teainabottle
New
Hi all!
Newbie here, been lurking and relying on this forum's advice since I was certified (much thanks!) but I have a specific question I couldn't find direct answers to in the archives so here I am.
I'm in the market for a lighter wetsuit to complement my 5mm full which I love because it fits so well. I'm keen that the new piece can be worn by itself but also can be a layering piece for maximum versatility, since I invariably dive multiple dives over multiple consecutive days (must travel to dive) and thus get colder over time.
The last time I dove a 3mm full in ~27°C/80°F (Hawaii August) I got very cold by the end. So I'm wondering if I should bypass a 3mm full completely and get one piece that will work simultaneously as 1) my suit for tropical waters like 29℃/85°F, and 2) a layer over my 5mm full in ~23°C/75°F (Okinawa December, where I also ended up very cold.)
Originally I was shopping for front-zip 3mm shortys. Then I discovered the Bare step-in hooded vests at 5mm and 7mm, which seem to have a solid reputation. Can you wear a step-in hooded vest by itself, as if a shorty, in warm water?
Do I even have the right approach/thinking or is this a fool's errand?
If I'd like to dive something cold ~12°C/55°F (like Monterey Bay) someday, at which point I'll acquire a 7mm full or a semi-dry, would a step-in hoodie or shorty be likely to be useful?
Thanks in advance!
Newbie here, been lurking and relying on this forum's advice since I was certified (much thanks!) but I have a specific question I couldn't find direct answers to in the archives so here I am.
I'm in the market for a lighter wetsuit to complement my 5mm full which I love because it fits so well. I'm keen that the new piece can be worn by itself but also can be a layering piece for maximum versatility, since I invariably dive multiple dives over multiple consecutive days (must travel to dive) and thus get colder over time.
The last time I dove a 3mm full in ~27°C/80°F (Hawaii August) I got very cold by the end. So I'm wondering if I should bypass a 3mm full completely and get one piece that will work simultaneously as 1) my suit for tropical waters like 29℃/85°F, and 2) a layer over my 5mm full in ~23°C/75°F (Okinawa December, where I also ended up very cold.)
Originally I was shopping for front-zip 3mm shortys. Then I discovered the Bare step-in hooded vests at 5mm and 7mm, which seem to have a solid reputation. Can you wear a step-in hooded vest by itself, as if a shorty, in warm water?
Do I even have the right approach/thinking or is this a fool's errand?
If I'd like to dive something cold ~12°C/55°F (like Monterey Bay) someday, at which point I'll acquire a 7mm full or a semi-dry, would a step-in hoodie or shorty be likely to be useful?
Thanks in advance!
