Complete Guide to BARE Thermal Accessories: Boots, Gloves, Hoods & Neo Sock 

When water temperatures drop, your core isn’t the only part of you that needs protection. Feet, hands, and head are especially vulnerable to heat loss — and the right accessories can make the difference between an unforgettable dive and one cut short by discomfort. BARE’s S-Flex boots, gloves, and hoods — along with the lightweight Neo Sock — are built with the same craftsmanship and fit-first philosophy that’s defined our gear since 1972. Here’s how to select the right thickness for your climate and conditions. 

S-Flex Boots – 5mm & 7mm 

Your feet take the brunt of every entry and exit — rocky shorelines, slick boat decks, sandy beaches. The S-Flex Boot is built to handle them all, with reinforced toe and heel caps and non-slip vulcanized soles that anchor you on any surface. A heavy-duty zipper with a wide gusset makes them easy to donn, even when your hands are cold. 

Climate and Thickness: 

• 5mm – Best for temperate waters. Flexible enough for multi-season diving where protection from chill and rough terrain is key. 

• 7mm – Suited for cold waters or extended bottom times where thermal insulation is critical. The extra thickness helps keep blood flow steady in frigid conditions. 

S-Flex Gloves – 3mm & 5mm 

Hands are your tools underwater, and losing dexterity to cold is never an option. The S-Flex Gloves use four-way stretch neoprene for comfort and a pre-curved anatomical cut to reduce fatigue during long dives. Double-glued and blind-stitched seams add durability, while abrasion-resistant palms give you a secure grip — perfect for managing gear mid-dive. 

Climate and Thickness: 

• 3mm – Ideal for tropical and warm-temperate waters where protection from abrasion is just as important as minimal insulation. Great for photographers or tasks requiring fine motor control. 

• 5mm – For cooler dives, offering added warmth without sacrificing grip and flexibility. 

S-Flex Hood – 3mm, 5mm & 7mm 

A diver loses significant body heat through the head, making a well-fitting hood critical for cold water protection. The S-Flex Hood combines Full-Stretch Elastek neoprene for warmth and mobility, a trimmable 3mm face seal for comfort on 5mm and 7mm, and a 3mm N2 bib to integrate cleanly with your wetsuit collar. Vented construction allows trapped air to escape, improving trim and comfort at depth. 

Climate and Thickness: 

• 3mm – Suited for tropical and warm-temperate waters where minimal insulation is needed but added protection and a clean seal against the wetsuit is desired. 

• 5mm – Suited for temperate waters or multi-layer systems; keeps you warm in moderate cold without feeling restrictive. 

• 7mm – Built for cold water diving and extended exposures, ensuring minimal heat loss even when conditions are at their harshest. 

Neo Sock – 2mm 

Sometimes a little insulation makes all the difference. The Neo Sock adds light thermal protection for river, ocean, or lake dives and layers comfortably inside full-foot fins. A non-slip print on the sole provides traction on wet decks or rocky entries, and its thin profile makes it a versatile year-round companion. 

Climate and Thickness: 

• 2mm – Perfect for tropical and warm-temperate waters where minimal insulation and extra comfort in fins are the priority. Also works as an additional layer inside thicker boots during colder dives. 

Quick-Reference Chart 

Putting It All Together 

When selecting accessory thickness, consider three things: 

1. Water temperature – Match neoprene thickness to your climate. 

2. Dive duration – Longer dives demand more insulation. 

3. Entry and exit environment – Rocky shorelines, cold boat decks, or sandy beaches may require more rugged protection. 

By dialing in the right combination, you’ll stay warmer, dive longer, and protect the parts of you that work hardest underwater. With BARE’s commitment to fit, craftsmanship, and innovation, every dive — from tropical drift to icy lake — keeps you in your element.