Need Undergarment Advice

[Capt I]

Kind of a neophyte question ...

Looking for undergarment advice having moved to an area with warmer water.

• Several years ago I lived in the Puget Sound area where there are a million walk-in dive sites. The diving was fabulous (GPO, wolf eel, etc.!) and its pretty chilly there all the time. I started with a 5-mil farmer john (so 10 mil on the chest) which worked OK but drove me to getting a TLS-350 with a Waterproof brand Octans undergarment (there's no tag indicating the loft). I got drysuit trained and was very happy with my kit - then I had to move to the midwest for work.
• I had to hang up diving for a while for a variety of reasons.
• So, still living in Missouri, I recently hooked up with some diver guys at church and my wife and I are getting back into it. (I'm kicking myself for having been away so long!)
• Water is warmer here compared to the PACNORWEST and diving usually only requires a 3 mil in the summer, possibly a 5 mil if you stay below the thermocline for a while.

I've been diving neoprene wet but want to get back to using my drysuit. My undergarment is far too thick for the conditions, esp above the thermocline. Any advice for a thinner undergarment for the conditions here?

(... and yes, while wetsuit diving came back very quickly (like riding a bike) I plan on getting a refresher on drysuit diving )

Many thanks!!

 

[PR_SMITH]

I use merino wool shirts from Costco (about$20) as a winter base layer, or as a summer thermal. Works as well as the expensive Under Armor stuff, at a fraction of the price.

 

[H0tDog45]

Kind of a neophyte question ...

Looking for undergarment advice having moved to an area with warmer water.

• Several years ago I lived in the Puget Sound area where there are a million walk-in dive sites. The diving was fabulous (GPO, wolf eel, etc.!) and its pretty chilly there all the time. I started with a 5-mil farmer john (so 10 mil on the chest) which worked OK but drove me to getting a TLS-350 with a Waterproof brand Octans undergarment (there's no tag indicating the loft). I got drysuit trained and was very happy with my kit - then I had to move to the midwest for work.
• I had to hang up diving for a while for a variety of reasons.
• So, still living in Missouri, I recently hooked up with some diver guys at church and my wife and I are getting back into it. (I'm kicking myself for having been away so long!)
• Water is warmer here compared to the PACNORWEST and diving usually only requires a 3 mil in the summer, possibly a 5 mil if you stay below the thermocline for a while.

I've been diving neoprene wet but want to get back to using my drysuit. My undergarment is far too thick for the conditions, esp above the thermocline. Any advice for a thinner undergarment for the conditions here?

(... and yes, while wetsuit diving came back very quickly (like riding a bike) I plan on getting a refresher on drysuit diving )

Many thanks!!

Hot chilis has some baselayers that aren't too terribly expensive. That is what I personally use, under armor is an option as well but going to cost more. As smiffy mentioned you can also just find a wool shirt from a store like target or walmart or whatever to keep you warm. The undergarments don't have to be advertised as "scuba" undergarments, because then you'll be paying a premium. Just buy a warm shirt and pants to use underneath.

 

[broncobowsher]

Think of where you are at, what I have in my inventory that would work. Weezle compact. They are not super warm, but warm enough. No added base layer needed. Short dives (less than multi-hour) down to about 60°, but have worked fairly well in some upper 50s as well with a little extra lead and air. There are a few retailers in the states Weezle Compact One Piece Undersuit

 

[Capt I]

Hot chilis has some baselayers that aren't too terribly expensive. That is what I personally use, under armor is an option as well but going to cost more. As smiffy mentioned you can also just find a wool shirt from a store like target or walmart or whatever to keep you warm. The undergarments don't have to be advertised as "scuba" undergarments, because then you'll be paying a premium. Just buy a warm shirt and pants to use undernThanks for the common sense, practical advice!

Think of where you are at, what I have in my inventory that would work. Weezle compact. They are not super warm, but warm enough. No added base layer needed. Short dives (less than multi-hour) down to about 60°, but have worked fairly well in some upper 50s as well with a little extra lead and air. There are a few retailers in the states Weezle Compact One Piece Undersuit

Makes sense for both entries. Thanks for taking time and for the common-sense, practical advice!

 

[Capt I]

I use merino wool shirts from Costco (about$20) as a winter base layer, or as a summer thermal. Works as well as the expensive Under Armor stuff, at a fraction of the price.

Thanks! Indeed, they throw a brand name on it and then jack up the price. Thanks for the advice!