Hypothetical Undergarments

[FishDiver]

I have embarrassed myself in the past by insisting that old wetsuits would make excellent drysuit undergarments. Several members gently explained that air pressure compresses closed-cell foam just as well as water pressure.

Why isn't open-celled foam used to make undergarments? I see several advantages:

-cheap
-compression resistant
-easy to (squeeze) dry if the drysuit leaks
-maintains loft when wet

I assume there are good reasons why foam isn't used. WHAT ARE THEY?

 

[horsediver1]

First thing on my mind is due to the air inside the foam cells How much lead would it take to overcome the excessive bouyancy.

 

[FishDiver]

First thing on my mind is due to the air inside the foam cells How much lead would it take to overcome the excessive bouyancy.

True, but air=warmth. You could make the foam thin enough to have the suit as warm and no more buoyant than fleece or Thinsulate.

 

[The Chairman]

Why would you want the extra constriction? I want an undergarment that is

• Warm
• Comfortable
• Breathable
• Waterproof
• Non-restrictive
• NOT hypothetical!

 

[Kern]

You'll sweat up a storm wearing a rubber suit under a DS. Back to comfortable, breathable, wicking, etc.

 

[DevonDiver]

If you have a good undersuit, it should provide adequate insulation (wet or dry) with minimal bulk. Thinsulate and Merino wool fit this criteria. Both of these material 'wick' moisture well, which prevents you becoming cold due to accumulation of sweat. Open or closed cell neoprene would not achieve this.

If you want a cheap DIY option....