sub-tropical drysuit undergarment choice?

[thatmark]

@Lorenzoid

It sounds like we have similar temperature tolerance. Diving this summer in 73-78f my 250g SmartWool and some merino hiking boot socks worked well for me under my FouthElement Argonaut drysuit.

Mark

 

[Lorenzoid]

@Lorenzoid

It sounds like we have similar temperature tolerance. Diving this summer in 73-78f my 250g SmartWool and some merino hiking boot socks worked well for me under my FouthElement Argonaut drysuit.

Mark

I have SmartWool baselayer as well, but so far I have only used it as a baselayer underneath the BZ200 jumpsuit when I was in what to me was really cold water--down to 46F. The thing with wearing nothing but a thin baselayer is that when changing in and out of the drysuit you're basically walking around in your underwear--fine if you're among friends, but a little awkward for my taste in some situations.

 

[KenGordon]

The thing with wearing nothing but a thin baselayer is that when changing in and out of the drysuit you're basically walking around in your underwear--fine if you're among friends, but a little awkward for my taste in some situations.

https://goo.gl/images/HMBGpP

 

[JackD342]

Although I have a Fusion wicking base layer for my Fusion drysuit, that is just an interchangeable option with various REI wicking layers when I dive. But for a little added warmth, you might consider trying Lavacore or one of the other such non-neoprene wetsuit options. I haven't tried it myself, but I have a couple of customers who (whom?) I suggested that to, and it is has become their default for moderate temp drysuit diving.

Addendum: I meant to point out that using Lavacore makes it a dual purpose dive layer, rather than a highly specialized single use layer.

 

[Jonn]

For freezing water you need a bunch of pricey specialized gear, including a thick made-for-purpose undergarment, electric vest, and argon. Wearing a drysuit in warmer water you can be more casual with sweatpants, sweaters, etc. You don't really need anything at all; diving in the regular duds you drive to the shore in is an option to.

 

[stuartv]

Although I have a Fusion wicking base layer for my Fusion drysuit, that is just an interchangeable option with various REI wicking layers when I dive. But for a little added warmth, you might consider trying Lavacore or one of the other such non-neoprene wetsuit options. I haven't tried it myself, but I have a couple of customers who (whom?) I suggested that to, and it is has become their default for moderate temp drysuit diving.

Addendum: I meant to point out that using Lavacore makes it a dual purpose dive layer, rather than a highly specialized single use layer.

I have a lot of Lavacore garments. I think it's really crap as a drysuit undergarment. It does not breathe or wick nearly well enough to be good under a drysuit. I think medium weight Merino wool is much better.

 

[dave22387]

So what did you end up getting? It looks like we have similar cold tolerance and I'm wondering what will work for me here in South FL

@seeker242 if you figure it out let me know. I just pulled out the drysuit based on the cold snap here last week. Don't have any tropical wicking undergarments yet.