The Palm Zenith Dry top is a midweight whitewater jacket with a comfy GlideSkin neck (no latex)‚ made in XP 2.5-layer fabric. We’ve had the short sleeve version at Unsponsored HQ for some time and it’s our go to summer jacket. The long sleeve version shown landed last week, so we thought we would take a closer look.

Palm Zenith Dry Top - First Look

As you would expect the long sleeve Zenith Dry top is very similar in both fabric, cut and freedom of movement.

The Palm Zenith is available in a mens and ladies version. The Palm Zenith shown here is the mens version.

Palm Zenith Dry Top - First Look

This particular jacket is Sherbet (orange) with aqua contrast. It is also available in a superb bright green. The only bad thing about the orange is that I already have a short sleeve version in the same colour. Getting it mixed up and having the wrong one in my kit bag could be an issue.

Palm Zenith Dry Top - First Look

The neck gasket is a Glideskin seal. Over the years Palm have been significantly updated the system with newer material. Seals of this type are sometimes not as dry as latex versions but they do handle sun screen much better and tend not to create neck rash. I have used several Palm products that have these seals and have found them to be just as dry as latex alternatives. I have never had a neck rash from this type of gasket even when used in the surf.

Palm Zenith Dry Top - First Look

The wrists are sealed using latex gaskets with an adjustable neoprene cuff. Check out those laser cut drain holes.

The double waist of the Palm Zenith Dry top is nice and deep as per the previous model and includes a fair bit of adjustability via the two Velcro tabs. The inner tunnel also includes a rubber strip which is sticky to the touch and will help to keep the inner tunnel in place.

Palm Zenith Dry Top - First Look

Palm Zenith Dry Top - First Look