Union Suit Advice

[Johnnycakes]

I'm looking at getting a union suit (one piece base layer) to use both under a drysuit (whitewater paddling) as well as for winter hiking/camping. Ability to relieve myself without taking the suit off is a must.

For those that have used union suits, do you have a preference for the back door relief set up? (I know I'm asking for wiseass responses here, but wasn't quite sure how else to word the question). There are two choices.

-vertical zipper through crotch
-rainbow zipper in back to create a drop seat

I can see advantages/disadvantages to each, but curious to know if anyone has any personal experience. Which zipper set up chafes the least a) while sitting on a raft, b) while carrying a pack, c) while drinking beer?

Second question is whether to go sleeveless (farmer john) and pick a shirt to go under suit depending on weather, or with full sleeves. Any preferences? Is it easier to drink beer in the sleeveless version?

Here are the four choices I've narrowed it down to:

[link=http://www.mountainhardwear.com/www/action/catalog/DisplayStyle?id=501]Mountain Hardwear Power Stretch Suit[/link]
[link=http://www.outdoorresearch.com/home/style/52190]Ooutdoor Research Saturn Suit[/link]
[link=http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=675525&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=479911&bmUID=1098385394318]MEC Powerdry Union Suit[/link]
[link=http://www.kokatat.com/insulation.htm]Kokatat Series 100 Drysuit Liner[/link]

Any feedback appreciated.

Thanks,
John

 

[Warren]

I have the MEC union suit. If all of your other layers match the crotch zipper I guess it's a good piece. I didn't have matching layers and I found that with out something on underneath the suit the zipper was sometimes a bit... cold... against the skin.

The zipper also sometimes wandered. Would have made for a good picture, digging deep into ones pants trying to fetch a zipper pull that has begun to migrate to your back...

 

[spider solo]

A few years back I tried a union suit with a vertical arrangement and did not like it.
All in all I would favor a trap door version, however I didn't persue it as I found that I did not enjoy one piece suits in general, either as base layer or outer wear.
For that reason when I got a wet suit I bought the sleeveless version.
It seems with sleeves when you raise your arms it translates to instant wedgies...(of course this may not be a detrimental thing to all people).
I can't say for certain this is true with wet suits as I based it on experince with other garments.
We have a lady friend trying out the vertical zipper style LadyJane for kayaking. We have since read one woman's reference that she found them quite uncomfortable,though she did not state a preference for a trap door style.
Hope this is of some help...
...spdr