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HOW DOES A WETSUIT KEEP ME WARM?
When you put on a wetsuit, a thin layer of water enters between your skin and the wetsuit, becoming trapped and creating a protective barrier. Your body’s heat warms up this layer of water, creating a barrier between your skin and the surrounding cooler water. A well-fitted wetsuit also helps reduce water circulation within the suit. A snug fit prevents excessive water movement, which can carry heat away from your body. Minimizing water flow helps the wetsuit maintain a warmer environment around your body.
What is the best thickness of a wetsuit for warm water diving temps?
For water temperatures around 24-29°C (75-85°F), a 2-3mm wetsuit or a shorty is often suitable. This type of wetsuit covers the torso and provides minimal coverage for the arms and legs. The 3/2mm Revel Full or the 2mm Revel Shorty for men are outstanding for multi-sport performance while warm water diving. For women, the 3/2mm Elate Full or the 2mm Elate Shorty provides excellent thermal protection in warmer waters.
In even warmer waters, above 29°C (85°F), some divers may opt for even thinner wetsuits or choose alternative options such as rashguards. These lightweight, flexible garments provide minimal thermal insulation and primarily protect against the sun, stinging organisms, and minor abrasions.
What is the best thickness of wetsuit for VARIOUS WATER TEMPS?
Lakes and oceans can have varying temperatures, so it’s important to consider the specific conditions of the water you plan to dive in.
Warm water (24°C/75°F and above): In warmer water, a wetsuit with a thickness of 3-5mm should be suitable. This thickness provides some insulation and protection while allowing for comfortable movement in the water. Wetsuits such as the 3mm Reactive, 3mm Velocity Ultra 2.0, 3/2mm Revel, 3mm Evoke, 3/2mm Nixie Ultra, and 3/2mm Elate are excellent choices for warm water.
Moderate Water (20-24°C/68-75°F): A 5-7mm wetsuit may be appropriate for water with moderate temperatures. The thicker neoprene helps retain body heat and provides better insulation in slightly cooler water. Consider the 5mm Reactive, 5mm Velocity Ultra 2.0, 5mm Revel for men and the 5mm Evoke, 5mm Nixie Ultra, and 5mm Elate for women.
Cold Water (below 20°C/68°F): In colder water, a wetsuit with a thickness of 7mm or more can help keep you warm during the dive – find all men’s wetsuits here and all women’s wetsuits here. Consider wearing accessories such as Ultrawarmth hoods, gloves, and boots for extra insulation.
What is the best thickness of a wetsuit for diving in cold water temps?
For colder water temperatures, 10-15°C / 50-59°F, a thicker wetsuit is recommended. A 7mm wetsuit, like the Reactive and the Evoke, has added features like Graphene Omnired, which is strategically placed in the body’s core area of the suit. Graphene is used in wetsuits by incorporating small graphene particles into the interior laminated woven fabric. These graphene particles create a network of heat-conducting pathways that help to distribute heat throughout the suit. Learn more about Graphene and its unique ability to conduct heat here.
In extremely cold water, below 10°C / 50°F, a drysuit is typically the preferred choice over a wetsuit. A drysuit, combined with proper thermal undergarments such as Ultrawarmth Base Layers, provides better insulation and protection against the cold. Drysuits also prevent water from entering, keeping you dry during the dive.
DO layering wetsuits help keep me warmer?
Yes, layering wetsuits can help keep you warmer in colder water temperatures. This technique, known as “wetsuit layering” or “multi-layering,” involves wearing multiple wetsuits of different thicknesses to enhance insulation and provide additional warmth.
Layering wetsuits creates extra insulation by trapping additional layers of water between the wetsuit materials. Each wetsuit layer acts as a barrier, preventing water movement and reducing heat loss. Layering allows you to customize your thermal protection based on the water temperature and your personal comfort level. By combining wetsuits of different thicknesses, you can adjust the insulation to match the specific conditions you’ll be diving in.
Layering wetsuits can provide flexibility and freedom of movement while still providing ample warmth. Thinner wetsuit layers on the arms and legs allow for better flexibility, while thicker layers on the torso provide additional insulation where it’s most needed, consider Ultrawarmth Hooded Vests and Exowear. Layering wetsuits also offers versatility for divers who frequent locations with varying water temperatures. Instead of investing in multiple wetsuits of different thicknesses, you can use layering to adapt to different conditions without needing a separate wetsuit for each temperature range.
However, it’s important to note that layering wetsuits can increase buoyancy, affect the fit of the wetsuits, and potentially restrict movement. It’s crucial to ensure that the layers fit well and do not impede your ability to move comfortably or affect your safety underwater. Exowear is Neutrally Buoyant and does not require as much weight to correct buoyancy.
IS some neoprene better than others?
Yes, there can be variations in the quality and performance of different types of neoprene used in wetsuits.
The manufacturing processes used to create the neoprene can impact its quality. Advanced manufacturing techniques, such as limestone-based neoprene, can result in neoprene with improved elasticity, enhanced heat retention, and increased durability. All BARE wetsuits are made from a clean limestone-based foam that cuts pollution and cleans up the production process while performing at the same level (or higher) as petroleum-based alternatives.
The flexibility and stretch of the neoprene can vary between different types and grades. Higher-quality neoprene often offers better stretch properties, allowing for a snug and comfortable fit that allows for freedom of movement. A blend of high-stretch neoprene and laminate layers gives Revel and Elate a soft, lightweight feel for more comfort and easier donning and doffing. The neoprene blend generates extreme levels of stretch, comfort, and mobility.
The way the neoprene panels are joined and the quality of seam construction can affect the overall performance of the wetsuit. Strong and well-sealed seams help minimize water entry and improve insulation. Reactive, Evoke, Velocity Ultra, and Nixie are all water-based glue—rather than solvent—that performs over the long life of your suit while sparing the air of unclean toxins during the manufacturing process.
Keep in mind that personal tolerance to temperature can vary, and some divers may prefer additional thermal protection even in warmer waters. It’s essential to consider your own comfort level, potential exposure to the sun, and any specific factors related to the dive location before deciding on the best thickness of a wetsuit for warm or cold water diving.
