Hey guys, my gf and I are looking for a recommended under layer to wear under our shorties to stay a bit warmer. I found lavacore online but it is pretty expensive. We also found the Under Armor UA Base brand, but not sure if that was meant for use in the water. Any other recommendations appreciated.
Underlayer for wetsuit?
- Thread starter Mulliganx
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dumpsterDiver
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Get a neoprene hood, cheapest, easiest and will have the least effect on buoyancy.
You could try a Mysteriosos Coldwater Mtech T-shirt.
They feel like fleece, soak up a ton of water, but still keep you very warm and also keeps wind chill away if you de-suit halfway (yes even when it's wet).
Mysterioso
They feel like fleece, soak up a ton of water, but still keep you very warm and also keeps wind chill away if you de-suit halfway (yes even when it's wet).
Mysterioso
ajduplessis
Contributor
Best advise here so far is from dumpster, I agree get a hoodie.
freewillie
Contributor
Neoprene vest will add warmth but won't be too uncomfortable in the sleeves. You could do the hood as DD recommended but also could consider a hooded vest as well. You do lose almost 50% body heat through your head so a beanie would also help quite a bit if hood too claustrophobic.
Your other option is a hybrid dive rash guard. Scubapro has a nice one with 1mm neoprene on chest and back with Lycra side panels and either short sleeve or long sleeve options. The standard vest however could be up to extra 3 mm without the bulk in sleeves.
Your other option is a hybrid dive rash guard. Scubapro has a nice one with 1mm neoprene on chest and back with Lycra side panels and either short sleeve or long sleeve options. The standard vest however could be up to extra 3 mm without the bulk in sleeves.
diverrex
Contributor
I have never bought into the idea that 50% of your body heat is lost through your head and think in other threads it been shown to be an urban myth. If you lose half your heat through your body and half through your head would you be just as warm in a hood only as you would be in a wetsuit?
That being said I second the idea of gaining warmth by wearing a hooded vest. A decent one can be found for around $70 I believe. The vest adds warmth to your core and the hood for your head. I dive in SoCal water (54 - 70F) and always use a hooded vest with my 7mm wetsuit. I also have a hood only but found the hooded vest easier to use than tucking in the hood before each dive. And I don't really even notice the vest being on.
My master diver book says it's actually it's more like 1/3 heat loss through your head. And I've in other sources it to be 1/3-1/5 heat loss. So no not 50%. It's a myth.
You will see a larger heat source in a thermal image, but that's because your head is mainly thin capillaries between your skull and skin.
You will see a larger heat source in a thermal image, but that's because your head is mainly thin capillaries between your skull and skin.
Maybee I missed something but why not either get a pair of 5.0mm shorties if you insist on short suits or maybee 5.0mm full suits. That should make all the difference you need for thermal protection.
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