What’s the Difference Between:

Dry Pants, Semi-Dry Pants, and Paddle (splash) pants

The difference between dry pants, semi-dry pants, and paddle pants can make or break your experience if you're caught in the wrong type of item. The main difference in pants are the types of gaskets used around the ankles and the waist band.

Dry Pants:

Dry pants use a durable material that not only keeps you warm, waterproof and dry, but breaths as well. The ankle gaskets are made from latex, which is the driest thing out there.  These are great if you are planning on rolling, kayaking in cold water/cold weather conditions, or feel there is a high likelyhood of it. Like any latex gasket they may require some stretching and they are not as comfortable as neoprene. Dry pants also have wide neoprene waist bands. These may be less than ideal in warm weather, warmwater conditions.

Semi-Dry Pants:

Semi Dry pants usually use the same material as a dry pant. It is a durable material that not only keeps you warm and dry, but breaths as well. The ankle gaskets are made from neoprene, which is not as dry as latex gaskets, these are only about 80%+ dry. They are great for cold water/warm weather paddling, or all day paddling. They will allow some water in if you swim or portage. Neoprene gaskets may require some stretching, but won't over stretch or tear like latex does. They are also more comfortable than latex. Semi-dry pants have wide neoprene waist bands.

Splash Pants:

Splash Pants usually don't have a gasket around the ankle, instead they have a Velcro tab that pulls the material tight around the ankle. They are made from a thinner more breathable material. These are not intended for submersion, just as the name states: splash for splashing water. These pants are a great option for warm weather rafting, recreational kayaking and warm weather touring. The waist on this item does not have a wide waist band, they are often sold with a drawstring tab.