The 9 Best Sailing Drysuits 2025
The best sailing drysuits provide warmth and protection from the elements for sailors, whether they are sailing in cold or wet weather.
When most people think of sailing, they picture sunny skies and warm ocean breezes. But what about when the weather takes a turn for the worse?
The unpredictable nature of the weather out at sea makes a drysuit an essential bit of sailing kit for anyone planning more than just the odd daysail.
There are many different types of drysuits available on the market, so it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. Sailing drysuits are a little different to diving drysuits, as they won’t necessarily be rated for underwater use or have an air connection point.
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Remember that even if you don’t plan on doing much cold weather sailing, you can use your sailing drysuit for a range of watersports such as kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. It won’t have limited use on your sailboat.
In this blog post, we will discuss the different features of the best drysuits for sailing and help you decide which one is best for you and the sailing you’re planning on doing.
Sailing Drysuits Quick Menu
- What is a dry suit for sailing?
- The 9 best sailing drysuits
- Qualities to look for in the best sailing drysuit
- Frequently asked questions
- Drysuit vs wetsuit
- How long should a sailing drysuit last?
- How much should you spend on a drysuit?
- Do drysuits actually keep you dry?
- Can you swim in a sailing drysuit?
- Do drysuits keep you warm?
What is a dry suit for sailing?
Have you ever been out sailing on a lovely sunny day, only for the weather conditions to dramatically change and leave you soaked through and shivering in the wind?
Being cold and uncomfortable for a few hours while a squall passes, or until you make it to the nearest port, is unpleasant but not life-threatening.
A decent quality winter sailing jacket will provide more than enough protection. But being stuck outside sailing the boat in endless hours of rain, wind and spray can be horrendous at best, and life-threatening at worst.
A dry suit is a special type of clothing that sailors wear to keep them dry while sailing. The suit is made of a waterproof, and breathable material, and it has seals at the wrists and ankles to prevent water from getting in.
Dry suits are essential for sailing in cold or wet conditions, and they can also be very useful in hot weather since they protect against UV rays and help sailors stay cool.
Some dry suits even have built-in buoyancy, which can help sailors stay afloat if they fall overboard. Whether you’re sailing in warm or cold weather, a dry suit is an essential piece of gear to have onboard for any sailor, even those fair weather ones like Adam and I!
The 9 best sailing drysuits
#1 Helly Hansen Men’s HP Drysuit 2
Helly Hansen make excellent sailing gear in general, and their products are long-lasting and high quality. This drysuit is no different.
With a fully waterproof zipper that makes putting it on easy, rubber cuffs and neck for a complete waterproof seal and fully taped to aid with breathability and windproofing, this drysuit will suit almost any sailor in any conditions.
Helly Hansen have also included critical point reinforcements to help this drysuit last many years.
The only thing to note is that these drysuits tend to run a little big, so make sure you don’t buy an oversized suit for comfort. They have already factored this in!
#2 Gill Verso Drysuit
The Gill Verso Drysuit is a great option for anyone looking for a quality drysuit for sailing, and one of the more comfortable drysuits on this list.
The Verso is made from XPLORE+® 3 layer fabric with XPEL® plant-based treatment for exceptional waterproofness and breathability.
The heavy duty front zips and rear entry makes this drysuit easy to climb in and out of as needed, and has an adjustable skirt so you can adjust the fit for comfort.
One of the unique features of this drysuit is the hood with 2 way adjustment that can be stored as necessary. This is a super thoughtful touch and makes it a stand-out drysuit for any offshore sailing.
Overall, this is a fantastic sailing drysuit for wet and cold conditions.
#3 Level Six Freya drysuit for sailing
The Freya drysuit is designed for women, which makes a nice change from some of the more male-dominated sailing brands.
The Exhaust 3.0 nylon fabric is made to last, and is both waterproof and breathable. It has latex wrist and neck gaskets for a fully waterproof fit, and reinforced knees and elbows for extra comfort and durability.
We love the women-specific fit with an easy front-entry design, so you can climb in and out with ease. Plus the fleece-lined pockets (with fully waterproof zippers of course) are a really nice touch.
It even has a rear relief zipper, so that you don’t have to undress to use the toilet in a rolly, uncomfortable seaway. We love that Level Six have thought about the little comforts in this drysuit, as well as the fact it’s a great product for anyone sailing in colder climates.
#4 O’Neill Men’s Boost 300g Drysuit
The O’Neill Boost Drysuit is a fantastic budget option. O’Neill make quality sailing products, and this drysuit is no different.
This is a baggy style, no neoprene, drysuit, made of durable, abrasion-resistant nylon. It has latex wrist and ankle seals and a chafe-free neck seal (if you’ve worn a drysuit before this is a very welcome feature!)
