Mexico cave diving undergarments recommendation

[Tonnerre de Brest]

Hi everyone,



I’m currently planning a cave diving trip in Mexico in August.



I usually cave dive in France where I use Seaskin tech base layers (top and bottom) and Thinsulate 250 Seasking undersuit (water is around 13°C/55F all year long). Most of the time c.1h dives, never been cold, unless a couple of times when I had a leak (wrist seals and dump valve).



It will be my 3rd cave diving trip in Mexico, and I usually come with the same undersuit I use in France. The problem is that this undergarment is very bulky and takes up a lot of space in my suitcase, making it a livinh hell to pack, while being too warm for the waters of Mexico.



I have so far identified the 4th element Arctic undersuit and it seems a good option to me (less bulky and maybe easier to carry around, especially in the 2-piece version). According to what I read, it could be a good option since I could wear it alone, or with a base layer, depending on the water temperature.



I’m also open to any suggestions you might have, many thanks for your help.

 

[boulderjohn]

For dives of that length in Mexican caves, I have always worn a simple 5mm wetsuit and never been cold. If I were diving a drysuit, I would use the lightest undergarment I own.

 

[rongoodman]

For dives of that length in Mexican caves, I have always worn a simple 5mm wetsuit and never been cold. If I were diving a drysuit, I would use the lightest undergarment I own.

I added a hooded vest to the 5mm and was OK.

 

[Tonnerre de Brest]

Thank you for the replies !

Forgot to mention, I’m only diving dry

 

[inquis]

I use the FE Arctics for the 13C/55F range. I've been told they're equivalent to about 200 gsm Thinsulate garments. I use Xerotherms in FL and Mexico (22-26C / 72-79F), which are supposed to be equivalent to about 100 gsm.