Freezing My Ass Off...

[Storker]

if a drysuit had constant volume (as originally stated), there would be no need to vent it on ascent, correct?

Um, no.

You vent the drysuit for expanding air to keep its volume constant. Just as you add air to it on descent to compensate for the increased pressure and - yes - keep the volume constant

 

[lowviz]

I'm looking for suggestions on how to stay warmer when diving.

Getting back to the OP...

but my dive buddy is saying I should just get the drysuit.

She/He is correct.

I'm a real cold weather wimp. I always have on more layers than anyone else at work or pretty much anywhere.

This is why She/He is correct.

But this is not just a comfort issue at this point, it's a safety issue. It's hard to think and be on your toes when you are really cold.

Most True. But a drysuit comes with an issue that you may not like. You will feel like you are dragging a sea anchor compared diving a wetsuit. That is my biggest issue with either of my drysuits. I'd never dive my beloved wetsuit again if I could get either of my drysuits to slip through the water like my wetsuit does. So you can either deal with it and be warm, or freeze and be like an otter.

Any advice would be appreciated. ...

No lack of that here...

PS, If you do get a drysuit, pony up and get a set of undergarments that you will cherish: Home | Aclima

If you actually get that far, PM me and I'll give you a contact in Scotland who has figured out all the VAT, shipping, and other nonsense, and takes a valid credit card.

-Cheers.

 

[Storker]

And warming up between dives is much easier with a drysuit.

Warming up between dives may not even be necessary with a drysuit. Because if you use proper undergarments, you'll climb out still toasty warm. Don't take off the undersuit, this is how you'll feel during the SI:

 

[Storker]

If you do get a drysuit, pony up and get a set of undergarments that you will cherish: Home | Aclima

Another fan, cool!

I love their wool netting as a base layer. It's as close to perfect as possible. With a good, warm undersuit on top I keep both dry and warm. No issues with clammy undergarments, even with perspiration topside before splashing and the occasional leaky seal.

 

[lowviz]

Not just a fan, totally addicted!

FinnMom turned me on to this stuff...

 

[lowviz]

For the OP:

My "go to" is Hotwool long pants and the Hotwool crew neck. Anything more and it is either ice diving with my Polartecs on top of those, or I'm uncomfortably warm.

Edit:
Just checked. Wow! Now they offer a 400g long pants. I use 230's, 400 is way too much for me...

 

[Storker]

FinnMom turned me on to this stuff...

And it just might be that I turned her on to that stuff

Aclima is a Norwegian company, and I've been using their netting for topside activities since it came on the market. I'm on my second set now, and my son also loves his set.

 

[lowviz]

And it just might be that I turned her on to that stuff ...

Ah Ha! Whatever. You guys fight it out...

Whoever, Whatever, Love the stuff...

 

[Neilwood]

Getting back to the OP...

She/He is correct.
This is why She/He is correct.
Most True. But a drysuit comes with an issue that you may not like. You will feel like you are dragging a sea anchor compared diving a wetsuit. That is my biggest issue with either of my drysuits. I'd never dive my beloved wetsuit again if I could get either of my drysuits to slip through the water like my wetsuit does. So you can either deal with it and be warm, or freeze and be like an otter.
No lack of that here...

PS, If you do get a drysuit, pony up and get a set of undergarments that you will cherish: Home | Aclima

If you actually get that far, PM me and I'll give you a contact in Scotland who has figured out all the VAT, shipping, and other nonsense, and takes a valid credit card.

-Cheers.

Apologies for the slight hijack but you got me thinking about this.

Thanks for the heads up on them - they are just down the road from me so I might have to make a trip to them to have a look at their stock.

I had previously looked at other undersuits but they made my suit just too tight so I there might just be enough room with theirs.

What temp range are you using the 400g in? I am ok in 8C water with a 7mm (even multiple dives) all in one but a drysuit would be easier for some of my diving.

 

[Grey Goose]

To OP, given it sounds like you might stay with the wetsuit, consider investing in a thick hood if you don't have one. I recently switched from a 5/7mm aqualung to a 5/10mm waterproof, and it seems much warmer (dry suit in both instances). If and when you switch to a dry suit, the hood is transferable.