What do you wear?

[Mike126]

I'm trying to decide what type of layering I want to get for my wetsuit. I just got a 7mm Bare Artic. Originally, I was going to also get a 7mm hooded vest that is a full 7mm that goes over the wetsuit.

http://www.bare-wetsuits.com/product_details.aspx?pid=003117&dept_id=170

After trying it on with the wetsuit it is very constraining and the hood/zipper really bothers me.

I was thinking of exchanging it for the 3mm/7mm hooded vest:

http://www.bare-wetsuits.com/product_details.aspx?pid=003106&dept_id=175

Given that this suit would be used locally (Millbrook or Rawlings), I was wondering what people wear especially early in the season (May/June) when the temps are in the 50's - low 60's.

Thanks!

 

[Mountain Dog]

I was at Rawlings three weeks ago. I wore a 7mm Bare Arctic jumpsuit with an O'Neil 5/3 hooded vest under the Bare. 5mm Boots and 5mm gloves. It worked great. I was a bit cool down at 57 ft, but it was still well within the comfort range. I wish I was there right now.

Mountain Dog

 

[Mike126]

MD - do you recall the temps?

A bad day diving beat a good day a work!

 

[Mountain Dog]

I'm at work right now so I don't have my log book along. But I'm pretty sure the lowest temp was 51. Most of the quarry was low to mid-50's.

Mountain Dog

 

[Mike126]

Close enough on the temps. The full 7mm Artic vest makes me almost claustraphobic it is so constraining.

 

[Mountain Dog]

Have you been diving with it yet? Mine felt pretty tight across the shoulder blades when I first put it on. But once I hit the water, that sensation went away. I'm very happy with the suit now. I think a 7mm with a vest is always going to feel pretty constraining...that's a lot of neoprene.

Mountain Dog

 

[smithfielddiver]

I wore a 7mm Bare Artic with 5mm hood and 5mm booties at Lake Rawlings last weekend and was very comfortable. Bottom temp was 57.

 

[Mike126]

MD - I've not been diving with the wetsuit or vest so this is all based on trying it on at home. It seems that the 3mm vest/7mm hood would be much more comfortable than a full 7mm vest/hood. I think I can deal with the shoulders being a little tight at first more than having my whole torso encased.

 

[Mountain Dog]

My hooded vest is a 5/3, and yes, I agree that this is more comfortable than a full 7mm hooded vest in addition to the 7mm suit. I found my combo to be plenty of exposure protection at Rawlings.

I ended up with this setup quite by accident, because my LDS had a closeout sale and they had the 5/3 O'Neill hooded vest for 50 bucks. Too good to pass up, and it turns out to be the perfect combo with my 7mm suit.

Mountain Dog