Question About Wetsuit with Built-In Hood

[Lopez116]

I am in the market for a 7mm wetsuit for local diving. I hate wearing hoods, but understand that I'll likely need to wear one on all but the warmest summer days.

In that regard, I've never worn a wetsuit with a built in hood, but see how they could be easier to deal with (no tucking in of bibs, one less piece of gear to remember, etc). But if I commit to buying a suit with a built in hood and there are days where I don't need to wear the hood, can I dive with the hood just behind my head (like a hooded sweatshirt)? Or, is it uncomfortable and/intrusive that way?

 

[ontdiver]

Consider a dry-suit hood. I've never had a wet suit with an integrated hood but I know that they are favoured by many. But one diver I ran into a couple of years ago found his to be a real pain when he tried pulling it back (in the manner you describe) when the river warmed up.

 

[Lopez116]

What's the difference between a dry suit hood and a regular wetsuit hood?

 

[dumpsterDiver]

You may want to consider a hooded vest which you can wear outside of your main wetsuit... if you buy one the right size. If you have a thick 7 mm hood it will probably be uncomfortable pushed back. If you have a 3 mm hood, you can probably do that without much discomfort. I think that if you get used to wearing a thick 7mm hood in cold water, when the water warms you will be very comfortable in a loose fitting 2-3 mm hood, You can wear it with the bibb not tucked in if you want..

 

[Lopez116]

You may want to consider a hooded vest which you can wear outside of your main wetsuit... if you buy one the right size. If you have a thick 7 mm hood it will probably be uncomfortable pushed back. If you have a 3 mm hood, you can probably do that without much discomfort. I think that if you get used to wearing a thick 7mm hood in cold water, when the water warms you will be very comfortable in a loose fitting 2-3 mm hood, You can wear it with the bibb not tucked in if you want..

The 2-3 mm hooded vest is a good idea. Thanks

 

[fisheater]

You can do that with an AquaFlite FJ 7mm semidry. I have.

www.aquaflite.com

 

[al248005]

A regular hood usually have a skirting that seats the hood on your shoulders, upper back, and upper chest that you have to either tuck in or put your wetsuit on over it. A drysuit hood has no skirting. I just covers your neck and head.

 

[Lopez116]

Thanks

 

[Peter_C]

Plus a drysuit hood will work with your drysuit WHEN you get one after you purchased your expensive wetsuit. Of course you could just get a drysuit

 

[Token]

In my own case, I have found that finding a good-fitting wetsuit with an attached hood that also fits well is a major problem. I am a strong proponent of the hooded vest or at least a separate hood. I like the Waterproof product, but there are lots more to choose from.