A drysuit is one of the best investments a whitewater kayaker can make. It keeps you dry, allows you to layer up underneath, and makes year round paddling far more comfortable.
I’ve used three women’s specific drysuits from Palm Equipment: the Cascade, Atom and Fuse. Although all three are designed for whitewater kayaking, they each suit a slightly different paddler. If you are looking for information on drysuits for kayaking which isn’t whitewater, you may wish to look elsewhere.
If you are looking for comparisons of whitewater drysuits, then you are in the right place! In this review, I’ll compare their distinct features, alongside any advantages or disadvantages each one might have. If you want help in deciding which one is right for you, please do read on.
For context, I’m 5’6″ and a UK size 12. For all three suits, I wore the women’s small relaxed fit. A small relaxed drysuit is essentially Palm’s medium drysuit for shorter people.
I will let you in on a little secret and tell you my overall favourite drysuit right now…. It is the Atom!
Whilst I love the Atom the most, I have been fortunate to spend time getting to know the Cascade and Fuse drysuits also. This review will look at all three in detail, exploring the pros and cons of each. I would suggest read the whole review so you have a better picture about each one and I will explain exactly why the Atom is my favourite.
Which Palm Drysuit Should I Buy?
All three drysuits are designed specifically for whitewater kayaking and share several key features, including a women’s specific cut, a bum zip at the back (so you can easily go for a wee) and a twin waist tube.
The major differences are the entry zip design, fit, freedom of movement and fabric construction. These factors influence comfort, warmth, durability and how each suit feels on the water.
Palm Cascade
Key Features
The Cascade’s standout feature is its diagonal front entry zip, which makes it easy to get in and out of the suit without assistance. A protective flap covers the zip to help prevent snagging.
Like the other suits reviewed here, the Cascade includes a bum zip. A bum zip allows you to relieve yourself without having to get completely out of your drysuit. This works really well when paired with a drop seat thermal onesie, such as the Palm Tsangpo suit.
The fit is slightly roomier than the Atom and Fuse, giving plenty of space for layering which means you can stay warm over those colder months. The fabric feels tough and durable, with reinforced panels on the elbows, knees and seat where wear is most likely.
When river running, you need a drysuit that can handle the ‘adventure’ and is as tough as you! For example, you might be scrambling down paths to get to or from the river, climbing over rocks on portages or when setting up safety. The Cascade suit can handle that adventure!
Advantages
The biggest advantage of the Cascade is independence. The front entry zip allows most paddlers to get dressed and undressed without assistance, which is a major selling point for many people.
Being independent can be a real point of pride for people. It is one thing to ask for help if you want it, it is another thing to ask for help because you need it. Therefore a suit which allows you to achieve another thing independently is always going to be a win. For all my girlfriends who paddle in the Cascade, this was usually the deciding point for them as to why they chose this suit.
Overall it is a comfortable, reliable drysuit that performs well in colder conditions whilst also being slightly cheaper than both the Atom and the Fuse.
Disadvantages
My main criticism is the front zip itself. Although many paddlers love it, I have never been a fan of the front zip. When kayaking, I spend a lot of time upside down and would occasionally notice it when rolling up. It didn’t negatively impact me in anyway but it was more that I found it slightly irritating. (I spend a LOT of time playing and rolling back up when kayaking)
I also prefer a snugger fit around the waist, which I feel the Cascade drysuit doesn’t have. It does have an internal adjustable drawcord but this doesn’t feel quite as tight as the waist of the Atom which is neoprene based. The double waist tube on the outside remains the same. This is more of a personal preference rather than a design flaw.
Palm Atom
Key Features
The Atom shares many similarities to the Cascade but it’s main difference is that it uses a back entry zip instead of a front entry design. I can (just about) zip myself up with a back zip but I will usually ask for help from a friend. As a whitewater kayaker, you are normally kayaking with others and so this doesn’t tend to be a problem!
The back zip means that there is room for a front pocket which I find quite useful. I don’t tend to put things in whilst I am paddling but on shuttles, when I have removed by buoyancy aid, it is a great place to put a phone or a key pouch so they don’t get mislaid!
The Atom uses an internal neoprene waistband, which helps keep the suit positioned higher on the body and contributes to its more tailored fit. This also means that you can unzip the Atom drysuit half way and leave it half off, without fear of it falling down! I really like this part of the Atom’s design and is one of the reasons I prefer it over the Cascade.
Like the Cascade, it includes a bum zip and latex neck and wrist seals. Unlike the Cascade, these seals are protected by neoprene covers instead of material ones. I prefer the neoprene covers and find it helps it to fit better.
Finally, the Atom, just like the Cascade is made of Seawastex material. Seawastex is produced using recycled fishing nets and marine waste, which is pretty cool!
Advantages
The fit is what makes the Atom stand out for me. The neoprene waistband creates a more secure, high waisted feel that keeps any excess material around the legs under control. This, combined with the back zip and overall design means I find the fit of the Atom a little bit nicer compared to the Cascade.
