Dry Suit advice, part B: undergarment advice

[Storker]

Wool netting makes sense, more open air space and less contact area. But I just can't seem to believe that it would be more comfortable than the comfy Hotwool "loops".

It isn't. Not when you're dry, that is. But when you get on the wet side of damp (e.g. when you're sweating in the sun before splashing, or when your undersuit is noticeably damp from condensation before your second dive of the day, or when your glove has got a leak and the ocean slowly creeps up above your elbow), there's a noticeable difference. Not having that clammy feeling of damp fabric clinging to your skin is quite valuable in those situations...

 

[Johanan]

I DO like their Polartec as an outer layer ... But I don't want that against my skin. What is the Thermal Fusion inner layer made of? I'm guessing polyester blend. Do you know?... I vastly prefer Merino wool.

They say, the inner layer is made of Polartec 200 fleece. Don't know what it is made of. May be polyester blend. I never use it directly on the skin - first of all to protect it from sweat. I wear the MK0 as base layer on the skin.

Once tried merino wool thermal underwear on my skin and did not like it at all. It felt coarse and got very dump. A matter of taste, perhaps.

 

[Storker]

Once tried merino wool thermal underwear on my skin and did not like it at all. It felt coarse and got very dump. A matter of taste, perhaps.

Once may not be enough unless you're one of those who genuinely is extremely sensitive to wool against the skin (yes, I know they exist, but they are fewer and further between than most people believe). Wool - even merino - comes in a bunch of different qualities, and just like other sports equipment, all the brands are very good at spouting the buzzwords. I'm a firm believer in the mouth to mouth method and personal experiences when it comes to that kind of gear. If merino felt coarse, it was probably a crappy product. If it felt damp, well... I guess it might have been too thick. Wool is noticeably worse at transporting moisture compared to some synthetics, e.g. polypro (or good quality polyester, which also is good, but not as good as polypro). Which is why I prefer polypro underwear for cross-country skiing or winter MTB'ing. Even if it reeks like ripe roadkill after about a year of regular use, even with frequent washing. OTOH, if your activity levels are low(ish), you don't generate enough heat to push the moisture outwards from the base layer, and you'll be better off with a fiber that can feel dry when it's damp and retain its insulation properties even soaking wet. And wool is the only common garment fiber that's able to do that. It's the only fiber that can absorb up to 30% of its own weight and still feel dry, and AFAIK it's the only fiber that retains some of its insulating properties when totally wet.

 

[dberry]

Storker, I agree with you on the wonderful properties of wool, but I'm beginning to wonder whether you've made a major investment in sheep. Although I don't recall seeing many sheep when I was in Norway. Unlike Iceland, which was totally infested with them.:cool2:

 

[Storker]

Storker, I agree with you on the wonderful properties of wool, but I'm beginning to wonder whether you've made a major investment in sheep.

:lol:

No, no economic interest. The closest I've been to live sheep is when visiting my BIL who is a farmer and has a few sheep in addition to the other stuff he makes a not too lavish living from. However, I've experimented with various types of clothing for >30 years of outdoor life - under sometimes quite crappy conditions - and have probably tried every type of product available on the market. So I tend to think I have a decent basis for my opinions...


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[FinnMom]

I too have found that for the very bottom layer nothing beats merino wool long johns. Even thin stuff is amazingly warm, it dries fast and it doesn't seem to hold body odor much at all. My favorite brand is Ullmax. I did have some fluffy merino stuff from Lidl once and yes, that stuff was scratchy and left lint all over everywhere. The good stuff is soft and leaves no lint at all.

I've read enough testimonials to belive that the Fusion stuff would be excellent, but I've never had the cash for such expensive gear. For really cold water I love using a Weezle Extreme Plus. I also use thermal soles, like for boots for a little extra warmth, moisture collection and because it's easier to get the boots dry if removable inserts soak up a lot of the moisture.

 

[Redshift]

Once may not be enough unless you're one of those who genuinely is extremely sensitive to wool against the skin

I hate that feeling! Merino wool is better, but still itchy. Which surprised me because it feels very soft when touching it with my hands. But I use a wool mid layer, on top of a synthetic base layer, and then a halo3d on top.

 

[KevinNM]

I've mostly used the Bare SB base layer. Very nice. Used them without a midlayer diving in Kona Hawaii (vic 70F) last December. Not quite warm enough as the sole undergarment after 45+ minutes, but still not too bad. Had to send one bottom back as a seam completely tore out for no obvious reason. Significantly more expensive than a set of long underwear at REI, but I went and bought a second pair of the Bare's anyhow.

 

[Dhboner]

I recently switched from a DUI XM 450 to a Thermal Fusion and I am very happy. The Thermal Fusion is MUCH more flexible and very warm. I dive throughout the winter in Lake Ontario in water just above freezing and I am good for 45 minutes with no chilling at all.

 

[Derelict]

I don't want to start a new topic so I'll ask here. I just got myself a Bare HDC Tech Drysuit in a closing down sale (ridiculously cheap!) and got these undergarments to go with it: Dive - Products - Dry Layers - Polarwear - CT200 Polarwear Extreme

Would those be adequate for ~8*c-15*c? (I dive 16*c in my 5/7mm wetsuit). This is the first time I've owned a dry suit as I've previously been living in a tropical environment for my diving.

And my second question, if it's not adequate, I have a Lavacore long sleeve shirt. Would I wear the Lavacore under or on top of the Bare undergarment I linked?

And lastly, would any decent thermal socks be enough for the feet? Like the Fourth Element socks.