Size Up or Down in a Dry Top?
If you've ever paddled in a dry top that felt like a straitjacket halfway through a roll, you already know sizing matters more than most people think. In dry top kayaking , the difference between one size and another can mean the gap between full shoulder rotation and a gasket that leaks every time you reach forward. And most people only figure this out after they've already bought the wrong one. What size actually works for layering? Size up if you plan to wear anything thicker than a thin base layer underneath. That's the short answer. Dry wear uses latex gaskets to completely block water entry, which means the fit around your neck and wrists needs to be airtight. But the body of the top also needs room. If you're paddling in cold water with a fleece mid-layer or a heavier synthetic base, a top that fits your bare chest will compress those layers and restrict your arm swing. You lose rotation, and your paddle stroke suffers. The rule most experienced paddlers follow...