Review of Stohlquist gPOD Dry Suit

I bought my first dry suit before my first trip on the Grand Canyon.  During my "shopping around", I looked at Kokatat dry suits, which have a good reputation, but a little pricy.  I asked around and the Stohlquist gPOD was recommended.  I checked online; the price was right and I've had good luck with Stohlquist products in the past.  Its features include a front relief zipper, a latex neck gasket w/ zippered neoprene over the collar, latex wrist gaskets w/ adjustable self draining cuff covers, waterproof Ti-Zip® cross-chest entry zipper, reinforced & padded knees, double-stitched & taped seams, fabric dry booties, and 4.6 oz Eclipse^TM 3-layer waterproof/breathable fabric.  I ordered an extra large and I did not have to cut any of the gasket rings.  I'm 6'2" and weight about 215. 

The first time I wore the suit, I kayaked a few times on the New River.  I stayed completely dry each time.  I wore it once on the Gauley playing at a small but dynamic hole and got a little damp around the wrist area.  However, it was only because I was surfing the entire time and the water was moving pretty fast in the hole.  If I had worn pogies, I think it would have taken care of that problem.   

I wore the suit on the Grand Canyon everyday for 20 days.  There is some pretty rough terrain in the Canyon, such as sharp rocks and cactus.  I found the suit to be very durable as I did rub against some course rock texture.  My favorite feature with this suit was the neoprene cover over the neck gasket.  It had a zipper for entry and exit.  I think it helps in the protection of the neck gasket, but also I like that it covers the latex.  The Ti-Zip zippers are also nice.  They were easy to open and close, but they also felt pretty secure once they were closed.  Stohlquist provides a lubricant for the zippers to be applied prior to use as the zippers can be stiff.

Overall, I have been very happy with the suit.  For the price, it is a very good option and comparable in quality to the high end dry suits.       

~Nate Freier