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I have a USIA exotherm II for cold water diving, but the problem issue is its very thick, and its very difficult to get into my front entry dry-suit.
I noticed that there are other options for undergarments, for hiking/mountain climbing, etc. that are more flexible, not as thick but also provide warmth and whisk the sweat away from you.
Has anyone tried/used these types? or what types of undergarments are you using for your diving?
When I was doing cold water (32 deg) diving in the lakes, I used a wool sweat suit next to my skin (comfort), and a wet suit as thermal insulation. I found the wet suit gave me better insulation, at lower volume than my dry suit "wooly bears" AND gave me a redundant insulation/buoyancy in case of dry suit failure.
Nobody ever accused me of being lacking originality, but my sanity has been called into question repeately.
I use a layering approach and circumstances dictate how much of it I wear.
I use a base top t-shirt that is a wicking agent, such as a typical UnderArmor workout t-shirt. Snug, but not too tight to allow good blood flow. Also keeps the sink out of the other garments.
Then I layer on a good quality Merino Wool thermal top and bottom, for added warmth and wicking, with very little bulk. Loose fitting to allow freedom of movement.
Finally, I put on a 400 gram DUI suit or a Weezle Extreme suit. Both of these allow for good shoulder movement while donning the suit and freedom of movement during dive, such as working valves on my backmount setup.
And when called for I also add a heated vest on top of the Merino wool layer, but under the "snow suit".
I can vary all that depending on water temps, activity of the planned dive, length of deco, etc. I don't really need anything else, just various combinations of all those layers.
I love my 4th Element Undergarments for the coldest of conditions. I had a Weezle one piece undergarment but it was way to bulky for me. I also have 400 and 200gm fleece jumpers for warmer conditions. For Florida cave divng I never go thicker than my 200gm with maybe a light wicking pullover.
Jeff
I am a layering guy, too.
I start with a hydrophobic tight fitting 1st layer like an UA tank top and compression style shorts.
My next layer is another wicking hydrophobic layer. Right now I am using UA Base gear that is heavier in the core and thinner underarm and lower legs (I think it's called Base 2.5) I also have some standard base layers.
My final insulation layer is 4th Element Exotherm and Arctic.
Usually I wear one of them depending on water temps. Arctic up here in MO, Exotherm in FL and both of them for the Great Lake deco dives.
Only when I wear all of it do I have to add a few lbs of ballast.
Mobility is fine with just one outer layer, but with both, it does affect the flex, but not as bad as the Thermolite style I tried a couple of times.
I dive Weezle extreme in most conditions, 75F or less, with DUI shell, TLS350. Works well down to to 45F or so as well. Lower than 45F I add REI's power dry fleece, mid-weight as a next-to-skin layer. I stay warm in 34F water for 60 minutes, give or take, then feel the chill, and don't care to stay after 75 minutes. If scootering, my hands/fingers get real cold before then, with DUI dry gloves and inserts, but I use the lightweight yellow glove liners.
skip
In Florida, I use a Weezle Compact, nice and lightweight. For north Alabama, up through Virginia, and even England, I use a 400 gram Thinsulate. I haven't dived in ice water in 30 years or so, but I would just add a layer under the Thinsulate.
I layer too. I start with an Under Armor base layer, then depending on temps I add a thin fleece layer by Waterproof or a set of 4th element Arctics or both of them. Works for me in temps from down to the mid 30*s and up.
Anything frilly really with just the right touch of lace.
That would explain the rumors you used to work in a drag show...;-)Quote:
Originally Posted by MichaelAngelo
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Yes my stage name was Miss Herricane De'bri. The trick is to pretend your holding a dime between your cheeks and you can't drop it when enen climbing stairs. My career was going great great till that horrible epiLady accident. One day you fabulous the next you has been.Quote:
Originally Posted by Jack Hammer
I just wear these. Its a bit leaky at the neck seal, but the fashion statement is worth it. I do layer, I have some Spider Man underwear.
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Oh dear....I'm now craving rabbit stew and cotton candy.Quote:
Originally Posted by OFG-1
My reaction was just the opposite - we eat rabbit fairly often, but now I seem to have lost my appetite for it! And I've never cared for cotton candy.Quote:
Originally Posted by sskasser
Mike
I dive a whites fusion suit with an MK3 undergarment with underarmor under that for temps to low 40's.
I just bought a set of xerotherm undergarments that I plan to use during upcoming cave course which include the vest, top, leggings and socks. Because I used fleece pants and a few undershirts with a crappy drysuit (not the whites) the first time I was in North Florida systems I have no idea how I will be once i'm actually in a cave for long periods of time. Hopefully not to warm, not to cold... The first trip was for a rebreather class.
I will be sure to let everyone know how warm they are once I get the chance to use them.
Garth
Use 4th element xerotherm for FL caves. Most diving in PA I use 4th element arctic, may layer with xerotherm. In the winter I use White's fusion thermal, really toasty.
Enjoyed all of the info on undergarments. Sorry I will have to stop perusing Victoria's Secret catalog for such information. After 35 years diving wet I recently purchased a dry suit. I appreciate the information on insulation. My old red union suit with the flap in the back didn't quite provide the thermal insulation I hoped for. AND I couldn't access the flap in the back. The biggest surprise with the drysuit was that I wasn't forewarned about the joys of REMOVING the condom catheter.
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My reaction was trying to imagine what my reaction would be if a guy came out of the bedroom in that.
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