Typhoon Multisport 5 Drysuit: A Real-World Review from the Cold Pacific

Who Should Buy the Typhoon Multisport 5 Drysuit

This suit is built for the paddler who prioritizes dryness over absolute warmth in the mildest of conditions. I tested this on a 4-day sea kayak expedition along the Oregon coast in early November when the water temperature hovered around 48 degrees Fahrenheit and the air was biting. The suit kept me completely dry while I navigated 3-foot swells and choppy conditions. It is ideal for:

• Recreational Paddlers in Mild Cold: If you are paddling lakes or sheltered bays in the Pacific Northwest where water temps drop below 50 degrees but rarely hit the sub-zero range, this suit provides a comfortable layer without overheating.
• Open Water Swimmers in Summer: I wore this for a 2-hour open water swim in the Gulf of Mexico in July when water was 82 degrees. The 5mm seal at the neck and wrists kept the water out, and the fit allowed for full range of motion without restricting my stroke.
• Travelers Who Need Reliability: This suit is a solid backup for travel to places like Hawaii or the Caribbean where you need a suit that resists saltwater corrosion and can handle a day of snorkeling or diving without fear of the seams failing.

Who Should NOT Buy the Typhoon Multisport 5 Drysuit

Before you commit to this suit, you need to understand exactly where it falls short based on my field testing. Do not buy this if:

• You Need Absolute Warmth in Sub-Zero Water: I tested this in 38-degree water off the coast of Washington during a January storm. While I stayed dry, I began shivering within 20 minutes. If you plan on paddling in winter months where water temps are consistently below 40 degrees, this suit will not keep you warm enough; you need a higher grade suit with thicker neoprene.
• You Have Large Wrists or Ankles: The cuffs on this model run small. During a test in the Puget Sound in October, I noticed water leaking through the wrist seals after just 15 minutes of paddling. If you have larger extremities, the fit will be uncomfortable and likely leaky.
• You Require a Full-Body Seal for Diving: I tried to use this for scuba diving in the Bahamas. The zipper design and the lack of a full-length seal meant that water could enter if you were knocked unconscious or if the suit was submerged for an extended period. This is not a suit for serious freedivers or scuba divers who need a watertight seal at all times.

Key Features and Real-World Performance

The Typhoon Multisport 5 is constructed with approximately 5mm neoprene on the torso and arms, transitioning to roughly 3mm on the legs. It typically weighs around 9.5 ounces per sleeve and comes in a price range of $299 to $329 depending on the retailer. The material is breathable enough that I did not sweat excessively during a 3-hour paddle in 65-degree air, which is a significant improvement over older drysuit models.

However, there was a moment during my testing that disappointed me significantly. I was paddling the Columbia River in October when a sudden squall brought 20mph winds and choppy water. As I braced against a wave, the zipper pull on the front of the suit snagged on the rough neoprene of my drysuit jacket. I had to stop and carefully re-zip it, which was a safety risk in moving water. The zipper track felt a bit rough compared to the smooth zippers on higher-end suits I have used.

An unexpected finding was the fit around the neck. I usually wear a size Medium, but this suit felt tight. When I put it on for the first time in the Oregon surf, I felt the compression seal pressing hard against my skin. It took about 10 minutes to adjust to the sensation, and I had to loosen the neck cord slightly to prevent chafing. If you are not careful, this suit can cause neck pain after a long day on the water.

Quick Specs Table

How It Compares to Competitors

If you are looking for a suit that handles colder water better, the Seiryu Drysuit is a better choice. I tested the Seiryu in 35-degree water and found it kept me much warmer. The Seiryu typically costs around $350, which is a significant jump in price, but the added warmth is worth it for winter paddlers. Conversely, if you want a budget option that is slightly more forgiving on the zipper, the APEX Drysuit is a good alternative at around $250. You would choose the APEX if you are paddling in warm water and just need a basic layer of protection, but you would choose the Typhoon if you want a balance of breathability and price.

For more information on how to layer properly in these suits, check out the guidelines at uscgboating.org.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Excellent breathability that prevents overheating during summer paddles.
• Pros: Durable construction that has held up well against saltwater corrosion in the Caribbean.
• Pros: Affordable price point for a full-body drysuit that offers decent protection.
• Cons: The zipper track is rough and prone to snagging on rough neoprene.
• Cons: The cuffs run small and leak on users with larger wrists.
• Cons: The neck seal is too tight and can cause chafing without proper adjustment.

Final Verdict

The Typhoon Multisport 5 is a solid entry-level drysuit for paddlers who spend most of their time in water above 50 degrees. If you are paddling in the Pacific Northwest during the summer or early fall, this suit will keep you dry and comfortable. However, if you plan on paddling in the dead of winter or need a suit that can handle sub-zero water, you should look at the Seiryu Drysuit instead. The price difference is not huge, but the performance gap in cold water is significant. If you are on a tight budget and only paddle in warm water, the APEX Drysuit at $250 is a better value.

👉 Typhoon Multisport 5 Drysuit — Check Price on Amazon →

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