Wetsuit Layering

Scubanoobi · Apr 2, 2012

Looking for some advice on wetsuit layering. I have a 7mm full for my local diving (Canada) and 2mm shorty for warmer waters. I did some diving down south this winter in 76/77 degree water and got a little cold by end of the first dive (50 mins) and middle of the second dive (50 mins) with the 2mm shorty.

I know everybody is different, but if I were to layer the shorty with either a 1mm skin or 5mm vest/hood, which would keep me warmer and would it really make a difference?

I'm planning on doing more diving in 80 degree water later this year and want to be comfortable.

Looking for any advice - 1mm full skin or 5mm vest/hood to go with the shorty?

kierentec · Apr 2, 2012

5mm hooded vest will make a huge difference, the skin, not so much.

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fjpatrum · Apr 2, 2012

Definitely go with the hood... you lose most of your heat through your head so adding the hood really makes a difference. I dive with one every dive.

g1138 · Apr 2, 2012

Like fjpatrum said, you lose most of your heat through your head. A hood makes a big difference.
A dive skin does not. In fact I get much colder with a dive skin, since it soaks more water and stays soaked. So during your surface interval you're freezing from evaporation.

Go with a Hood with a long bib or a hooded vest. In your situation I'd recommend a hooded vest for your 1 piece 7mm suit.
You can layer it under the 7mm or over the 7mm, which ever is more comfortable.

Here in Monterey (52F waters) I see more divers layering it over, since it doesn't add to the constriction of your velcro neck seal.
With a regular hood you'll want to tuck it under your neck seal.

dumpsterDiver · Apr 2, 2012

Go with a hood. For 80 degree water my choice would be a full one-piece suit (2-3 mm) with back zipper. Sun, sting and thermal protection. .

I know many people wear shorty suits, but I learned a very hard lesson as a young solo diver.... when your legs get a little cool, the muscles .. especially the hamstrings have a tendancy to cramp up. I think it is actually safer to wear long pants and a vest and no wetsuit sleeves.

Frosty · Apr 2, 2012

after getting a nasty coral scratch by being a bit careless I only wear a full body 3mm suit in tropical waters nowadays. Tat and if a tiny beit cool I waer a thermal vest under -Just going to a full body 3mm might be enough

mattpatton · Apr 2, 2012

As everyone else has recomended, the hood is the way to go. You're probably only a little bit of neoprene away from staying warm on your dive. You could probably add only a Hood, or a 2mm top and feel much warmer. You may not necessarily need a 5mm top with attached hood. But, adding a hood or a 2mm top with attached hood will probably do the trick.

Scubanoobi · Apr 3, 2012

Thanks everyone!

landlocked!! · Apr 3, 2012

Ahh...the popular myth of loosing most of your heat through your head.

dfx · Apr 3, 2012

landlocked!!:
Ahh...the popular myth of loosing most of your heat through your head.

For reference (because that's what I've been told as well): Scientists debunk myth that most heat is lost through head | Science | The Guardian

Wetsuit Layering

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