The built-in suspenders make it easy to get in and out of, and easy to adjust too. The baggier style of this drysuit means you can layer up properly underneath without restricting movement, and it’s easy to move around in on deck.
All in all, this is a great drysuit for the price and should last for many years with good care.
#5 Kokatat Hydrus 3L Meridian Dry Suit
The Hydrus 3L Meridian drysuit comes in a men’s and women’s version. It’s made of a tough outer nylon fabric, making it durable and abrasion resistant, but has a polyurethane microporous middle layer and soft polyester inner layer that work together to wick away moisture internally.
One unique feature of this drysuit is the specialised sleeves that give more arm freedom, making it easier to work the lines without restrictions. The waterproof socks are also a nice feature, as they’re more comfortable than the usual latex gasket seals and prevent water intrusion at the legs.
This drysuit has reinforced knees and seat to aid durability and comfort, and the reflective highlights are great for use in low light or on overnight passages.
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#6 Mustang Survival Dry Suit
They really have thought of everything with this Mustang Survival sailing drysuit. Not only is it super waterproof and durable, but they’ve gone above and beyond with comfort features too, making this a great choice for anyone who anticipates wearing their drysuit for longer periods.
The adjustable neck seal means you can fit the seal to your own body for ultimate comfort. The heavy duty, waterproof entry zipper doubles as a relief zipper and the internal suspenders make it easy to adjust the fit and balance the weight.
The wrist cuffs are trimmable to provide a custom fit, and have easy to peel back overcuffs to protect the seals for durability. The neck and wrist cuffs have also been designed with repair in mind, so you can simply replace the seals when needed without needing to replace the whole suit.
We love that each one of these suits is individually tested before leaving the factory, so you can be assured it will stand up to whatever you throw at it!
Buy men’s now from REI
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#7 NRS Axiom Dry Suit
The Axiom drysuit for sailing is a great budget option without too many compromises. With 3-layer GORE-TEX Pro fabric you can rely on it’s waterproof qualities and the tough latex neck and wrist seals are protected with overcuffs to help with durability.
The fabric for this drysuit is made of 100% recycled materials, so you can feel good about this purchase too!
Buy men’s from REI
Buy women’s from REI
#8 NRS Explorer Drysuit
The Explorer sailing drysuit is well suited to wet days out on the water, with its full waterproof protection and breathable layers to help keep you dry inside and out.
The waterproof socks are more comfortable than the gasket ankle seals and you’ll get good protection from the elements, and the buckle waistbelt provides a more customised fit.
The high wear areas are reinforced to aid with durability and make sure this drysuit stands the test of time!
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#9 The ÆGIR Ocean dry suit
The ÆGIR Ocean dry suit is the best drysuit on this list for extreme conditions. It’s one of the toughest sailing drysuits out there and should stand up to all sorts of challenging conditions.
This suit was developed with input from of the worlds top ocean sailors and has been put to the test in the worst conditions possible (think ice cold waves crashing over the deck!) This is a serious drysuit for serious sailors.
You’ll find all the typical features of a high-end sailing drysuit, including fully waterproof seals, zippers and stitching. The drysuit is designed to float you, but not to turn you face up without the use of a floatation aid too. The reflective strips and bright red colour make this practical for offshore sailing.
This drysuit won’t keep you warm without additional high-tech layers, and it takes a little getting used to putting it on, but overall this is a high quality drysuit capable of withstanding the worst.
Qualities to look for in the best sailing drysuit
If you’re an avid sailor, then you know that the right gear can make all the difference when it comes to enjoying your time on the water. And one of the most important pieces of gear for any sailors is a good drysuit.
But with so many different types and brands of drysuits on the market, how do you choose the right one for you? Here are a few qualities to look for in the best sailing drysuit:
- Durability: A good drysuit should be able to withstand years of use and abuse. Look for a suit made from tough, durable materials like neoprene and membrane/trilaminate.
- Waterproofing: This is obviously an important quality in any drysuit! Make sure that the seams are sealed and that the zippers are watertight.
- Comfort: A drysuit should fit snugly but not be too tight. It should also allow for easy movement so you can sail without restriction.
- Style: Although obviously this shouldn’t be your top priority, you’ll also want to choose a drysuit that looks good! There are lots of different styles available, so take some time to find one that you really like.
Frequently asked questions
Some of your most asked questions answered!
Sailing drysuit vs wetsuit
When it comes to staying dry while spending time in the water, there are two main options: a drysuit or a wetsuit. Both have their pros and cons, so it’s important to choose the right one for the activity you’re planning to do.
We would always recommend a drysuit for sailing as its whole purpose is to keep spray and rain out, whereas a wetsuit is designed to keep you dry once you’re fully immersed.
