Vest on the outside?

[dtbriten]

I am planning a trip to Galapagos and am going to buy one of the Henderson Aquasuedes 5 mil, but know that I will need additional warmth. I've searched for a hooded corewarmer in a 3 mil but it doesn't seem to exist which leaves me with the alternative of a hooded vest. Henderson, at present, isn't producing an aquasuede vest so I am thinking of getting the hyperstretch. BUT why buy a hydrophobic wetsuit if you have to put on a wet vest... thus my question. Does anyone wear a vest on the outside of their suit and does it work as well as on the inside?

 

[miked]

Hi dtbriten
When I wear a vest, I wear it outside the suit, for several reasons.
(The vest I wear is a front zipper, hoodless vest. The structure of your vest may make a difference.)

First, my wetsuit is a henderson "Gold core", and the vest is a "regular" vest (nylon on both sides.) Wearing the vest inside the suit would defeat the clingy/snug/ warmer fit that is provided by the slick lining.

Second, the front zippered vest helps lessen water infiltration through the suit's back zipper.

Third, for me, the "vest over the suit" is easier to put on and remove than the other way around. I'm not sure this would be true in a "slip on" vest, although maybe the hyperstretch makes this a moot point.

Let us know what you decide.

Good Luck,
Mike

 

[fins]

Similar experience here:

5/3 Henderson Hyperstretch hooded vest over a 5mil fullsuit. Works great.