James

I wrote this a few years ago to help sea kayakers choose between these two suits. Since then, Kokatat has evolved and they now offer custom drysuits in their updated Hydrus material, a decision to help navigate a PFAS Free DWR. However, many of these observations remain just as relevant today. I hope this guide helps you decide whether a whitewater or sea kayak specific drysuit is the right tool for your next adventure.

Kokatat Meridian or Odyssey for Sea Kayaking? Some reflections after time in both.

I’ve spent a lot of hours on the water in both the Kokatat Meridian and Odyssey drysuits. Over the years, they’ve taken me through tide races, long crossings, rescues, rough landings and the calm glassy days in between. Both are excellent suits reliable, breathable and built to take a beating but they’ve got different personalities and those differences start to matter the more time you spend in them.

The Meridian was my first real drysuit and it’s still one I trust completely. It’s clean and simple Gore-Tex Pro throughout, latex gaskets, integrated socks, neoprene over-cuffs and an adjustable overskirt that seals well with the deck. It’s a snug, athletic fit that moves easily when you’re paddling hard or climbing over rocks. I’ve worn it for surf landings, whitewater coaching and big tidal days off the coast. If you’re switching between disciplines or just want one suit that covers a lot of ground, the Meridian nails it.

The Odyssey builds on that same solid base but adds features that are clearly aimed at sea kayakers. You’ve got the removable hood, which is brilliant when you’re sat in wind, rain or spray for hours. The fleece-lined collar adds warmth on cold starts. There are extra pockets for snacks, tools and whatever else ends up stuffed in there on a trip. It also comes with internal suspenders, which I thought were a bit of a gimmick at first – until I wore it all day and realised how much more comfortable it makes things when the zip is down off the water.

One small detail that stood out straight away – the Odyssey fits a little roomier than the Meridian in the same size. That’s great if you’re layering up for cold conditions or just want a bit more freedom to move. As a result of the extra features and material the Odyssey feels a little heavier than the Meridian.

One thing that sets both suits apart from a lot of others is the ability to go custom. Colour might seem like a cosmetic choice, but in colder conditions I’ve found black feels noticeably warmer – especially on windy beach days or shaded launch spots. It soaks up just a little more warmth and dries off fast between sessions. It also happens to look sharp, which never hurts.

The Meridian can also be ordered with internal suspenders and I’d recommend it. They make a surprising difference on longer days. Being able to unzip the top half and keep it sitting comfortably at the waist is a small luxury when you’re grabbing lunch on a headland or sorting out kit on the beach. It’s not something I thought I’d care about but once you’ve had it, you’ll miss it if it’s not there.

So which one’s best? Honestly, it depends.

If you want a do-it-all suit that handles whitewater as well as sea kayaking, the Meridian is a brilliant choice. It’s streamlined, reliable and built to last. For dynamic environments, I love the slim neck and hoodless design of the Meridian. It ensures my field of view remains totally unobstructed, which is vital when you’re constantly scanning the water for features or checking on your group.

If you’re spending long days in a sea kayak, especially in exposed or changing conditions, the Odyssey feels like it was made for the job. Those added comfort features make a difference when you’re out there for hours and you’ll be glad of the storage, reinforcements and hood when the weather turns.

For me, I still use both. The Meridian’s perfect when I’m running courses that blend sea and surf, or if I’m hopping between environments. When I’m heading out for a big day on the coast – or a few days  the Odyssey is the one I zip up.

They’re both serious pieces of kit. It just comes down to how and where you paddle.

Kokatat Website

One of a few UK Suppliers – Pete at Whitewater The Canoe Center

Back in 2025, my friends Chris and Jane from Reed Chillcheater asked me to test and write a comparison review of their products for the excellent Paddler Magazine. We chose the Aquatherm tops in both the standard and fleece versions, for a head-to-head comparison. The whole process was a blast, from putting the kit through its paces to formulating my thoughts and capturing high-quality photos for the magazine. You can find the original review below.

The Paddler Magazine Article

Reed Chill Cheater

Reed Chillcheater – Aquatherm vs Aquatherm Fleece Tops Review.

Reed’s Aquatherm tops have been a staple in my kit bag this season. Made from the brand’s distinctive waterproof, windproof and stretchy material, they offer a streamlined alternative to bulkier paddle jackets. I’ve spent several months using both the Aquatherm Long Sleeve Top (Royal Blue / Black) and the Aquatherm Fleece Long Sleeve Top (Navy Blue) in a range of conditions – coastal paddling, down wind runs, dry days and surf – and both have proved themselves in different ways.

The key difference lies in the lining. The standard Aquatherm top has a very light polyester knit inner coating, making it lighter and quicker to dry. The fleece lined version has a soft brushed inner for warmth and comfort. Both share the same outer layer: a smooth rubbery-feel UV stable coated polyurethane fabric that blocks wind and repels water impressively well for its thickness.

Wearing next to skin

I’ve worn both tops directly on the skin and over a rash vest and they’re versatile enough to suit either setup. The regular Aquatherm top feels slick and technical. It moves well and stays light even when wet, but it’s slightly more comfortable with a base layer underneath. On longer paddles, especially when working hard, I preferred the slight buffer of a rash vest. The fleece-lined version, on the other hand, feels like a true base layer. Softer and warmer straight away, it’s instantly comfortable next to skin, especially when pulling it on first thing. It’s a touch thicker, but still far from bulky.

