Hello there

I paddle in sunny Scotland, however I need a new drysuit and despite the price and bad exchange rate i'm tempted by a Kokatat. However I have one reservation and that is the gore-tex socks. Has anyone worn these socks through? or had them leaking due to sand abrading the fabric. I would of course wear boots/shoes with the suit all the time, however I'm concerned about the wear rate of the gore tex feet.

I live/paddle in the UK so we only have one Kokatat dealer, so not even any option to shop around!!!

The NRS mission drysuit looks very similar to the Kokatat one, however is made with latex feet, which must be more durable.

Has anyone expereinces Kokatat customer service? Is it any good?

Are NRS and Kokatat linked or are they entirely separate companies?

So finally sand abrading gore tex socks, do I need to worry?

Thanks for your opinions.

Matt

Just started in this sport but from what I was told if I wear neoprene shoes there is no problem. There service I heard was good. I am sure some others will chime in with real experience. I will be getting one of their suits soon myself. I the Meridian for me.

Welcome to this side of the pond

Yup I use the Kokatat Goretex drysuit w. the socks and they are, well, brilliant. Comfortable, cozy, easy to take on and off.

Latex socks are clammy/sweaty, etc. and a bit more difficult to put on... also harder to pull a neoprene shoe over. They will also rip/tear on sharp gravel or cobble, oyster beds, etc.

Always protect Goretex socks watershoes. All the time. When I change out of mine I always use my skirt or other material to stand on as I get out of the legs/booties.

Kokatat customer service is legendary. Goretex carries a lifetime warranty against delamination. I know a bunch of paddlers who sent their suits into Kokatat for a few small areas that had pinholes... Kokatat determined the suits were also delaminating, and sent a new replacement suit! They also offer custom fitting and resizing, as well as repairs.

Kokatat is by far the dominant brand among drysuit wearers in the U.S. and the choice of many expeditioners from Europe, England.

I know other people who went with other brands, and a few years later switched to Kokatat. With the money spent twice they said they wish they'd just gone to Kokatat first.

NRS and Kokatat are both very good companies. They are not linked.

Kokatat is the only drysuit maker in the world currently permitted to use Goretex - because their quality and testing meet Goretex requirements. All of the workmanship is done in the U.S. at their facility in Arcata California. They have a veteran workforce w. very little turnover, and do extensive visual and tanktesting. Their QC is very high. They are the gold standard for drysuits.

I have the dry suit with the GoreTex feet. What I do is wear a pair of old gym socks over them when i put on my paddling shoes. These take the abrasion and wear not the dry suit.

As to their service I have an older padling jacket that needed some repair and they took care of it at no charge.

Mike