Advice requested regarding drysuit pockets and accessories in general

[The Laconic]

I'm planning to send my DUI drysuit in to add some pockets, which I really should have gotten in the first place.

I know I want SOME pockets, because I changed to a BP/W this year and don't have BCD pockets anymore, and SOME is better than NONE. But I'm not sure what's going to be the best choice for the long haul. I want something that's going to be good for cold-water tec diving, in case I head down that road.

DUI offers large (9.5 x 6) and small (6 x 6) zipper pockets, a large cargo pocket (11 x 7.5) and large (11 x 7) and small (9.5 x 6.5) bellows pockets.

DUI drysuit pockets
I'm ruling out the utility pockets because they're neoprene and I'd rather have the durability of cordura. But whew. No wonder i'm daunted. Any recommendations (and reasons)?

I'm also going to add a p-valve. Even though I'm not doing deco stops (yet), the need to micturate has cast a pall over a few dives in the past. Any other recommendations (I pretty much have no extras on my FLX Extreme as it is)? Pads? Zipseals?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

 

[tbone1004]

you are very lucky, you are less than an hour from one of the best scuba shops in the country, and probably the #2 for drysuit repair behind Steve Gamble. Drive to Dive Right in Scuba, Mike and the guys there will be able to guide you.
Scuba Diving Services - Drysuit Repairs, Regulator Repairs, and Scuba Tank Maintenance, and Gas fills including Nitrox, Air, and Trimix Fills
Dry Suit Accessories - Get the Best and Latest Drysuit Accessories at Discount Prices - Dive Right in Scuba

I don't recommend the zip seals, while convenient they are horrendously expensive, so putting a ring system is better in the long run. DRiS has many in stock for you to look at as well as a full array of latex, silicone, and neoprene seals.

They have a full array of P-valves, and pockets from brands other than DUI that may be better for you. That way you can touch/feel all of them in person. It is seriously well worth the drive out there.....

 

[decompression]

Large bellows pockets.....you'll be surprised how much you'll store in them once you start tec diving. They are pretty much the go to style for TEC diving.


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[TSandM]

Large bellows pockets, for sure.

I prefer the Halcyon p-valve. Flow resistance is low, and the duckbill valve seems to last longer than others.

 

[rongoodman]

I like the large Halcyon pockets.

 

[Jack Hammer]

Large pockets... small ones will haunt you down the road with tech.

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[mmadiver]

Small things fit in small pockets...everything fits in big pockets

 

[The Laconic]

Hmm. I've been looking for an excuse to get out to DRIS. It would save me shipping costs too.

---------- Post added November 5th, 2014 at 09:38 PM ----------

Large bellows pockets, for sure.

I prefer the Halcyon p-valve. Flow resistance is low, and the duckbill valve seems to last longer than others.

Thanks. That (and everyone else's replies) helps a lot.

So my plan then is: drive out to DRIS, check out the pockets and the p-valves, with special attention to large bellows pockets and the Halcyon p-valve.

 

[OtherHalf]

I put a halcyon exploration pocket on my wetsuit. I like the pocket layout. Main pocket has easy velcro access. Small zippered compartment on the flap, plus inner sleeve for wetnotes. Makes it easier to know where everything is when I'm reaching in...

Just saying don't limit yourself to DUI pockets.

 

[Pullmyfinger]

Halcyon pockets; the large ones. They are expensive but they are very nice.

I agree with TS&M on the Halcyon p-Valve. The duckbill valve has held up much better that the Light Monkey P-valve I had on my old dry suit.

Light Monkey may now use a newer duckbill valve.