93]

see pete's note above.

I use a kayaking dry top I got a couple years ago-latex(rubber) gaskets around the wrists and neck, a gasket around the waist and an additional velcro strap that kind of acts like a belt to tighten it around my waist (I still use an additional belt) It is breathable (though hot on warm nights) and keeps me dry. Black with some reflective piping at the seams. No great big logo either.

One big chest pocket (wet) and one smaller arm pocket (also wet) No Hood though.

$100 at an online discounter.

[GonnaCatchABig1]

Originally Posted by Pete_G

To me a "dry" top is going to have latex gaskets at the neck and wrists. Effectively waterproof. Same style gaskets a survival suit would have, no water will pass (assuming they are tight enough), even underwater.

A "splash" top will have neoprene gaskets at the wrists and neck, and can and will allow seepage in regards to water getting by but will fend off most of a wave. Definitely not waterproof, but far more water resistant then just a jacket.

Drytops are dry, but they are a wrestling match to get in and out of and if the gaskets are to work properly they need to be tight around the wrists and neck. Too much work for me and uncomfortable for some, I just assume get wet. But if you go this route, you will be dry.

Assuming the manufacturer is describing them properly, they'll function as I listed above.

well since i dont plan ever being submerged past my neck i dont think i'd need the full latex. plus im sure that would drive me nuts. i think i will go with the neoprene . i can deal with seepage just so long as i dont come out with a gallon of water sloshing around in my waders after a wave comes that if not for the dry top would have filled them.

are there any major differences between the kayaking tops and ones geared towards wading? (other than pocket and the like) or are they same thing in a different package? cause there are some really nice lookin kayak tops. and they seem to be about $100 cheaper in most cases.

[1dozenraw]

The material on my Simms is a heavier grade and I think that the fishing dry tops are heavier because they are likely (hopefully) to have live fish, blood and slime, occasional plugs with hooks and barnacles on rocks rubbing against them. The HH I have which I think was actually intended as a sailing splash top is lighter weight material because the abrasion and abuse would normally be less in sailing and Kayaking. I would advise trying on the ones with gaskets to see how the gaskets feel. They have to be tight to seal completely. I know I have sacrificed a bit of seal for comfort. But I don't often get dunked and that works for me. I just am looking to stay dry enough to be warm and not have to leave the rocks to get a dry change of clothes.

[GonnaCatchABig1]

thank you. i'm getting a much better idea of their practicality. and i think i have finally found the solution.

Stearns Rapid Rescue Extreme Dry Suit. i'm just trying to figure out its 100% dry like waders. if so it's mine. cause it's only about $400 which is actually cheaper then a top and waders. and fully breathable. even has an air purge valve. seems like a great solution. as long as it keeps me dry. its got latex seems with neoprene over them. so i could cut down the gaskets to a more comfortable fit. while having the protection of two seals.

# Waterproof/breathable fabric
# Internal suspeners provide optimum fit
# Latex waterproof seals around neck, and wrist
# Relief zipper
# Built-in waterproof sock
# Built-in air purge valve
# Relief tape around wrists for added visbility
# Neoprene seal protector around wrist and neck
# Cordura knees and elbows for durability

sounds like a big suit of waders right?

yup i'm gonna try that out.. if it doesnt work.. i'll just pawn it off some where. they also make some really nice boots for cheap. all i'd need is korkers and i'd be all set. and if it works i can just a get chit pair of summer time waders.

[1dozenraw]

Try wearing it before you buy it... looks like a bit overkill from the website. Might be heavy... good luck.