Drysuits are completely waterproof and sealing them takes a bit of practice. Once you get the hang of it, though, they’re great for activities like sailing and diving in colder climates. You can wear normal thermal layers underneath to keep you even snugger, and they should keep the water out completely on wet sails.
Wetsuits, on the other hand, are much easier to get into and don’t need to be sealed perfectly in order to work. They work by allowing a small amount of water to seep in and be warmed by your body. This is a great option for snorkelling or freediving, when you’re going to be fully immersed in the water.
How long should a sailing drysuit last?
A drysuit is a serious investment. After all, it’s the piece of gear that keeps you comfortable and safe while you’re exploring some of the world’s most beautiful (and chilly) places.
But how long should a drysuit last? With proper care, a drysuit can easily last for years. The key is to inspect your drysuit regularly and to make repairs as soon as any damage is discovered.
Of course, even the best-cared-for drysuit will eventually need to be replaced. But with a little bit of love, your drysuit will provide years of faithful service.
How much should you spend on a drysuit?
If you’re an avid sailor, then you know that a drysuit is an essential piece of gear. But with prices ranging from $600 to $2000, it can be tough to know how much to spend.
Of course, you want to get the best possible value for your money. But at the same time, you don’t want to skimp on quality and end up with a suit that leaks or isn’t comfortable. So how do you strike the right balance?
Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for a drysuit:
- First, consider what type of sailing you’ll be doing. If you plan on sailing in cold climates, then you’ll need a suit that’s designed for harsher weather. On the other hand, if you’re mostly sailing in warmer climates, then you can get away with a less expensive model.
- Second, think about the features that are most important to you. Do you need a suit with multiple pockets? Would wrist seals and attached boots make it easier to get in and out of your suit? Or are you looking for something that’s as lightweight and streamlined as possible?
- Finally, don’t forget to factor in the cost of accessories like dry gloves, hoods, and under layers. While these items aren’t essential, they can make a big difference in terms of comfort and thermal protection.
By taking all of these considerations into account, you should be able to find a drysuit that’s just right for your needs – and your budget.
Do drysuits actually keep you dry?
A drysuit is a garment designed to keep the wearer dry, even in the most extreme conditions. But how does it work?
A drysuit is made from a waterproof and breathable fabric, which helps to keep the wearer dry by preventing water from getting in while allowing moisture to escape. The seams are also sealed with tape or other waterproof materials, further preventing water from seeping in.
The main advantage of a drysuit over standard waterproof clothing is that it offers a much higher level of protection. Drysuits are used by divers who swim in cold temperatures, and they will expect their bodies to stay completely dry, so when sailing you can expect the same level of protection.
In addition, a drysuit can be used in multiple applications, such as for swimming, kayaking, and diving. So whether you’re looking to stay dry in the harshest conditions or simply want the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re protected from the elements, a drysuit is an excellent option.
Can you swim in a drysuit?
Overall, a wetsuit is a better choice for keeping you warm while swimming, but plenty of people do choose to swim in drysuits and it’s perfectly possible to do so.
In a man overboard situation, a drysuit would keep you warm effectively while submerged and you’d still be able to swim if you needed to. A drysuit will also help give you buoyancy and aid you rather than wet clothes which would drag you down.
Do drysuits keep you warm?
Have you ever wondered how drysuits keep you warm? After all, they’re made of a material that doesn’t allow any water to pass through it. So how does it work?
Well, drysuits are actually made of two layers of material. The first layer is a waterproof material that doesn’t allow any water to pass through it. The second layer is an insulating material that helps to keep your body heat from escaping.
Together, these two layers work to keep you dry and warm, even in the coldest of waters. So next time you’re wondering how drysuits keep you warm, just remember that it’s all thanks to the two layers of material!
Usually to save on weight and increase comfort, sailing drysuits themselves aren’t insulated. If you’re sailing in warmer climates this shouldn’t be a problem. Aim for a breathable drysuit that will wick away moisture internally.
If you need a drysuit for colder climates you should aim for a slighter looser fitting sailing drysuit that has enough room for decent layers underneath.
Consider wearing a thermal top base layer and fleece, and long thermal leggings of a high quality to ensure you stay warm inside your drysuit.
Conclusion for the best sailing drysuits
If you are looking for the best sailing drysuits, then look no further. These are the top suits that will keep you protected from the elements while you sail. Even if it spends more time in a locker than actually on you, just knowing you have the right equipment ready to go will give you great peace of mind out at sea.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced sailor, we recommend investing in one of these suits to ensure your next sailing adventure is a success.
If you’re looking for more essential sailing gear then check out our sailing tips section, where we give the low down on equipment we couldn’t live without, and share our top tips for liveaboard life!