Performance on the Water

One of the unexpected highlights of paddling in these tops has been the feel of wearing something more fitted and lower profile than a traditional cag. Whether I had the Aquatherm or Aquatherm Fleece on, the close fit reduced the usual rustle and flap of fabric in the wind, which can get wearing on long days. That skin-tight feel keeps the sound down, movement quieter and more streamlined – it’s a subtle thing but it makes a real difference when you’re trying to move quietly, stay focused or just enjoy the rhythm of the paddle. There’s also less material to catch or bunch around the elbows and shoulders during active paddling. That freedom of movement gives these tops a performance edge – whether you’re bracing, rolling or making precise manoeuvres in tight spots. They move with you, not around you. In short, they feel less like an outer shell and more like part of your paddling system. If you’re used to bulky cags and thick layers, the difference is striking.

Quick drying and packable

One of the standout features of both tops is how quickly they dry. The outer fabric sheds water fast and even on the move you can feel the surface drying out. That makes either option ideal for multi-day use – no soggy tops to wrestle back into the next morning.That said, the fleece version can hold a little more moisture if it gets totally immersed. On windless days it took noticeably longer to dry, especially at the cuffs and waist. Turning it inside out helped speed things up. On warmer or breezy days, both dried surprisingly fast.

In terms of packability, the regular Aquatherm wins. It rolls down small and stashes easily in a day hatch or dry bag. The fleece adds warmth but takes up a bit more space.

Day-to-Day Use and Layering

These tops have become a regular go-to for anything short of full winter conditions. The standard Aquatherm top layers neatly under a cag or windproof shell and feels agile enough to wear on its own in spring or early autumn. The fleece-lined version came into it’s own on chillier days and keeps you warm when out of the boat over lunch or in the car park. It offered a touch more insulation under a buoyancy aid without ever feeling heavy or restrictive. Over several months of regular use both held their shape well. The seams remained soft and the fabric hasn’t stiffened or stretched out, even after repeated soaking and drying.

Fit and Sizing Fit

It’s worth noting that both of these tops run a little smaller than your standard outdoor sizing. I usually take a medium in most kit but found the large gave a more comfortable fit here – especially when worn over a rash vest. The snug cut helps with performance but it’s easy to underestimate the fit if you go off your usual size. I’d definitely recommend checking the sizing guide on the Chillcheater website; or better still, dropping them an email with your measurements. They’re helpful and know the gear inside out. A well-fitted top makes all the difference to how these perform on the water.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for lightweight, practical paddling tops that dry fast and cut the wind, both of these do the job well. The standard Aquatherm Long Sleeve Top is hard to beat for fast-drying versatility – ideal for warmer days, active paddling and trips where space and weight matter. The Aquatherm Fleece Long Sleeve Top brings an extra layer of comfort and warmth, making it better suited for cooler conditions or low-effort days on the water. Realistically, having both gives the flexibility to mix and match depending on the forecast. They’re no-fuss bits of kit that punch above their weight, especially if you’re after gear that dries fast and packs small.

Hello!

I wanted a space to create some writing away from direct social media. I think many of us are tired of seeing AI generated adverts and getting stuck with the endless doom scroll. This is a place for something a bit more substantial, something for the community and to promote Sea Kayaking in Cornwall.

This was also a chance to create something entirely from scratch – from the brand and logo to the blog layout. It’s been a true test of the skills I’ve acquired over the years working on the Sea Kayaking Cornwall website and other projects. The palette is a deliberate nod to our identity: the black and white of St Piran’s flag, the red of our nation’s bird; the Cornish Chough and the gold as a tribute to Cornwall’s rich mining heritage.

“The Home of Cornish Sea Kayaking” – is it a coincidence that cornishseakayaking.com was available and redirects you here? Either way, it is a bold claim for a personal blog, but I would like to help improve the Cornish sea kayaking community. In a club, professional or business sense, it is easy to “keep to your own patch,” but having seen how paddlesports operate in other parts of the world, I truly believe we are stronger together.

‘An Mor’ is Cornish for ‘The Sea’. Since there isn’t a traditional Cornish word for kayak, we simply use the modern term. I’ve settled on An Mor Kayak. Quite literally: The Sea Kayak.

What to expect here

Moving forward, I’ll be using this space to share these main things:

• Kayak Hacks: Practical tips on technique and gear maintenance developed over years of coaching.

• Honest Reviews: Real-world feedback on the kit that actually survives the Cornish coast.

• Continuous Professional Development (CPD): Opportunities and Reviews for Outdoor Professionals.

• Photography Guides: Tips for capturing the unique light and landscape of our coastline.

Integrity is important to me. The kayaking industry is small in comparison to some other sports and you quickly meet the people behind the companies and brands. While I hold some sponsorships and act as a dealer for various products, I am not a large scale shop.

My rule is simple: all reviews on here are based on my personal opinion. I wouldn’t recommend a piece of kit or be wearing it myself if I thought it was substandard. I am out on the water day in, day out, so the gear has to work. If it’s on this site, it’s because it has earned its place in my kit bag.

The goal is to post at least once a month, slowly adding to the site overtime and seeing where An Mor Kayak develops.

Beyond the blog

If you are looking for more than just reading, head over to The Chart Room. I have started making my personal library of coaching resources, kit lists and safety guides public. They are there for individual paddlers and fellow providers to download and use to help keep our community safe and informed.

If you find any information useful on the site or would like to use a resource in a commercial or club setting, consider joining us for a course at Sea Kayaking Cornwall, making a donation or purchasing something from the shop. Any profits go back into running and updating the website.

Thanks for stopping by. I’ll see you on the water.

Cheers, James