Support American Whitewater! support unicef

[please login to make this ad block disappear]

Review: Kokatat Meridian Drysuit

image We tested the Kokatat GORE-TEX® Meridian Drysuit with Relief Zipper (GMER) at my favorite playspot, the Upper Wave in Bremgarten (Switzerland) and on WW III+.

Hype

Top of the line drysuit that meets expectations.

Specs

  • 3-layer GORE-TEX® material
  • Latex gaskets with neoprene over-cuffs
  • Zippered chest pocket with key lanyard
  • Waterproof Optiseal chest zipper
  • Dual-adjustable overskirt incorporates "hook & loop" compatible neoprene
  • Adjustable bungee drawcord at waist
  • Cordura® seat and knee patches, self-draining
  • "Hook & loop" adjustable neoprene over-cuffs at ankle
  • Factory sealed seams
  • Relief zipper
  • GORE-TEX® socks

Comfort

The drysuit is comfortable to wear on and off the water. Getting in and out of the drysuit is easy (slip into the left arm and the neck first. Get your right arm into the suit and hold the upper part of the zipper from the inside to close the first couple of centimeters of the zipper. Then slip into the right arm and close the zipper completely). The material makes the drysuit very comfortable to paddle. As with any drysuit, you need to put on more cold water layers to stay warm.

clip_image002 clip_image009

Swimming is as comfortable as it can be (that’s because we take testing very seriously). No wetsuit sucking up lots of water. Getting ready for paddling after a swim is more comfortable and takes less energy compared to a drytop & wetsuit. We really felt a difference. However, there is no neoprene cushion protecting you from stones when swimming as with a wetsuit. The theoretical risk of tearing the fabric as you walk or swim may pose a safety hazard.

Waterproofness

We like the waterproofness of the dry suit. Cold water layering (shirt, pants and socks) got humid (but not soaking wet) in the vicinity of the gaskets. Long Johns and socks stay dry. The built-in skirt tunnel simply works. The over-cuff at the neck could be somewhat longer to fully cover the gasket for tightness and sun protection.

Durability / Build Quality

The drysuit scores with 3-layer GORE-TEX® material, is carefully manufactured and meets the expectations of a top of the line product. The details are designed well to result in a dry suit with no frills. E.g., the neoprene over-cuffs require no Velcro and the design of the self-draining over-cuffs are elegant. The GORE-TEX® socks are robust but still fine to wear (Velcro here).

clip_image002[7] clip_image002[9] clip_image002[11] clip_image011 clip_image002[13]

Miscellaneous

Once the dry suit has dried after use, roll it up for storage to keep the zipper from folding. Start with the Latex socks. Leave both zippers open for drying and storage.

Pros

  • Comfortable on and off the water .
  • As dry as it gets.
  • Design results in a good dry suit with no frills.
  • Nice fabric.
  • Carefully manufactured.
  • Swimming is very comfortable.

Cons

  • Over-cuff at the neck could be a bit longer.

Summary

I like this dry suit a lot. It is comfortable and dry. Nice materials and well manufactured.

More info

image

See full product details in the Playak Buyers Guide

Forums

Login to post here

supzero added a video. 55 minutes ago

SUP Lifestyle & Commute: David Leao’s Champion...

If you love Stand Up Paddling, subscribe to our channel! https://www.youtube.com/c/Totalsup?sub_confirmation=1 -------------------------------------...

carmenbaum added a video. 21 hours 28 minutes ago

Custom Outfitting for the Swift Cruiser 16.8...

Jeremy from RedLeaf Designs is a marathon canoe racer, ultra-long distance paddler, and multiple record holder. He placed 2nd in last year's ARC 120...

PeteNewport added a video. yesterday

Grateful for these moments

danejackson added a video. yesterday

“Had to drop back in for more!” | RIO CLARO

RIO CLARO LAP 2 When the Claro is at prime flows, it’s impossible to not keep going back in for more! RIVER : RIO CLARO LEVEL : PRIME BOAT : CLUTCH...

MaurusStrobel added a video. 2 days ago

Indiana Foil Condor M Monobloc Pumpfoil

Indiana Foil Condor M Monobloc Pumpfoil

PaulClark added a video. 2 days ago

Nolichucky Gorge FlyOver

The Noli Gorge has been severely impacted by Hurricane Helene. Here is some drone scouting of the first handful of rapids and features to be aware...

carmenbaum added a video. 2 days ago

Custom Outfitting for the Swift Dragonfly from...

Jeremy from RedLeaf Designs is a marathon canoe racer, ultra-long distance paddler, and multiple record holder. His company builds custom outfitting...

PaulClark added a video. 2 days ago

Nolichucky River Gorge after Hurrican Helene

What was once a river destination, spanning, North Carolina and Tennessee popular for commercial rafting, kayaks, and even whitewater paddle boards...