Ideas for a Lightweight, Modular Wetsuit Setup for Warm-Water Diving

[giovannirescia]

Hi everyone,
I’m building a lightweight, modular dive kit for warm-water diving so I can travel easily across multiple destinations without carrying a full thick wetsuit. My main destinations are tropical locations (South-east Asia, Mexico, Egypt, etc).

My plan is to mix and match things like: rash guard, 3mm neoprene top, 1-3mm neoprene leggings, 1mm cargo short with pocket. A 3mm shorty could also work but I want to be able to use a 3mm neoprene leggings.

The idea is to layer up or down depending on water temp, keep packing size minimal, and make putting on/taking off quick and comfortable.

My questions are:

• What other pieces or combos would you recommend for this kind of travel-light, warm-water diving?
• Do you think I should skip the shorty and just rely on top/leggings combos?
• Any specific brands/models of 1–3 mm leggings or tops you’ve found durable and comfy?

Thanks in advance! I’d love to hear your ideas, especially from folks who dive across multiple warm-water destinations with minimal gear.

 

[Brett Hatch]

Nice idea, I'm interested in what folks have to say. I have only owned one 3mm wetsuit from Deep6, which was great, but it is has been discontinued for years, and the time has come to retire it. Today I ordered a new 3mm from MAKO Spearguns, in part due to seeing good reviews for them here on ScubaBoard. I expect that it will serve me well, but can't provide a review at this time. It is a two-piece open-cell suit, so it should be very warm for its thickness

I will say that adding hood to your bag won't cost you much in terms of space or weight, but it will help a lot when it comes to heat retention on a colder dive. I'd much rather have a 3mm full suit + 5mm hood than a 3mm full suit + 3mm shorty, that's for damn sure. We lose more heat from our heads and necks than any other part of the body. Hooded vests are also a better option than shorties for layering on top of a full suit, but they're a little bulkier in the bag. YMMV

Cheers

 

[MAKO Spearguns]

We have a set of products that I think should serve you well.

In tropical waters, sun protection is a huge issue, that is one reason why I think our 3-piece lycra package is very popular. Pants, top and matching hood.

Full Body Spearfishing Rash Guard 3 Piece Bundle

This is the most amazing lycra dive skin package available. High quality camouflage patterns at an amazing price! Includes pants, rashguard and Hood.

makospearguns.com

For times when it is a little bit cool, you may also want to also carry a 2 mm full suit. This back zip suit provides a slight bit of warmth and if you wear is with a lycra hood and lycra top underneath, you can peel the top down on the boat and remain pretty comfortable and retain full sun protection.

1-piece Reversible 2mm Camo Spearfishing Wetsuit (Blue / Green)

This is the ultimate warm water spearfishing wetsuit for both blue water hunting and reef hunting. Includes comfortable chest loading pad on both sides.

makospearguns.com