Gear Review: Kokatat Women's Icon Drysuit

--Product Information--
Product Name: Women's Icon Drysuit
Product Brand: Kokatat
Best Use: Winter immersion wear for water sports
Sizes Available / Specs: available in women's small, medium, large, XLS; or a custom size.

--Test Information--
Location of Test: Canyon Creek and East Fork of the Lewis
Duration: 2 days

--Ratings--
Value Rating: 10
Durability Rating: 10
Overall Rating: 10

Full Review: This weekend, I had the chance to try out my new Kokatat Icon drysuit. I've heard lots of great reviews about this drysuit model thanks to Kokatat's killer warranty and Gore-Tex options, so I was ecstatic to get it on the water. The late October rains provided the perfect conditions to test out the Kokatat's Gore-Tex shell and watertight zipper, and Cordura pant and sleeve reinforcements. After two days of testing on both Canyon Creek and the East Fork of the Lewis in rainy, Washington conditions, the drysuit performed extremely well. I even stayed dry and warm enough to rally second and third laps on these awesome rivers! This is huge for me, as I'm usually too cold after one lap in winter conditions.

Jordan going big and staying warm in her Kokatat Icon

The Good List:

• Kokatat's rear zip entry: Some paddlers complain that this feature is annoying because it does not allow the paddler to zip themselves, however I have found that, with a little stretching, the suit is easy to zip myself into. The rear zipper also provides an unimposing dry top feel unlike the classic, bulky metal front zips.
• Gore-Tex Pro Shell: in addition to its exceptional warranty, the Gore-Tex shell seems to be superior to most other shells that I have tried in keeping me warm and dry, but not clammy from sweat!
• Cordura reinforced sleeves, shoulders, and pants: The Cordura reinforcements make the suit feel much sturdier, although I have not been able to time test them because I often find myself bushwhacking, scrambling, and stumbling during scouting missions, hike-ins, and portages. The Cordura reinforcements make me less concerned about tearing or puncturing my suit.

The Not so Good List: The fit: I found that the sleeves on the women's small suit were quite long. However, I am only 5'2", so this size will probably fit women who are slightly taller very well. Kokatat also offers custom cut drysuits if you're like me and can't seem to fit into traditional sizes.

The Bottom Line: I would absolutely recommend this drysuit to both men and women. The amazing range of motion provided with the rear entry option, in addition to the suit's warranty, full Gore-Tex, and Cordura reinforcements makes this suit a great all around option for paddlers of all levels and disciplines.