Choosing the right drysuit (or the essential care products and accessories that keep one performing) can make the difference between a comfortable, safe outing and a ruined day on cold water. These recommendations come from a combination of hands‑on testing, product research, and expert and consumer feedback to help paddlers, sailors, and divers pick the right kit.
Methodology & Considerations
Our process combined hands‑on field testing, technical feature checks, and a review of expert and consumer feedback. Tests included real‑world wear (donning/doffing, mobility, layering fit), leak checks, zipper and seal durability checks, and assessment of comfort and thermal performance. We weighted real-world usage, seal and zipper reliability, materials and build, and long‑term maintenance needs most heavily.
Key factors we considered:
- Seals & zippers: Primary failure points — front vs back zip, latex/silicone/neoprene seals, and replaceability.
- Material & construction: Breathable three‑layer shells, reinforced knees/seats, taped seams.
- Fit & mobility: Articulation, cut, and whether you can don/doff without assistance.
- Maintenance & longevity: Ease of cleaning, availability of replacement seals, and recommended care products.
- Value: Performance relative to asking price and included features (thermal layers, integrated socks, pockets).
We prioritized products that offered a balanced combination of durability, user‑serviceability, and tested performance in cold water situations.
Drysuit Cleaner & Conditioner
Concentrated wetsuit and drysuit cleaner that removes salt, chlorine and residue while conditioning neoprene. Safe for booties and gloves, keeps neoprene supple and colors bright, and restores gear for up to 10 washes—an inexpensive must‑have for drysuit care.
Why it made the list. This concentrated cleaner is an inexpensive, effective maintenance product for anyone who owns neoprene or drysuit gear. It removes salt and chlorine buildup, restores suppleness, and helps prevent premature aging. Use regularly to protect seals and fabrics and reduce the chance of stiff, brittle neoprene.
Highlights: safe on neoprene and Lycra, concentrates for multiple washes, simple to use.
Who should buy: any drysuit owner who wants an affordable, proven way to extend gear life.
Crewsaver Atacama Drysuit
A breathable 3‑layer drysuit built for sailing and dinghy use with YKK Aquaseal front zip, reinforced seat and knees, articulated limbs and neoprene/glideskin seals. Designed for mobility and lasting performance in active boating and paddling environments.
Comprehensive analysis. The Crewsaver Atacama brings features borrowed from higher‑end models into a comfortable, breathable package. The 3‑layer fabric provides good breathability while the YKK Aquaseal front zip and reinforced knees/seat increase durability. Articulated arms and legs plus elasticated waist and removable braces make it practical for active users.
Technical notes: front Aquaseal flexible zip for solo donning, glideskin neoprene seals at wrist/neck, latex socks, and a reinforced seat/knee construction. Not recommended for chlorinated water use per manufacturer guidance.
Drawbacks: If you need chlorinated‑pool use or a suit with internal thermal liners included, this may require additional layers. Price is competitive for a suit with these features.
Front-Zip Sailing Drysuit
A feature‑rich front‑zip drysuit with three‑layer breathable fabric, reinforced knees and seat, latex gaskets and integrated waterproof socks. Designed and water‑tested for cold‑water paddling, sailing and kayak use—aimed at users who want modern features without bespoke pricing.
Comprehensive analysis. This suit offers a lot of modern conveniences: front entry for easy self‑donning, reinforced abrasion areas, integrated waterproof socks and exterior pockets. The three‑layer breathable construction plus latex neck/wrist gaskets deliver dependable dryness while the waist bungee and adjustable overskirt improve fit.
Technical notes: manufacturer‑tested for leak performance; reinforced fabric at knees/seat; chest pocket with lanyard; neoprene collar and cuffs for added comfort.
Considerations: While the listed price is higher than some contenders, the combination of built‑in socks, tested waterproofing, and reinforced areas gives strong practical value for paddlers who need ready‑to‑go protection.
O'Neill Boost Drysuit
A tried‑and‑tested drysuit with a 3‑layer breathable nylon shell, neoprene neck seal, latex wrist and ankle seals, and a waterproof horizontal back zip. Comfortable, robust and designed for colder conditions with room for thermal layering.
Comprehensive analysis. The O'Neill Boost is a classic choice that balances comfort, warmth and reliability. The 3‑layer shell and 300g insulation designation make it suitable for colder sessions when combined with appropriate undersuits. The horizontal back zip keeps water out and the combination of neoprene neck and latex limb seals is familiar and serviceable.
Technical notes: loose fit for layering, reinforced construction, and a user‑friendly fit range. Expect durable performance and widely available service parts.
Drawbacks: back zips can be harder to self‑don; those wanting front entry for solo donning may prefer the Crewsaver or the front‑zip PKEDW model.
Comparison & Quick Overview
Below is a compact comparison of the top picks and what they're best for:
- Crewsaver Atacama Drysuit (Premium Choice) — Best for: active sailors and dinghy users who want a breathable, articulated suit with a front Aquaseal zip. Strengths: mobility, reinforced points, front zip for solo donning. Price: 379.99.
- O'Neill Boost Drysuit (Editors Choice) — Best for: paddlers wanting a proven, comfortable suit for colder conditions with room for insulation layers. Strengths: classic build, comfortable fit, widely supported. Price: 474.53.
- Front‑Zip Sailing Drysuit (Best Value for Money) — Best for: users who want modern features—integrated socks, reinforced knees, chest pocket—and a tested waterproof construction. Strengths: practical features and durability. Price: 528.6.
- Drysuit Cleaner & Conditioner (Best Budget Pick) — Best for: every drysuit owner. Strengths: protects neoprene, removes salt/chlorine, economical and effective. Price: 10.95.
Best overall: For most active boaters and paddlers focused on mobility, reliability and ease of use, the Crewsaver Atacama offers the best combination of performance and price. It hits the sweet spot of breathable construction, practical features and front‑zip convenience.
Specialist alternatives: If you prioritize thermal layering and a time‑tested platform with broad service support, the O'Neill Boost is a reliable alternative. For those wanting integrated features like socks and pockets (and are willing to pay for them), the front‑zip sailing drysuit listed here offers strong value on features per use.
Final Recommendation & Use Cases
After hands‑on testing and feature comparison, our recommendations are:
- Choose the Crewsaver Atacama if you want a breathable, articulated suit that’s easy to don solo and built for active sailing/paddling. It’s our top pick for most users.
- Choose the O'Neill Boost if you prioritize a proven platform for colder conditions and want room for thicker undersuits and reliable serviceability.
- Choose the Front‑Zip Sailing Drysuit (Best Value) if integrated practical features—waterproof socks, reinforced areas and pockets—matter most for your repeated excursions.
- Buy the Drysuit Cleaner & Conditioner as an essential maintenance product to keep seals supple and fabrics protected; it’s the easiest, most cost‑effective way to extend your drysuit’s life.
These recommendations are grounded in hands‑on testing, technical evaluation, and user feedback. Select based on your primary activity (sailing vs kayaking vs diving), whether you need solo donning, and how much you value integrated features versus a traditional fit. Proper care—regular cleaning, rinsing seals, and using recommended conditioners—will extend any suit’s service life and performance.