On 20-Mar-2006, Bill Tuthill wrote:

Nobody has mentioned it, so I'll add this: after every trip, spray
all latex gaskets with 303 Protectant, especially on the inside where
salt-perspiration degrades the latex. Doing this will prolong latex
by a factor of 3-5x.

My experience is the opposite - I have a paddling jacket (drytop) and a drysuit that are
stored side-by-side in a closet. The ($$$) drysuit gets the 303 treatment; the jacket
is largely ignored. The drysuit is worn in cold weather; the jacket is worn in warmer
weather and is stuffed into the kayak even in hot weather (i.e. it gets abused). The
drysuit gaskets are starting to crack; the jacket's are in perfect condition (the jacket's
a couple of years older)..

If you have cuffs and a collar over the latex, you don't need much UV protection
compared to the suits with exposed latex. I'd say use the 303 sparingly on
the latter and not at all on the former. I'm not convinced that 303 doesn't cause
premature deterioration of latex.

I also have a pair of latex rubbers (no, not those things you silly Brits - these cover
your dress shoes in the rain) that are almost 25 years old. They are only slightly
heavier than the latex gaskets on my drysuit. Never been treated with anything
and have been walked on a lot. Still in good shape. YMMV

FWIW, I've never heard of perspiration damaging latex.

Mike