Question Always cold! 5mm vs 3mm with extra warmth gear

[kastuk]

Hello,

I have a 3mm suit and dive in 26-30 degree water. When I'm diving multiple times a day in the cooler half of the year, I end up shivering, especially if it's the 2nd or 3rd dive. Because half the time it's work, I cannot just bail.

I was thinking about getting a 5mm but they're quite expensive. Another option I was considering is lava core jacket and pants, because then I can use those exclusively in the warm half.

Anyone have any tips on this? Was a 5mm worth it? Did you prefer to add extra warmth gear so it's more customizable?

 

[rjack321]

5mm is the solution or add a vest

 

[DanBMW]

Hooded vest + your 5mm for me. We are all different, but I don't have a lot of body fat and weekly dive in 72-74 degree aquarium water. I did have to dive a few years ago in the same water, but only had a 3mm to wear. I normally wear a Medium, so in that case, put a large 3mm on top of the Medium 3mm and was as warm as I've ever been in the 72 degree water. I just added a few extra pounds of lead. I hate to be cold and generally spend 1.5 hours in the water.

 

[Sascha314]

A hood or vest or maybe even a hooded vest (or vest plus hood) will help.
A lavacore helps a bit but not that much.

There is no way around, if you are shiveribg its way to cold for you. You need more insulatuon. Moving more is not an option... and if you find a 5mm too expensive, these three options are fhe cheapest alternatives that provide significant improvement.

 

[thomschoon]

I needed a 5mm and went with Sharkskin instead. I have used it on repetitive dives down to 68. I also have a vest but have not yet needed it. The other day I did two dives at 70 minutes in 71 degree spring and was quite warm. I would say it is around the equivalent to 4 mm neoprene but much easier to put on and take off. Plus you don’t get cold out of the water as it keeps the wind from penetrating. I believe Lavacore is a similar material.

 

[BoltSnap]

Either use a 2mm vest under the 3mm, with or without a hood, or use this suit:

Neotek 4/3 - Hollis

The Neotek 4/3 wetsuit is designed for warm-water technical dives—where exposure protection is still critical—but conditions are mild. This revised model follows the same pattern and design as our revolutionary 8/7/6 semidry and it features a horizontal front zipper and attached hood for...

www.hollis.com

 

[Rilelen]

I get cold in those temps too, and have switched to a 5mm. I will add layers to the 5mm at the end of a long dive day, and am starting to chill again.

 

[MB NZ]

As per another current thread, it's all about fit. A well fitting 3mm wetsuit will be warmer than a poorly fitting 5mm wetsuit. All other things being equal a 5mm suit will be warmer than a 3mm suit. You need the exposure protection you need. I wore the equivalent of a 5+5mm wetsuit in 29 degrees C on a liveaboard and that was perfect for me.

A simple, cheap fix would be a hooded neoprene vest. Water trickling down you back makes you cold and this would stop it.

 

[DanBMW]

Simple physics/physiology ? says that you looses about 25% of your body's heat through your head. Keep it warm and the rest of the body will follow. A simple neoprene beany can also make a big difference.

 

[kastuk]

Thanks all, my current 3mm has seen better days so I might just upgrade to the 5mm and if I get cold in that get the hooded vest for underneath