Combining its durable and reinforced materials along with its excellent freedom of movement, for me it strikes the best balance of comfort and performance of the three suits reviewed here.
The current colours for the Atom are awesome too. If you are going to do something as cool as whitewater kayaking, you want to make sure you look stylishly good whilst doing it!
Disadvantages
If you have less shoulder flexibility, you will need to get a friend to assist you with the back zip.
Whilst I love the neoprene covers over the latex seals, I know that some people don’t like this. Especially if you have a larger neck or wrists as it can feel quite tight.
Palm Fuse
Key Features
The Fuse is a very different drysuit compared to the Atom and the Cascade. It is much more of what I would call a ‘sporty’ drysuit. The fit is ‘athletic’ which basically means tighter and less wiggle room. I still fit comfortably in the small relaxed Fuse but there isn’t nearly as much extra room compared to the Atom and Cascade, especially in the legs. This is fine with a layer or two but in the winter, I wear a LOT of thermals and I am not quite sure it would fit!
Like the Atom, the Fuse has both a back entry zip as well as a bum zip. Neither have covers but both are very watertight and haven’t caused me any issues.
The Fuse is made of a thinner material compared to the Atom and the Cascade and it doesn’t have the reinforced areas. The lighter fabric improves comfort and breathability but it doesn’t inspire the same confidence as the Atom or Cascade when scrambling through rough environments.
Like the Atom, the Fuse also have latex wrist seals with a neoprene cover. Unlike the Atom and Cascade, it does not have a latex neck seal but rather it only has the GlideSkin (thin neoprene) neck seal. Surprisingly, I have found it to still be pretty water tight but not quite on the same level as the Atom and Cascade. I wouldn’t be keen to do a rescue course in it for example where you would be swimming lots. For general kayaking use however, absolutely fine!
The legs are also different from the Atom and Cascade in that there is no adjustable velcro cuffs to pull in the material. The Fuse doesn’t need this as it so close fitting and instead the ends of the leg material are slightly elasticated to fit around the waterproof socks.
Advantages
Comfort is where the Fuse excels. It just feels so good to wear. The athletic cut, lightweight fabric and high breathability make it the least restrictive suit of the three and the one I notice least whilst paddling.
Disadvantages
The trade off for comfort is durability and potentially warmth. I cannot fit many thermals under my Fuse and therefore, the Fuse is less suited to harsher winter conditions. I would also not want to use it in environments where the fabric is likely to be dragged across rocks, vegetation or rough terrain as it is very thin and doesn’t have the reinforced areas which the Atom and Cascade do.
Overall Verdict
If I could only choose one of these drysuits, it would be the Atom! I love this drysuit so much!
For my style of paddling, the Atom offers the best combination of comfort, fit, durability and protection. It feels purpose built for regular whitewater use and is the suit I consistently return to. It keeps me warm and most importantly, it can keep up with my adventures. The fit of the Atom makes me feel great and the current colours make me look fantastic. (If I do say so myself!)
The Cascade remains an excellent choice, particularly for paddlers who prioritise independence and want the convenience of a front entry zip.
The Fuse fills a different role entirely. It’s the most comfortable suit here and excels in milder conditions such as whitewater courses or summer kayaking trips where breathability becomes more important than maximum durability. For example, it would be the perfect Alps drysuit.
Kayaking in the Alps over the Summer often means kayaking in warm weather but freezing (glacial) water. A drysuit keeps you warm and protected on the river but the Fuse being breathable means you are not too warm! Plus, as it is so light, it is easy to pack and easy to dry, which is great for a drysuit you are taking on an extended trip!
I have included a comparisons table below for easy reference.
| Drysuit: | Entry Zip: | Best For: | Durability: | Fit: | My verdict |
| Cascade | Front | Value and independence | High | Medium | Great drysuit |
| Atom | Back | Good fit and durability for whitewater environments | High | High | Winner |
| Fuse | Back | Athletic Fit and Comfort | Medium | Super high | Best comfort |
Top tips for choosing a drysuit
Finally, as with any item of gear, I would recommend trying before you buy! A drysuit in particular is a very personal choice and what works best for one person might not work for another.
A drysuit can have fantastic features and still be uncomfortable if it doesn’t fit properly. When trying them on, wear the layers you would normally paddle in and check that you can move like you would in your craft. For example can you:
- Reach forward as if taking a paddle stroke without the suit pulling tight across your shoulders.
- Squat and bend your knees, like you were lifting your kayak, without the fabric pulling at your crotch.
- Move your arms overhead without the neck or wrist seals becoming uncomfortable.
- Sit in your kayak with your spraydeck on and feel comfortable with your legs in that position.
Also check that you can comfortably get the neck seal on and off. It should be snug enough to seal but not so tight that it restricts your breathing or makes you uncomfortable.
Just to note – these drysuits were gifted for review and photography work but all views and opinions expressed in this article are my own. I loved paddling in an Atom drysuit long before I was ever asked to be photographed in one.