Drysuit Diving What do you need...

[formernuke]

So you're saying nothing else matters but fit?

Yup

 

[formernuke]

So you're saying nothing else matters but fit?

Within the right thickness range, so if you a 450g undergarment get the one that fits best if you need a 250 same applies. Just like a wetsuit, if it doesn't fit it won't work.

 

[Manatee Diver]

This is what I've been using to try and work it out...

https://fourthelement.com/brochures/temperature-layering-guide.pdf

For me that layering guide is a little sus. In a cave diving thread it seems that base+arctic is common for Florida caves which are low 70s, and base+xerotherm for Mexico caves that are mid to high 70s. Though that is based on 2-3 hour dives with deco, maybe their guide is based on recreational diving with exposures of no more than an hour.

 

[Mike1967]

Within the right thickness range, so if you a 450g undergarment get the one that fits best if you need a 250 same applies. Just like a wetsuit, if it doesn't fit it won't work.

Yeah needing the right fit is a given. I've worked out the Arctic is the one I need, it's the base layer I'm iffy on. Like you, many swear by merino, I'm just worried it'll be itchy AF.

 

[Mike1967]

maybe their guide is based on recreational diving with exposures of no more than an hour.

Hmm..maybe.

 

[formernuke]

Yeah needing the right fit is a given. I've worked out the Arctic is the one I need, it's the base layer I'm iffy on. Like you, many swear by merino, I'm just worried it'll be itchy AF.

Merino is not itchy at all. I wear merino socks, underwear and undergarment.

 

[Marie13]

Yeah needing the right fit is a given. I've worked out the Arctic is the one I need, it's the base layer I'm iffy on. Like you, many swear by merino, I'm just worried it'll be itchy AF.

You buy the cheap stuff and it WILL itch. The REI store brand, stiff and itchy. Brand name Smart Wool, soft and NOT itchy. I can’t stand stiff, itchy stuff. You really do get what you pay for.

 

[Mike1967]

You really do get what you pay for.

I was looking at these...
Icebreaker 200 Oasis Leggings Men's

 

[formernuke]

You buy the cheap stuff and it WILL itch. The REI store brand, stiff and itchy. Brand name Smart Wool, soft and NOT itchy. I can’t stand stiff, itchy stuff. You really do get what you pay for.

LL bean, not itchy

 

[Marie13]

I was looking at these...
Icebreaker 200 Oasis Leggings Men's

No experience with those. Just with SmartWool. Worth every penny.

ETA: Forgot you were Down Under. Don’t know if SmartWool is available there.