Immersion Research Double D Dry Suit Review
When you find yourself paddling in harsh climates, it is completely necessary to use a dry suit. I ordered a Double D a few months ago, and now I can't put on a river without it. There is absolutely no comparison in comfort and warmth when it comes to wearing a full dry suit like the Double D.
My first test with the Double D was a February run on the Horsepasture River in North Carolina, where we ran miles of Class V/V+ and then finished the day with a five mile hike out back to the car. The suit performed extremely well in the frigid winter waters and then kept me warm and insulated during the evening thunderstorm while hiking out.
My next test with the Double D was in Crested Butte Colorado when I ran what's called the Crested Butte Quadruple Crown: Oh Be Joyful Creek, Daisy Creek, the Upper East River, and the North Slate - all in the same day. The day involved a lot of hiking and a lot of Class V, but the Double D kept me incredibly warm throughout all the snow portages and big waterfall hucking.
Specs:
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Immersion Research Men's Sizing |
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Size |
* Xsmall |
Small |
Medium |
Large |
Xlarge |
XXLarge |
| Waist | 26-27" | 28-30" | 31-33" | 34-36" | 37-39" | 40" |
| Chest | 33-35" | 36-38" | 39-41" | 42-44" | 45-48" | 49-51" |
| Neck | 13" | 14-15" | 15-16" | 16-17" | 17-18" | 18+ |
| Inseam (pants) | n/a | 28-30" | 30-32" | 32-34" | 34-35" | n/a |
| Sleeve Length | 29-30" | 30-32" | 32-34" | 35-36" | 36-37" | 37-38" |
| Aprox. Height | less than 5'3" | 5'4"-5'7" | 5'8"-5'10" | 5'11"-6'1" | 6'2"-6'4" | 6'5"+ |
| Aprox. Weight | -100 lbs | 100-135 lbs | 140-170 lbs | 170-210 lbs | 210-240 lbs | 230 lbs+ |
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* XSmall size only available in Zephyr and Spray Jacket |
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Pros:
- Lightweight
- Low cost for a high end suit
- No 4-way cross seams - reduces leaking
- Rear entry zipper cuts down on bulkiness and decreases water leakage through skirt tunnel
Cons:
- The rear entry zipper is a little difficult to zip on your own, so you usually need a friend to help zip you up
- The booties range several shoe sizes, so if you are on the lower end of the size - you may have some extra fabric around your feet.
The Verdict:
- From long portages, to multi-day winter expeditions, to the after-work backyard favorite, the Double D drysuit will keep you warm and dry through whatever mission you set off on.