On Aug 27, 10:05 am, "(PeteCresswell)" wrote:
Per Brian Nystrom:

Despite Pete's comments to the contrary, I consider a "relief zipper" in
a dry suit to be a must-have item,

I should have been clearer: I'm definitely in the minority on
that issue.

Everybody I know who has a relief zipper swears by it. I guess
that's why they have chocolate and vanilla....
--
PeteCresswell

The absolutely invaluable benefit of the relief zipper is this: It is
human nature to avoid going to a great effort or putting oneself to
great discomfort, and stripping to the waist to take a leak is a
measurable effort and quite uncomfortable in cold weather (uhhhh,
which is when you would be wearing a drysuit). The easy way to
accomodate human nature, then, is to avoid drinking so you won't have
to go to that effort and discomfort to take that leak. A likely
consequence of that solution is some measure of dehydration, and
dehydration, if it becomes severe, can be dangerously -- if not deadly
-- debilitating in a wilderness situation in cold weather.

So: if you don't get a relief zipper installed, be sure to keep
yerself hydrated, even though you know it will be a pain in the butt
when you need to pee.

-Richard, His Kanubic Travesty
--
Richard Hopley, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
Nothing really matters except Boats, Sex, and Rock'n'Roll

Per Oci-One Kanubi:
It is
human nature to avoid going to a great effort or putting oneself to
great discomfort, and stripping to the waist to take a leak is a
measurable effort and quite uncomfortable in cold weather (uhhhh,

I find it the opposite. If I'm dressed for any kind of
prolonged immersion, I'm sweating pretty heavily while paddling
and it's a relief to pull out, and strip down the top for awhile.

In fact, I usually take off my shirts and hang them up to dry a
little while I'm doing what I have to do.

I still think you have a valid point about subconsciously
avoiding hydration though - but I wouldn't use my relief zipper
out on the water.... too fearful of something happening that
would flood the suit.
--
PeteCresswell