13 June, 2022
Out in your kayak, on your paddleboard, or doing any water activity where you could use a little extra protection? Dry suits are an excellent choice.
Like Mustang Survival’s collection – the Helix and Hudson, surface dry suits are often made with breathable fabrics as wearers who spend much of their time on the surface often get overheated and/or dehydrated.
Along with being breathable, dry suits are waterproof and watertight and insulate against heat transfer to the surrounding environment. Aiding in keeping water out, the neck and wrists often incorporate soft rubber (like Latex) or neoprene seals and purge valves to evacuate any water that may creep in.
All of this is to say that dry suits should be part of your safety plan when you spend a lot of time on the water. Now, on to getting the most out of yours!
Our dry suit should fit loosely as the design allows for added layers, like the Mustang Survival Kazan Dry Suit Liner. These extra layers provide more thermal protection that may be critical in certain climates and environments.
For women, exciting things are happening. Traditionally, in marine sports, they have had to contend with suits engineered and ergonomically designed for men. Now, some female-specific suits are hitting the market, like Mustang Survival’s Helix Drysuit for women. The specific cut and clever helical zipper (for donning, doffing, and relief) make this a superior fit option for women on the water.
When choosing a drysuit, one of the big decisions is - Closed Comfort System (CCS) or a Latex neck seal?
Latex at the neck and wrists of dry suits offer a secure and dependable seal to prevent water from getting in. The latex can be trimmed to customize the fit and increase comfort. However, some wearers find it too restrictive and tight, causing pinch points.
The Mustang Survival-developed Closed Comfort System (CCS) seals against water but isn’t as tight as a latex seal. It also lets you easily regulate body temperature and don and doff (put on and take off) due to its adjustability. In combination with their CCS neck system, Mustang Survival also uses robust neoprene for exceptional comfort at the wrists.
What’s best for you? The CCS neck seal is the most comfortable option; however, the latex seals are the right choice when accidental submersion may occur.
One of the most challenging parts of using a dry suit can be putting it on. Here are a few things to keep in mind to make it easier.
When it is time to get out of your dry suit, remove any equipment worn over the suit and thoroughly rinse down the exterior. Loosen all the adjusters and tabs, open the zipper and extract yourself, paying careful attention to not pull directly on any seals.
Click here for a step-by-step guide to drysuit donning and doffing.
Wearing a dry suit can make for a successful adventure. Check out Mustang Survival for a selection of high-performance dry suits to complete your next paddle or on-the-water trip.
This article is an advertorial from our friends at Mustang Survival.
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